SMITH RECTOR RX
Smith Rectors take a different approach to creating prescription sunglasses. The lenses on the Rectors are separate from the frames and are individually set within small sub-frames that then clip into the main frame. This allows the user to switch the lens as needed. It also creates a unique, aggressive looking set of glasses that wouldn’t look out of place off the bike. The Rectors are light and comfortable with soft earpieces and adjustable nose pads. While comfortable, the Rectors fit closer to the side of the head than any other of the glasses that we tested. This led to a snug, secure feel that was appreciated on rough roads.
Smith sent our test glasses with clear lens for cloudy or low light conditions. There was no distortion in the visual field and the clear lens clarity was on par with our everyday prescription glasses. With the clear lens the Rectors became our first choice for rainy rides, and while not having a large lens profile, they provided excellent eye protection. Smith offers several lens color options in polarized and non-polarized versions.
PRICE: $155 non-polarized lenses/$230 polarized lenses
www.smithoptics.com
ZEAL OPTICS MAESTRO
The Zeal Optics Maestros are the most traditional in appearance and construction of the glasses that we reviewed. The Zeals were the only glasses with the lens contained within a complete frame. This makes for a rigid and strong-feeling set of glasses. This is worth noting, because one can actually feel the difference. While one notices the weight of the glasses more, they are comfortable and stay securely in place. The Maestros also have spring-loaded hinged temples that allow them to flex outward. This helps prevent breakage, and makes putting the Maestros on and taking them off easier—especially when putting them over helmet straps.
With the traditional frames of the Maestros, they are prescription-ready. Our test pair came with Zeal’s ZB-13 polarized lens. Like the other glasses we reviewed the visual quality was high, and due to the polarization, the visual sharpness of objects was elevated to near perfection status.
PRICE: $254
www.zealoptics.com
RUDY PROJECT SYLURO
The Rudy Project Syluro is part of their interchangeable RX series. The Rudy Projects provided the most facial coverage of any of the glasses that we reviewed. Usually that large of a surface area will lead to fogging, and on some people, cheek rub. We experienced neither, and most testers appreciated the extra wind protection. The Syluro are comfortable, and with bendable ear and nosepieces allow for custom fitting.
The Rudy Project glasses are unique in that the prescription lens itself is the prescription and is not contained within a frame or placed within another lens. This allows the user to change out the prescription lens for various light conditions. This is made even more impressive with high optical quality and lack of distortion throughout the visual field. Rudy Project offers sixteen different lens options. Our test came with Rudy Projects Red Racing lens that worked well in virtually all conditions.
PRICE: $200-$300 (depending on lenses)
www.rudyprojectusa.com
OAKLEY RADARS
Oakley Radars are Oakley’s replacement for the aging yet still viable M-frame of the Lance Armstrong era. At first glance the Radars look similar to the M-frames, but upon closer inspection one quickly notices the heavily sculpted frame with small side vents to aid airflow along the sides on the head. The temples like those of the M-frame flare out slightly which allows the helmet strap to fit nicely under the frames. Unlike the M-frames, the Radars have folding temples, which makes them easier to place in one’s pocket if no longer needed. The M-frame required careful placement within one’s helmet vents for storage while riding.
Oakley’s RX program is one of the best in the business, and for good reason. The Radars that we received have the prescription lens embedded inside the standard Radar lens. This allows Oakley to create a prescription sunglass that keeps the same look, feel and quality of their top of the line glasses. The optical quality of the prescription lens is first-rate with no distortion in the visual field. The Radars came with Oakley’s VR-28 Iridium lens, which worked well in most conditions.
PRICE: $315-$365
www.oakley.com
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