Why Functionality Matters: Choosing The Right Eyewear for Sports

February 17, 2024

In the world of sports, the right equipment can be the difference between good and great performance. This is especially true for eyewear, where functionality goes far beyond mere fashion.

Rec Specs understands the critical role that the right glasses or goggles play in athletic success. Whether you're hitting a fastball on the baseball diamond, dodging defenders on the basketball court, or catching a pass on the football field, the eyewear you select plays a crucial role in enhancing your performance and safeguarding your eyes.

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Fit: The Foundation of Performance Eyewear

Ensuring your sports eyewear fits perfectly is not just about comfort—it's crucial for safety and performance. This is especially important for children, where the temptation might be to buy eyewear that's too large for "room to grow." However, too much growing room can compromise the protective capabilities of the eyewear, potentially increasing the risk of eye injuries. It's a compromise that's not worth the risk.

But how can you tell if your eyewear fits correctly? Comfort is a primary indicator, but there are also several key factors to consider:

Pupil Alignment: Your pupils should sit near the center of each lens.
Face Coverage: Lenses should not extend beyond the sides of your face.
Eyebrow Position: Eyebrows should sit above the glasses, not beneath them.
Smile Test: Smiling shouldn't push the frames up.
Nose Fit: Frames should stay put without sliding down your nose.

Moreover, compatibility with other sports gear, such as helmets, is essential for athletes. Eyewear should seamlessly integrate with helmets and other protective gear without compromising fit or protection. This ensures that eyewear remains secure and comfortable, even when worn with helmets, caps, or headbands commonly used in sports like baseball, football, and lacrosse.

If you find a frame that you love but it doesn't fit perfectly, don't worry. Adjustments can be made to ensure a better fit, whether it's tweaking the tightness behind the ears, altering the length of the temples, or ensuring the frames sit straight on your face without sliding down.

For those curious about sizing, our frames and goggles (as do most from other brands) feature measurements printed on the inside of the frame. These numbers represent the lens width, bridge width, and temple arm length (except for goggles, which do not have temple arms). You can find these measurements listed as product options on each product page on our website. Comparing these measurements with those of your current glasses can give you a better idea of how a new pair will fit.

Grip: The Triple Threat of Comfort, Stability, and Protection

Rec Specs revolutionizes sports eyewear grip by integrating soft, flexible materials in the temple arms, making them an extension of the strap for unparalleled comfort and stability. This innovative approach ensures that eyewear remains secure, allowing athletes to concentrate on their performance without the distraction of adjusting their glasses. The flexibility accommodates various head shapes and sizes, providing a snug fit that adapts to each movement, crucial in high-intensity sports.

Adding to the grip and comfort, Rec Specs incorporates molded padding that offers additional grip, supreme comfort, and durable protection. This padding not only enhances the fit by conforming to the face's contours but also acts as a cushion against impacts, absorbing shock, and minimizing the risk of injury. It’s a thoughtful design element that ensures eyewear is not just an accessory but a vital piece of protective gear.

Eye Protection: More Than Just a Shield

Rec Specs takes sports protection seriously, ensuring all its protective eyewear, including frames and goggles, not only meet but exceed the rigorous US impact protection standards. This commitment to safety is evident through the use of polycarbonate lenses, a material chosen for its superior impact resistance capabilities, safeguarding athletes' eyes during play.

Rec Specs adheres to two critical standards in the US: ASTM F803 and ANSI Z87.1. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F803 represents the pinnacle of protective eyewear standards, specifically tailored for various sports. It's the most stringent benchmark, ensuring eyewear can withstand the unique demands and hazards of athletic activities. Meanwhile, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 standard, commonly associated with occupational safety, further underscores the durability and protective quality of sports eyewear, providing a layer of assurance for athletes in any field.

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Choosing the right eyewear for sports goes beyond aesthetics; it's about enhancing performance, ensuring safety, and achieving comfort. Rec Specs stands at the forefront of performance eyewear, offering innovative solutions that meet the specific needs of athletes across all sports. By prioritizing fit, grip, and eye protection, Rec Specs ensures that athletes can focus on their game, knowing they have the best possible support for their vision.

Whether you're a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, remember that functionality matters in every aspect of your gear. Click here to start shopping or chat to our agents from the ‘chat’ icon.

You can also use our easy at-home try on process to test out performance eyewear from the comfort of your home. Click here to get started building your kit for FREE. Don’t forget – we also offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on your purchase!