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Knockaround Fast Lanes Review

A classic design that is durable, comfortable, and can be dressed up or down
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Knockaround Fast Lanes Review
Credit: Justin Simoni
Price:  $35 List
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Manufacturer:   Knockaround
Justin Simoni
By Justin Simoni ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 15, 2026
83
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 24
  • Lens Quality - 30% 8.5
  • Comfort - 25% 8.5
  • Style and Versatility - 20% 8.5
  • Frame Quality - 15% 8.0
  • Coverage - 10% 7.5
Top Pick Award
Top Pick for Timeless Style
List Price: $35

Our Verdict

The Knockaround Fast Lanes are a quality, prescription-ready polycarbonate frame that'll stand up to the rigors of everyday use, whether going to work or taking a quick run. These slender frames are polarized, help cut out glare, and can help reduce eye strain. We tested the black frames with a neutral tint, but an abundance of colors and tints are available for you to find the best match for your personal style. The Fast Lanes fit wider profiles, which served our lead male tester well. If you're searching for a style of sunnies that never goes out of style while staying within your budget, put on the Fast Lanes!
REASONS TO BUY
Featherweight frames
Broad lens coverage
Lots of color options
Lenses are polarized
REASONS TO AVOID
Bridge lacks padding and grip
Too wide on narrow faces

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Knockaround Fast Lanes are not to be underestimated. These shades may be less expensive than most, but their lens and frame quality speak for themselves. Sturdy and handsome frames surrounded quality, polarized lenses to help you both look good, and enjoy the view. These shades are some of the lighter sunglasses we've tested, which makes them rest easily on our own faces.

knockaround fast lanes - the fast lanes may work best for larger faces, having a wide field...
The Fast Lanes may work best for larger faces, having a wide field of view and great lens coverage.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Likes


The quality of the Knockaround Fast Lanes feels like a much pricier option. Both the frames and the lenses held up during our testing, constructed with plastic and polycarbonate that can handle some wear and tear.


We had no glare and excellent clarity, even on sunny days. Meanwhile, the lenses had little distortion, which can help prevent eye strain, especially for all day wear.

knockaround fast lanes - our grid test really showed off the quality of the plastic lenses of...
Our grid test really showed off the quality of the plastic lenses of the Fast Lanes, illustrating minimal lens distortion.   Credit: Justin Simoni

The Knockaround Fast Lanes also feature polarized lenses, which can help filter out harsh glare from surfaces like bodies of water and snowbanks. The coverage on the lens was uniform, without any weak spots.

The Fast Lanes also showed excellent UV blocking capability. We shone a UV light at the glasses and had very little pass-through to our test card.


The frame quality also exceeded our expectations. They are lightweight, feel feathery while wearing, and the hinges put up with our day-to-day wear.


knockaround fast lanes - we found the frames to be of excellent quality, reminding us of more...
We found the frames to be of excellent quality, reminding us of more expensive sunnies. Hinges look strong, and survived our own somewhat chaotic life!   Credit: Justin Simoni

We enjoyed the style of the Knockaround Fast Lanes. The slender frames made these look sleek and contemporary, while the overall shape felt almost like an homage to Mid-century modern styles.


If you're looking for a lean and mean Wayfarer-style pair of shades, the Fast Lanes are for you. They aren't a statement piece, and will blend seamlessly with casual outfits.

knockaround fast lanes - either on the go or enjoying a guidebook at your favorite coffee...
Either on the go or enjoying a guidebook at your favorite coffee spot, the Fast Lanes will support you on however you'd like to spend your day.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Speaking to the quality of the frames, the Fast Lanes are also prescription-compatible. We found these frames comfortable, with no pressure points along our temples and nose.


The coverage was generous, especially for a less expensive pair of sunnies, which tend to be on the smaller side. The lens itself was wider than most, which is important for angled sunshine and glare from water or snow. The plastic surrounding the lens is thin, so our field of vision wasn't obstructed.

knockaround fast lanes - grab the fast lanes when you feel the need for speed even while...
Grab the Fast Lanes when you feel the need for speed even while standing still.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Dislikes


There wasn't much we didn't like about the Knockaround Fast Lanes, but these won't fit everyone. These particular sunglasses are best for wider faces, and may look and feel oversized on a more petite face.

knockaround fast lanes - those who have a narrower face may prefer a small part of sunglasses...
Those who have a narrower face may prefer a small part of sunglasses than the Fast Lanes.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Our test pair featured a gray tint, which gives a neutral contrast. This is certainly serviceable, but it doesn't enhance colors like an amber lens. Knockaround does offer this pair in a wide range of lens and frame color combos for you to pick and choose from to match your preference, but be aware that the gray won't offer the most vibrant view.

Testing the lens tint using a variety of colors did not reveal any special blocking of a color that would lead to an enhanced contrast biased to warm colors. The lenses tested illustrated a neutral contrast.   Credit: Justin Simoni

If you're looking for blue-blocking abilities, look elsewhere; these shades don't have any blue-blocking properties beyond their tint, which treats all visual wavelengths equally.

knockaround fast lanes - our lab tests didn't reveal any hidden blue blocking abilities...
Our lab tests didn't reveal any hidden blue blocking abilities, which Knockaround does NOT claim these have.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Although the frames are of excellent quality, they don't feature a bridge that is grippy or adjustable, unless you're willing to pay extra.

knockaround fast lanes - the bridge of the base fast lanes have no rubberized grip or...
The bridge of the base Fast Lanes have no rubberized grip or adjustable nose pads.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Should you Buy the Knockaround Fast Lanes?


The Fast Lanes are some of the best inexpensive pairs of sunglasses we've had tested. If you're after a classic pair of shades that are high-quality without the pricetag, these are worth your consideration. They are comfortable for long-duration wear, and the lenses are polarized. Narrow and petite faces should look elsewhere though.

knockaround fast lanes - the fast lanes are best suited for larger faces rather than narrow...
The Fast Lanes are best suited for larger faces rather than narrow faces.   Credit: Justin Simoni

What Other Cheap Sunglasses Should You Consider?


If the Fast Lanes are too big, look instead into the Knockaround Paso Robles, which has a narrower profile and an altogether slighter fit. They also come in a variety of fun colorways to match both your fit and your personality. The Sunski Yuba has more curves to show off than a Porsche 993. The Feidusun Polarized are more true to the Wayfarer-style look, with a blocky frame.

Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Knockaround Fast Lanes versus top competing products:
 
Awards Top Pick Award
Top Pick for Timeless Style
Price $35 List
Check Price at REI
Overall Score Sort Icon
83
Star Rating
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Bottom Line A classic design that is durable, comfortable, and can be dressed up or down
Pros Featherweight frames, broad lens coverage, lots of color options, lenses are polarized
Cons Bridge lacks padding and grip, too wide on narrow faces
Rating Categories Knockaround Fast Lanes
Lens Quality (30%)
8.5
Comfort (25%)
8.5
Style and Versatility (20%)
8.5
Frame Quality (15%)
8.0
Coverage (10%)
7.5
Specifications Knockaround Fast Lanes
Lens Tested Aviator Green
Polarized Yes
Fit Large
Weight 24 g
UV Protection 100%
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) Not specified
VLT Protection Index Not specified
HEV/Blue Light Protection (claim) Not specified
Infrared Protection (claim) None
Neutral/Contrast Neutral
Lens Material Polycarbonate
Impact Resistant? Yes
Coatings and Lense Treatments No
Prescription Lens Compatible? Yes
Hinge Type Standard
Case Included Microfiber drawstring bag
Or, compare up to 5 products side-by-side here.
Justin Simoni


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