As someone with a larger head and who has spent several years wearing prescription glasses, I know the struggle of finding eyewear that fits. If you have a larger head size, "standard" fit glasses are often a recipe for a tension headache, pinching your temples just enough to be annoying after an hour and painful after four. GUNNAR has finally addressed this segment of the market with their new King Size Collection.
Before we dive into the specific frames, it is worth discussing why you should be wearing these in the first place. We all know that staring at a screen for eight to twelve hours a day is terrible for us. Digital eye strain is a real condition caused by the high-energy visible (HEV) blue light emitted by our monitors, phones, and tablets. This light scatters more easily than other visible light, which reduces contrast and forces your eyes to work harder to focus.
Over time, this leads to dry eyes, headaches, and disrupted sleep cycles. GUNNAR’s lens technology filters this spectrum effectively, aiming to increase contrast and comfort while protecting your long-term eye health. If you are a gamer or a remote worker clocking serious screen time, filtering blue light is one of the easiest health upgrades you can make. It is also worth noting that all three models in this collection can be purchased either with non-prescription lenses or with prescription lenses, so you don't have to sacrifice visual acuity for eye protection.
GUNNAR Mammoth
The Mammoth is the entry point for this new collection and serves as the most budget-friendly option of the bunch. Constructed from a nylon polymer, these frames feel incredibly durable and are lightweight enough that you might forget you are holding them, which is a major plus for long gaming sessions. The aesthetic is simple and functional, offering a bold rectangular look that fits right in at an office or a LAN party. You can pick these up in either a classic Onyx (Black) or a Smoke (Grey) color, and they are offered with a lens tint level of 35 or 65 depending on your preference.However, my experience with the fit was mixed. Despite sharing the same 19mm nose width as the other two styles in this collection, the Mammoth felt significantly wider on my face. In practice, this meant they were far more prone to slipping down my nose while I went about my day. I found myself constantly pushing them back up.
I believe this issue stems entirely from the lack of adjustable nose pads. Without the ability to pinch the bridge for a custom fit, you are stuck with the molded polymer dimensions. I cannot fault these specific frames for the issue. I never had much luck with any pair of molded polymer frames that I tried and have always gone with frames that offer silicon or rubber adjustable nose pads. While the durability and price point are excellent, this pair was my least favorite simply because the fit felt loose and imprecise compared to its siblings.
GUNNAR Pinnacles
Stepping up a tier, we find the Pinnacles, which occupy the sweet spot between affordability and premium design. These glasses ditch the molded plastic look for a sophisticated navigator style that uses a mix of magnesium-aluminum and stainless steel. It is a much sharper look that feels less like "gaming gear" and more like high-end eyewear.Functionally, the Pinnacles solve the biggest problem I had with the Mammoth by including adjustable nose pads. Being able to dial in the fit meant they stayed exactly where they were supposed to, regardless of how much I moved my head. Another massive upgrade here is the inclusion of flexible spring hinges. This allows the arms to flex outward, accommodating wider head sizes comfortably without putting undue pressure on your temples.
In terms of lens clarity, these come equipped with GUNNAR's G-Shield Plus coating. This is their "middle of the road" option, offering decent anti-reflective properties and smudge resistance. It gets the job done well for the price, providing a solid balance of protection and performance without breaking the bank. These frames are offered with a lens tint of 20 or 65. To round out the package, they come with a nice and seemingly durable flat-fold glasses case along with a microfiber cloth and microfiber pouch. It is also worth noting that, like the Mammoth, these come with a standard 12-month warranty from GUNNAR.
GUNNAR Monterey
Finally, we arrive at the Monterey, and I have to say, these are hands-down the lookers of the group. Part of the high-end Titanium collection, these frames sport a classic Wayfarer style that looks fantastic on just about anyone. They are the most expensive pair in the lineup, but you can feel the quality the moment you pick them up. The titanium construction is featherlight yet incredibly strong, and like the Pinnacles, they feature adjustable nose pads for a perfect fit.GUNNAR also packs in a few extra perks to justify the price tag. While the other two models come with a standard 1-year warranty, the Monterey includes a generous 2-year warranty, giving you extra peace of mind. They also swap out the standard pouch for a premium tri-fold case that collapses flat when you aren't using it.
Most importantly, the lenses feature the G-Shield Premium coating. This is the best coating GUNNAR currently offers, providing superior anti-reflective capabilities and hydrophobic properties that make cleaning off fingerprints or smudges effortless. Regarding customization, these are available with tint levels of either 35 or 65, catering to both office environments and dedicated gaming setups. If you have the budget, these are the clear winner in terms of style and optical clarity.
Final Thoughts
The King Size Collection is a welcome arrival for those of us who have literally felt squeezed by the standard gaming glasses market. It is refreshing to see a company acknowledge that one size definitely does not fit all.While the Mammoth offers a durable entry point, its loose fit and lack of adjustment options made it a miss for me personally. The Pinnacles offer incredible value, fixing the fit issues with adjustable pads and spring hinges while looking professional. However, if you want the absolute best experience, the Monterey takes the crown with its premium titanium build, superior lens coating, and extended warranty. I love the look and feel of the Monterey so much that, had I been sent a pair with my prescription lenses, they would be my current daily driver. As everyone has different tastes, I feel confident in saying that there is a style here for everyone. No matter which pair you may choose from these three, your eyes will thank you for the relief.
Score
Mammoth
Pinnacles
Monterey
Additional Information
- King Size Collection
- By: GUNNAR
- Price: Starting at $49 (USD) for Mammoth, $89 for Pinnacles, and $130 for Monterey
- Platform reviewed on: My face
- Review samples of these glasses were provided by GUNNAR to Total Gaming Network for review purposes.
