News & Press
Press coverage, product launches, and the story of how three brothers from Cincinnati are bringing augmented reality to the mountain.
The Pease brothers — Fletcher, David, and Henry — pitched REKKIE on Shark Tank and walked away with a $300,000 investment from Mark Cuban for 12.5% equity. The episode aired November 17, 2023 and is available to stream on Hulu.
See More on YouTubeREKKIE released its 2026 Magnetic Lens Edition, featuring a quick-change magnetic lens system compatible with the new Spekter™ 3.0 lenses, a brighter and higher-resolution HUD, over 50% longer battery life, and a sleeker electronics enclosure. Certified for the USA, Europe, and Canada.
See the 2026 GogglesPrimetimer's post-Shark Tank update reports that REKKIE expanded distribution internationally, launched upgraded Spekter 2.0 lenses, and continues direct-to-consumer sales with a growing catalog of accessories and apparel.
Read the storySlashGear's follow-up highlights REKKIE's growth post-show, with the Cuban deal closing and a reported valuation increase to roughly $3.2 million. The outlet credits the Pease brothers' focus on refining the original Smart Snow Goggles rather than chasing unrelated product lines.
Read the storySportskeeda recaps the back-and-forth between the Pease brothers and the Sharks, including Kevin O'Leary's royalty offer and Mark Cuban's final accepted counter at $300,000 for 12.5% equity — a rare moment where Cuban accepted a founder counteroffer on air.
Read the story"REKKIE's smart snow goggles prove that AR is useful right now."
Engadget's reviewer spent several days snowboarding in the goggles and concluded that REKKIE has cracked the problem that plagued earlier attempts like the Oakley Airwave. The friend-tracking compass, media controls, and always-on clock were called out as unexpectedly useful additions to a day on the mountain.
Read the reviewA former Apache helicopter pilot tested REKKIE at Whiteface Mountain and wrote that the heads-up display was intuitive, the functions were useful, and the product delivered on its promises. GearJunkie called REKKIE a premium goggle that happens to also be smart — not the other way around.
Read the reviewSnowBrains praised the wide field of view, the simplicity of head-motion menu navigation, and how unobtrusive the projected display turned out to be in real riding conditions — even when swapping lenses mid-day.
Read the reviewThe Ski Diva was initially skeptical that smart goggles were for her — then was won over by how simply they worked. Her takeaway: comfortable, well-ventilated, high-quality optics with a genuinely fun layer of data and connectivity on top.
Read the reviewLocal 12 and the Cincinnati Business Courier covered the Pease brothers' hometown win, highlighting that the three Cincinnati natives grew up skiing together and built REKKIE to solve a problem they experienced on the mountain themselves.
Read the storyA profile of the three brothers and the origin of the REKKIE name — taken from the British military slang for reconnaissance — and the story of how they built a practical, affordable smart goggle for families and groups who want to ski together.
Read the story2022
REKKIE is founded in Cincinnati, Ohio by brothers Fletcher, David, and Henry Pease. The company launches its first generation of Smart Snow Goggles, bootstrapped with a grant and the founders' own savings.
March 2023
Engadget publishes its review, calling REKKIE proof that AR on the mountain is finally useful. Additional coverage follows from SnowBrains, GearJunkie, and The Ski Diva.
November 17, 2023
REKKIE appears on Shark Tank Season 15, Episode 7 and strikes a deal with Mark Cuban for $300,000 in exchange for 12.5% equity.
January 2025
REKKIE launches an upgraded model featuring a brighter, higher-resolution display, extended goggle-to-goggle radio range, and new Spekter™ 2.0 anti-fog contrast-boosting lenses.
November 2025
REKKIE releases the 2026 Magnetic Lens Edition, featuring a magnetic quick-change Spekter™ 3.0 lens system, over 50% longer battery life, and a refined, smaller electronics enclosure. Certified for use in the USA (FCC), Europe (CE), and Canada (ISED).
Engadget
REKKIE's Smart Snow Goggles Prove That AR Is Useful Right Now
GearJunkie
SnowBrains
The Ski Diva
SlashGear
Primetimer
Local 12 / Cincinnati
City Lifestyle
Sportskeeda
