AllOutdoor Review – The Polarized Gatorz Marauders

I spend a lot of time doing deep dives into products that add value to your lives. There is one piece of EDC gear that I overlooked for years. Sure, you can find an okay pair of sunglasses on a rotating display at your favorite gas station for under $15. I want more, though. I’m done living a disposable lifestyle, so I’ve begun swapping all of my stuff for quality, lasting gear. Preferably, made in America. Quality and “Made in America” are two badges held by Gatorz Eyewear. This past SHOT Show, I had the pleasure of looking at some of their new frames. Today, I want to talk about the pair that I ordered immediately after they became available. These are the polarized Gatorz Marauders.

Gatorz coverage on AllOutdoor

Polarized Gatorz Marauders: Specifications

Lens color: Smoke Polarized
Frame material: Machined aluminum
Frame color: Tan
Origin: U.S.A.
MSRP: $215.00

Tall, Tan, and Handsome

The first thing that I noticed about the polarized Gatorz Marauders was the strength, rigidity, and flexibility (I know those sound contradictory) of the frames. They’re CNC-machined from aluminum and are made intentionally thin at the temples. This is to reduce pressure on the sides of your head, especially when wearing hearing protection.

I was still in my formative years when the Global War on Terror began. That means I have an unhealthy love for all things tan and flat dark earth. I couldn’t resist and ordered the tan frames. They’re finished with Cerakote and have a matte finish. They might be matte but sometimes they catch the perfect amount of sun and look ultra cool.

Living in Colorado means a lot of very sunny days. Driving can be a real chore without a good set of sunglasses. Let’s put these to use.

Throw Some Vitamin D on that B

Testing sunglasses isn’t an easy thing to do. By which metrics will readers decide if they are the right glasses for them? One of the most important to me would be the way they fit. However, we all have different faces. Bronson, my usual photographer, is of Japanese descent. I, on the other hand, have a Sicilian honker that (depending on the angle) makes Grover a bit less self-conscious.

Gatorz glasses are kind of a “one size fits the brave” deal. I say brave because they are custom fitted by you and all you have to do is bend the frames. Due to the flexibility of aluminum, users can bend their glasses to fit every curve of their weird faces. It’s not just the frames that bend, either. The nose pads are also fully adjustable, which I took advantage of to keep the glasses from being smushed against my face.

Durability is another trait that people care about in glasses anywhere above a C-note. While I didn’t do any direct durability testing, my now one-year-old daughter is obsessed with my glasses. Oftentimes, letting her chew and drool on them is the only way to get some peace and quiet. Baby drool doesn’t mean much (except that I can’t see out of them) but baby drops do. She’s probably dropped them at least 40 to 50 times, on everything from gravel to asphalt.

The Cerakote finish has put up quite the fight. In the seven months that I’ve had these glasses, baby girl’s abuse has just begun to show itself in small scratches on the edges of the frames. No damage has been done to the lenses.

On a recent camping trip, I also stepped on them while attempting to put together a massive bell tent…alone. Well, I wasn’t alone. The spirit of every beer-drinking, deity-cursing father was there with me. The polarized Gatorz Marauders took it like a champ and continued to protect my eyes from the sun.

Snazzy Gatorz for Snappy Gators

My overall takeaway is this. A price tag over $200 is a lot for me to pay for sunglasses, but these deliver. If I had gone with a cheaper option, I’d probably be on my third pair by now, and I’d ultimately end up spending more. These glasses have accompanied me on hikes, camping trips, range days, and every time I drive in the Colorado sun. Every time I’ve worn them, I’ve consciously thought of their true worth.

If I had to make one complaint, it’s that I have other glasses that are more comfortable when worn with ear pro. These aren’t uncomfortable at all, but after a day at the range, I notice some skin has been rubbed a little wrong where they sit on my ears. Maybe it’s a fit issue, or maybe I have weird ears. Either way, it doesn’t bother me enough to stop using them.

I also have a pair of Deltas that I really like but I find myself coming back to the polarized Gatorz Marauders. Maybe it’s the cool tan color, or maybe it’s the large lens and enhanced field of view. Whatever it is, I’m keeping them. Well, I don’t have much of a choice now that my daughter beat them up. Does the Gatorz warranty cover drool? If you’re curious, too, head over to the Gatorz Eyewear website. Make sure to follow them on social media. They can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Be gone, UV rays!

Nicolas Lenze

Hiker, hunter, shooter, and angler living in beautiful Colorado.