Gargoyles Cardinal Sunglasses Review

Gargoyles recently released the Cardinal Sunglasses. The company invented the Toric Lens (wrap around lens) in the late 1970's and continues to offer new and improved styles that utilize the base technology. The Cardinal Sunglasses have a unique ventilation system that helps keep them from fogging during outdoor activities. They also feature the Green Lens which was designed for outdoor sports. I was told these were originally designed for bikers, but it's been too cold here in Utah to get out on my bike, so I instead tested them on the snow.

Skiing with the Gargoyles Cardinals

I picked a really good day to put the Cardinals to the test. There was light snow and the temperature was in the single digits. I made a few runs in the Cardinals, and I immediately noticed the clarity of the lens. I had been skiing in goggles for a few runs, then when I put the Cardinals on, I could see more texture in the snow, and the trees had more details. The lenses stayed fog free as long as I was moving. When I stopped they would started to fog, but that's to be expected when the temperature is way below freezing and I was breaking a sweat.

Snowshoeing with the Gargoyle Cardinals

A highly aerobic activity like snowshoeing really put the ventilation to the test. It was not nearly as cold while I was snowshoeing. If I really got going and worked up a good sweat the lenses would fog. I noticed they would un-fog when I picked up speed going downhill. I would say the Cardinals work the best during high impact sports when your moving quickly, like skiing, biking or running.

Gargoyles Cardinals -- Vented Lens

Here you can see the Cardinal frame and lens. The frames are made of lightweight flexible nylon material. Even in the extreme cold these frames where flexible.

The lenses feature the Gargoyles Dual Toric 210º Vision Shield that is also a shatter-resistant ballistic defense. The lenses offer 100% UV protection. This pair of Cardinals has the Green Lenses. Gargoyles describes the Green Lenses as: "Our green field of play lens has a transmission which is tailored to accommodate playing field sports and outdoor activities where tracking objects in motion is critical. The Green Lens controls low-level blue light while the middle range of light is selectively manipulated to provide optimum visual stimulation and distinctive object illumination."

I'm not sure how to interpret their description, but I can tell you they do offer a crisper view of the world.

Gargoyles Cardinals -- Vented Lens Close-Up

The 1/8" slit on the temples allows air to flow behind the lens.

Gargoyles Cardinals -- Nose Piece

The Cardinals have a non-slip adjustable nose piece. There's a piece of pliable metal inside the rubberized nose piece that lets you manipulated it to fit your nose. Adjustments can be made quickly, and with one hand, so you can move the lens further from your face if they start to fog.

Gargoyle Cardinals -- Arms

The Gargoyles logo inset on the sides of the arm adds even more style. The frames have a durable pin stop hinge. I like the non-slip rubber on the end of the arms. This helps hold the glasses in place behind the ear.

Gargoyle Cardinals -- Protective Case and Lens Cloth

The Cardinals come with a heavy duty hard protective case and a very large lens cloth. The case can take a beating in your backpack or in your pocket.

BOTTOMLINE: CRISP, FOG FREE VISION WHILE ON THE GO OR ON THE SNOW