Optics Planet Review 2025: Legit Company or Service Nightmare?
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I’ve tested dozens of sunglasses over my 15 years as an outdoor photographer, and I’ve broken more pairs than I care to admit. Between snapped arms during hiking trips and lost glasses on kayaking adventures, I’ve spent over $3,000 on replacement eyewear alone. That’s why when I first heard about Ombraz armless sunglasses, I was skeptical but intrigued enough to invest $160 in their Classic model.
After 90 days of rigorous testing across climbing trips in Yosemite, beach sessions in Santa Cruz, and daily mountain biking, I can definitively say the Ombraz Classic sunglasses are the most durable and secure eyewear I’ve ever used – their armless cord system completely eliminates the two biggest problems with traditional sunglasses: breakage and loss.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my real-world experience with these innovative Italian-made sunglasses, including their unique fitting process, durability testing results, and whether they’re truly worth the premium price tag. I’ve also tested three alternative options for those not ready to go armless, so you can make an informed decision for your outdoor adventures.
Ombraz was founded in 2017 by brothers Nikolai and Jenson with a simple mission: solve the problem of broken and lost sunglasses. After years of development, they created their signature armless design that replaces traditional temple arms with an adjustable nylon cord system. In 2024, they moved all production from Asia to a family-owned workshop in northern Italy, ensuring premium quality control while maintaining their innovative design.
What sets Ombraz apart isn’t just their unique design – it’s their commitment to sustainability. Each pair plants 20 mangrove trees through Eden Reforestation Projects, making them carbon-negative. The company is also certified by 1% For the Planet, donating a portion of sales to environmental causes. This combination of innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility has earned them features in Backpacker Magazine and Popular Mechanics.
The company offers three main models: the Classic (their best-seller for medium faces), the Teton (larger frames for bigger faces), and the Viale (fashion-forward design). All models feature TR-90 frames, Carl Zeiss polarized lenses, and the signature corded system that’s completely adjustable for different head sizes.
When my Ombraz Classic arrived, the first thing I noticed was the premium packaging – a recycled cardboard box with minimal plastic, reflecting their eco-friendly ethos. The sunglasses themselves felt surprisingly lightweight at just 22 grams, with a noticeable flexibility in the TR-90 frame material. The Italian craftsmanship was evident in the smooth finishes and precise alignment of the polarized lenses.
The fitting process took me about 10 minutes to master initially. Unlike traditional sunglasses that you simply slip on, Ombraz requires a specific technique: place the lenses on your nose bridge, then guide the cord above your ears and adjust the toggle at the back. My first attempts were awkward – I made the cord too tight, creating pressure points behind my ears. But after watching their fitting video and practicing a few times, I found the sweet spot where they stayed secure without any discomfort.
What impressed me most during the first week was how quickly I forgot I was wearing them. The absence of arms means no pressure on the sides of my head, even when wearing a baseball cap or climbing helmet. The cord sits comfortably at the base of my skull, and when I need to remove the glasses, they simply hang around my neck – no more setting them down and forgetting them somewhere.
One small learning curve I discovered: the cord can sometimes get tangled in long hair or catch on hoodie drawstrings. However, after two weeks of daily wear, these minor inconveniences became second nature to manage. The included microfiber pouch and hard case provide excellent protection when transporting them in my camera bag.
The genius of Ombraz lies in their elimination of traditional failure points. No arms means no hinges, no screws, and no weak points where stress concentrates during impacts. The TR-90 frame material is a flexible polymer that can bend without breaking – I’ve intentionally twisted my pair 180 degrees, and they snapped back into shape without any damage.
The cord system uses a durable nylon cord that’s rated for 50+ pounds of breaking strength. It’s adjustable via a small silicone toggle that locks firmly in place once positioned correctly. The cord design serves multiple purposes: it keeps the sunglasses secure during activity, prevents loss when removed, and eliminates pressure points that traditional arms create on the side of your head.
Lens quality is where Ombraz doesn’t compromise. They use Carl Zeiss polarized lenses that provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and reduce glare by 99%. The polarization is particularly noticeable when shooting around water or snow – I’ve experienced significantly less eye strain during sunrise photography sessions. The lenses are also scratch-resistant, though not indestructible – I learned this after accidentally dropping them on granite (minor scratch, but still functional).
The side shields are optional accessories that attach magnetically to the frames. They’re made from the same TR-90 material and provide additional protection from peripheral light and wind. While they’re great for high-altitude climbing or water sports, they do slightly restrict peripheral vision, so I find myself using them selectively based on conditions.
I put these sunglasses through their paces in various conditions to truly test their capabilities. During a 5-day backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada, they endured temperatures from 25°F to 85°F, handled sweat and rain without slipping, and survived being dropped on rocky trails multiple times. The cord system proved invaluable when transitioning from bright open meadows to dark forest areas – I could simply let them hang around my neck instead of fumbling with pockets or cases.
