I currently use Tifosi sunglasses that are not that great in the aero position because the top of the frame gets in my vision a lot. I also started training in the rain a lot and they fog up instantly and don’t seem to want to come back after.
I am looking at Oakleys because there happens to be a store near my work and they can customize everything apparently.
So which model would be best for me?
Half-jacket seems nice but will the top frame be any worse than radar?
I don’t see the option on the website but I saw vented lenses in the shop. Are those worth it?
Will irridium lenses still be usable in the early morning with little sunshine? I am currenly using orange non-polarized/non-nothing lenses.
thanks for you feedback. I don’t mind paying for good sunglasses but at that price I want to make sure they are 100% right for me
I use Radars exclusively for running & riding. I love them.
I don’t have any issues with them in aerobars, but if they really block your vision somehow, look into the Radar XLs. They have bigger lenses & different nosepiece to frame length.
I am not a huge fan of Jawbones. I don’t like having a lower lens frame, and they weren’t as tight on my head as Radars.
Try the Radar XL or Zero.
The Radar XL are larger than the regular Radar and that puts the frame higher on your face (and out of your line of sight). The Zero have no frame. The Radars look better and have the hydrophobic coating.
I’m not qualified to comment on fogging, because in west Texas it is about 12% humidity today and 106, nothing fogs.
Have you looked into the Tifosi Vogels? They are Frameless. I use them and are great in aero and a lot cheaper than Oakleys. And I’ve had no issues w/ fogging.
I use the radars also for running and biking. I bought an additional lens (yellow) for rainy/cloudy days, just to protect the eyes while biking.
I use Radars exclusively for running & riding. I love them.
I don’t have any issues with them in aerobars, but if they really block your vision somehow, look into the Radar XLs. They have bigger lenses & different nosepiece to frame length.
I am not a huge fan of Jawbones. I don’t like having a lower lens frame, and they weren’t as tight on my head as Radars.
Oakley Radar XLs are specifically tuned in lens size for riding in the aero position. The higher lens raises the upper portion of the glasses up higher so, when you angle your eyes upward, the frame is less likely to be in your field of view.
They also exceed the ANSI standard for industrial safety glasses and feature earstems and nose pieces that adhere to your face better when wet. The geometry of the lens is unique to Oakley, called “Polaric Ellipsoid” lens geometry, it is designed to reduce distortion by mimmicking the curvature of the eye.
A few year ago (January 2002) Private Pilot Magazine conducted a test of sunglasses by hiring an independent optical laboratory (ICS) to test the optical characteristics of a number of sunglass brands. Oakley scored best in every test criteria.
Since October, I have used the Oakley Jawbones with the vented polarized lenses and LOVE them. If I had to get new glasses, I would get Jawbones again.
I have the type of face it seems that when riding, even in an average road riding position, probably 90%+ of the sport-shields out there do not work for me. I am looking straight at the top part of the frame. Aero or in the drops - forget it!
Just got a set of the Radar XL’s Problem solved instantly. Can’t see the frame at all and the optics and clarity are stunning!! They are a bit bigger than “normal”, but the vision while riding in all positions and situations is amazing!
Oh and the waterproofing/shedding treatment that it came with the Radar’s is the bomb! They shed water like crazy!
I use the Flak Jackets. Never noticed a problem with them in A) getting in my way and B) fogging. I love the concept of the Radar XL’s; however I have a stupid head, more long and narrow (I pretend its aerodynamic) not nice and round, so when I wear the radars they stick off the sides of my head like an inch on each side, looks stupid and lets WAY too much wind in. Had good luck with the Flak’s, the fast jacket is basically the next gen. flak’s. Either is a good way to go in my opinion.
forget the expensive oakleys and such…Used to waste my money on overpriced junk all the time but I’ve been using AOS safety glasses for years buy a bunch at a time at lowes $9.95 no frame at top of lense work like a charm loose a pair grab another from my box or go to lowes or home depot and buy a couple more…
I started using these from graingers… Look up Condor brand safety glasses. They come in many colors…
They are awesome in aero and sit very close to your face. They come in many colors and the prices range from $1.83 to $4.20 for the most expensive. They don’t scratch, fog, ansi approved and they are lightweight!
-Most of my information about the world comes to me through my eyes, my memories, my warnings, my information. I have years and years and thousands and thousands of dollars invested in the computer that is my brain- I’d like a nice “monitor” to see the world through. to me, good glasses, no, the best glasses, are a top priority.
-I lost part of my vision to a stroke. I can’t afford to risk losing any more. What is left I protect.
Before my stroke I spend thousands on custom lasik to see the world better, gather information more accurately and hopefully be able to process what I see better, because I see it better. I am not going to save $200 in protecting over $3000 worth of eye surgery.
-In the grand scheme of things, a couple hundred bucks to optimize how I see the world is (to me) money better spent than an expensive pair of shoes. Good shoes are important, but good vision is personally more important to me.
I agree, I will spend any amount of $$, thats right, I said ANY amount of money I need to spend on safety. I also own 3 or 4 pair of Oakleys and none of them work well for me. I also race motorcross and snowboard. In those two sports, Oakleys work well for me.
Cycling, I wear them on my road bike but, on my tri bike, all I see is the frame half way through my line of vision. Then they are on the end of my nose, then I push them up, etc… it is very annoying.
That being said, I use these safety glasses in the industrial contruction world every day. I weld, cut, grind, you name it. They have saved my eyes a million times. I’m OSHA 40hr trainer certified. I trust these glasses 100%. I have used them on my motorcycle and got hit by a rock, bam!, no problem. Luckly it was small. It pushed the glasses into my face but, it didn’t break them. Maybe I was lucky but, I don’t think so. I think they worked well.
Don’t let the price fool you. They maybe a few bucks but thats because they sell them by the millions! My crews go through 100’s of these a year.
Sure they are not stylish(enough by my standards) but, they work very well.
Was just tossing up the idea of upgrading from the cheap safety sunglasses to an actual name brand of sunglasses.
The safety specs have worked for me for years, cheap and replaceable (e.g. when smashed after high-fiving spectators in the finish chute). And ANSI (or other) impact approved, which may one day come in handy when a bug hits your face at 80km/h as you zoom down a mountain.
Something I’ve just been wondering is whether the safety sunglasses provide any UV protection? Definitely worth investigating.
Have you looked into the Tifosi Vogels? They are Frameless. I use them and are great in aero and a lot cheaper than Oakleys. And I’ve had no issues w/ fogging.
This is what I use with the fototec lens. These are great in aero. No frame like my Oakleys, stay close to my face don’t drift down. Cheap comparatively. And you can always add the Oakley Hydrophobic solution on them if you really want to but I have no issue with fogging etc. I like the aspect that they change tint based on light conditions.
