Panda Optics
Quality and Quantity
Premium Features Without the Premium Price
Skiing and snowboarding often mean encountering rapidly changing weather and lighting conditions. From blinding sunshine to flat, overcast light, the quality of your eyewear can make a significant difference in your on-slope experience. As Oli Heath, Co-founder of Panda Optics, puts it, “Most of the light hitting our eyes comes from reflections off snow, which makes polarized lenses essential for reducing glare. However, polarized lenses alone aren’t ideal for flat light conditions.”
Before Panda Optics entered the scene in 2015, the ski goggle market was dominated by brands that used the term “polarized” to justify high prices. These companies often sold additional lenses designed for specific conditions, treating polarized technology as a premium feature. Panda Optics reached out to manufacturers and discovered that the cost difference between polarized and non-polarized lenses is minimal.
The issues went beyond inflated prices. Lens mechanisms were frequently cumbersome, making the process of swapping lenses a frustrating experience. Even if you invested in all the necessary lenses, the clunky mechanisms and time-consuming swaps detracted from the enjoyment of skiing. Panda Optics recognized that these premium features should be standard, not reserved for the top-tier models.
How Panda Optics Disrupted the Status Quo
In 2015, Panda Optics set out to redefine the ski goggle market. They understood that skiers needed a solution that offered high performance with ease of use. Their goal was to create goggles that provided versatility without complexity. To achieve this, they included both polarized and low-light lenses as standard with every set of adult goggles.
This approach not only addressed the diverse lighting conditions skiers face but also eliminated the hassle and additional cost of purchasing multiple lenses. Panda Optics’ commitment to integrating high-performance features into their standard product line has set a new benchmark for the industry, making quality eyewear more accessible and user-friendly.
Despite the impact of Panda Optics’ innovative approach, many major goggle brands continue to treat similar features as exclusive and premium. These companies often offer mid-tier models that fall short in providing essential features like multiple lenses and easy lens-swapping systems. They use these omissions to justify the high prices of their top-tier models. In contrast, Panda Optics firmly believes that such high-performance features should be standard across all their products, not just confined to the most expensive options.
Taking on the Giants
We sat down with Oli, a co-founder of Panda Optics to find out more about his journey in providing all skiers with the performance once reserved for hardcore gear enthusiasts.
What are the biggest challenges Panda Optics faces in taking on this market?
“Persuading industry professionals and the most knowledgeable skiers that a small British brand can produce something as good as or even better than the big US brands they are used to is not easy. Slowly building a relationship with many of them, and the partnerships we offer are how the challenge is being overcome.”
This strategy has proven highly effective, helping Panda Optics secure endorsements from prominent athletes such as Chemmy Alcott and James Barnes-Miller. Both have made significant contributions to GB skiing and Paralympic snowboarding and share a deep understanding of the market’s need for high-quality, affordable eyewear. This is a very different strategy to their heavily commercialized US competitors. As Oli Heath explains, “Rather than investing heavily in paid advertising, we focus on building partnerships and sponsorships with ski schools, academies, and industry professionals. This strategy ensures our products reach the right people and gain authentic, trusted endorsements.”
Saving time and money on advertising not only brings the price down but also frees up more time for R&D. The team explains “keeping up with the big brands in terms of technology is vital if we are to compete. Without the resources the big brands have this is a difficult challenge and requires almost daily contact with multiple manufacturers.”
Building on their success with ski goggles, Panda Optics has recently expanded into the world of sunglasses, applying the same core philosophy that has driven their success in the eyewear market. Just as with their goggles, Panda Optics is committed to offering high-performance sunglasses at accessible prices. Their flagship model, the Multi Sport Glacier, embodies this philosophy with its innovative design and versatility. Featuring a lightweight TR90 frame and interchangeable UV400+ lenses, these sunglasses cater to a range of conditions and activities, from skiing to cycling.
Oli Heath’s strategic vision is evident in this expansion. He notes, “Our approach to sunglasses mirrors the same principles we applied to our goggles. We want to offer high-quality, adaptable eyewear that performs well without the premium price tag.” For skiers who already have a set of goggles but want the flexibility of high-performing sunglasses, their new line provides an affordable, high-quality option. This focus on versatility and value ensures that Panda Optics can provide skiers with many different eyewear options at a lower price.
The result...
To demonstrate the impact of their approach, consider this: you can purchase the RS1, their race-spec magnetic goggles—which include two lenses as standard—and the Glacier flagship sunglasses, which come with three interchangeable lenses, all for under £250 (£204 with code SZN). This combination highlights Panda Optics’ commitment to providing high-quality, versatile eyewear at an accessible price point.
RS1 £131
Glacier £109
The Future
As Panda Optics continues to redefine the eyewear market, their commitment to making high-performance features accessible remains a cornerstone of their strategy. By challenging the traditional market norms and focusing on practical, user-friendly solutions, they have set a new standard for quality and affordability in both ski goggles and sunglasses. Their recent expansion into sports sunglasses demonstrates a keen understanding of their customers’ needs, offering a versatile, high-quality alternative that complements their goggle line.
Looking ahead, Panda Optics is poised for substantial growth, with plans to secure external investment to support their expansion goals. This strategic move aims to enhance their market presence, distribution, and product development efforts. Reflecting on their journey, co-founder Oli Heath appreciates the value of a gradual, methodical approach but recognizes the potential benefits of external investment to accelerate their progress. With their innovative approach and dedication to quality, Panda Optics is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the eyewear industry, inspiring other brands to prioritize both performance and accessibility for their customers.