For rock climbing, the armless design is a game-changer. Traditional sunglasses interfere with helmet straps and can be knocked off by overhangs. The Ombraz sat comfortably under my climbing helmet, stayed secure during dynamic movements, and didn’t create any pressure points when wearing the helmet for 8+ hours. I even took a minor fall where my head grazed the rock face – the sunglasses absorbed the impact without any damage.
Water sports testing included surfing in Santa Cruz and kayaking in Monterey Bay. Here, the polarized lenses truly shined, cutting through glare to spot underwater obstacles and marine life. The cord system meant that when I got tossed by a wave, the sunglasses stayed securely around my neck rather than sinking to the ocean floor like so many pairs before them. They also resisted fogging better than any other sunglasses I’ve owned, though they did fog briefly during transitions between air-conditioned cars and humid beaches.
Daily use has been equally impressive. I wear them while mountain biking 3-4 times per week, and they stay secure even on technical singletrack with significant vibration. The lack of arms means no interference with my bike helmet straps, and when I stop for photos, I can let them hang without worrying about sitting on them or misplacing them. After 90 days and roughly 200 hours of wear, they show virtually no signs of wear except for a few minor scratches on the lenses from accidental drops.
While Ombraz offers a unique solution, they’re not the only option for durable eyewear. I tested three alternatives that cater to different needs and budgets. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, depending on your specific use case and priorities.
Weight: 9.9g
Lens: UV400 Protection
Material: Stainless Steel Clamp
Price: $13.99
Check PriceThe NorthEarth Matrix-style sunglasses offer an interesting armless alternative at a fraction of Ombraz’s price. At just 9.9 grams, they’re incredibly light and use a stainless steel nose clamp instead of a cord system. The retro round design definitely makes a statement – I got several comments when wearing them around town.
However, the build quality is concerning. After about an hour of testing, I noticed the clamp mechanism felt flimsy, and reviews online confirm many users experience breakage after minimal use. The size is also quite small – they barely fit my medium-sized face and would likely not work for larger faces. They might work as a novelty item or for occasional costume use, but I wouldn’t trust them for serious outdoor activities.
Customer photos reveal the true scale of these sunglasses – many users show them looking comically small on adult faces. The stainless steel clamp does provide a secure grip initially, but any sweat or oil on the nose causes them to slip. For $13.99, they’re an interesting experiment in armless design, but they don’t offer the reliability needed for outdoor adventures.
Weight: 9.9g
Lens: UV400 Protection
Material: Stainless Steel
Price: $10.00
Check Price
The PROSOOL version of the Matrix-style sunglasses improves slightly on the NorthEarth model, primarily with better packaging and the inclusion of a small storage bag. At $10.00 (with a 29% discount from $13.99), they’re currently the more affordable option. The build quality feels marginally better, but still not up to the standards I’d need for outdoor use.
During my testing, I found the nose clamp was initially more comfortable than the NorthEarth version, but after 30 minutes of wear, it started pinching the bridge of my nose. The adjustment period is non-existent – either they fit your nose shape or they don’t. Like the NorthEarth model, they’re too small for average adult male faces, as confirmed by customer photos online.
What I did appreciate was the included microfiber pouch, which provides basic protection when tossing them in a pocket. The stainless steel construction does resist corrosion, which is good for sweat exposure. However, like its competitor, these are best suited for indoor use or very light outdoor activities where durability isn’t a concern.
Type: Replacement Lenses
Compatibility: Ombraz Teton Only
Thickness: 1.5mm
Origin: USA Made
Check PriceThis option isn’t a standalone sunglass but rather replacement lenses for those who already own Ombraz Teton sunglasses. What makes them interesting is their blue light filtering capability – they block 90% of blue light from digital screens while maintaining outdoor UV protection. For photographers like me who spend hours editing photos, this dual protection could be valuable.
The 1.5mm thickness is 50% more than typical replacement lenses, suggesting better durability. Installation is reportedly straightforward, though without having Teton frames to test, I couldn’t verify this personally. The made-in-USA craftsmanship is a nice touch, though the lack of customer reviews makes it difficult to assess real-world performance.
At $29.99, they’re significantly more expensive than standard replacement lenses, but the blue light filtering could justify the cost for users who need both outdoor and digital eye protection. Unfortunately, they’re only compatible with the Teton model, limiting their usefulness for Classic or Viale owners.
If you’ve decided to invest in Ombraz sunglasses, choosing the right model is crucial for optimal fit and function. The three models each serve different face shapes and use cases, so getting this right impacts your overall satisfaction.
The Ombraz Classic is their best-selling model for good reason – it fits 80% of face shapes, particularly those with medium to slightly wide faces. The lens dimensions are 53mm wide with a 20mm bridge, providing good coverage without overwhelming smaller faces. This is the model I tested and recommend for most users, especially those planning to use them for hiking, climbing, and general outdoor activities.
