Gear Review: Fatheadz Big Daddy Eyewear

Fatheadz in Canyonlands

I have a fat head. To give you an idea about how fat my head is I can sometimes squeeze my noggin into a 7-5/8 hat but prefer to wear a 7-3/4. Having a fat head can be a pain. When I shop for hats, sunglasses or anything that goes on my head I find that stores usually don’t stock it if it exists at all. When I need to shop for sunglasses it usually turns into a store-hopping marathon trying to find a pair that (a) fit me and (b) I like. Most sunglasses I try on are way too tight on the temple and the pressure they put on my face makes it uncomfortable to wear them for more than a short period of time and I usually develop a headache. This is where Fatheadz come in.

Fatheadz accessories

Fatheadz is an eyewear brand that specializes in wide frames for larger-sized heads. Fatheadz have a variety of lenses, frames and styles but what really stuck out to me was that the eyewear comes in different sizes. Their Wide Frames range in width from 5-3/4” (145 mm) to 5-7/8” (150 mm). The Wider line is roughly 6-1/8” (155 mm) wide and their Widest go from 6-3/16” (157 mm) to 6-1/2” (165 mm). Both metal and plastic frames are available in all of their sizes. Fatheadz also have different lenses available including polarized, impact resistant lenses and even goggles. They make frames to fit prescription lenses as well and are currently working on an online prescription lab. All of their Fatheadz sunglasses have 100% UV protection. There are a number of different styles listed on Fatheadz website along with each style’s dimensions for frame width, lens width, bridge, temple, lens height and a few other specs.

Difference in View

Even though Fatheadz makes eyewear for people with larger heads that does not mean consumers pay larger prices. Plastic frames range from under $30 to just over $40. Metal frames are naturally more expensive currently going from between $65 and $100. All Fatheadz glasses come in a microfiber cloth storage bag that can be used to clean the lenses. Fatheadz also sells a hard zippered storage case for better protection.

Fatheadz in Canyonlands

I received the Fatheadz Big Daddy sunglasses which are the Wide, plastic frames and impact resistant lenses. I also picked up the hard storage case so I can feel safe about storing them in my backpack without crushing them. These are by far and away the MOST comfortable sunglasses I have ever worn. They do not create any pressure points anywhere on my head. I can wear them all day with no headaches. The frames are big enough that I can wear the arm of the sunglasses over a beanie hat if I need to (which allows the beanie to cover my ears better and keep them warm).

Fatheadz in Wasatch Mountains

I’ve worn them hiking, backpacking, biking, snowshoeing, shoveling snow and around town. The Fatheadz Big Daddy sunglasses do a great job of shielding my eyes from the glare off the snow while hiking and snowshoeing in the Wasatch Mountains. In the desert southwest the Fatheadz sunglasses provide essential protection from the sun and make it comfortable to open my eyes and enjoy the views without being overwhelmed by sunlight. They work great at shading my eyes so I don’t have to squint. I like the way they look too. I’ve never claimed to be an expert on fashion but I don’t think I look like I’m in the wrong decade wearing Fatheadz sunglasses. They fit both my face and my personality.

Fatheadz are the most comfortable sunglasses I have ever owned. They fit me better than any other eyewear ever has and I like the styles available. With Fatheadz making eyewear with outstanding fit, comfort and functionality without breaking the bank I suspect I will be wearing Fatheadz for years to come.

Manufacturer	Fatheadz Eyewear
Frame Sizes/Materials	Wide, Wider and Widest Plastic or Metal Polarized, Impact resistant, Prescription (coming soon)
Price range (MSRP)	Plastic Frames  $28.75 - $42.50 Metal Frames $67.20 - $95.40

This story was originally posted March 16, 2011.