Heat Wave Apollo Ultra Black Sunglasses
Heat Wave Apollo Ultra Black Sunglasses
Key Features
Overview
Heat Wave Visual Apollo Sunglasses: Ultra Black are a unisex pair of performance-minded lifestyle sunglasses built for extremely bright conditions. This is a pair of sunglasses designed for harsh outdoor glare reduction. Model Number: E_APL_BLK_01U. If you spend time around snow, sand, water, or reflective jobsite surfaces, this lens setup is the whole reason to buy them.
The big story here is the Ultra Black lens with 6% visible light transmission. Heat Wave calls out that standard dark lenses are typically around 11% VLT, so this pair runs noticeably darker. In real use, that means less squinting and less eye fatigue when the light is bouncing off white rooftops, bright concrete, snowpack, or open water all day.
These Apollo sunglasses also use a 1.9 mm polycarbonate polarized lens. That gives you impact resistance along with better glare control from reflective surfaces. For people who are outside for long stretches, polarized lenses matter because they help clean up the harsh reflected light that can make bright days more tiring than they need to be.
On protection, the lenses are rated UV400, which means they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. They also meet or exceed Z80.3 impact requirements. That does not turn them into safety glasses, but it does tell you these are not flimsy fashion-only lenses.
The frame itself is a durable TR-90 design with a vintage-modern round cut, a thin nose bridge, and Heat Wave's palm icon arms. The shape keeps the look clean and simple, so they work just as well off the clock as they do in high-glare environments. If you want one pair that leans more everyday than oversized sport wraparound, the Apollo frame has a more versatile look.
There is one important limitation, and it is worth stating plainly: this Ultra Black lens is so dark that Heat Wave says it should not be used when operating a vehicle. That is not a minor footnote. These are purpose-built for bright outdoor use, not general driving sunglasses.
Who should buy them? Anyone who regularly deals with intense sunlight and wants a darker-than-average polarized lens without jumping to a bulky sport frame. They make the most sense for beach days, snow, poolside use, rooftop work breaks, and other bright open environments where standard sunglasses still leave you wanting more shade.
Built for Bright Outdoor Conditions
The reason to choose this version is simple: it is darker than a typical dark sunglass lens. When the environment is throwing light back at you from every direction, that extra cut in transmission makes a real difference.
- Ultra Black lens with 6% VLT
- Best suited for snow, sand, rooftops, and poolside glare
Everyday Shape, Serious Lens Setup
The Apollo frame keeps things clean and wearable, but the lens package is not casual filler. You get polarized glare reduction, full UV coverage, and impact-rated lens construction in a frame that does not look overly technical.
- TR-90 unisex frame with thin nose bridge
- UV400 protection and polarized polycarbonate lenses
Key Specifications
 Lens VLT |
6% |
|---|---|
|
Lens Category |
Category 4 |
|
Frame Material |
TR-90 |
|
Lens Material |
Polycarbonate, 1.9 mm thick |
|
UV Protection |
UV400, 100% UVA / UVB blocking |
|
Impact Standard |
Meets or exceeds Z80.3 requirements |
|
Lens Type |
Polarized |
|
Color |
Ultra Black Lens - Black Emblem |
Built For
Pro Tip
Treat the Ultra Black lens like a specialty bright-day pair, not your all-purpose sunglasses. The 6% VLT is great when the sun is punishing, but Heat Wave specifically says these should not be used while driving.
Tool Nut's Take
Heat Wave Visual Apollo Sunglasses: Ultra Black are for people who want real shade, not just a dark-looking lens
If standard sunglasses still leave you squinting in high-glare conditions, this pair solves the right problem with a genuinely darker lens.
- Who it's for: People spending serious time in bright open environments like snow, sand, rooftops, and around water.
- Why it stands out: The 6% VLT polarized lens is the main draw, and Heat Wave backs it up with TR-90 construction, UV400 protection, and Z80.3 impact performance.
- Worth knowing: This is not your one-pair-does-everything option. The lens is intentionally very dark, and the brand states it should not be used for driving.
Common Questions
- Are these polarized? Yes. Heat Wave states that the lenses use a high-quality polarizing filter for glare reduction and clarity.
- Do these block UV rays? Yes. The lenses are UV400 and block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Can I wear these while driving? No. Heat Wave states that the Ultra Black 6% VLT lens should not be used when operating a vehicle.
- What makes the Ultra Black lens different? It has 6% visible light transmission, which is darker than the 11% level Heat Wave cites as a common industry standard for dark lenses.