Maestrale Sunglasses

I first looked at Serengeti sunglasses 20 years or so ago - but back then, being a poor university student, there was no way I was affording them. They sure were lovely lenses to look through though, and ever since then when I'd been thinking about sunglasses, I'd always remembered how good that pair (glass lenses) had looked way back when. Fast forward to now, and my Adidas polycarbonate sunglasses were kaput after me trying to clean some chemical spray off them using acetone (bad move as I subsequently read!). I decided it was finally time to pull the trigger on a pair of 'getis. Had to decide whether to go for glass (heavier, but the best possible optics) or the new plastic fantastic NXT lenses. The Maestrale driver NXT PhD lenses were on special on Amazon, and with the weak USD, the price was MUCH cheaper than buying locally (as in 1/3rd the price). So, I bought 'em untried and on faith of the good reviews of Serengeti's in general and this model specifically. After a reasonably prompt delivery time (at the beginning of the estimated delivery date), the glasses arrived well packaged. They are very, very light - and the lens quality is excellent visually. I'm glad I went for these over the heavier glass lenses (although of course I don't have them to directly compare with). All i can say is that these NXT lenses are lighter than my old Adidas ones and want for nothing optically. The polarisation and photochromatic properties make them very nice driving lenses - a couple of days ago I was driving directly into bright morning sunshine and the road surface had a very harsh surface glare due to rain that morning. It was very difficult to drive with the naked eye, but the Serengetis cut through it all and made driving easy. With the light weight, I have no problem wearing them for several hours' driving - which hasn't always been the case with other heavier glasses for me. The one minor style caveat of these glasses is that the nose bridge rides quite high up my nose, causing my wife to say "those glasses make your nose look long". Of course YMMV with respect to this!! Highly recommended.

I loved my Serengeti classics so much, I took a chance on a pair of the Maestrale with the drivers lenses. Very glad that I did. I had been using a pair of Oakley Flak Jackets for baseball. The Maestrale are MUCH lighter, fit more comfortably, and the lenses are superior. The photochromic lenses allow me to wear these all game, not worrying when the clouds hide the sun during parts of the day. The contrast of these lenses makes it easy to see the ball no matter what light conditions. The frames just hug you face without pinching, the arms are flexible and thin but spring back when flexed. They are very well made and should last me for years. The wraparound curve of the lens is perfect, no sun gets in from the sides. There is no reflection off the back of the lens when the sun is behind you. Awesome sunglasses. The Oakleys are in their case and may never come out again. The Maestrale come with a case that is not very sturdy, but it does the job. It also comes with a cleaning cloth, the same one you get when you buy the more expensive glass lens Serengeti's. These plastic lenses can be simply rinsed off under the faucet. The water beads up and slides off the lens, taking the dirt and oils off with it. Then just dry the lenses off with the included cleaning cloth. I now use these for working around the house outside on weekends, sports, or just for casual use. The lenses are by far the best I've ever used. the price on Amazon was the best I found, and 2 day shipping with Prime had them at my door within 2 days. Very happy with the purchase.

I ordered the Serengeti Maestrale polar sunglasses after returning a disappointing pair of Drivewear sunglasses. The Serengeti's were an entirely different and pleasant experience. The optics are very clear and sharp. The lenses are gold with a slight rose tint which helps emphasize tail-lights. Yellowish tinted lenses tend to make me feel hot, these do not. They work well from early morning to dusk. The frames are very light and flexible. I have a bad habit of hooking my sunglasses onto my belt and so far they have held up quite well. They are transition lenses; however, do not expect a radical change in shading. Serengeti only shows a two step change and that's about all you get -- it's enough. I can wear them inside, watch TV with them (prefer not to), and drive directly towards a setting sun. Shortly after receiving them, I made a round-trip from Florida to Tennessee and back. I had absolutely no problems. They are so light you forget you are wearing them - in fact I had a couple of times I went looking for the sunglasses while I was wearing them. The polarized lenses are excellent and really knock out dash glare -- also door glare (I walked into one). Altogether - this is an excellent pair of sunglasses and I highly recommend them.

Over the past 12 years I have owned Maui Jim, Ray Ban & Serengheti sunglasses. Serengheti beats all the others hands down. There is simply no comparison. The quality of the lens is amazing. Everything is just so clear. When driving you can actually look straight into the sun and feel very little haze. Serengheti seem to be the only ones that offer both polarized and photochromatic lens in one. This is just the best feature as you can wear them indoors/outdoors and in any level of light. I can't ever go back to another brand again. It's a shame that in the USA you can only buy these online. Sunglass Hutt stopped stocking them in their stores and have only cheaper, inferior brands in their stores. This particular pair are my 2nd serenghetis' The 1st ones have glass lenses. These ones are plastic. But they are so light you don't even notice that you are wearing them.

