Quick Take Review
Gargoyles made their big debut in the ‘80s – think Terminator-era Schwarzenegger. I was recently reintroduced to the brand and found that they’re more than a fashion statement. In fact, Gargoyles are legit outdoor eyewear. Case in point, the Gargoyles Balance.
The Gargoyles Balance sunglasses come from the company’s Instinct line of products. According to Gargoyles’ website, they are designed to project a “confident, bold look.” And that they do. Although designed for a medium face (56-64 mm eye size), the lens is exceptionally large right at the upper end of the scale. The temple is also very wide. Add to that the metallic Gargoyles logo cutout and you have a very aggressive looking shade, one that surprisingly works well for both men and women.
Beyond its looks, the Balance boasts a number of outdoor sport-specific features. The lenses are shatter-resistant ballistic-grade polycarbonate. The temples include rubber tips to keep the glasses from sliding off your face. There are multiple lens options too. We tried the polarized and found them quite good, able to cut through glare without any trouble.
After wearing the Gargoyles Balances for a few weeks, we were definitely impressed. The large lenses proved not only fashionable but extremely practical. They cover your entire field of vision with little or no light leakage over the top and bottom. The wide temple also kept light from sneaking in via the sides. And despite the perceived bulk, the Balances were surprisingly light weight, another big plus when riding, running and spending time on the water.