Cheap VS Expensive Sunglasses

[@gcntech]

What kind of glasses do you use for cycling?

[@markriley5289]

Bought a pair of Tifosi clear glasses 5 years ago for £20 and they are still going strong. No scratches and everything is as good as new

[@Raven__70]

100% S3 & Oakley Jawbreakers, I've also got some Rudy project Cutlines too but they slide of my hooter.

[@kakarot2430]

very cheap $2.42 sun glasses

[@kenjiishikawa1029]

I'll share a story... Regarding the impact testing, a friend of mine went through the back window of a Mercedes when the car cut across a fast group ride and decided to panic brake. His Oakleys saved his eye from damage.

[@LithaIndoorSoccer]

I have kapvoe... Try to compare kapvoe with those expensive glasses pls

[@stuartdryer1352]

This is the thing you guys nearly always do. You take really expensive things and then compare them to the cheapest garbage you could possibly find and then draw a conclusion. You systematIcally ignore a reasonable middle ground. You can get really good sunglasses for 40 -50 USD. Unless you are sponsored or require prescription sunglasses spending 350 USD is nuts.

[@johngannon1]

100% - GCN does this every time and then will pop in a video saying you don’t have to have the best to get into cycling. I appreciate GCN when it talks about cycling but when it comes to gear I make my buying decisions from searching other sites.

[@flooooooo0686]

Classic GCN. I used to have some super expensive sunnies from Oakley and they were legit worse with covering from wind than my 50 bucks shades. I wish they would have done an actual scientific test of UV protection but a bloke just sitting there spitting out his sponsored opinion is low quality content…

[@km09876-t]

Exaggeration proves a point. I took from this that the cheap sunnies are not that bad. So, therefore, you pays your money and takes your choice, knowing that maybe something in the middle of the 2 examples is the sweet spot.

[@FoobsTon]

​@@flooooooo0686 All sunglasses in the UK and the EU must pass prescriptive PPE tests and laws. There's no point adding any marketing spin to that.

[@neilyorkewade9429]

I can’t take this crap reviewing anymore from GCN it’s just getting worse, dumped this channel watch CADE media instead.

[@TheEroxion]

Decathlon sells basic glasses for €5. Work well for me and when they get lost, scratched etc. no stress to replace

[@PhilJohn1980]

Even Halfords sell inexpensive cycling sunglasses - and you'll know they've passed CE inspection to be sold.

[@DJ-li1kz]

Ben Oconnor is flying in vuelta rn with $100 glasses from Decathlon, Im just happy to see Decathlon destroying entire bike market

[@xerckd]

I have them too. Both the tinted and the clear ones. Admittedly, I never tried anything else, but since I'm happy with these, I see no reason to spend more on a pair. I'd rather spend it on coffee and some pastry on the road.

[@macvos]

@@xerckd The only thing I don't like is the Decathlon sunglasses with photochromatic lenses I have. When completely clear, they create a ghost-image when hit by light from certain angles. This is extremely distracting, especially since I use these when I expect the sun to go down during the ride, or when it's already dark outside. For during sunny days, I have regular Decathlon sunglasses, which are totally fine. My Oakley polarized Prizm sunglasses are better, but not in a way you notice when just riding along.

[@xerckd]

@@macvos I don't have experience with those. Sounds like a real nuisance and distraction to me. For those circumstances, I wear the cheapest clear one just to keep the wind and bugs out.

[@1point5]

Dispensing optician here, Oakley’s current cycling-specific lenses are never polarised because they actually reduce how well you can see wet or icy patches on the road so could be considered less safe. Great for driving but not cycling. Oakley’s Prizm contrast enhancing lenses are what allows you to see features in the road more by filtering specific wavelengths. The UV protection is a biggie also, as wearing tinted lenses without UV protection can damage your eyes much more than wearing no specs at all

[@gplama]

I've had major issues with cheaper sunglasses having lens distortion. This distortion can be demonstrated/checked by putting a laser pointer through them and onto a wall and moving the glasses around a little. I did this many years ago in a video when we were all doing these 'cheap sunglasses' videos for the views/clicks.

[@meibing4912]

True but I'm not that impressed with distortion from high end glasses either. 😬

[@nctrns]

I had a really bad pair off aliexpress once where the distortion gave me a headache within 30 minutes of putting them on. You could really notice it looking at something with right angles and moving your head around. Since then, cheapest I go is Decathlon.

[@WillEDC]

that's a cool test I should try. Only one eyeglasses gave me distortion headache and that was clear cheap decathlon eye glasses that I bought for night use. I now use Xiaomi blue block eyeglasses which I found the clearest but they are not the most wrap around the eye but the most clearest for night use from my experience

[@keaixiaomeinv]

Glad to see someone bring that up. Distortion is a huge factor in determining the quality of a lens, and it can severely impact how you feel after just a few minutes. My personal experience with the cheap knock-offs is that while they might be polarized and cost next to nothing, the distortion will likely leave you dizzy.

[@johntheconnor8721]

As someone who is notorious for losing sunnies. After losing 2x $300 oakleys i’m firmly in the $30 ish price range so it doesn’t hurt my pocket as hard.

[@gcntech]

You made at least two people very happy

[@iansingleton]

My issue with expensive glasses is, when you break them they cost a lot to replace! Helping a friend who came off his bike and knocked himself out I took my Oakleys off in a hurry placed them on the floor. Helping my friend to his feet I then proceeded to walk all over said Oakleys! 🤦🏼‍♂️ Ever since I've gone budget. I do own some very expensive Ekoi glasses but only wear them on special occasions!

