CRBN Pivot pickleball glasses review

A good pair of pickleball glasses can really up your game, offering much more comfort, impact resistance, and grip during play than a pair of regular sunglasses.

After testing many glasses on the courts, I can confidently say that the CRBN Pivots are some of the best glasses for pickleball play. Their lenses adjust to all types of light, meaning you don't need to keep switching them out. They're just as good on sunny outdoor courts as they are under bright lights indoors.

Let's take a look at what makes the CRBN Pivots so good.

The CRBN Pivots made me a believer in protective pickleball eyewear. Before these, I was still wearing the same sunglasses I've worn since I was 13 years old! After four months of using the Pivots, and trying alternatives in the meantime, I can safely say these are the best pickleball glasses on the market.

First, let's talk about the photochromic lens. This feature means the glasses can switch between dark and clear when you're in the sun or shade.

My vision never feels impaired. The lens gives you sharp, distortion-free vision and still offers great sun protection. I almost forget I'm wearing them, which is what you want from performance eyewear.

While they're usually very comfortable, I do have an issue when I sweat heavily. They can start to slide, especially on hotter days. Sometimes, I have to readjust them mid-game. Wearing a hat helps to keep them secure, but a built-in strap or better grip on the arms would be even better.

At $95, these glasses are an investment. If you play casually, the price might feel a bit steep. However, if you're serious about your game, the quality and performance justify the cost.

Their customizability adds to the value. You can easily switch between the photochromic and amber lenses, input your prescription glasses, or remove the bottom frame for an edgeless design.

I personally prefer the edgeless setup – I get even better visibility without a frame in my eyeline. The fact that I can make that change in seconds is a big plus.

The CRBN Pivots might be at the higher price end when it comes to pickleball eyewear, but they are definitely premium glasses. You can tell CRBN designed these with both style and function in mind.

They don't look or feel bulky like some safety glasses, and the modular elements are well integrated. The matte black frame gives them a polished aesthetic. They also include plenty of premium extras (a protective case, spare lenses). Let's look at the features.

The main lens adapts seamlessly from clear to dark, which is helpful when moving between shaded and sunny courts. I never have to squint or adjust to changing conditions, and my vision is never reduced. Whether you're playing under artificial lights or in bright sunlight, you don't lose sight of the ball.

Swapping between the photochromic and amber lenses is simple. I love being able to choose between the full-frame or edgeless setup, too.

For me, the edgeless option provides better peripheral visibility, especially for fast-paced play. The prescription insert is a nice addition for players who want to input their prescription glasses, though I'm not sure how comfortable that is.

The rubber nose and arms are flexible and allow the glasses to stay snug without feeling tight or uncomfortable. Even after hours of play, I don't feel any pressure or pinching. However, if you sweat a lot, they can start to slide a little. A better anti-slip mechanism or an optional strap would be a nice upgrade.

These glasses are surprisingly comfortable, even for someone who doesn't usually wear eyewear while playing. They're lightweight and sit naturally on your face, with no noticeable pressure points, even during long sessions.

I never feel the need to take them off to give my face a break. The adjustable nose pads and arms help dial in the fit, so they don't feel loose or too snug.

For the most part, they stay secure during play. However, in especially sweaty conditions, I do notice some slippage. It's not a dealbreaker, but if you're someone who sweats a lot, you might need to pair them with a hat or add a strap.

I was surprised by how crystal clear the photochromic lens is. The transition from dark to clear doesn't interfere with you tracking the ball.

Whether I'm playing under bright sun or indoor lights, I never feel like the glasses are getting in the way. If anything, they make it easier to keep my eyes on the ball.

I've swapped lenses and frames multiple times, and even though it takes a bit of pressure to pop things in and out, nothing has bent or cracked. After four months of use, the lenses are scratch-free, and the frame feels just as sturdy as day one. They're clearly built to handle consistent use without breaking down.

You get a lot with these glasses. The amber lens is cool and some players will love it because it protects you from the sunlight even more, and makes yellow and greens more vibrant to help you track the ball.

The protective case is a big callout – it's premium and strong, so I'm not worried about throwing these glasses in my pickleball bag. The only reason I'm docking a point here is that I think they could add a strap to improve the grip.

At $95, these are premium glasses from a top brand in pickleball. If you're more of a casual player, it might be a steep buy-in. For serious rec or tournament-level players, though, these are great value. The quality of materials, smart design, and long-term durability make them a strong investment.

These glasses are perfect if you play both indoors and outdoors and want reliable, high-performance eyewear that protects your eyes without getting in the way.

If you play fast-paced games, are worried about eye safety, or just want better sun protection from glasses that won't fall off mid-rally, these check all the boxes. Add in the prescription lens option and modular design, and they're a great fit for nearly any dedicated pickleball player looking for an edge.

If the CRBN Pivot Glasses are not right for you, here are some other pickleball eyewear options:

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