About

Robert Earle Howells in Costa Del Mar Mainsail

I’m Robert Earle Howells — California-based journalist, editor at large of National Geographic Adventure magazine, and former editor of the Outside Buyer’s Guide. I’ve been reviewing outdoor gear for nearly 30 years, but I have a special affinity for sunglasses — largely because good shades enhance any experience of the outdoors. As I wrote in my very first post on this site: Great sunglasses are better than reality. As one who underwent cataract surgery at a surprisingly young age, I also greatly respect the protectiveness of high-quality sunglasses.

SBG is designed to inform, entertain, and to dispel myths. High among those myths is the notion that cheap sunglasses are just as good as the pricey ones. It’s just not true. And too much is at risk—i.e., the health of your eyes. But I’m always on the lookout for good value. You’ll find sunglasses reviewed here at all price points, so long as their visual acuity merits a review. I don’t bother reviewing junk. I also steer away from so-called fashion sunglasses because their quality seldom justifies their outrageous price tags.

Sunglasses reviewed on this site are provided by the manufacturers, who in no way exercise any control over the content of the reviews. It would be economically ridiculous for me to purchase every pair of sunglasses I review. If you see a link at the end of a review, you can click on it and get transferred to a site where you can make a purchase or learn more about the sunglasses. I link only to sites that have excellent customer service and reasonable return policies. If you end up purchasing, I get a small commission. That’s how sites like this work.

I’ve been reviewing gear for nearly 30 years, and my reputation in the outdoor industry is impeccable. I don’t gush over sunglasses unless they merit gushing. I always point out downsides and attempt to position each model to help readers decide if it suits them or not. My reviews are generally positive because I only select quality sunglasses to start with.

I welcome your comments.