[@JosephNieto-o8r]

It’s not the glasses fault that you stepped on them 😂

[@iansingleton]

@@JosephNieto-o8r I never said there was anything wrong with expensive glasses. Just replacing them is doubly expensive! I should've billed my mate for crashing! 😂😂

[@DetroitJohnny]

Breaking or losing them. I find the life span of sunglasses is inversely proportional to their cost. I've bought a ski helmet with a visor and would consider getting a bike helmet as well. Just one less thing to keep track of.

[@joangopin4022]

I wear prescription eyeglasses, and thought that they would protect my eyes from dust and pollen, but they don't. Do your high end glasses do a decent job with respect to keeping stuff out of your eyes?

[@iansingleton]

​@@joangopin4022if you've noticed over the last few years cycling glasses lenses have gotten bigger and bigger. I take it that has something to do with eye protection. Obviously a larger screen in front of the eye is much better than a smaller screen however I think nothing is 100% secure . I've had stuff fly up on the inside of the glasses. I don't think that kind of protection will have anything to do with price. Its just a fact. I guess it's trial and error. Try a few budget glasses and see how you get on with different shapes. A lot of people have posted that you can get pretty good quality glasses from Decathlon?

[@decky9995]

UV protection is inherent property of almost every transparent polymer used in glasses - not a coating or anything that glasses manufacturers need to do. This is especially true for polycarbonate. For that purpose - branded sunglasses are a waste of money.

[@DL-mv8ii]

100% this - a few years back on another forum, a guy who had the lab equipment to test it showed that is the case - UV protection is not a reason to avoid cheaper glasses.

[@macvos]

UV protection is important for polycarbonate lenses. However, it's not for protecting your eyes (because a base sheet of the material does that well enough), but for protecting the polycarbonate itself from yellowing and getting brittle by UV exposure.

[@swazi5]

I've been riding 'rockbros' for like 2 years. A dark and a clear with a transition lenses. They're really good for what they are.

[@meibing4912]

My current choice as I continue to look for a better pair. Not that happy about the Rockbros fit however.

[@Harley_Gauge]

@@meibing4912 totes agree with this. Love my rockbros but with the fit around my forehead, sweat builds easily and just smears the lenses.

[@WillEDC]

every rockbros I bought was a waste as they were too narrow for my fat asian size L helmet head.

[@lolxd7150]

@@meibing4912you should try kapvoe they are even better than my rockbros

[@masoodrehman118]

Yep, same. mine came with Miopic frames as well, so Had some prescription lenses put in and they've served me well for 2+ szns

[@richfox1255]

As an unabashed weirdo, I’ve been using basic 3M clear shop glasses for the last few thousand miles. 3M, so they’re well-designed with surprisingly good optics and protection. Cheap as heck (about $12 in single packs, but cheaper in multipacks). Replaceable at any hardware store. Secure. Works for me!

[@paulaus]

I used to buy the DeWalt Safety glasses but unfortunately need prescription now.

[@tychoMX]

I like 3M and Uvex safety glasses for night/winter riding.

[@WillEDC]

I have 3m for use when I Dremel and they are better than decathlon clear lens for sports

[@adosztal]

This. I bought Bollé safety sunglasses, they’re in the same price range as 3M, having the best price/value ratio.

[@richfox1255]

@@adosztal I was intrigued by the Bolle suggestion so I took a look at their safety line. Lots of cool stuff! Ordered two different styles and just starting to try them on rides. Good tip!

[@yoda112358]

I really wish you'd talk more about rx options in cycling eyewear. They're all expensive but it's super important for a lot of us who need that correction to ride safely.

[@izi941]

I found that the extra RX frames from X-Tiger (Temu/Alibaba/etc.) fit to Oakley Sutro ✌️ you’re welcome. Most of the big brands also offer (almost double the price) the lenses on some models to be custom made with corrections. Just ask your local bike shop about it 👍

[@WhiteMFingRabbit]

My issue with Oakleys and 100% is that the "premium" lenses have that transparent outer layer that starts to bubble up after about a year, putting loads of stress on the eyes and slowly making you go blind. I also have a 5 year old Fake POC pair, the lenses on which are crystal clear to this day somehow...

[@e995a1ad]

Yeah, either that, or the mirror layer will just peel off. It's a well known issue and the reason I'll never buy Oakleys again. Never seen this happen on cheaper brands.

[@kimcorell7786]

@@e995a1ad I find Oakleys have great designs but their lasting quality doesn't hold up.

[@MiddleAgedMike]

That happens because you likely aren’t rinsing the lens off so you salty sweat damages it. Doesn’t happen with cheap glasses because they don’t have the layers.

[@slava_trushkin]

No such problem with Rudys. Mine are 4 or 5 years old by now, paint on handles started to peel off, but lenses are perfect. I have most expensive model with prescription inserts.

[@WhiteMFingRabbit]

@MiddleAgedMike I've tried different routines, with my first Jaw Breakers I was washing with Fairy, After that got a pair of Radars and got an alcoshol based cleaning liquid from the same shop, Last EVzeros was just rinsing with water...used a microfiber cloth on all 3, cleaned after every ride as I can not stand dirty glassess on a ride,all 3 had the same bubbling issue within a year, wasted a lot of money on this brand now the pair of 100% have the same issue, they are selling a trendy look instead of a durable high quality sports accessory..

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

I have destroyed/had stolen/lost more pairs of 'high end' glasses than I care to remember. The most memorable was when the plastic frames on my Oakleys started to melt, and it turned out that the chemicals in sunscreen reacted and destroyed their 'Grilamid' supposedly super-strong uber-polymer. They never issued refunds nor replacements, either, and refused to admit the fault. That was the last pair of Oakleys I ever owned, or wanted to own. Sunglass claims are mostly w&nk.

[@edymarkonthego4096]

Cheaper is decent specially the polarized glass. I’ve been using it and works for me. I’m just a casual rider. It isn’t matter cheaper or expensive, as long as we enjoy the sports that we love.

