Gunnar Optiks has taken their Intercept line and started offering it in a variety of colors. In addition to the original Onyx, you can now buy these yellow lens-tinted spectacles in Ghost (frosted white), Cobalt, Kryptonite (neon green), Ink (purple) and Fire (orange-red) thanks to the new Color Collection. We recently got our hands on a pair of the Ghost Intercept glasses and have tested them extensively. This “extensive testing” came in the form of staring at computer monitors for several hours while wearing these retro glasses. Did Gunnar succeed in crafting a pair of glasses that reduced eye strain and enhanced contrast? Read on to find out.
Here’s a quick rundown of the Gunnar Intercept’s product info:
- The proprietary lens shape protects your eyes from drying air currents
- Specifically tuned focusing power improves detail for clearer vision
- Amber lens tint filters out harsh artificial light to reduce eye strain and improve contrast
- Protective lens coatings include anti-reflective properties to reduce glare
- Engineering grade injection polymers provide dimensional stability and long term durability
- Curved nose rests provide even weight distribution and eliminate pressure points
- Multi-barrel hinges create rotational stability for long lasting fit
- Wide format lenses create a panoramic viewing field for high resolution viewing
The Gunnar Intercepts have adopted a wide frame design, similar to other retro-styled glasses on the market, allowing for nearly unobstructed viewing. However, the Intercept quickly separates itself visually from standard offerings due to its lenses’ amber tint. Upon putting them on, I found this pair of glasses to be among the most comfortable I have ever worn. It sits comfortably on top of the nose with a slight snugness behind the ears, rarely requiring any adjusting. In fact, these lightweight glasses rest so naturally that I often forgot I was wearing them in the first place, which resulted in me leaving my desk and heading outside with them still on unknowingly. I can’t refute the claims that these are quality glasses.
Style and comfort is one thing, but prospective buyers are interested in functionality. One might wonder if the yellow tint can really help prolong game sessions. I’m here to say they can. At first, wearing these glasses produced an effect similar to that of Deus Ex: Human Revolution’s gold filter. I wondered why I’d want all of my games to look this way. But soon enough I adjusted to the tint and the differences between “glasses on” and “glasses off” became strikingly apparent. The Intercept really does help improve contrast while reducing eye strain. I found myself gaming longer on my PC with little noticeable impact on my eyes. I sat through hours of Borderlands 2, Contagion, South Park: the Stick of Truth, Thief and more without feeling the need to take a break. Over the course of a week, I became accustomed to wearing these glasses while gaming. It just felt “right”. One day I found myself without my new Intercept glasses, having somehow misplaced them, and the following game session was not the most enjoyable experience. The screen came across harsher, causing me to wince at first. Maybe that sounds like an exaggeration, but I am serious when I say you get used to having those glasses on when gaming. The difference can seriously be night and day once you have worn Gunnar’s glasses long enough.
So what do you have to shell out to accessorize your face with these colored specs? Well, that’s where the negative aspect of the Gunnar Intercept arises. These glasses will set you back $69. It’s a steep price for a pair of glasses, especially ones that are targeted for lengthy gaming sessions and not casual wear (although their attractive design MIGHT entice you to wear them elsewhere). It is going to come down to individual preference. Some people might not mind that price point, whereas others might see the money better spent on different gaming accessories/peripherals. The Intercept line is Gunnar’s cheapest offering, with other options reaching the $149 mark. Take that for what it is.
The Gunnar Intcerpts are durable glasses that are as functional as they are attractive. The new color selection should help you find your perfect style, whatever that may be. But the real draw of these specs are the tinted lenses. Eliminating eye strain, improving contrast and reducing glare are all promises that Gunnar delivers on with their Intercept glasses. The slightly high $69 price tag may be off-putting, but it’s hard to argue with the results. If you can afford to part with seventy bucks, you’ll find great quality and improved gaming experiences in the Gunnar Intercept.