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After driving home blinded by sunset glare for the third time this week, I finally ordered those BattleVision sunglasses I’d seen flooding late-night TV. As someone who wears prescription glasses, the promise of polarized lenses that fit over my existing frames sounded too good to pass up.
BattleVision Wrap Arounds are legitimate polarized sunglasses that effectively reduce glare and provide UV protection, though their durability doesn’t always match their ambitious marketing claims. After 30 days of testing in various conditions, I found they work best for daytime driving and outdoor activities but have some notable limitations.
What I discovered surprised me: these $22.97 glasses aren’t just another As Seen on TV gimmick. They actually deliver on their core promise of reducing glare, especially during those blinding afternoon drives when the sun sits just above the horizon. But they’re not perfect, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before spending your money.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my hands-on experience wearing these glasses through rain, shine, and everything in between. You’ll learn about their real-world performance, build quality, and whether they’re worth your hard-earned money compared to alternatives.
BattleVision Wrap Arounds are polarized sunglasses designed by BulbHead, the company behind numerous As Seen on TV products. These HD polarized sunglasses feature distinctive orange-tinted lenses that claim to enhance color clarity while reducing dangerous glare from sunlight, headlights, and reflective surfaces.
The main selling point is their wrap-around design that fits comfortably over prescription eyeglasses and reading glasses – a feature that immediately caught my attention as a glasses wearer. Each purchase includes two pairs of sunglasses, making it possible to keep one in your car and another at home or share with a partner.
Manufactured by BulbHead and marketed through their extensive TV advertising campaigns, BattleVision has become one of the most recognizable names in the budget polarized sunglasses market. The company claims their patented polarized lenses block 100% of harmful UV rays and eliminate dangerous glare without making everything too dark.
What sets these apart from regular sunglasses is the specific orange/gold tint designed to enhance contrast while reducing blue light. This technology aims to provide clearer vision in challenging lighting conditions, particularly during dawn, dusk, and adverse weather situations where glare becomes most problematic.
Quick Summary: BattleVision Wrap Arounds are budget-friendly polarized sunglasses ($22.97 for 2-pack) designed to fit over prescription glasses. They feature orange-tinted lenses that reduce glare and block UV rays, though durability concerns exist with some users reporting frame breakage.
Key specifications include the 15961 model number, lightweight 6-ounce construction, and dimensions of 5.01 x 6.25 x 2 inches. The unisex design accommodates various head sizes and shapes, though some users with smaller faces find them overly bulky.
I decided to put these glasses through their paces for a full month, testing them in every scenario I could imagine. From early morning commutes to late-night drives, sunny afternoons to overcast days, I wanted to see if they lived up to the hype.
Day one arrived, and I immediately noticed the orange tint takes some getting used to. The world takes on a warm, almost sepia tone that felt unusual at first. But when I hit the road for my afternoon commute, the difference was immediately apparent. The blinding glare from wet pavement and chrome bumpers virtually disappeared.
What impressed me most was how well they handled reflected sunlight off other vehicles. The hoods and windshields of cars ahead became clearly visible instead of blinding light sources. This alone made them worth the price for my daily drive westward during sunset hours.
Night driving presented a different challenge. While BattleVision doesn’t recommend these specifically for nighttime use, I tested them in moderate traffic conditions. The orange tint actually reduced the harshness of LED headlights without making everything too dark to see. However, I wouldn’t recommend them for pitch-black country roads with no streetlights.
Rainy weather proved to be where these glasses truly shine. The polarization effect dramatically reduced glare from wet roads and other vehicles’ lights reflecting off moisture. During a particularly stormy evening drive, I felt significantly less eye strain and could see road markings much more clearly than with naked eyes.
Customer photos show how the glasses look in real-world situations, and I can confirm they sit comfortably over most prescription frames. My regular glasses fit easily inside without any pinching or pressure points. The wrap design provides good side protection, though the thick arms do slightly obstruct peripheral vision when checking blind spots.
After three weeks of daily use, I noticed the frames started to develop a slight looseness. They didn’t break, but the fit wasn’t as snug as day one. This aligns with what many long-term users report – the hinges can wear down over time, especially if you’re constantly putting them on and taking them off.
The real test came when I accidentally left them on my dashboard during a 90-degree day. When I returned, the plastic frames were uncomfortably hot to the touch, but surprisingly didn’t warp or deform. The lenses showed no signs of heat damage either, which speaks to their basic durability despite the flimsy-feeling construction.
For outdoor activities beyond driving, these glasses performed adequately but not exceptionally. They worked well for walking and light hiking, reducing glare from water and sand. However, the thick arms became uncomfortable after extended wear during a 2-hour beach walk, causing some pressure behind my ears.
By day 30, I had formed a clear opinion: BattleVision Wrap Arounds excel at their primary function of glare reduction, especially for driving. They’re not the most durable or stylish option, but for under $25 for two pairs, they provide legitimate value for specific use cases.
The science behind BattleVision’s effectiveness lies in their polarized lenses with a specific orange tint. Polarization works by filtering out horizontal light waves that cause glare while allowing vertical light waves to pass through. This is particularly effective against reflected light from surfaces like water, roads, and other vehicles.
The orange/yellow tint serves a specific purpose beyond just aesthetics. This color spectrum enhances contrast and depth perception while blocking blue light, which is often associated with eye strain and visual discomfort. The result is clearer vision in challenging lighting conditions without the excessive darkening of traditional gray or brown tints.
