Review: GUNNAR Strata Collection glasses – Pismo, Pacifica, and Palomar

Sometimes, GUNNAR really misses the mark with glasses. It’s generally, likely, red tape involving licensing and partnerships. But, one thing for certain is that their non-partnered glasses often are fantastic. Their new Strata Collection is a prime example of GUNNAR really doing something right.

There are three options in this collection – Pacifica, Palomar, and Pismo – and I’m going to break them all down below. But, you already read the review score above. You already know they’re going to be good.

What’s in the box?

All three pairs stuck with a cookie-cutter accessory lineup, but they come with the standards. With GUNNAR, even in their cheapest options, you’re always getting a cloth carrying pouch and a branded microfiber cloth. When you get into higher-priced frames, you also get a hard glasses case of some sort. The Strata comes with all of the above.

I’m always disappointed when GUNNAR only gives the generic pouch and cloth. I always hope they’ll spruce it up instead of keeping it black and gray. But, you can’t always win.

The case that comes with each frame of the Strata Collection is a triangular magnetic case that fits each pair perfectly. We’ve gotten the same (or a similar) case in the past with other frames. But, those didn’t fit the case well and, in the case of previous tokidoki glasses, they didn’t even have the capability to close. The Strata Collection fits inside these well and looks really nice with them.

Tech in the Specs (or, Holding a Lens Up to These Glasses)

It’s GUNNAR, so you’re going to get the usual fixtures of their lenses. Every lens is coated to help keep out reflections, glare, water, and wind. You’re also expecting some level of blue-light and UV-blocking capability, at various levels of intensity.

As for the wind, though, that’s why I wear GUNNAR, in general. They help with eye strain and keep my eyes from drying out. It works really well for me and I always highly recommend it when you can save yourself some eye strain.

Speaking of the lenses, you can choose between the two best coating options for the Strata Collection: Amber and Clear Pro. Amber is their standard yellow tint, which works at 65%. If you buy GUNNAR glasses in a store, you’re most likely getting the 65 Amber. However, everything will be yellow for you. If you’re okay with that, then this is a great option.

But, I’m always excited when I have the new Clear Pro when it’s available, which has 20% tinting. They’re designed more for artists and people who need true color while they work. Since I wear these glasses for the sake of keeping my eyes from drying out, with some minor blue-light blocking, I opt for their Clear Pro options when they’re available.

As for the Strata Collection frames, even though they are all different shapes, they have a lot of similarities between them. The Pacifica and Palomar both have a very sturdy layered magnesium-aluminum and stainless steel architecture, whereas the Pismo is without the stainless steel part. All three rock the amazing spring hinges that I adore, though, as I have a big head and don’t want it squeezed.

I’m unsure what the Pismo brings to the table to make up for the missing stainless steel to still be the same price at $89. But, it could be as simple as the Clear Pro option, which may have set the standard.

Wearing the GUNNAR Strata Collection glasses

Normally, I split each frame up in this section and break them down in detail. However, all three Strata Collection frames from the Strata Collection are relatively similar in how they feel and work. So, comfort-wise, they’re all pretty similar. In terms of visuals, each frame is unique and offers a different style, depending on your mood.

Each Strata Collection pair is made of metal and has a pattern etched into the arms that reminds me of the GUNNAR Plaid option that I reviewed recently, though slightly different. But, it really cements that these three frames are part of their own specific collection.

The Pismo is probably the most familiar to those who know about the previous Arbor Collection, which I happily reviewed earlier this year. Aside from having zero wood in the frame, I’d compare the structure more to the Humboldt, one of my favorite glasses options to ever come from GUNNAR. The shape is similar to a cat eye style but has the bar up top like the Humboldt does.

The Pacifica, on the other hand, goes for a more rounded approach to the style. My wife said I look like a 1970s college professor or Millo from Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Basically, all I need is a tweed jacket and a pocket square. What I heard is that it makes me look sophisticated and worldly. 

The final frame is the Palomar, which goes the most above and beyond. While the overall shape is relatively similar to the Pismo, it softens the rigid lines with some rounding and removes the top connector line. 

But, the Palomar also has a rose gold inlay to the frames (called “blush” officially) that makes them pop super well. They’re probably my favorite in terms of looks out of the three, due to the surprising change of pace.

Final Verdict

When GUNNAR focuses on its own in-house brand, they do their best. As fun and wild as their licensed offerings can be at times, the Strata Collection goes above and beyond for a very well-priced option for your face.

Out of the three, it’s hard to rank them. But, I’d say the Palomar wins on pure uniqueness between them, having a splash of color and having the same level of comfort on my face as the rest.

But, for the $89 price point, these are well worth your time and consideration. When compared to the amazing Arbor Collection at $119, you can get the same quality and comfort for less money.

You can find the Pacifica, Palomar, and Pismo glasses available on GUNNAR’s website for $89 each. They come in 65 Amber, 20 Clear Pro, or prescription options. All three frames are fantastic, though.