[@DDai-qd8uk]

Until your cheap glasses shatter and splinter your eyes

[@thefakepremier]

@@DDai-qd8uk the odds of that are near zero. Oakley are shit these days. Maximum profit just like most big companies have gone over quality.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​@@thefakepremier Oakleys aren't worse than they used to be outside of the price.

[@tychoMX]

I hate cheap polarized lenses. They made sewer covers look like they were standing up - kind of like coins in Mario. And had weird blurs when things went from center to side view. Never again.

[@davidfoster4212]

Been years since I worked with sports stores but remember they loved the premium sunglass brands, as the mark-up at retail was 200 percent or higher. Ka-ching! Suspect the Oakley's are, at wholesale, $10 for the glasses and $100 for the logo. The retailer adds the remaining $220. And smiles. I generally find decent sunnies for $30 to $50 if I look hard enough.

[@StacyODell]

Big fan of Tifosi optics myself -- sort of a low-to-mid-range price tier (about $50-100 USD), but great tech like photochromic lenses and even multifocal and prescription lenses

[@Phillip-hq1bv]

Also, the Rx inserts can be switched between several styles of Tifosi frames/lens combinations. I have progressive Rx inserts that I can switch between mirrored, photochromatic, or clear lenses depending on riding conditions.

[@mobert8266]

For me this was really easy. I found a nice pair on decathlon for 30 or 35 Euros. It already had adjustable parts like the temples or the nose piece. really enjoy riding with them!

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

If you look at quite a few major brands, you will find that their top-end industrial safety glasses are now often almost indistinguishable from their sports glasses (Bollé, Uvex, Smith . . . others). They even have decent photochromic ones, that are typically ¼ to ⅓ the price of their fashion accessory, sorry, 'sports oriented' models. So, for more shades for your £$¥, shop around for non-sports glasses. I have 3 various pairs of Uvex glasses, none of which you'd find in a w&nk bazaar in the High St, but which work fine, have good optics, and look the part.

[@Deepthought-42]

👍🤣I was about to say the same. I use welding glasses including clear ones for bad weather and night cycling.

[@arnoldmonk6381]

Screwfix have Bolle safety glasses which are high quality, various tints, CE marked so safe and around £15., look cool. Cycling off road in Winter a pair of these is less to worry about scratching when you wipe the mud off. The last pair even had the soft fabric case with them. But hey, if you want to drop £300 on a fashion accessories….

[@Deepthought-42]

@@arnoldmonk6381 Yep Screwfix is my go to supplier for cycling glass. I don’t have to worry if they are dropped or lost.

[@obriaind]

I had a pair of Oakleys for a few years, but kinda went off them, and sold them on eBay. I’ve worn Goodr and Tifosi shades for years since; you get consistent brand-name quality for gas-station-shades prices.

[@fennec13]

I have a set of Tifosi glasses - they dim in bright light and have UV great protection, and work very well at night - to protect my eyes from dirt and stuff. Like $75 I think I paid. Very reasonable. IMO would recommend.

[@JustJosh07]

The happy medium is where Decathlo, and Van Rysel fits in

[@seansmith6455]

I agree with those who say non-polarized is the way to go for road cycling. Oakley knew what they were doing when they intentionally made Prizm Road non-polarized, high light transmissive, and even the choice of a rose base lens color. As soon as you start riding on a shade covered road or one that has wet areas or pavement imperfections and potholes, the Prizm Road lens is just way better. Polarized lenses in those conditions will distort or hide those imperfections, and you're more likely to ride straight into them. I have a set of both the Prizm Road lenses and Prizm Ruby Polarized for my Jawbreakers, and the Prizm Road lens gets 95% of the use. I only choose the Prizm Ruby Polarized if riding in bright, summer sun, dry conditions, with no shade. Everywhere else, I prefer the Prizm Road.

[@XR4turbo]

Polarized is not necessarily desirable for cycling - it makes water reflections almost invisible...which makes the water invisible too. I've got a pair of Tifosi rails with photochromic lenses that fit great and were only $70. Not SUPER cheap, but great value compared to Oakley or Smith.

[@gcvrsa]

I wear 3M safety googles/glasses when I ride, tinted during the day, clear at night. They cost about $20 via Amazon.

[@heksogen4788]

Polarization can be dangerous for cycling, it's good for water sports, not for cycling. What you want are photochromic lenses which darken in sunlight and enable you to see more when going against the strong sun on horizon.

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

Yep. That's what I was always told.

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

I disagree, however, on the photochromic lenses. If riding in an area of bright sunlight and then all of a sudden you go into a dark shades area (especially around a turn), the lenses don't transition quickly enough to see clearly and they can be too dark

[@heksogen4788]

@@ChristopherSterwerf It depends on photochromic lens quality. The one from aliexpress will need a minute or two, the western quality brands should take 15-30 seconds. But yes, entering thick forest from a sunny downhill ride and you don't see that well for these dozens of seconds. But that's the best tech we got now, typical sunglasses would be even worse as they would be too dark all the time.

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

@@heksogen4788 sometimes seconds count though. I'm with you though. You can be safe with them as long as you know to be careful

[@robinseibel7540]

I've been riding with polarized prescription cycling lenses for 20 years and have had zero issues as a result. I call BS on the "not good for cycling" bit.

[@jasondeanwilleford8597]

Loved the headbangers test

[@gcntech]

Science is our motivation 🧑‍🔬

[@aliensporebomb]

@@gcntech I foresee future "headbanging tests" but for silly things like going around a corner at 10 mph.

[@anybody1955]

Asked my optometrist this question years ago as I very much liked a Timex Ironman Sunglasses model ($15) . His answer, “as long as UVA and UVB protected, any are fine. At 70 still have my eyes, so….

