Why We Tested These Sunglasses
Let's be honest - there are plenty of sunglasses out there that look good in photos but fall short when you actually use them. We wanted to see if VALLON's Howlin' sunglasses could deliver on their promises of premium performance and optical clarity.
Over the past month, we've put these sunglasses through their paces in various Australian conditions: from the harsh sun of the Outback to the coastal winds of Bondi Beach, and everything in between. Here's what we discovered.
First Impressions: Unboxing Experience
The Howlin' sunglasses arrive in a sleek, minimalist case that immediately suggests quality. Inside, you'll find the sunglasses themselves, a microfiber cleaning cloth, and that detachable headstrap we mentioned earlier.
Right out of the box, the first thing you notice is the weight - or rather, the lack of it. At just 28 grams, these sunglasses feel surprisingly light for their size. The premium acetate frames have a solid, well-constructed feel without being bulky.
Build Quality Assessment
The 5-barrel hinges feel smooth and secure, not the flimsy plastic hinges you find on cheaper sunglasses. The adjustable temple ends contain a metal core, which allows for a custom fit - something that becomes important during extended wear.
One detail that impressed us: the lenses sit perfectly flush with the frame. No gaps, no uneven edges. It's the kind of attention to detail that separates premium products from mass-market alternatives.
The V52® Lens Technology: What's the Big Deal?
Here's where VALLON really sets themselves apart. The V52® lens technology isn't just marketing speak - it's genuinely impressive engineering.
The ABBE value of 52 is significant because it measures optical clarity. Most sunglasses hover around 30-40, so 52 represents a substantial improvement. In practical terms, this means less distortion, sharper vision, and reduced eye strain during long periods of wear.
Real-World Testing Results
During our testing, we compared the Howlin' lenses against several other premium sunglasses. The difference in clarity was noticeable, especially in challenging lighting conditions like early morning or late afternoon when shadows create contrast issues.
The 100% UV400 protection performed flawlessly during our UV testing. We used a UV meter to verify the protection levels, and the results matched VALLON's claims perfectly.
Lens Options and Tints
VALLON offers several lens options, each optimized for different conditions:
- Green tint (16% VLT) - Excellent for general outdoor use
- Brown tint (17% VLT) - Better contrast for low-light conditions
- Polarized options - Reduce glare from water and reflective surfaces
Comfort and Fit: All-Day Wearability
Comfort is where many sunglasses fail, especially during extended wear. We tested the Howlin' sunglasses during full-day outdoor activities to see how they performed.
Nose Bridge Comfort
The nose bridge is well-designed and doesn't create pressure points, even after 8+ hours of wear. This is crucial for anyone who spends long days outdoors.
Temple Pressure
The adjustable temple ends really make a difference here. If the sunglasses feel too tight, you can adjust them outward slightly. Too loose? Turn them inward for a more secure fit. It's a simple feature that prevents headaches and discomfort.
The Headstrap Factor
During active pursuits like trail running or climbing, the detachable headstrap proved invaluable. It keeps the sunglasses secure without adding pressure to your temples. The strap itself is comfortable and doesn't interfere with hats or helmets.
Performance Testing: How They Handle Real Conditions
We tested these sunglasses in various Australian conditions to see how they perform when it matters most.
Bright Sun Conditions
During peak summer sun in the Northern Territory, the Category 3 protection performed excellently. No squinting, no eye strain, and the lenses maintained their clarity throughout the day.
Water Activities
Kayaking in Sydney Harbour and surfing at Bondi Beach tested the sunglasses' water resistance. The headstrap kept them secure during wipeouts, and the lenses didn't fog up like cheaper alternatives often do.
Wind and Dust
Outback conditions with strong winds and dust tested the frame's stability. The Howlin' sunglasses stayed put without the headstrap, and the lenses remained clear despite dusty conditions.
Temperature Changes
Moving between air-conditioned buildings and hot outdoor conditions didn't cause fogging issues, which is a common problem with many sunglasses.
Durability: Built to Last?
Premium sunglasses should last years, not months. We subjected the Howlin' sunglasses to various durability tests to see how they hold up.
Scratch Resistance
The anti-scratch coating performed well during our testing. Normal daily wear didn't create visible scratches, and the lenses maintained their clarity.
Impact Resistance
The nylon polyamide lenses are designed to be impact-resistant. While we didn't deliberately drop them from great heights, they survived accidental drops without damage.
Frame Durability
The premium acetate frames feel solid and well-constructed. The hinges remained smooth throughout our testing period, with no signs of loosening or wear.
Long-term Wear
After a month of daily use, the sunglasses still look and perform like new. No fading, no loosening, no signs of wear that would affect performance.
How They Compare: The Competition
We compared the Howlin' sunglasses against several competitors in the premium performance category.
Against Ray-Ban Aviators
The Howlin' sunglasses offer better optical clarity and more features (like the headstrap) for similar pricing. The V52® lenses provide superior clarity compared to Ray-Ban's standard lenses.
Against Oakley Performance Sunglasses
While Oakley offers excellent performance, the Howlin' sunglasses provide better style versatility. You can wear them to a business meeting or on a hiking trail - something that's harder with Oakley's more sport-focused designs.
Against Generic Premium Brands
The build quality and attention to detail in the Howlin' sunglasses surpass most generic premium brands. The adjustable temple ends and detachable headstrap are features you won't find in most alternatives.
The Honest Assessment: Pros and Cons
What We Loved
- Exceptional optical clarity from V52® lenses
- Lightweight design that doesn't compromise durability
- Detachable headstrap for active pursuits
- Adjustable temple ends for custom fit
- Premium build quality throughout
- Versatile styling that works in multiple contexts
- Excellent UV protection and scratch resistance
Areas for Improvement
- Price point is higher than basic sunglasses
- Limited color options compared to some competitors
- Case could be more protective for travel
- No prescription lens options available
Value for Money: Are They Worth It?
At their current price point, the Howlin' sunglasses represent good value for serious outdoor enthusiasts and style-conscious individuals who prioritize quality.
If you're someone who buys cheap sunglasses every year because they break or lose clarity, investing in a pair of Howlin' sunglasses could actually save you money long-term. The build quality suggests these will last years with proper care.
For casual users who only wear sunglasses occasionally, the price might be harder to justify. But for anyone who spends significant time outdoors or values optical clarity, the investment makes sense.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Them?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that VALLON's Howlin' sunglasses deliver on their promises. The V52® lens technology provides genuinely superior optical clarity, the build quality is excellent, and the features like the detachable headstrap add real value.
These aren't sunglasses for everyone - they're designed for people who value both performance and style. If you're looking for the best optical clarity available in performance sunglasses, and you appreciate premium materials and construction, the Howlin' sunglasses are an excellent choice.
For Australian conditions, they handle everything from harsh sun to water activities with ease. The combination of performance features and classic styling makes them versatile enough for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear.