Why 1.61 High-Index Lenses Are the Unsung Hero of RX Sports Eyewear
Share
Let’s Talk About the Lens That Quietly Wins Matches
Most players obsess over frames.
The grip. The fit. The ventilation.
But here’s what nobody tells you: Your RX lens material does more for your game than any other element of your glasses.
At Blinded Wear, we’ve tested dozens of materials—and we standardized our prescription sport glasses with 1.61 high-index lenses for one reason:
They make you play better.
Let’s dive into what makes these lenses so powerful—and why they come included at no extra cost with every pair we sell.
What Are 1.61 High-Index Lenses?
A high-index lens bends light more efficiently than a standard lens.
That means it can be:
-
Thinner
-
Lighter
-
More precise
1.61 is the sweet spot for athletes:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Refractive Index | 1.61 |
| Thickness Reduction | Up to 25% thinner vs. 1.50 |
| Weight Reduction | Up to 30% lighter |
| UV Protection | 100% UVA/UVB blocking |
| Material | Polycarbonate or similar |
| Anti-Scratch Coating | Included on all lenses |
Why This Matters for Pickleball
🧠 Better Focus
Thicker lenses distort peripheral vision. That’s not great when you’re trying to see:
-
Paddle angles
-
Court lines
-
Quick drops or spin
-
Incoming lobs from outside your central field of vision
1.61 high-index lenses let you see all of it—clearly and consistently.
💪 Less Pressure on Your Nose and Ears
Imagine playing a tournament with a 1.67 lens that weighs you down every match. It might look sleek—but it’ll hurt your focus, comfort, and even posture over time.
With 1.61, your glasses are:
-
Comfortable enough for 6 straight matches
-
Light enough to forget they’re on
-
Strong enough to survive a dive or collision
💥 Shatter Resistance Built for Play
Standard lenses crack.
Cheap lenses fog.
1.61 lenses hold their ground under pressure.
They’re impact-resistant enough to be used in:
-
Military goggles
-
Tactical helmets
-
High-speed racquet sports
And now? Your RX pickleball eyewear.
Every Pair at Blinded Wear Comes with 1.61 — Included.
No upsell. No checkout surprise. No hidden charge.
Whether you buy:
…you get the exact same 1.61 high-index performance lens as the pros. At no upcharge.
Related Reads to Deepen Your Edge
The Competitive Edge That Doesn't Make a Sound
Let’s break this down even further.
🔹 You're faster because:
-
Your head doesn’t feel top-heavy
-
Your reactions are quicker from clearer peripheral cues
🔹 You're more accurate because:
-
The ball’s trajectory appears sharper and more consistent
-
Spin, paddle angle, and net depth become more readable
🔹 You're more confident because:
-
You’re not adjusting your frames every two rallies
-
You can rely on your vision under pressure
What Players Say After Switching to 1.61
“I had no idea lenses made this much difference. I’ll never go back to my old glasses again.”
— Stephanie B., TX — Crystal Wave II RX
“The weight is night and day. I felt faster just because my head wasn’t dragging.”
— Lucas G., CA — Ocean Wave RX
“Blinded includes them automatically? That’s wild. I was quoted $200 extra somewhere else.”
— Darren T., FL — Steel Ice RX
1.61 Lenses vs. The Rest: Quick Breakdown
| Feature | 1.50 (Standard) | 1.59 Polycarbonate | 1.61 High-Index | 1.67+ High-Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness (Strong RX) | Thick | Medium | Thin | Ultra-thin |
| Weight | Heavy | Moderate | Light | Light |
| Impact Resistance | Fair | Good | Excellent | Fair |
| Peripheral Clarity | Average | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Anti-scratch + UV coating | Optional | Optional | Included | Varies |
| Cost (Blinded Wear) | N/A | N/A | Free | Not offered |
📦 No Hidden Fees. No Gimmicks.
We build our brand on performance-first eyewear—not surprise checkout add-ons.
So our 1.61 high-index lenses are:
-
Built for motion
-
Designed to win
-
Included in every RX pair, no matter your strength
And yes—they work with clear, gray, and transitional lenses too.
Take the RX Quiz — Know What Works Best for You
🧠 Take the Pickleball RX Quiz
🎁 Get 10% off your first pair after completing it!
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About 1.61 RX Lenses
🔹 Are these polycarbonate?
They’re often blended with high-impact PC polymers. Stronger than plastic. Way lighter than glass.
🔹 Will I notice a difference in-game?
Yes. Most players feel lighter, react faster, and see with better depth perception, especially in fast rallies.
🔹 Can I get these in clear lenses?
Yes. Every frame can be made in clear, grey, or transitional lenses. All include 1.61 high-index construction.
🔹 Do these work for strong prescriptions?
Absolutely. 1.61 is ideal for moderate to high prescriptions, offering thinner edges and less visual warping.
🔹 Is this covered under warranty?
Yes! Our Protection Plan to protect your RX against breakage, drops, scratches, or changes in prescription.
Final Word: You Can’t Win What You Can’t See
Your footwork can be perfect.
Your paddle choice spot-on.
But if your glasses are:
-
Too thick
-
Too heavy
-
Distorting the court or spin
…you’ll keep missing the shots you trained for.
That’s Why We Trust 1.61 for Every Frame We Sell
🛒 Shop All RX Glasses — Every Pair Includes 1.61
🧠 Take the Quiz to Find Your Fit + Get 10% Off
🛡️ Added the RX Protection Plan