[@emmabird9745]

Ollie, cycling glasses are for protection. I've had bugs in the eyes (disaster) and had my lenses struck by out hanging branches (good save). Thats why we should wear them, more important than a helmet. Then there is the wind. If you glasses are not full wrap then wind eddies off the edges loop round the end and make your eyes cold and waterry. I tried a deep pair (down to the mouth) one winter hoping to protect more face from the cold and the eddies from the lower edge made the reverse true. Real cold and not used again. Second priority is UV (A and B). If you hanen't been told you have cataracts by the optiton yet, perhaps you're not old enough. UV is the main factor in that so that is second priority (if you're planning a long life that is). Incidentally that advice they give to clean your glasses with warm soappy water is to preserve the UV filter coating. Then light conditions vary from dull, even dark (remeber those branches) to full sun so a variety of glasses is to be advised, picking the pair for the conditions, and you might need to carry the clear ones for later full a full day out. I have clear "safety glasses" with full UV filter which at about £4 are good enough. Then a set of chromatics from Lidl at about £4 (I haven't had the call up for the pro team yet!) are pretty good for those aroumd dusk dull lighting works well. A set of full tint (£10 to £20) does the full bright. Ollies choices to cover all tjose conditons look more like £700 to £800. A new bike or one of those Alpine hols? Worrying about fashion means more money than sense. Its getting out on the bike that really matters.

[@Lentsku]

For glasses wearers the best value is to find cheap sunglasses that go over your existing glasses and still stay firmly in place

[@gpersonaltrainer]

Bought a pair of Rudy Project Rydon in 2003, before they were even considered cool. I've replaced lenses and all the other parts (a few times) and they still look better than some Oakley models.

[@flatowner4963]

Instead of comparing with absolutely bottom of the range ... try comparing with Rockbros. Ony then it will make sense to compare.

[@OLICIT]

Rockbros basically is the cheapest you can buy

[@Bikey_McBeardface]

Yeah, but for the show more than tell format and educational purposes, this is the right thing to do. I have some X-Tiger and Rockbros, and they are great, but compared to my 100%'s in hand and in use they are not as good, they do feel cheaper, the lenses do flex more, are not quite as clear and more distorted in the peripheral. But the difference is too small to show and demonstrate without handing them to someone, but it is there. By showing the best and the worst, it better highlights the pros and cons and shows people who can't afford/justify making the comparison or new cyclists (who have no idea what real cycling glasses should feel like in the first place), what not to buy.

[@adalatheriumhui]

Recently moved from Oakley to Sungods for my cycling glasses. The Sungods offer a pretty no hassle warranty unlike the Luxotica brands and the quality seems to be pretty similar.

[@donball370]

Being blind as a bat, prescription lenses are essential. Have found that frame choice is limited as not all "curved" frame shapes can match prescription (+5 with astigmatism .... did say blind as a bat). Well worth the expense though, especially after a weekend of cycling of more miles and smiles 😁

[@stefanocalio9]

May I ask you which brand/model you went with? I started looking into prescription sunglasses for cycling recently and there seem to be fairly limited options, even among the pricey brands...

[@donball370]

@@stefanocalio9 I went with Rudy Project Rydon frames. Optician used Japanese lens maker to match prescription. Wasn't cheap. I have been wearing them since January 2020 and great to have a frame & photochromatic transition lens that works well for cycling

[@donball370]

@@stefanocalio9 I chose Rudy Project's Rydon frames. Optician had photochromatic lenses made in Japan. (took 3 attempts to get prescription correct). All good and been using them since Jan'2020. Great to have glasses that suit cycling

[@tz1]

Try contacts

[@donball370]

@@tz1 done that a long time ago. Wind protection and safety better with glasses

[@seanhannagans]

Bought a pair of POCs for £80 reduced from £240 because they were an unpopular colour. Definitely way more than 2.5 times better than the £35 odd ones I've previously bought. Not sure if I'd feel the same at £240, but best I've owned by miles. And that unpopular colour accidentally matched my bike frame. Thrilled.

[@JetsetJive7]

I own more than 10 pairs of Oatleys. The problem i have is the lens coating flakes off and the whole lens is destroyed after a few years. Oakley lenses are definitely thicker and safer. But the best values are the mid price safety glasses from the likes of 3M or Uvex. They still cost less than$50 per pair.

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Oatleys . . . can you eat them as emergency rations if you get stranded by a snow or sandstorm?

[@MiddleAgedMike]

If you wash the Oakley’s off regularly after sweaty rides it doesn’t happen. It’s like rinsing your bike off so it doesn’t rust after you sweat all over it.

[@glennmcfarlane5513]

Don't wipe Oakley, or any other glasses, while on the road either. Sweat is gritty with salt and will scratch the lens and eventually damage the coating. Just rinse them with water and allow to air dry while on a ride.

[@meibing4912]

This also happened to me - but in fainess the Oakley glasses where somewhat old. Uvex are great if you get the military grade ones.

[@jareou]

​@MiddleAgedMike yes it does happen. That'swhy I stoppedbuying them after 2 pair.

[@hrukin]

You should check them for disortion. First you take a lazer pen and put the beam dot on a white wall, then take high quality glasses in front of the lazer beam and see how the dot moves while you move the glasses around. The less movement the better. Then do the same with cheapo glasses and the dot will probably move all over the wall. The eyes have to compensate for this movement and its not good for you. I wear protective glasses in my job and I notice a big difference after 12 hours with my Oakley clear lenses vs cheapo protectiv glasses.

[@buster.keaton]

Agreed. I hate the price of Oakley's, but the optical clarity is proven and noticeable compared to some cheaper brands.

