Under Armour Rival

Field Notes: Under Armour may be best known for its sporty apparel, but we’ve been wearing their shades for years as well. The Under Armour Rival sunglasses we tested were also part of the athletes’ kits at the Rio Olympics, chosen for their precision fit and ArmourSight lens technology.

While not polarized, ArmourSight lenses block 100% of UV rays. They wrap farther back on your face for better peripheral vision and are more durable than other polycarbonate lenses. These UA sunglasses are also incredibly durable and lightweight as ArmourFusion frames are constructed with titanium and Grilamid plastic. We’ve played outside using this technology for years and appreciate the flexibility and strength in real life conditions. 

An adjustable nosepad, flexible Autogrip temples and three-point grip finish off the fit and keep them securely in place while you’re getting after your sport of choice, though Under Armour lists the Rival specifically as baseball sunglasses. 

All of this technology and steeze, if that’s your thing, is available now in four Under Armour sunglasses: Big Shot, Rival, Igniter 2.0, and Ranger. Rival comes in stain white frames with grey, red or orange multiflection lens coating that repel water and resist scratches and smudges. Rival are also available in the UA Freedom style. Freedom purchases go toward UA’s goal of donating $250,000 each year to military, police and first responders, as well as offering those currently serving a 10% discount on products.

Under Armour also has a line to raise funds for and awareness of breast cancer with products for both men and women. Their Power in Pink initiative allowed UA to gift $10 million to create the Under Armour Breast Cancer Innovation Center within the Skip Viragh Cancer Outpatient Building at John Hopkins to provide nutrition and fitness guidance and cancer survivor support, scheduled to open in 2017.

Pros: Great value for performance sunglasses.

Cons: Not great for around town as they definitely look sporty.

Tester Comments: “These glasses really hold up to abuse being flexible yet strong with the combination of material used to construct the frames and lenses.”

Key Attribute: Functional

Best For: Any of your favorite sport or activity