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Back in the springtime, we brought you word of a new pair of glasses from Gunnar that allowed you to switch out lenses (you can see that here). Since that time, we’ve been testing out a pair, and even tried out the custom prescription lens process from them. Read on to see what we think of the Gunnar Cupertino.
Gunnar Cupertino: the prescription process
Now, I will say – ours was slightly different than what you’ll be doing, as we were working with the marketing team. That said, you’ll need to know your prescription. Most optometrists will give you that (since it’s YOUR prescription), no questions asked. That’s the first part. Most Rx forms won’t have your pupillary distance (PD) noted on it, though. So, what’s a fellow to do?
Well, you can use a handy app called EyeMeasure that can map that all out for you. Once you’ve got that measurement noted, then you can provide all of your information. Getting the Rx lenses will take a bit longer than ordering plain lenses, but sit tight – your patience will be rewarded.
The case
Fair or not, I tend to judge glasses – either regular glasses or sunglasses – a lot by the case they come in. For me, the quality and durability of the included case indicates how durable those glasses should be. In the case of the Gunnar Cupertino, we’ve got a fairly solid case. When fully closed, there’s no flex in the walls, and the hinge snaps things nicely closed.
The case is a fairly large one, and that makes sense for two reasons. First off, the frames of the Gunnar Cupertino are larger frames – especially with the thicker rim to enable the lens swap system (more on that in a bit). This means you’re also going to have at least one spare set of lenses with you. With those in their slip case (which have a magnet, holding them in place), you’re still able to fit the glasses (and the spare lenses) within the case, and have it close down. It’s up to you if you want slip the frames into the included microfiber pouch, or to also carry the glass wiping cloth.
The lens system
If you recall from our original writeup, it was the lens change system that really caught my attention with the Gunnar Cupertino. Now that I’ve been spending time with it, I can speak to how well it works. As we noted above, the frames themselves are a little thicker than they might otherwise be to enable this.
On the nose bridge side of the lens frame, you’ve got a small groove that you first insert the lens in. Then, over on the temple side, you’ve got a strong magnet that holds the lens firmly in place. Now, yes, if you’re trying to, say, run on uneven ground or wear these on the trampoline, perhaps you’re running the risk of these shaking loose. As I’ve been using these – at home and at work – it’s been a very solid connection.
In other words, with normal use, I had no concerns about the lens coming out. That is, until it was time to swap those out. To remove the lens, you just simply push from the inner portion of the frame, and the lens comes out. My suggestion there is to use the microfiber cloth to have a good hold on things, so you don’t accidentally drop the lens.
Gunnar Cupertino: wearing them in the real world
As I mentioned, I’ve been using these at home, and for work. In fact, when I’m working from home, these are the only glasses I’ve been using. I found the prescription lenses to be spot-on for what I need, and they’ve worked great for me to clearly see the text on the screen as I type away, or to read on my phone.
When the glasses first arrived, I did start off with the more yellow (the 65%) lenses just to see how those worked. Obviously, it tints things a good deal, but I found they worked as well as my regular (optometrist-provided) blue-light blocking coating. After a while, I switched over to the “clear” lenses (35%), which do shift the color a little, but look less obvious on video calls that you’re wearing blue-light blocking lenses.
The style
As with any pair of glasses, personal style preferences are going to play a lot into what you like. For myself, I want a pair of frames that can fit my oversized noggin comfortably. This helps things visually, and also ensures that I don’t have the arms digging into the side of my head, or sitting uncomfortably on my ears.
Given that the larger frames hit my larger head, it only makes sense that the chunky style (ie, think of the glasses you saw people wearing in Leave it to Beaver or Full Metal Jacket) is what works here. For myself, personally, I like the bolder look, particularly when working from home. In short, this is a great set of frames that worked for my tastes.
Wrapping things up
In short, I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Gunnar Cupertino. If there was anything I would change on these, it would be to put a little bit of a grippier surface at the bridge of the frames. With everything being smooth acetate, these are glasses that will slide down your nose. Unless you’re wearing over-ear headphones (as I do), then they stay tightly in place.
If you want to get your own Gunnar Cupertino, pricing starts at $150 for the 65% (regular lenses), and tops out at $200 for the full four-tint sent (again, in the plain lenses). You can also order individual lenses (after the fact) for $50. If these are your daily frames, being able to easily swap over to sunglasses or the orange lenses (for driving) seems to make sense to us. Check them out and order your own directly at Gunnar (regular lenses / Rx lenses)
KEY FEATURES
- Premium acetate frame material
- Flexible spring hinges
- GUNNAR patented lens technology
- G-Shield™ Premium lens coating suite
- Legendary tier lens material
- Low-bridge fit compatible
- Blocks harmful blue light and 100% UV
- Interchangeable magnetic lens inserts: 4 tints available
SPECS: lens width: 52 mm | lens height: 40 mm | nose: 21 mm | frame width: 137 mm | temple: 140 mm | weight: 22 grams (without packaging)
INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE
- Premium Clamshell Glasses Case
- Magnetic Lens Pouch
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- 24-month Warranty