[@buster.keaton]

Epic head-shake test begins at 6:48 🤣

[@neilmdon]

The flip up thing is related to baseball - outfielders often wear flip up glasses, keeping them up when they are looking in toward the plate, but flip them down if a fly ball gets near the sun to help them see. However, I would be stunned if anybody over about 10y old who was serious enough to have flip up lenses would get those glasses.

[@ridegarden]

I used cheap sunglasses for cycling for many years until my prescription made me get expensive ones. Boy they were expensive, but worth it! Eye opening in fact. They also tend to have superior ventilation for those of us who sweat a lot.

[@stefanocalio9]

May I ask you which brand/model you went with? I started looking into prescription sunglasses for cycling recently and there seem to be fairly limited options, even among the pricey brands...

[@ridegarden]

@@stefanocalio9 Oakley Bisphaera. They were the only suitable option (brand or model) my ophthalmologist had. I didn’t have a choice of model.

[@stefanocalio9]

@@ridegarden thanks a lot, I'll have a look at them!

[@adamweb]

Not even 1 minute in and I'm cracking up at Ollie pronouncing the generic brand names! 😂 You should host a "dirt cheap cycling gear showdown" with Seth from Berm Peak!

[@OperationDarkside]

Usually, if you go just a tad more expensive, than the cheapest option, you get great value.

[@Hendiirk]

I was a sceptic of high prices for sunglasses for a long time, but since I bought my first Jawbreakers I don't want to go back ever. Granted, it truly doesn't have to be Oakley, but the ones I have are just perfect for me. I usually hate wearing sunnies, but with these I just forget that I'm wearing them after a while, which never has been the case with cheaper models (even those for 50 bucks). It's the same with everything you buy: It doesn't need to be expensive, but often it is worth paying a bit more, because it increases your joy in cycling - and yes since it's also a fashion accessoire, imo feeling good, because you look nice with your glasses is also part of that.

[@Seppster58]

Great video Ollie. Made me remember I had a prescription pair of Oakley's in the back of my "GCN drawer" . Took them out and rotating in front of my computer as I watch your video. LOL. Anyways, great content.

[@slava_trushkin]

There is no choice if you need prescription though: only expensive ones and even then not every brand can do prescription. By "prescription" I don't mean cheap second pair of glasses hidden under main ones, resulting in 2 layers, I mean proper ones where prescription lenses are built in main glasses, so just one layer. Bought mine few years ago, awesome glasses. Best glasses ever. Very high quality, very comfortable and protect against wind. I use them for pretty much everything outdoors: ciclings, skiing, even fishing. Though not Oakley's. At time of purchase I did look at them, was told they don't do prescription. I have Rudy Project Tralyx. What Rudy Project did for prescription is they cut out part of glasses, put prescription inserts in that place made from similar material. At time of purchase I think it was 250 euro for glasses, 350 for prescription... or something like that. Around 600 total.

[@masoodrehman118]

$600?! I will stick with my rockbros with the second Myopic prescription lenses for $60.00

[@slava_trushkin]

@@masoodrehman118 Yes, its Estonia, so everything is expensive. Probably would have been cheaper to fly to Germany, order there with delivery to Estonia and fly back.

[@mikesmith2864]

The most durable sunglasses I've ever had are a pair of Rudy Project Rydons that I found after a bike race in 2004. Admittedly they've had two frames and five lenses, so they do call to mind my grandfather's axe or Theseus's ship.

[@mgittler]

You missed out the most important part, the safety of the glasses, which you just skipped over for the cheap ones. They should meet US standards in order to be sold in the US. Do they? It should be on the box! You can also call up the importers and ask if they’ve had them tested in the US. Also, as many people have mentioned, there’s a world of excellent mid-range. Bolle makes a range of safety glasses for construction & manufacturing workers. The lenses are designed to protect the eyes in case of impact so they’re quite strong and of course they’re UV proof. These are professional glasses, just without the same fashion sense. Ok they’re nowhere near as cool as the Oakleys but for $25 for a clear pair and $55 for a polarized sunglasses you can be 100% sure that they’ll protect you if a rock flies up & hits you in the eye. Great value. Bolle also makes cool cycling glasses for $200 or so, but these others are quite good enough for me. And the flip-up feature might be handy if you cycle through a lot of tunnels or forests.

[@meme-d2h1g]

I paid about $400 CAD for my Oakleys 15+ years ago and still wear them on every ride. Can't say I regret that purchase, and still have the second lens they came with new in the box.

[@Andreas-from-Bremen]

I've got a pair of Uvex glasses. Uvex is pretty big in professional protection glasses. They sell sunglasses for 20€ that do the job. I paid 120€ for mine and they don't look too bad and they are comfortable to wear.

[@LarsKerch]

I recently splurged on some Rudy Project glasses which were crazy expensive. After riding a few hundred miles I have to say that the clarity is so much better than my mid-priced glasses that these are worth the added cost. Add-in the exceptionally fast photochromatic LTV change and the contrast enhancing colors and I would buy these again in an instant if needed, and pay extra for fast shipping. My old $100 USD glasses were good, my new ones are vastly better.

[@aveedub7403]

I only ever bought one pair of Oakleys, back in the late 1990's, iridium mirrored lenses, I loved them but then the flimsy frame cracked/broke at lens edge, glued them but never the same and was reluctant to buy Oakleys ever again. I still have them! Then had Rudy Projects for a while but spare rubber nose pads impossible to source, now in spares drawer. Then Tifosi etc etc. Lately i have bought (for around £20.00 a pair) off Aliexpress Kapvoe and Rockbros makes; absolutely brilliant and wouldn't buy expensive branded ever again! Also have a pair of Siroko reactive specs which are also ace! The Aliexpress ones come with hard case/lens cleaner/bag / multiple lenses if you chose that option, and prescription blank inserts if you wear speccers but I'm not sure if these are practical or not.😁😁😁

[@Deedeedee137]

Hi Ollie. I'm a physicist and polarized lenses don't eliminate light of specific frequencies or light coming from certain angles. They eliminate light with a given polarization direction, which has to do with how the light wave propagates through space but is a different property than frequency or direction. This is why you can take two polarized lenses and put them in front of each other, rotate them so they're perpendicular, and then no light will get through. Bonus fun fact you can actually use polarized sunglasses to see quantum mechanics in action. If you put 3 lenses in a sequence and the two on the ends are rotated 90° to each other and the one in the middle is 45° off from both the ones at the end, *more* light will get through than if you only had the two on the ends. It's a bit complicated for a KZbin comment but this is actually down to the quantum nature of light!

