| Quick Verdict: The GUNNAR Roswell is a callback to the styles you’d see for gamers at the turn of the century. They fit comfortably, even on larger heads, but may be a little distracting to actually play video games in, as you can see the reflections of your own eyes. |
| Brand: | GUNNAR |
| Product: | Roswell |
| Review Score: | 7 |
| Cozy Score: | 6 |
| Pros: | Great style and color choice, accessories are unique, feels retro in an early 2000s way |
| Cons: | Reflection of one’s own eyes is visible at all times, no adjustable hinge, feels retro in an early 2000s way |
| Price: | $85 |
| Lens Options: | 65 Amber, Prescription |
It’s always fun to see when GUNNAR teams up with big gaming accessory brands. While their collaborations with games and game series can lack or be too niche, their GUNNAR Roswell glasses make for a nice, stylish look, with their partner, Alienware Gaming.
What’s in the box?
As always, higher-priced GUNNAR frames come with some goodies, but these fall under their mid-tier offerings in terms of price. So, you’re going to expect a microfiber cloth and a carry pouch at least.
The microfiber cloth is pretty much the same cookie-cutter one you’d get with any of their glasses. But, the GUNNAR Roswell version has the phrase “Be more alien” printed on one side, with the GUNNAR and Alienware logos on the other.
While the GUNNAR Roswell doesn’t have a hard case included, it does go above and beyond for the included carry pouch. As opposed to the usual thin bag that is included with other frames, this white pouch is more pillowy in appearance, akin to an insulated puffer jacket.
On the upside, your GUNNAR Roswell won’t get too cold while you’re roaming around outside this winter.
Tech in the Specs (or, Holding a Lens Up to These Glasses)
I’m always a fan of all of the coatings that you get with GUNNAR lenses. Not only are they blue-light blocking for a good computer and gaming experience, but they are also generally smudge-resistant.
The polymer build allows the frame to bend a little to mold to different-sized heads a little better, but it doesn’t have the usual hinges that widen that gap more. So, it fits snug, but isn’t too bad with squeezing your head.
It also has texture on the ends of each arm, which allows for a bit of a grip. Surprisingly, that isn’t too distracting or bad. But, on my bald head, it can be a little scratchy to put the glasses on if I don’t watch out.
Wearing the GUNNAR Roswell glasses
One of the special coatings included is “anti-reflective”, but I’m wondering if that’s specifically true on my pair. You see, the review pair that GUNNAR sent me uses the 35 Clear tint, which is only normally available for the prescription option on the GUNNAR Roswell.
If you aren’t opting for a prescription lens, you’re only able to get the 65 Amber coating. But mine, as a Clear, is pretty reflective. I can see near-perfect reflections of my eyes at all times when wearing them, and it can be pretty distracting.
Considering that these glasses are meant for hardcore gaming enthusiasts, just know that if you go for these, it’s possible that you may have the same problem. I have not tested the 65 Amber, so this may be unique to the 35 Clear prescription option.
As someone who doesn’t wear prescription glasses, I wear them to protect myself from blue-light and as a wind shield. I have to weigh out if these are worth it
Aside from that, the glasses look really good. I can’t explain it, but looking in the mirror, it makes you look like an early-2000s pro gamer. I feel like I should be wearing these to play Counter-Strike or Quake III Arena on a stage being televised by G4… while wearing a white, puffy jacket.
Final Verdict
All in all, these glasses feel nostalgic to me, while looking different than any of GUNNAR’s other current offerings.
You can pick up the GUNNAR Roswell for $85 on GUNNAR’s website. Normally, it only comes in the 65 Amber coating. But, if you need a prescription, there are a multitude of options, including the 35 Clear that this review is based on.
If you want to check out my review of the Borderlands 4 Moxxi glasses, you can see that being unique and retro can also get a pair of GUNNAR glasses a perfect 10.
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