100% S3 Sport Performance Sunglasses Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Hot!

• Light weight and well ventilated
• Large single shield provides unobstructed view
• Great protection from debris and wind, especially for contact wears
• Easy to swap out lenses
• Hard-shell zippered case stores sunglasses and 2 additional lenses
• Second nose pad included for alternative-fit
• Rear-view mirror fits on temple

Not!

• Large frame overwhelms smaller faces
• Fixed position nose piece

Web Site

Price: $155 – $220 MSRP

Colors: Pink, White, Black, Grey and Blue Topaz

Source: Company website, online, retail

How obtained: Sample from company

RBR Sponsor: No

Coatings: Hydrophobic & Oleophobic lens treatment repels water, oil, and dirt

Fit: Medium

Performance Fit for a Champion

You may not ride like Peter Sagan, but you can own the sunglasses he helped design and wears. The S3 model launched by 100% at the end of April combines both fashion and performance. They are stylish, and the French-made Ultra HD lens provides clarity even as I rode through dappled sunlight, allowing me to easily see debris or pot-holes.

Fit, Functional and Light Weight

The S3’s frame is made up of TR90 which is lightweight, durable and flexible. A single shield lens provides excellent peripheral sighting with no obstructed views. The lens itself is high performing and functional with features including:

• Ultra HD shatter and impact-resistant polycarbonate materials
• Scratch-resistant
• Hydrophobic and Olephobic treatment repels water, oil and dirt
• 100% UV protection (UV400)
• Filter Category 3 and Light Transmission of 15%
• Large shield for protection from debris and wind, ideal for contact wears

I’ve been noticing more and more sunglass manufacturers are adding a hydrophobic coating, which really helps to keep sweat and water from adhering to the lens. After most rides I don’t need to wipe off the lens if it has the coating.

The model I tested came with two lenses, a HiPER blue multilayer mirror lens and a clear lens. Swapping the lenses was quick and easy by popping off the bottom and top frames.

Both the nose pad and temple tips use ultra-gripping rubber, so the sunglasses stay in place even with heavy sweating. The flexible temple arms of these glasses adjust to different width faces. I have a very narrow face and they fit just fine. However, the 5.5-base shield is a bit overwhelming on a smaller face like mine. I think the S3 style is best suited for a man’s face or a woman with a fuller face.

There is venting along the bottom of the lens, but nothing along the top. The large size frames leave little room between the helmet and top of the sunglasses. At times I needed to slide the sunglasses down my nose to let more air circulate.

For those who wear a rear-view mirror, the temple arm easily fits one.

What Comes in the Box?

The S3 comes with a quality hard-shell zipper carrying case that stores up to two lenses and the frames. There’s also a microfiber bag that doubles as a cleaning cloth and an alternative-fit nose pad. The nose pad pops off/on, so you can see which one is more comfortable.

Bottom Line

The new S3 sunglasses by 100% may not make you as fast as Peter Sagan or do wheelies up a mountain, but you’ll look just as professional. A single shield lens provides plenty of coverage and unobstructed views, ideal for contact wears. The special coatings and scratch resistant lens will give you years of performance. Depending on which style of S3 you select, the price point is fairly reasonable. So if you are in the market for a new pair of shades, the S3 is worth trying on for size.