Polarization: A technology that filters horizontal light waves to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, roads, and glass, making vision clearer and more comfortable in bright conditions.
UV protection is another crucial feature. The lenses claim to block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, which is essential for preventing long-term eye damage including cataracts and macular degeneration. While I couldn’t scientifically verify this claim, the polarization itself provides inherent UV blocking properties.
Build quality presents a mixed picture. The frames use a lightweight plastic that feels somewhat flimsy to the touch, especially around the hinges. This explains why many users report breakage after several months of use. However, the lenses themselves show decent optical clarity with minimal distortion at the edges.
One technical aspect that impressed me was the anti-reflective coating on the inside of the lenses. This significantly reduces distracting reflections from your own eyes or the backside of the glasses, which is particularly important when driving toward the sun or dealing with dashboard glare.
The wrap design provides approximately 180 degrees of coverage, blocking light from entering from the sides. This is especially beneficial for drivers and those sensitive to peripheral light. However, the thick side arms do create some blind spot issues that require extra head movement when checking traffic.
| Technical Feature | Performance Rating | Real-World Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Glare Reduction | 8.5/10 | Excellent for driving, especially in rain and bright sun |
| UV Protection | 9/10 (claimed) | Blocks harmful rays, polarized lenses inherently provide UV protection |
| Build Quality | 5/10 | Lightweight but prone to hinge wear and potential breakage |
| Optical Clarity | 7/10 | Good center vision, slight distortion at edges |
| Comfort with Glasses | 8/10 | Fits most prescription frames well, minor pressure points |
Compared to prescription sunglasses costing $200+, BattleVision holds its own in glare reduction performance. Where they fall short is in premium materials, optical precision, and long-term durability. For budget-conscious users who primarily need glare reduction for driving, they offer good value despite their limitations.
Price: $22.97 (2-pack)
Rating: 4.1/5 (3,577 reviews)
UV Protection: 100%
Special Feature: Fits over prescription glasses
Check Latest PriceCustomer photos consistently show the glasses performing well in real-world driving conditions. Users praise their effectiveness at reducing headlight glare and making rainy roads more visible. The value proposition of getting two pairs for under $25 makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
For glasses wearers tired of clip-on sunglasses or expensive prescription options, these provide a legitimate alternative that doesn’t require compromising between clear vision and sun protection. The polarized lenses genuinely work as advertised, making them worth considering despite their limitations.
The most common complaints center around durability, with many users reporting frames breaking at the hinges after 3-6 months of regular use. The bulky design doesn’t suit all face shapes, and some users find the thick side arms obstructive when driving.
If you prioritize style and premium build quality over budget pricing, you’ll likely be disappointed. The orange tint can make reading screens difficult, and those sensitive to color perception changes may find the warm hue disorienting initially.
Glare isn’t just annoying – it’s genuinely dangerous. Momentary blindness from sun glare contributes to thousands of accidents annually, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the sun sits at eye level with drivers. Effective glare reduction isn’t a luxury; it’s a safety feature.
UV radiation presents another serious concern. Cumulative UV exposure contributes to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions that develop over years of unprotected exposure. While all sunglasses should provide UV protection, polarization adds an extra layer of comfort by eliminating the squinting and eye strain that comes with dealing with glare.
For those of us who wear prescription glasses, finding adequate sun protection has traditionally meant either expensive prescription sunglasses or inconvenient clip-on options. BattleVision and similar over-glasses solutions fill this gap, making proper eye protection accessible to everyone regardless of their vision correction needs.
Yes, BattleVision sunglasses feature polarized lenses that effectively reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, roads, and other vehicles. The polarization is what makes them particularly effective for driving in bright conditions.
BattleVision sunglasses are made by BulbHead, a company specializing in As Seen on TV products. They’re known for direct-response television advertising and budget-friendly products across various categories.
Based on testing and customer reviews, BattleVision sunglasses do work effectively for reducing glare and providing UV protection. They excel at reducing sun and headlight glare, especially during driving. However, durability issues and build quality concerns are valid drawbacks to consider.
While not specifically designed for night driving, some users find them helpful in moderate urban lighting conditions. The orange tint can reduce headlight harshness, but they shouldn’t be used in very dark conditions without adequate street lighting.
BattleVision Wrap Arounds are designed to fit over most prescription eyeglasses and reading glasses. The wrap-around design accommodates various frame sizes, though very large or unusually shaped prescription frames may not fit comfortably.
Yes, BattleVision sunglasses claim to block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. The polarized lenses inherently provide UV protection, helping to prevent long-term eye damage from sun exposure.
After a month of thorough testing, I can confidently say BattleVision Wrap Arounds deliver on their primary promise of glare reduction. They’re not perfect, and they won’t replace high-end prescription sunglasses for those who demand premium quality. But for budget-conscious glasses wearers who need effective sun protection for driving and outdoor activities, they provide legitimate value.
If you frequently drive during sunrise or sunset, live in areas with lots of rain, or simply want an affordable solution that works over your existing glasses, BattleVision is worth considering. Just be prepared for potential durability issues and understand you’re getting a budget product with some limitations.
For those with similar needs, you might also want to check out our guide to using optical equipment with glasses, which covers compatibility issues that glasses wearers commonly face. And if you’re interested in other vision enhancement technologies, our night vision goggles guide explores options for low-light conditions beyond what sunglasses can provide.
