Yes, now you can actually get bomb-proof lenses and frames! Spy sun glasses have introduced their Haymaker range which is built from bomb proof Grilamid materials. Combining strength, safety and fashion in one package.
But what is Grilamid? Grilamid is basically a transparent polyamide that is processed using thermoplastic methods. (It is suggested if you want to get the full scientific notations for Grilamid, you look elsewhere as we’re not scientists!) However, among the exceptional properties of Grilamid is its lightness, gives good transparency, has high flex fatigue strength, impact resistant and weather resistant, can be coloured and has low flammability and is resistant to chemicals at temperatures and to stress cracking.
The Grilamid used in frames and sunglass lenses not only have very good optical and mechanical properties, they are also resistant to damage from a large number of normally corrosive chemicals. Grilamid is resistant to cracks up to at least 23 degrees centigrade after one minutes exposure from substances such as diesel and petrol fuel, amido sulphuric acid (used as a descaling agent), acetone and butyl acetate to name but a few.
Spy sun glasses are not the only range from the Californian innovators who also produce goggles and apparel that are now made in Italy. It is perhaps no surprise that they introduced these sport inspired Haymaker sun glasses given that the founders are action and motor sports enthusiasts!
Uses for these Spy sun glasses are obvious. Not only are they a fashion statement coming from Spy, they will protect your eyes if you work with hazardous materials. We’re not saying a direct and hard blow with a hammer won’t damage them, as it probably may, but debris flying up while you are digging, gardening, skiing, and partaking in other action and motor sports, should not be a problem. Accidentally spraying petrol in your face while filling your car won’t be a problem either if you are wearing your Grilamid glasses. In fact, any work where you need to wear protective glasses outdoors would be a good place to use Grilamid sun glasses.
Given the nature of the material, only authentic designer sunglasses who claim to use Grilamid will actually use it! If you buy fakes and you need them for safety reasons, it could lead to eventual eye damage as the fakes won’t protect you in the same way. The Haymaker range from Spy sun glasses are built from Grilamid, have 100% UV protection and come in a range of colours. There are other “bomb proof” sunglasses around if you want a different style, but they can be difficult to track down.