Hi Everyone,
Just broke my running/biking sunglasses. Wanted to hear the wisdom of ST on a new pair and what you’re wearing. Definitley value good lenses/optics and non slip. Any you particularly love?
Thanks!
Do you need prescription lenses?
Since you mentioned you value good optics, the next question is what style do you want?
I have a smorgasbord of running sunglasses. From safety glassed Gerlach recommended (I like) to the Roka Phatoms, and everything in between.
For quality optics and non-slip, if you’re not looking for the “racing” look, then the Phantoms are pretty much top notch. Great glass, don’t wiggle, big enough to block out side sun, light weight…they just check all the boxes. But they ain’t cheap.
Polarized and cheap: Goodr (yes that is spelled correctly). They are the wayfarer style, so there is some light creep from the sides. But decent polarized lenses, don’t slip, lots of colors for style, and cheap ($25/per).
No I don’t need prescription, I typically wear contacts whenever I’m running or cycling. I’ve been considering the phantoms, wasn’t sure if they worked well for cycling as well? Do you use yours on the bike? Any concern about them being metal frames on the bike? I was bummed a bit that I missed the 25% sale, but looks like 15% off is pretty attainable from their email sign-up. I was also looking at POC, but really open to anything quality.
I’ll second the safety glasses ( http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/05/best-cheap-ironman-cycling-sunglasses.html ). Work well, don’t slip (for me), have been durable, and even if something happened they’re really cheap so I wouldn’t be too bothered.
Smith pivlock
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Smith pivlock x2
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No I don’t need prescription, I typically wear contacts whenever I’m running or cycling. I’ve been considering the phantoms, wasn’t sure if they worked well for cycling as well? Do you use yours on the bike? Any concern about them being metal frames on the bike? I was bummed a bit that I missed the 25% sale, but looks like 15% off is pretty attainable from their email sign-up. I was also looking at POC, but really open to anything quality.
I ride and run in Roka Kona’s. Awesome lenses, super light, non-slip, good looking and not metal frames. Also less $$ than the Phantoms. I’ll also second the Goodr recommendation as a good pair of inexpensive backups.
I am a fan of the polychromic glasses from Tifosi. I liked the first pair so much that I bought a second as backup in case I broke them.
Rudy Project.
Lightweight and way comfortable.
Zero distortion lenses, with the sharpest and clearest view.
Super-quick photochromic changes.
Great pricing—you can often find sales for 60% off MAP—fantastic NQA warranty, even for lenses, and generally great customer service.
oakley radar ev with the path lenses, the EV stands for extra view - having used the radars, radarlocks and fast jackets before buying this pair all 3 i had issues with the frame covering my line of sight whenever i was in the aero position, this one no such issues. The new prizm lenses are the best as some friends have said, i have the normal lenses but still love them.
I’m also a HUGE fan of Rudy Project! Having had pairs last many years, they are my go to glasses. Being a photographer, I am extremely careful of what I put in front of my eyes, and the visual performance is superior, the designs are incredibly varied, many come with multiple lenses and their service if you ever need it, is awesome. Being somewhat a sunglasses freak, I have had so many pairs through the years of most of the brands, and for value, Rudy is the best I’ve had. My current favorites are the photo chromatic lenses that virtually eliminate having to have multiple lenses and changing as the conditions do. I have at 6-7 pair now and as the oldest is probably 15 years old, they keep going… I would say, put GOOD lenses in front of your eyes…
I’ve been training in the Roka Konas and races Ironman 70.3 Raleigh in them yesterday. I like them.
Any issues with slippage using the Rudy P’s or Oakleys? The hydrophobillic coaching on the roka and POC pads were what attracted me to them.
Any issues with slippage using the Rudy P’s or Oakleys? The hydrophobillic coaching on the roka and POC pads were what attracted me to them.
The nose piece on the Rudy glasses are like none I’ve ever had. They are a rubber material that has no slippage, even on my 4 hour hard hot ride yesterday. One of the best features IMO is that that piece is totally adjustable so you can spread it to match your face. I have some that I use only for cycling set up high on my face so they have great coverage without a gap while in aero position, and I have ones for the run set lower to cover eyes and sit below the bill of my hat. I also have long eye lashes, so they are one of the only I’ve seen that you can position further away from the face to enhance flow and not cause lashes to hit the inside of the glass. As I stated earlier, the best fitting, longest lasting that I have ever had and I’ve tried and still own a ton of other brands which seem to only gather dust.
Also have quite a few Rudy Ps and I will say they are a nice product as well. They hold well and don’t slip. Their Wayfarer models are not for running though (they will slip).
Really depends on what you want your “look” to be.
Oakley Radar EV Prizm Path or Smith PivLock Arena Max Chromapop.
I have an older pair of Rudy Zyon that have been great glasses but need a new set of lenses - after 10 years they have a few scratches. Where can you get the photochromatic replacement lenses for a good deal? They’re very expensive through the RP website.
If you don’t need fancy, Pyramex Ztek at safetyglassesusa. Been using them for years, no complaints. About $2 each. Also available in a mini size for smaller faces.
Oakley Radar EV Prizm Path or Smith PivLock Arena Max Chromapop.
Going to bump this thread instead of starting a new one.
Have you used both the Radar EV and Arena Max? Are they similar in “height”? I’m using Radarlock (non-EV) and the top frame is driving my nuts in aero position. I’m thinking of giving Smith a try, either the Arena Max or the new Attack Max