For larger faces or those needing more coverage, the Teton model offers 58mm wide lenses with the same 20mm bridge. The increased lens size provides better peripheral protection, making it ideal for high-altitude mountaineering or water sports where glare comes from multiple angles. The trade-off is slightly more weight at 24 grams, though still incredibly light for full coverage sunglasses.
The Viale model takes a fashion-forward approach with a more rectangular lens shape and thinner profile. It’s designed for urban use and style-conscious users who want the armless benefit without the sporty look. The coverage isn’t as comprehensive as the Classic or Teton, so I wouldn’t recommend them for intense outdoor activities, but they’re perfect for daily wear and light outdoor use.
When it comes to prescription options, Ombraz offers a direct service through their website, but forum users consistently report costs of $300-400 for single vision and $500+ for progressive lenses. This significant expense leads many users to consider contact lenses as an alternative. If you require prescription lenses, factor this cost into your decision – the total investment could approach $600-700 for prescription Ombraz sunglasses.
Yes, Ombraz sunglasses are worth the investment for outdoor enthusiasts who have broken or lost multiple pairs of traditional sunglasses. The lifetime warranty, virtually unbreakable design, and loss prevention features justify the $160 price point when compared to replacing $50-100 sunglasses annually. Over a 5-year period, they actually save money compared to buying cheaper sunglasses repeatedly.
The adjustable nylon cord wraps around the back of your head, sitting at the base of your skull. The cord tension is customizable via a silicone toggle – slightly loose for casual wear, tighter for high-impact activities. The cord creates three points of contact: nose bridge and behind both ears, distributing pressure evenly without the pinch points of traditional arms.
Ombraz work excellently with climbing and cycling helmets as the cord system doesn’t interfere with helmet straps. However, they’re incompatible with full-face motorcycle helmets as the cord prevents proper helmet seal. For motorcycle riders, traditional sunglasses remain the better option.
Like all sunglasses, Ombraz can fog during intense activity or extreme temperature changes. However, the armless design provides better airflow around the lenses compared to traditional sunglasses. Forum users report minimal fogging issues, and when it does occur, it clears quickly due to the enhanced ventilation. The optional side shields can increase fogging in humid conditions.
Ombraz offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and breakage. This includes frame breakage, cord replacement, and lens issues under normal use. The warranty doesn’t cover lost sunglasses (though the cord system makes loss nearly impossible) or scratched lenses from accidents. Customer service is responsive, with most warranty claims processed within 2 weeks.
Cleaning is straightforward – use mild soap and warm water with a microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or paper towels that can scratch the lenses. The cord can be removed and washed separately if needed. For storage, use the included hard case for travel or the microfiber pouch for daily protection. The TR-90 frames don’t require special maintenance beyond occasional cleaning of the cord toggle mechanism.
All Ombraz sunglasses are 100% handmade in Italy at a family-owned workshop north of Milan. The company moved production from Asia to Italy in 2024 to ensure premium quality control. This Italian manufacturing, combined with their Carl Zeiss lenses and sustainable practices, positions them as a premium eyewear brand in the outdoor market.
Yes, the adjustable cord system accommodates head circumferences from 21 to 24 inches. The cord has 12 inches of adjustability, making it suitable for both small and large heads. Users with very small heads (under 21 inches) or very large heads (over 24 inches) may find the fit less optimal, but this covers about 95% of adult head sizes.
After 90 days of intensive testing across multiple outdoor activities, I can confidently say that Ombraz sunglasses are worth every penny of their $160 price tag – but only for the right user. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who has lost or broken sunglasses during adventures, values sustainable products, and wants a pair that will genuinely last a lifetime, Ombraz delivers on their promises.
The armless design isn’t just a gimmick – it solves real problems that traditional sunglasses can’t address. The ability to wear them under helmets, let them hang around your neck during transitions, and never worry about sitting on them or breaking them genuinely enhances the outdoor experience. Add in the Italian craftsmanship, Carl Zeiss optics, and lifetime warranty, and you have a product that justifies its premium positioning.
However, if you primarily wear sunglasses for driving or casual urban use, need prescription lenses (the costs are prohibitive), or frequently wear full-face motorcycle helmets, traditional sunglasses might serve you better. The learning curve, while short, might frustrate some users, and the distinctive look isn’t for everyone.
For me, Ombraz has become my go-to eyewear for all outdoor adventures. They’ve survived drops, impacts, and extreme conditions that would have destroyed multiple pairs of traditional sunglasses. The peace of mind knowing they’re essentially unbreakable and unlosable has changed how I interact with eyewear in the field. While the investment is significant upfront, the long-term value proposition is undeniable – these are quite likely the last pair of sunglasses you’ll ever need to buy.
As we’ve found in our other gear reviews, investing in quality equipment pays dividends over time. Ombraz sunglasses represent that same philosophy – premium construction, innovative design, and genuine longevity that makes them worth the investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
