Sunglasses are one of the few accessories that I often consider a necessity. Simply put, they make everything you look at, look better. Whether you are rolling up to the resort as the sun breaks over the horizon, crawling out of bed mid-day after a long night out on the town, or jumping in the car to cruise home after a long day of work, it is going to be a better experience with sunglasses. Bottom line.

But while any sunglasses are objectively better than no sunglasses, a substantial variance in quality, style, and price point, continue to exist. And not only is there a range in quality, but brands often sacrifice one aspect of the construction in order to keep the price point down. Whether it is the construction and durability of the frame, the quality of the lens, or the style and design, it is difficult to find a pair of sunglasses that exceed the expectations on all three without breaking the bank.

Welcome Shred Optics into the sunglass market.

This year Shred set out to right the wrongs within the industry and design a line of shades that not only look amazing, but also boast premium lenses and a durable frame meant to withstand the abuse that comes with an active lifestyle. Instead of using the polycarbonate or CR-39 lenses that are most prevalent throughout the industry, they use high-grade urethane lenses crafted in Japan. Instead of using the common plastic frames found on many sunglasses, they sourced NoWeight frames that are carefully crafted in Italy. The end result? Three distinct sunglass styles that look great, stand up to abuse, and provide some of the best clarity and contrast boosting technology available.

“Last winter I got to put the Shred Boost CBL sunnies to the real test around the Arctic and I can say they work like magic – they’re easily the best lenses I’ve used over the years.” – Antti Autti

To make things even better, this is one of the few opportunities in life that doesn’t conform to the old adage, “If it seems to good to be true, it likely is,” because for a little under 48 more hours, you can contribute to Shred’s recent Kickstarter, and for the reasonable price of $120 grab yourself a pair of Shred Boost CBL sunglasses. And trust us, we speak from experience when we report that these sunglasses really are no joke.

Featured image by Harri Tarvainen

Visit the Kickstarter campaign, here.

See also: Arctic Lights: Antti Autti’s Svalbard Expedition

More from SHRED Optics:

Shred is proud to unveil a Kickstarter campaign for its Shred Boost sunglasses, performance shades that combine high-tech lenses and lightweight frames to establish a new standard in optics designed for an active lifestyle. Super early bird pricing for the crowdfunding campaign starts at $110 (the sunglasses will ultimately be available through Shred’s website at prices ranging from $160 to $200).

The sunglasses are engineered by Ted Ligety, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time World Champ in alpine skiing, and Carlo Salmini, a materials engineer and graduate of the MIT Sloan School of Management. After struggling to find gear that truly met their needs, the two banded together 10 years ago to create Shred. Today, the company makes goggles, helmets, sunglasses, and protective equipment for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. Shred Boost sunglasses are their latest offering.

“There’s no substitute for quality shades,” said Ligety. “Yet for years an industry dominated by giants has done little to fuel progression, touting the benefits of lens materials and frame designs that are riddled with compromises. That’s why we’re out to change the game. Our frames and lenses establish a new standard in durability and optical precision—while also proving that style need not come at the expense of performance.”

The sunglasses use high-grade urethane lenses—a material typically reserved for luxury shades—instead of the polycarbonate or CR-39 lenses that are prevalent throughout the industry. Although polycarbonate lenses offer subpar optical precision and CR-39 lenses have poor impact resistance and durability, these lens materials are used in nearly all sunglasses designed for an active lifestyle. Crafted in Japan, Shred’s liquid-cast urethane lenses are lighter and provide exceptional durability and optical precision. Less than 14 percent of the world’s sunglasses feature lenses made from urethane-based materials.

Shred’s sunglasses showcase Contrast Boosting Lens technology, which enhances image definition, contrast, and the vividness of colors. For this technology, Shred developed a dye that is especially versatile, creating a single lens tint that can handle all terrain and conditions. Whether hiking, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, biking, or simply relaxing in the great outdoors, CBL enables one to see nuances that would otherwise escape detection with a traditional lens.

The shades also feature NoWeight frames that are crafted in Italy. Especially light and extremely flexible, they offer a clean, streamlined appearance. On the frame’s interior sides, Shred reduces the material used in areas subject to minimal stress while reinforcing target areas for maximum durability. Shred NoWeight frames are made with a specially formulated polyamide that is partially bio-based, as fifty-four percent of this polymer’s raw material comes from renewable resources.

“Shred was born from passion and necessity,” said Salmini. “Simply put, we struggled to find gear that lived up to our expectations. When we launched Shred 10 years ago, we set out to create the products we had always dreamed of. Today, this approach continues to guide and define us. And for proof, look no further than our new sunglasses. We’ve worked relentlessly to develop shades that blend premium technology with designs that are as stylish as they are durable. And now, we’re excited to finally share them with the world.”