Gunnar Paralex: How Do You Like Your Crow?

And Crow is exactly what I am eating after spending some time with the Gunnar Paralex Digital Performance Eyeware. Seeing is believing, and I am now a believer.

I first saw the Gunnars at QuakeCon 2011 as I strolled the many booths. "Performance Gaming Eyewear" caught my eye (so to speak), enough to make me pause and throw a pair on. The idea of it sounded gimmicky, and I gave them exactly 2 seconds in a dark crowded room looking at whatever demo game they had playing. With my closed mind, and the lack of a chance I gave them, I had already made up my mind that they were a waste of coin.

Was I ever wrong.......

A few weeks after QuakeCon, our own Vafaskillz had procured a pair, and was touting them. Supercarl1 echoed his happiness with his pair a couple days later. After Vafa was done with the review he wrote, he sent them to Duddy to try, and the sentiment was the same. Here I had three people I know and trust, and they all were saying the same things... these things are incredible.

I met up with Duddy, and he handed over the shades with one simple comment. "Once you have them on for 10 minutes, you won't want to take them off." I took them home to see for myself... and see I did.

My first impressions out of the box is that they were stylish and lightweight.

As soon as you put them on, the difference is astounding. With an ever so light magnification on the non-prescription pair I had (prescription versions available), and the light yellow tint, my screen came alive. Darks were darker, lights were lighter, and the contrast between the two was unreal. It was like getting a new monitor. Everything just looked... better.

The real test was going to be CS:S, so I went in. I played for about an hour or so, and noticed something I never expected. My eyes seemed to be open wider, and they were much more comfortable. I never noticed that I squinted while gaming, until I wasn't. Even after a good 3-4 hour session that first night, my eyes felt fresh as a daisy. The slight magnification was just enough to take the strain off my eyes, and the tint made everything pop. I felt good.

While I still sucked at CS:S (there were no magic beans in the box), I noticed a few things. I couldn't find any spot on any map where I could make my crosshair disappear. I use the stock green, and even on the worst spots on Dust_2, they were easy to see. Aiming at long ranges was also much easier to see. The level of detail coupled with the added contrast let me see things I otherwise might have missed....that gun barrel sticking out from around the wall at range, or the guy trying to hide in a dark spot. I can't say my game was much better, but at least I could see who was killing me.

I have now spent a solid week wearing the Gunnars every time I play. I am completely sold. Eye strain is considerably reduced, and the games look more vibrant and alive than ever. Just as good audio can help immerse you in the game, the Gunnars seem to add to the experience.

The only criticism I have is the earpieces. I wear headphones while gaming, and the earpieces seem to get pinched by the top of my headset. Rather than the harder plastic, some soft plastic or rubber would be more comfortable.

As for the price (the ones I tested were ~$80), it's subjective. Just slightly above the price of a new game, eighty bucks isn't so bad... especially for the benefit they give you in all of your games. They are light enough to be comfortable, and sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of my home office. With proper care, you can make that $80 last quite a long time, and use in every game.

On a scale of 1-10, I think Vafa nailed these at an 8.5. As soon as I am done with my crow here, I will be ordering myself a pair.