It can be hard to find high-quality, fashionable mountain bike sunglasses that fit young riders. The Das Optics Grom glasses, fortunately, are one option that will actually work.
In our original review of Das Optics Sendees, Kristen mentioned that Das Optics “provides high quality sunglasses to protect your child’s eyes (or yours), helps you give back to the organization of your choice, and supports a kid-founded business.” All of those things are true for the Das Optics Grom glasses as well.
A redesign of their original frames, the Das Optics Grom model has provided a stylish pair of sunglasses that fits most kids around 10 to 16 years old. These frames are a bit smaller than the original Sendees.
My just-turned 10-year-old loves them. He is at an age where eye protection is no longer just functional, he wants to look cool as well.
If your kids need eye protection on the bike (any outdoor sport), make sure to consider Das Optics.
Review In A Nutshell
Pros:
- New frames are appealing, safe, and versatile
- Give back to the organization of your choice
- Glasses are affordable and of good quality
- Multiple lens options
- On-trend
Cons:
- Still a little big for younger riders
Price: $49.99
Fit Works Well For Pre-Teens & Young Teens
Das Optics markets the Grom to kids ranging from 10 to 16 years old. My son just turned 10 but the frames are still a little big.
They do fit him better than the prior pair we reviewed and he has room to grow. Even with them a little big, he looks pretty freakin cool in them and most pre-teens and teenagers will look absolutely rad in them.
Protection and Coverage
Developing eyes are much more sensitive than adult eyes and that is a great reason to help your little protect their vision when playing in the great outdoors. The Grom is a big lens that follows current trends, but offers substantial coverage on the face and provides a clear field of vision.
They are close to the size of my son’s downhill mountain bike goggles. They offer almost as much protection as goggles in addition to UV protection as well.
Fit and Function
Das Optics are not a normal pair of sunglasses. They were designed to meet the needs of budding cyclists and that starts with fitting with a helmet.
These sweet shades integrate well with most helmets. They also have ample coverage, the ability to change lenses for different conditions, and use quality rubber ear and nose pieces for grip.
Affordability, Comfort and Maintenance
The Das Optics Groms come in at a reasonable $49.99 which is an increase from the original version, but they also have a new design, added technology and more options available. You can sleep easy knowing that if your kiddo broke or scratched their Grom glasses, replacing them wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg like a pair of custom kid’s Oakleys.
The pair of glasses we received also came with a zippered case to help keep the glasses safe when not in use. In addition, we received five lens options and a cleaning cloth bag.
You Pick The Organization And A Portion Of The Purchase Price Is Donated
One of the coolest features of Das Optics as a company is that each pair sold contributes $10 to an organization of your choosing. If your son or daughter’s youth cycling team decides to do a group buy, then they could raise some money for their bike club all while styling out in their sweet new shades! As a general feature of the business, the donations make buying new sunglasses worthwhile.
Grady started Das Optics (with help from his Dad) from an idea realizing that kids needed an affordable option that both looked cool and functioned well without having to worry about the cost of a new pair if they break. Once they did some initial testing with his friends, the company was created and their first orders were fulfilled. Not only do we get to support a young entrepreneur, but also help him grow in his career and lifestyle while helping others too.
A New Round of Models
Since the original writing of this article, Das Optics has updated their models of sunglasses for 2023. While all of the prior information is still relevant there are some newer additions to choose from. The Grom is still available and a great option to choose from but we were given the opportunity to test out both the Sendee 2.0 and Solas models.
The Sendee 2.0
The Sendee model came with an eye-catching gold frame and a polarized lens installed. Similar to the Grom, these sunglasses have several interchangeable lenses providing a versatile sport option. Unlike the Grom they are not vented on the frame. My son decided these are his new favorite sunglasses for mountain biking though….even over his ever popular Pit Vipers. They do fit him very similar to the Grom model with a little room to grow.
The Solas
Another new to us model, the Solas, is sold in two single lensed variations. One with a polarized lens and the other with a photochromic lens. We received the second option and they have been awesome for fall riding. If you live and bike in a forested area where lighting conditions are variable these sweet shades offer just enough shade over the eyes to maintain great visibility in rapidly changing conditions.
Bottom-Line: Affordable, Quality, Cool Glasses that Help People
Eye protection is imperative in action sports. I have had my own personal issues (especially snowboarding) and might just borrow these from my son (I have already been wearing the Solas!).
I appreciate that they are current, affordable, have several lens options for different conditions and fit my son better than most options on the market. Kids are often overlooked and finding quality eye protection can be a challenge.
All of the options from Das Optic are a great choice. These fun glasses (and goggle) help us donate to great causes, cover our eyes from harmful UV rays, and provide safety while enjoying the great outdoors at an affordable price. I can’t wait to see how they develop with time.
More Sunglasses Options
Searching for glasses (or goggles) for your kiddo? Check out these guides.
About Us
The Rascals are a family of three. Kristen (mom), Blair (dad), and Parker (kiddo). We started Rascal Rides when Parker was born and we didn’t want to give up our passion for biking. As we learned, we shared. Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of kids bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and more.
Kristen is a USA Cycling certified coach and loves to share her passion for biking with other families. Blair is a bike geek, mechanic, and mountain bike junkie. Parker is our resident tester and inspiration.
If you see us out on the trail, make sure to say hi!