Let me be real - these lens guards are like that overprotective friend who occasionally annoys you but saves your butt when it matters. I've dropped my X4 twice (don't judge), and both times the tempered glass shattered dramatically... exactly as designed. That satisfying 'click' sound during installation? Chef's kiss.

The optical clarity surprised me - footage stays crisp even with guards on, though shooting toward bright lights does introduce some glare. Pro tip: keep the included microfiber cloth handy because fingerprints show up like neon signs.

Installation is fiddly AF. My sausage fingers struggled until I discovered the rubber band trick (wrap it around the edge for better grip). Once on though? These babies survived a mountain bike crash that left my handlebars crooked. The rock that hit my lens left only a tiny scar on the guard - that's $40 well spent versus a $500 lens replacement.

Word of warning: they're not invincible. My ski trip proved the locking mechanism can fail under extreme vibration. But for everyday adventures? These guards strike the perfect balance between being sacrificial armor and not ruining your shots.