Having gotten several years excellent use from glass-lensed Serengeti drivers and 555nm polarized sunglasses, when the frames on those finally broke it was time for replacements. I decided on the plastic lensed, more wrap around styles. First, I got the Maestrale in Drivers Polarized. Really love that one! I wanted something neutral for bright, clear days, and also when doing photography, so thought I'd try the newer Erice in the CPG lens. I will compare the two... (Note - This review appears under the Erice model also.) The main attraction is that the Erice is more open on top, so ought to ventilate and not fog up as much as the Maestrale. Surprisingly, it is not any better in practical use! Still fogs up easily in certain situations. Also, my eyebrows generate a lot of oil, and I have to clean the Erice as much or more than the Maestrale. The eye-side of the lens on the Erice is coated to reduce reflection, but this also makes it more "sticky" to clean. On the other hand, the Maestrale, with it's closed bar across the top, really hugs the eyebrows and keeps the sun from peeking of the top. The frame is thicker and rounds outward a bit more than the Maestrale. Sometimes this interferes with winter hats, etc. Also, it weighs a bit more, so won't stay on top of my head as well as the Maestrale. The Maestrale frame also gives a clearer view when you look towards the nose. Ultimately, I like the Maestrale better and hope they keep it in the line for many years to come! By the way, both units come with the same semi-hard case and cleaning cloth, and both are made in Japan. They cost me about the same, too. UPDATE: The left side frame arm broke off. It didn't seem to have been physically damaged. Indeed, I now see that where the arm connects to the corner hinge is very thin. I contacted Bolle, the US distributor for Serengeti, and after 12 days have only gotten an automatic "please wait we are busy due to Covid-19" reply. I expected a response by now, and hope they can provide a replacement part because the sunglasses are in good condition otherwise. Meanwhile, I am wearing the Erice model all the time (it is usually my backup).

My 5+ year old Drivers glasses broke (sat on it), so needed a pair and decided to give these a try based on the reviews. The lens is really clear, you wouldn't know it was plastic and not glass. Its also really light. It is so light, I wonder about the longevity of the hinges, nose bridge, and frame. Time will tell. It does fit tight on my face, however I have a large head (eg. I also wear the largest ski helmet made). The case that arrives with the glasses is worthless, the zipper broke in less than a week and is now useless. Fortunately the older cases that use a spring hinge fits fine. If you have a large head you might want to consider a different model. Update 2015/09/06: These were nice sunglasses. However, after sporadic usage the lens has developed a fog that refuses to be cleaned. A few others have posted about the same issue. These are not my 'primary' sunglasses; they only get used on long drives. Definitely not daily, usually once a week maximum. On close examination, the surface has a web with numerous lines. As if the acrylic coated surface layer dried up and developed splits and cracks. The plastic lens itself is intact, and these sunglasses has been handled carefully since I knew it is relatively fragile. These sunglasses has always been kept in its hard case when not used. As a longtime Serengeti user, I am really disappointed with how these Serengetis have turned out. With light use and carefully handled, I had expected these to last many years. My prior Serengetis, the lens had stayed great, and only had to be replaced due to the frame damaged beyond repair such as when someone accidentally sat on the frame. These Maestrale's though, have no such excuse.

I have a fairly large head and these sunglasses fit perfectly. As others have stated, the glasses are incredibly light and you soon forget they are on. The lenses are what make these sunglasses worth the price. I have been using Nike and Kirkland (Costco) polarized sunglasses for several years and been happy. Had read about the Serenget Polar PHD lenses in a magazine over a year ago but was hesitant to spend the money. After my current glasses broke, I decided to take the plunge and am truly amazed by these lenses. The design with the thin frame make them almost invisible while you are wearing them. They not only are polarized but the contrast is amazing. They do not have a huge range of darkness levels but you do notice that there is a difference depending on how sunny it is. I live in the Seattle metro area and these are perfect for overcast days when the sun peeks out now and then. I am able to wear them much later in the day then usual. I highly recommend these sunglasses.

I have extreme light sensitivity in my eyes and have to wear sunglasses anytime I am outside except for nighttime. I have various levels of sunglass darkness depending on how bright the sun is. For very bright times I wear a pair of Julbo Glacier glasses with around 5% VLT, driving I use a pair of Bolle at around 10% VLT, and for more cloudy or dark times of the day I use the Serengeti Maestrale. I just bought what is probably my 10th pair of these over the years because I am an idiot and can't seem to quit stepping on them and breaking them. These sunglasses are extremely lightweight and can be worn for many hours without discomfort I use these for running and hiking all the time some days i'll have them on for 14+ hours in the summer. The drivers tint is excellent and very pleasing to the eyes. The polarization is great and will allow you to look into water or other areas that usually have a large amount of glare. My only complaint is I would love to get a pair of these that are 10% VLT or less at all times rather than the way they are where the lighten and darken depending on the sunlight hitting them. I have contacted them to ask if they can make a custom tinted pair but they cannot.

Excelentes gafas, muy livianas, con la calidad acostumbrada de Serengeti, no le doy 5 estrellas porque están un punto por debajo de las lentes de cristal de la misma marca, excelente relación precio producto.

Consegna rapida e senza problemi. Sono molto leggeri e confortevoli da indossare. Molto stabili anche in situazioni dinamiche. Ottima la risposta fotocromatica nel passaggio luce-buio-luce delle gallerie. Forse la taglia è un poco piccola per facce grandi.

Para conducir, para el sol en general, las lentes son perfectas, muy cómodas y la montura flexible. Muy contenta con la comora

I just received these the other day, and I am very happy to once again own a pair of Serengeti sunglasses. If you drive a car you owe it yourself to get a pair. The lens quality cannot be beaten. You will find yourself wearing them in all conditions, including rain, as they clarify your vision. For this model I was also happily surprised by how fine and lightweight the frame is. Great product!

son muy ligeros y se adaptan perfectamente al contorno de la cara, sin mencionar la bien conocida calidad de la marca en cuando la tecnologia usada para proteccion ocular