When doing outdoor activities-whether running, trail, cycling, triathlon or “whatever you want”-we often overlook a very important element for our health and safety: sunglasses.
In order to choose the right one for you, the best way is to understand what it looks like and how it works. Only in this way will you be able to decide and buy the one best suited for you.
Sunglasses are composed, basically, of two elements: frames and lenses. It sounds simple but, in fact, there is so much technology behind it.
There is, in addition, one more element to consider: form. But let’s go in order.
The Mounting
And already here we find one of the main differences from traditional glasses: the material. In fact, while we are commonly used to seeing acetate, wooden or metal frames, sports glasses are made mainly of nylon.
This choice is due to the fact that–for safety reasons–the frame in case of impact must be able to withstand and, most importantly, not break into pieces that could become dangerous and injure the face.
However, if you’re looking for a sustainable material, there’s the Rilsan alternative-a sustainable polymer that combines durability, light weight, flexibility and impact resistance-with which the Rudy Project Deltabeat frames are constructed.
In addition, an important aspect concerning the frame is its ability to resist sweat and maintain a firm grip at all times. For this reason, and to keep the glasses in a proper and comfortable position at all times, it is important that the end pieces and nosepiece are adjustable.
The last point to pay attention to is the possibility of changing lenses-this will allow you to choose the best filter for the current lighting conditions. As well as in cases of breakage, of course.
The Lenses
As you surely know, there are many types of lenses; you can choose them according to your taste and needs but what matters most of all is that they are of high quality. In fact, they must give you total security in protecting you from UV rays, against external agents such as dust and small debris, and last but not least, put you in a position to have great visual quality.
A somewhat broader discussion needs to be made in case you need corrective lenses, but for that I refer you to a specific in-depth discussion that we have already published.
You can choose the lens color you prefer, remembering, however, that tinted lenses tend to give greater depth of field on only certain colors; useful if you trail, for example. Or opt for mirror lenses that are very “pro”. They are, in both cases, generally made of polycarbonate and-again-designed with an eye toward safety in the event of an accident.
One particular emphasis I would like to put on photochromic lenses, which vary, as the name implies, in tint (and thus filtering) according to the light conditions of the moment. Which means that if you go out at sunset with the sun in your face, your glasses will be dark and then, after sunset, they will be transparent.
An additional feature of Rudy Project’s ImpactX photochromic lenses relates to safety, thanks to their great ability to deform when hit by debris; thus protecting the eye very effectively.
The form
The last feature is both aesthetic and functional. In fact, let’s not hide, we choose glasses for how they “fit,” however, the shape also strongly influences the functionality.
Sunglasses should be sufficiently opaque to avoid solar infiltration that could generate glare and impair visibility.
Also, very importantly, both the frame and the lenses must be designed to provide adequate ventilation and thus prevent annoying fogging.
In short, as you “see,” inside an object that seems as simple as sunglasses there is a world. And it is very important to choose it correctly and, above all, of quality.