[@Adonis-qj1nq]

From a safety perspective the high end glasses usually have shatter proof lenses, the cheap ones almost certainly do not.

[@Raven__70]

I would agree with this, I remember reading a few years back about some chap who got some Fakely Radars & they shattered when he crashed, luckily they didn't damage his eyes but they could have! not worth the risk IMO

[@DL-mv8ii]

@@Raven__70 It's not the lenses, it's the arms - the lenses on cheap glasses like this are near enough all fine in a crash - they'll bend. The example and issue you mention is that some cheap ones have hard/brittle plastic arms that shatter with sharp edges. That is definitely worth looking out for but it very much varies by brand.

[@robinseibel7540]

Polarization has nothing to do with a particular frequency. It only tells you the direction in which light is polarized or in the case of circularly polarized light, the direction in which the polarization rotates. Yes, you can also add a bandpass filter to a polarizing filter to polarize a particular frequency of light.

[@asengineer4594]

Other important aspects: - vents preventing glass fogging - coating preventing moisture condensation and finger traces. I have glasses for all weather conditions I ride in. Cat.4 for summer road rides and autumn aftermoons Cat. 3 for general summer rides Photosensitive for changing conditions. Transparent for night rides. I tried miltple brands: Oakley, Uvex, Shimano, Ekoi, BBB and other. Not all are made equal even if they weren't cheap. Some are virtually impossible to clean during the ride. Shimano worked best for me both on road and trail. I like Oakleys as well.

[@felixfelucci6955]

Nice comparison! Surely a usd 200dol + will have some advantages compared to usd 12dol. Personally, I prefer not to be worried about expensive sunglasses when I ride. My bike and computer are already enough to worry about! The sweet spot I found are sunglasses from KAPVOE, not expensive yet they don't feel cheap, and they proved to be quite reliable for the past 3 years.

[@S9999Frank]

Have also had good experience with KAPVOE from aliexpress, as far as I remember they come in at 15-20 euros delivered to my mailbox. They are photochromic, and actually work as such, meaning that I can keep them on when riding into a tunnel, which is essential for safety when riding in Norway. I have a tendency to destroy my sunglasses one way or another, so not worth paying for premium ones. Have noticed zero distortion as some were talking about, but I dont have any lazer to test it with.

[@cptjeff1]

The $200 glasses are a lot better at lightening wallets. And that's pretty much it. Expensive sunglasses are mostly a scam.

[@michaelw7438]

I’ve used VeloChampion sunnies for several years, great value, seem good quality, hard case, spare lenses. I have also bought Oakley but the lenses have delaminated, not good.

[@WillEDC]

my day time go to is Van Rysel no longer sold photochromatic ones. the tint is a bit pink and it's see through. I've found that clarity is my favourite. it's clear enough that I have ran it in the night in an emergency. I have some black lenses Oakley ones and while great to block sun they are not so great in shade so I think black lens is more for beach or snow use. my night time most used lens is Xiaomi blue blocker eye saver style eyeglasses! they are essentially slightly tinted yellow clear glasses meant to tint everything warmer to block the blue spectrum of electronic screens. Regardless, they are stylish, girls like the non sporty ray ban classic shape and they are very lightweight and move important they are the clearest. I wish I didn't have to wear glasses at night but there are just bugs and when you get one in your eye then it's over. I do have a pair clear photochromic alba optic which I may wear if say I was doing an early afternoon that ran into the night. but anyway, these blue blocker glasses give me the best clarity. better than any clear lens sports brand of any price

[@matthewbaynham6286]

I've always bought Oakley sunglasses because they are simply the best. And that also includes prescription glasses, although I need to complain that some Oakley sunglasses models don't come in a prescription version, which is not good when you want to look cool and that particular model is only available for 20-20 people.

[@neildmoss]

“Outlet” sales from the big brands. That is all. I got some scicon glasses, for a third of the regular price, complete with case, cloth, cleaning spray etc. and still with a lifetime replacement warranty.

[@logankfritz]

As with almost all things, mid-range is the best of both worlds! I've had a $30 pair of X-Loop sunglasses for 3 years, and they've held up quite well. Only complaint is that they don't have any air flow channels, so my next mid-range pair will have those!

[@cb6866]

Thanks Dr. O , and crew . I worked at Polaroid , and have been an Oakley guy forever . The quality is worth it , to me . I currently have a pair of prescription ones I use to ride and they are the safest , and work the best for me . ANSI is the American standards institute , a safety testing business

[@martinwood5544]

Quick thing on polarised lenses as someone who use to work at Oakley! A lot of road and sport specific sunglasses aren’t polarised and that’s a good thing. Almost all of Oakleys specific lenses for cycling, MTB, Golf aren’t. The Oakley Prism road lenses specifically aren’t polarised as it can mess with depth perception and colours which isn’t good obvs. Having a polarised lens isn’t always the best and in a lot of cases is actually not really ideal. Just another reason why you should get Oakley’s prism lenses tbh.

[@aquicktake]

wouldn't want to crash with a cheap pair on and have the lens crack off a shard and have it loge in my cheek or worse, my eye. Good lenses won't fracture or splinter.

