One thing most of us have are a pair of sunglasses. One thing most of us might not have (yet) are a pair that don’t fall off your shirt collar when you bend down because of embedded smart magnets in the arms. Or you might not have a pair of sunglasses that feature Polarized, UV400 Protected, True-Color, Smudge-Proof, Anti-Scratch and Anti-Reflective lenses. You might be wondering what the heck we are talking about. Well, you are in luck because our crew tested out KORE Essentials Badlands Neo-Lock Sunglasses which are designed to elevate your sunglass game to all new levels, and we want to tell you about it.

The same crew that brought innovative Ratchet Belts now brings their flagship sunglass line that includes polarized sunglasses that you can attach securely to your clothes or gear, without the worry of them falling off. No more sunglasses hitting the ground. No more dropped sunglasses in the toilet (no joke happened to one of our crew members 2x). No more scratched lenses because you are like to throw them in the cup holder of your car. Now, you can get your hands on a pair of sleek, lightweight, innovative sunglasses- much like we did for the review!

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

When KORE first sent us the pair of Badlands Sunglasses, we were kinda shocked because we are used to reviewing their epic belt line. We were pumped because much like anything we have ever tested from KORE, the quality, craftsmanship, and design elements were right on par with their other everyday carry gear. Opening up the box to find the durable feeling pair of shades was an instant hit. The 2oz pair of shades have some of the most legit hinges on a pair of shade arms we have tested. Featuring an imported TR90 Polymide infused with a black coloring, the shape and lines of the frames and lenses were on point. What we couldn’t see (because they are embedded) are the neo-lock magnets that each arm has inside. The magnetic force in each arm snaps and locks the arms closed when folded, allowing you the option to wear on your sleeve, shirt collar, or on whatever you rock out there- securing them in place.

As one could imagine we wanted to get our eyes on the prize and test these out. One other out of the box feature we were geeking out over was the Klarity Lenses. These lenses are as visually stunning as they are bullet proof (no we did not try that). The lens ability to enhance natural colors while providing ultra-crisp clarity is achieved by using Imported Swiss TR90 Polymide that is directly fused to the lenses with a high-grade Polarizer. With UV400 protection right out the box, and lenses that are smudge proof, scratch proof, kids taking sticks to the lenses to carve “I love you dad” proof, these lenses are some of the best you can get.

Initial duuude Crew Impression: KORE elevated the sunglass game in a way we never knew we needed- until now.

TESTING IT OUT

So how does one go about testing these new sunglasses out without being boring like: We wore them. They felt nice. Fin. - Well, you test out the shades and the features KORE offers with each pair!

To kick off the review we wanted to run the sunglasses through the same gauntlet KORE states they did on their website: Heat test. Our crew initially took our shipped pair of sunglasses and placed on a cooking sheet, set the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and set a timer for 60 minutes. After examining the shades, wearing them to get an idea of how they looked/felt, before, the heat test, we noted some of the baseline data. After then placing the shades in the oven, we took them out after 60 minutes, and let them cool to touch. Popping them back on our face and looking through the lenses, wearing the frames, are open/closing them several times the shades stood up to the test: no change.

Key Finding: Test revealed comparison proof that these can handle being left in hot car- for quite some time!

We then dropped them in a bowl of salt water (do you really need the recipe?). After 1 hour of being left in salt water and set out in sun to dry, the shades did not lose coloring, durability, did not show wear, and lenses looked clear.

Key Finding: Test revealed comparison proof that these can handle being hit by salt water or lake water and still getting the job done!

We then tested out the Visor Strap that each pair comes with. Simply attaching to the sunshade visor, the strap offered a storage option for the car unlike anything we have seen. We folded the sunglasses and stuck them on the strap where both embedded magnets locked to the sunglasses magnets and viola- storage for days (or while you run in for a honey-do list). Psst- these also come with a travel tube that you can drop in your cup holder and put your shades in there!

Our last-and we think most useable test- was wearing them on our domes and clipping them on our collar around town. Since the COVID-19 social distancing practices when into effect, we were not able to fully explore them in house as we would- but we still did manage to wear them in and around town, clip them to our shirts while doing at home workout routines, and when we could escape to the countryside (ok we went camping a few times to get out of town), the sunglasses were a perfect companion. Staying in place on our faces, locking into place on our shirts, our car visor, even clipping them into place on a wire towel rack while we showered (when camping), these glasses were never not the perfect pair.

STANDOUT FEATURES

The fact that these guys found a way to embed magnets into frames so you can click the arms together and fasten to your shirt, sleeve, collar, or visor is standout alone. But, we do not roll that way- we share other cool features with every review:

• Lens Impact Rated: ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4-2003

• Frame & lens constructed using imported Swiss TR90 thermoplastic

• UV400 Sun Protection, scratch proof, smudge resistant and anti-reflective properties via electron beam fusion

• Kore Klarity Lens enhances natural colors while providing ultra-crisp clarity

• High-grade Polarizer directly fused to lens core offers superior glare reduction 

• Neodymium Smart Magnets embedded inside each arm let you Fold & Lock glasses to your shirt, jacket or gear when not in use

BONUS FEATURES

As a bonus feature, KORE Essentials offers 2 styles of sunglasses: The "Reckless" Wayfarer style and The"Badlands" Wrap style we featured here on the review. in addition, KORE offers a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee & 1-Year Limited Warranty against manufacturer defects.

KORE Badlands Ballistic Sunglasses Overall duuude Factor: Best valued pair of shades on the market!

Price: $149.95

use code “duuude10” for 10% off your order!

BRAND INFO

KORE Essentials is new to the sunglasses game, but they are nowhere new to bringing cool, sleek, functional, and bad a$$ stuff to the market!

To learn more, shop cool EDC gear and Classic Gear- head over to KORE and get your hands, face, waists, you name it, on their gear.