Oakley sunglasses - paralyzed by options

[Tokie]

I like to step out into the sun and compare the light that leaks in over the top, bottom and sides of the lenses. And if you like, take pics of yourself with a digital camera and post them here - we can give you feedback (if you narrow it down to comfortable and functional ones, but don't know about "the look" in them.) I second Ilima's info about the tint of the photosensitive ones - it's not the full range of very dark to very clear. I think I look weird in my Rudys, but they fit and I have my Rx in them. Tokie

[buddha_bellies]

I also like the Rudy Project lens. Their photochromatic is clear and go as dark as 18%. The lens says 18-78% but I find it so clear I don't know why it says 78%. I can definately bike at night with it. They also have a polarized one that is quite good. I find the Oakley M frame to be good but it doesn't have photochromatic lens, which is too bad. Try out a Rudy. You might like it better then Oakley.

[ehirsch83]

I have a pair of the Flaks and I love them! I used to have a pair of Specialied glasses that were very similar in size to the Radars, and I like the smaller size of the Flaks. I do not feel I lost anything by going to a smaller frame.

[alpha_omega]

I use the Flak Jackets as my daily glasses and I must say I truly love them. They are the most comfortable and lightest pair of sunglasses I've ever owned. The first pair I can honestly say when I put them on I honestly forget they're there.

With that said, I still use the Radar Path for cycling. I like the coverage of the lenses against road debris, and I feel like they fit my face well. Part of my reason also stems from the fact that I would be upset if I ever lost or damaged my flak jackets. The radars definitely don't look the best on my face, but hey I'm running around in spandex and bright colors, so I'm way over worrying about what others think about me. I never carry extra lenses with me. For bright days, I use the standard grey lens for really bright days, the G30 lens for overcast to bright days. I have really grown to love the G30, it's a great all around lens especially for cloudy days.

The whole "hydrophobic" coating issue appears to be mostly marketing to me. My glasses still pick up plenty of dirt, dust, and when the inside hit my eyelashes eventually they need to be cleaned of grease. So if that's one reason steering you toward the Radar vs. something like the M frame hybrid, save your money with the M frame if it fits you better.

One more suggestion, have your helmet with you when you try on your glasses. Some of the glasses have longer ear stems which can hit the back of your helmet and keep you from getting a solid fit.

In the end it boils down to personal preference and only you will be able to decide. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[tulip]

The most important things to get are UVA/UVB protection and polycarbonate lenses (or non-breakable). I assume you don't need prescription sunglasses, right? For those people who need prescription sunglasses (like me), I would recommend NOT going to your LBS for that but to an optometrist who knows sports glasses. Most to.

I love my Rx Tfosi sunglasses, but I got them through a bike shop and I really should have gone to the optometrist.

[7rider]

Thanks, all.
Since I have the gift certificate with my LBS, I'd get the glasses there. They carry Oakley and Tifosi (and one other I don't recall), but not Rudy Projects. I don't need a prescription (yet?!?), so that's not an issue. Good idea, Alpha_Omega, on bringing along my helmet. DH and I talked about that, but didn't really plan on looking at glasses. We were at a mall (a rare event in itself) where there is a Sunglass Hut and an Oakley store, so we thought we'd browse. I'm wavering b/t the M-Frame hybrids and the Flaks.

[malkin]

Take your helmet with you when you try them on!