Feature Pick
Carrera Speedway Navigator Sunglasses Review
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First of all, I should tell you that the reason I bought these sunglasses in the first place, is because they look damn cool. That was, at first, my one and only criteria.
I was looking to buy some cool aviator-type sunglasses when I came across the “Navigators”.
Turns out Navigator is some kind of sub-genre of Aviator, meaning they look like Aviators, but have some significant differences.
These Speedway Navigators are clearly not the same as typical Aviators, as they have a more rectangular frame.
I feel that they have the same general appeal in terms of their looks. I definitely feel pretty good when I wear these glasses.
They have a nice, wide UV-protected lens, which doesn’t allow any light to get in, and this is a big plus for me.
At the same time, you can still see quite well when wearing these sunglasses.
In fact, you can even wear them indoors, and in darker places, and still see clearly. This is great when I want to wear them inside, say at a club, or at night.
Color Selection
Another good thing about these Carrera Speedway Navigator Sunglasses is that when you purchase them on Amazon, there is a wide selection of colors to choose from for both frame and sense.
I figure this should be standard with just about any type of sunglasses. Having a wide selection of colors to choose I think should just be standard.
Of course if you’re buying sunglasses you want more than one option. With these sunglasses, you have the following options:
- Violet Crystal White Frame/Violet Blue Lens
- Black Crystal, White & Red Frame/Grey Polarized Lens
- Brown Crystal Yellow Frame/Brwn Gray Grad Lens
- Black Crystal Silver Frame/Gry Mir Grd Slv Lens
- Black Crystal Orange Frame/Gray Gradient Lens
- Black Striated Frame/Ebony Lens
- Crystal Yellow Frame/Brown Gray Gradient Lens
One potential detractor is there’s only one size, but I’m pretty sure these are a one-size-fits-all type of sunglasses, as mine fit perfectly.
Actually, there was something in the instructions about customizing the fit, but I didn’t bother with it to be honest.
Also, as you can see, only one of these options comes with a polarized lens, which brings me to my next point…
Non-Polarized / 100% UV Protected
You know what? I had no idea that sunglasses could even be polarized before I bought these ones.
After I bought them however, I learned a bit more about “polarized” lenses and I was a little regretful that I hadn’t held out for some.
At the same time, I’ve got no complaints about my Carrera Speedway Navigators. They offer 100% UV protection, and my eyes feel just fine after a long day in the sun.
Overall Quality
I think anyone who buys these sunglasses are definitely going to be pleased with the quality overall.
They are lightweight, but they also are well-built.
The composite lenses are part of the reason they’re light, and I’m a fan of that, as I don’t want my shades to feel too heavy when wearing them all day.
As far as I’m concerned, with spending roughly $100 to get these sunglasses, I got exactly what I paid for.
They’re sporty, and – best of all – I’ve had so many compliments, which make them worth the money alone. It’s amazing what a nice pair of shades can do for your ego!
Extras
These sunglasses come with a nice travel case and cleaning cloth, which I appreciate immensely.
The case in particular is a great bonus, and I use it all the time.
Actually, this hard shell case is more for protection than anything, and I will say that it has saved my glasses from breaking more than once.
Final Thoughts
Ok, folks. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that these are the absolute best sunglasses you could possibly get, or that they are re-inventing the wheel or something.
There are definitely nicer pairs out there, and, of course, they’re going to cost you a lot more.
These I find are high-end enough that people think I might have spent a lot more than I did, which is fine by me.
As far as drawbacks for these particular shades, I’ve read a few other reviews where people say these are knock-offs, and not exactly legit Carrera-brand sunglasses.
I had no such hang-ups. The ones I got seem pretty legit to me, and, at the end of the day, if I buy it in a box that has the brand name on it, and it has the brand name on the glasses, I personally don’t see why I should care beyond that.
I’m not going to get my magnifying glass out, and start playing detective with a pair of $100 sunglasses. $500? Maybe, but not these. That’s just my opinion though.
I’ve bought my share of $20.00 drug-store sunglasses, and this is definitely a big step up. I feel like I’m rocking some modern day Miami Vice style shades with these on!
My advice is… if you’re looking for a well made pair of sunglasses with 100% UV protection, these are great!
I’m a beach bum at heart, and I just wanted some decent shades to bum around in. These are it for me – 4 stars!