[@nicholasswithenbank8645]

A little bit petrol station 🤣🤣🤣

[@gcntech]

🛢

[@davidpurcell-chung8568]

Love my Oakley Radar & Jawbreaker. As Ollie pointed out: frame quality, sturdiness, and how they sit on the face; lens clarity (vs. distortion). Also I find the arm ends/tips of inexpensive glasses often contact & scratch the lens when the arms are folded in.

[@davidadamus177]

Never saw that polarized lens test before, I can always count on Ollie for nerdy facts LOL.

[@better.better]

I have some snow goggles that I use for deep winter cycling that are both polarized AND chromatic. I wish there was more range to the chromatic shift in both directions, more transparent at night, darker in the Sun, but the polarization is great... instead of polarizing to black, the polarization tint is in magenta, and anything with a reflective surface facing the sky (±45° off axis from horizontal to your eyes) stands out like a beacon! this makes car roofs and part of the windscreen stand out particularly well against the background.

[@garyputtock4159]

Years ago I was told by an Oakley rep that a large part of the markup on Oakleys was the cost of marketing.

[@kuri8015]

The UV protection is super important. I think you should have planned a way to show each pair of glasses ability to cut UV.

[@Alex-to8es]

Polycarbonate, what all sun glasses lens are made of is UV resistant as a property of the material. Assuming they are made of the cheapest plastic you can make them out of, they are fine. The misconception comes from the fact that glass isn't UV resistant without a coating, Sun Glasses however aren't made of glass.

[@kuri8015]

@@Alex-to8es That's all well and good, but GCN should not rely on us knowing that and should show how effective the UV cut is. Francis Cade was able to do that in one of his videos a while back when testing cheap sunglasses.

[@Alex-to8es]

@@kuri8015 Yes, and if you didn't notice throughout this video it was just an ad for an over priced pair of sun glasses, if you want to do a comparison get the £10, get the £30-50, then get the £300 ones, reality is the £300 cost £15 to make in the first place and could be sold for £30-50.

[@WarHammerWH]

@@kuri8015yes I saw that video, and didn’t they show that some glasses didn’t block UV as well (or at all I don’t recall).

[@mstieber79]

Agree, dropping in a bit of science would have been helpful,

[@Hoolio1967]

I LOVE the zero distraction concept. I ride by that as well. 👍

[@user-nu5fx6en9h]

Expensive for sure!! Vision is very important when cycling or driving 🔥

[@kimcorell7786]

I have used Rudy Project for many years, they seem to last a very long time as opposed to my casual Oakleys that generally only last about two years, no matter how careful I am with them. I mostly only choose models when they are on sale. I refuse to pay retail, no glasses are worth that much!

[@buster.keaton]

I somewhat agree. There are brands cheaper than Oakley's that are still very good, but protecting my eyesight is worth paying a little more for.

[@raylovinggood9398]

After my cataract surgery a couple of years ago, my distance vision is superb, but I still need reading glasses. But no more $500+ prescription sunglasses. I look for the $30 glasses and then buy the “stick on” readers for about $20 and cut them to size, wet them, place them on the sunglasses, slide them around a little, then squeeze the water out and voila! Regarding polarization: just check to see if you can read the LCD screen of your gps with polarized lenses. Some LCD screens may be black!

[@Wiebe_B]

There are some really good cheap sunglasses if you look for them. You get multiple glasses with them and all the accessories you need. And you have 300€ more to spend on your bike parts. Definitely going for the cheaper ones, so I don't have to be afraid of damaging my glasses or losing them. Really happy with the Kapvoe glasses I have.

[@kekqq]

Scvn and rockbros, are great!

[@kramrenrut950]

Oakley’s old advert back in the day was the lens was tested with a shot gun for lens strength, the most important thing is in the event of a crash you don’t want a lens shattering into your eyes that’s the really big take, not the look of them

[@eloann]

I've gone with prescription Oakleys - expensive but worth it to me (health insurance also contributed). I have mixed feelings about polarized glasses: it does work well and also allows to see drivers much better through windshields. But it made me feel slightly disconnected as if I was playing a very realistic video game.

[@motostarmx1777]

for those that are not aware..Rudy Project will replace any scratched up lens for like 25.00..great deal and your glasses are basically brand new again...lots of lens choices available as well..

[@tonyBobb5209]

True fact: I believe in quality over quantity, yet you can certainly get a quality product from an unknown brand. However I'll always go Oakley, the reasons for this is as a former serving Royal Marine Commando we were issued these while serving overseas and when an IED went off, these glasses stopped shrapnel from entering your eyes. Highly recommend Oakley!

[@Giorgi-p4e]

It never happened to me that someone threw a grenade at me while cycling, so I'm fine with 40€ decathlon glasses

[@tonyBobb5209]

@@Giorgi-p4e I knew a smart arse would make this kind of comment. I was simply highlighting the durability Oakley lenses have over other brands to showcase the worthy investment.

[@rob-c.]

@@Giorgi-p4e You know when a car flings a stone up and chips your car windscreen…

[@tonyBobb5209]

@rob-c. great point made.

[@viet0ne]

Sure, but a cheap pair of shop glasses from Home Depot would do the same and have equal UV protection. They would also be certified and rated to defend against debris unlike Oakley's

[@ramsden35]

What worries me about this video is how GCN purposely belittle the cheaper brand with Ollie’s delivery. Owning multiple Van Rysel and even Temu sunglasses, there is zero difference between those and ridiculously priced Oakley’s. And numerous times do other cyclists ask “where did I get my shades”

[@bikecommuter24]

Since I work as a driver and in an industrial setting I get my sunglasses issued to me they are safety glasses, it's part of my personal protection equipment. I even got a pair with a carbon fiber looking frame and I wear those for my bike rides. You should have partnered with Si he seems to man to go to for sunnies.😎

[@louisrafaelcom]

UV protection can be checked by your local optician. They'll usually do so for free, and I haven't had any of my 10 or so Aliexpress pairs over the years show up as not UV protected. UV400 normally, but UV380 was measured on a pair of photochromic glasses I got under the name NRC. These days I mostly ride with Rockbros glasses, which have held up to some serious abuse over 5000km this summer.

