HUK Challenge Sunglasses Review (with On-Water Testing)

As an avid fisherman, I’ve always been on the lookout for a good pair of fishing sunglasses. Recently, I stumbled upon a brand called HUK and their Challenge model. So, I decided to give them a shot and share my thoughts with my fellow anglers.

When you’re out on the water, having high-quality fishing sunglasses is crucial for reducing glare, protecting your eyes from the sun, and of course, spotting those elusive fish. That’s why I took my time to analyze the HUK Challenge to see if they’re worth the investment.

First Impression

When I first got my hands on the HUK Challenge, I noticed they were quite popular on Amazon. They were lightweight, but I was a bit disappointed by the lack of a small hook on the ear, which I prefer. The nose pad seemed to have a small edge where it met the plastic, which I found a tad annoying. The sunglasses didn’t come with a protective case, just a cloth bag.

How Well Did the Challenge’s Work on the Water?

The below are the images taken with and without sunglasses to show how affective the HUK Challenge sunglasses are at cutting glare and seeing fish.

WHERE DID THE Challenge’s PLACE IN MY COMPARISON?

Out of all the sunglasses I tested, the Red Sands finished towards the bottom of the pack. They placed in 13th place out of 15 a the time of my review. This isn’t knocking the Red Sands as sunglasses, just that for FISHING there are better choices.

If your looking for the best, check out my FULL REVIEW link 👉 Looking for the Best Fishing Sunglasses. In the article I detail all the sunglasses tested and provide the nitty gritty details covering 16 factors that I reviewed.

Video Review of the HUK Challenge Sunglasses

Fit and Comfort

The Challenge offers a comfortable fit, thanks to the padded ear and nose pieces. However, the aforementioned edge on the nose pad was slightly bothersome.

Lens Features

The lens color is bronze, which I prefer for fishing as it provides better contrast and visibility. With an 8/10 rating for polarization, the HUK Challenge lenses do a great job at cutting down glare. The UV protection is also top-notch, ranking 8/10. The Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is 17.3% (in my testing), which is a bit higher than my preferred range (14%-16%), but it still does a decent job in various light conditions.

Fishy Factor

Unfortunately, the HUK Challenge scores a low 3/10 on my Fishy Factor scale. These sunglasses seem more suited for general outdoor activities rather than fishing-specific ones.

Frame and Design

The frame is made of injected TR90 plastic, which is strong, lightweight, and maintains its shape over time. With an 8-base wrap, the sunglasses provide good coverage and an active fit. The non-slip rubber pads add some performance value. At just 20 grams, the HUK Challenge won’t weigh you down during long fishing trips.

Style

Both my daughter and I posed for pics wearing the HUKs. I’m a “fat head” wearing a large to XL size hat. She’s a small thing wearing a size small. Check out the pictures.

Additional Features

The HUK Challenge does not have spring hinges on the temple arms, which could have improved durability. The lenses are made of plastic, which isn’t as good as glass but does the job.

I couldn’t find any information on scratch resistance or lens durability. The warranty on these sunglasses is in question. The HUK website makes no mention of selling sunglasses?

Performance and User Experience

While wearing the HUK Challenge, I found them to be generally comfortable and effective at reducing glare. However, I didn’t feel that they were specifically designed for fishing. Other users seem to share similar experiences, noting their general usefulness for outdoor activities.

Technologies that Set Brand and Model Apart

The HUK Challenge boasts POLARIZED LENSES, PERFORMANCE FRAMES, and WRAP COVERAGE as some of the main selling points. While these features are good, they don’t necessarily set them apart as fishing-specific sunglasses.

Pros and Cons of the HUK Challenge

Pros	Cons
Lightweight	Not specifically designed for fishing
Good polarization	No protective case included
Good UV protection	Plastic lenses
Comfortable fit

Price and Value

The HUK Challenge sunglasses retail for $59.95, which is a reasonable price. However, considering the features and quality, I believe there are better options available specifically for fishing.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The sunglasses have an average rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon. Most customers seem satisfied with their purchase, although there isn’t much emphasis on their performance as fishing sunglasses.

One More Cast with the HUK Challenge Sunglasses

While the HUK Challenge sunglasses offer decent polarization, UV protection, and comfort, they may not be the best choice for anglers seeking a pair specifically designed for fishing. These sunglasses seem more suited for general outdoor activities.

The ideal angler or fishing scenario for the HUK Challenge sunglasses would be for casual anglers who occasionally head out on the water and want a versatile pair of sunglasses. However, for more serious anglers looking for top-notch performance and fishing-specific features, I’d recommend exploring other options.

In the end, I’d say the HUK Challenge is a decent option for those who want a comfortable, lightweight pair of sunglasses for general outdoor use. But if you’re an avid fisherman like me, you might want to look elsewhere for a pair of sunglasses that caters more specifically to your fishing needs.