[@traaaaan]

I got prescription eyeglasses from Oakley with transition lenses. I use them for everything. From in front of my computer to gravel biking and while hiking. I needed new glasses and decided to splurge. Always been a Maui Jim sunglasses person but figured I'd just get 1 pair of glasses for everything and not carry around two pairs or be that guy who wears his sunglasses at night.

[@roymendez6615]

As a older person with eye problems, UV protection is 1# on my list, followed fit.

[@Anybloke]

Must've been over 15 years ago I bought a pair from Ozzo / Imp. They came with dark and clear interchangeable lenses. Seem to remember they cost under £15 and I've still got them. They're not polarised but they don't come off in a heavy rock head shake either. Look good too.

[@JordyJayHomer]

I stopped buying expensive riding glasses a long time ago, because I lost and busted a few. I now buy decent-looking safety glasses from big hardware shops. I buy clear ones for about 4 bucks each

[@tammer1969]

Just for info, a massive company called Luxottica owns Oakley and many other premium and non-premium sunglasses brands. It is possible to get decent sunglasses from that company that are decent but not $300.

[@martinashwell]

Over thirty years ago I bought a pair of Oakley Mumbos for about £130. After about ten years one of the arms broke. Oakley did a warranty exchange on the frame for £12 (I think) to replace it with a M-frame pro in a colour of my choice. Shortly after I bought an iridium lens for them in a sale from a well known bike shop for £38. I think what it shows is that there’s a massive profit margin for Oakley, and others, for their products BUT their customer service was excellent and I’m still riding with them. They’re also comfortable and do their job very well. So you pay your money and take your choice - I’m sticking with my Oakley’s

[@bababaanarama]

If you pay its not warranty, its customer service fee.

[@martinashwell]

@@bababaanarama thank you for your very insightful reply, I’ll go away and flog myself for being such an idiot

[@danielt91]

Hilarious to see how Ollie just found out his overpriced Oakleys aren't even polarized 😂

[@stephenturkLA]

That's because those Oakleys have the cycling-specific Prizm Road lens, and polarization is not generally recommended for cycling sunglasses. Oakley has plenty of polarized lens options, just not in their cycling sunglasses.

[@izi941]

Why would you want polarised glasses when cycling? Especially on the road..

[@danielt91]

@@izi941 Because sun (and the UV light damaging your pupil) doesn't really care if you are cycling, walking, running or laying on your back ☺️🙂

[@b9eda9ad]

@@izi941 To remove sun reflections from the road and windows of cars. For several years was clycing to work in fishing polarised ones. For fishing they use them for a different reason (to see the fish and remove reflections from water) but the end result is the same. If you do not care about the looks just pick polarised, UV protected and sticking well to the head and does not matter if they are made for cycling or not. It is a bit more difficult with UV to test, if you have UV LED 295nm (UVB) and salicylic acid you can rub it on something or skin and see it light up in 295nm light and check if the lens blocks it. Not sure how to check UVA...

[@TalkToMeGooose]

This video comes at a very nice timing as my current 100% shades has been warped to it’s existence. I shall now explore cheaper polarized shades.

[@MiataBRG]

I use Site glasses designed for construction workers. They meet all the relevant EU standards, look good and cost £3 from B&Q, and have different grades of shading. They are perfect. I used to have some Oakley blades. I think Site are better.

[@Wawet76]

You should try to have access to UV test equipment. Some opticians have them available to test your sunglasses. If your Oakleys are many years old, they may look in good shape but the UV protection can have degraded.

[@KidFury27]

I rock the Blenders Future Ruler and love them. $55. Good deal.

[@newttella1043]

After accidentally crushing my Smith Optics riding glasses, I just can't stomach buying top end glasses anymore. Tifosi glasses from REI is perfect for me.

[@ico8181]

For me personally one major aspect apart from a non-distracting fit is low distortion - clearly a safety issue, especially when going fast.

[@AnthraXXmS]

I use Van Rysel 50€ frameless sunglasses (don't exactly remember the name) and I am 100% confident they provide the same UV protection/vision clarity as 200€+ Oakleys. They also look better IMO.

[@ody5199]

I’ll always go for photochromic specs. It’s very useful

[@FredrikGranlundkayaker]

I stopped buying expensive sunglasses many years ago since I often broke or lost them. Now I use sunglasses that cost about €30-€40 so I won't cry when that happens.

[@stinkybeam]

I once bought a 20 USD cycling sunglass, and I own a 200 USD Jawbreaker too, the biggest different is the lens clarity, the cheap sunglass looks very clear, but once I wear it, I can notice there is a slightly cloudy lens in front of me. but Jawbreaker no such problem at all.

[@alexandermostowfi9884]

Testing uv is hard at home. One test I saw which I tried and worked as to place photochromic glasses (if you have a pair ie the light sensitive ones ) BEHIND. If the test glasses on top prevent the photochromic pair activating they are blocking UV. Works as photochromic glasses are UV activated which is why they don’t go dark inside despite bright lights as no UV.

[@Servicevelo]

Rule in this house, Oakleys on the bike, Ray Bans off the bike. Never ever fake. I have four sets of jaw breakers and love them all. Last year I was wearing a pair with prism lenses whilst cutting g some stone. The disc shattered. One piece stuck in my cheek the other, the lense caught it. A piece of cutting disc lodged in the lens. For me the lens saved my right eye.