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SPY+ Czar Sunglasses Review

ByRBR Editors

By Rick Schultz

Hot

  • Vivid Colors
  • Happy Boost Polarized lens
  • TR90 Frame
  • Available with RX
  • Comfortable & Great Looking
  • 2-year warranty
  • Military & First Responder Discount

Not

  • Popular models sell out fast

Price MSRP: $200

Source: Bike shops, Websites

Features: Happy Boost Bronze Polar Ice Blue Spectra Mirror. 

How obtained: Manufacturers sample

Summary: Large Frame, Maximum coverage, Polarized Lens.

https://www.spyoptic.com/us/sunglasses/mens-sunglasses/czar-41864.html

I’m a little partial to SPY+ (now a Bolle brand) for a couple of reasons. First, I previously owned a pair of high-end Oakley polarized cycling glasses and before the year was up, the outer layer of the lenses started peeling away. I took a trip to Oakley US Headquarters (only 20 miles away) to return or exchange them under warranty. Well, as the saying goes, a warranty is only good until the product breaks. Oakley denied the warranty, never stating why. Well, I will never buy, nor wear, nor support Oakley again. Second, while in school, my daughter trained and raced for a national level team sponsored by SPY+ and GIANT bicycles. She said it was a great team with great support from the sponsors. They were always supplied with Sunglasses, helmets, full kits, shoes, and a bicycle. This is where I was initially introduced to SPY+ products. I think she had about 6-8 pair of “cycling” sunglasses (not made anymore) – the ones with interchangeable parts. For their current sunglasses line, SPY+ now makes what they call “lifestyle” sunglasses. My question is, are they good for cycling as well?

After several weeks of testing, the answer is a resounding yes! 

After a dozen rides and hours of driving, these sunglasses let the eyes relax while allowing full view and vivid colors to come through.

SPY+ sunglasses meets all of the above. Perfect for driving, cycling and everyday use. 

One note, when shopping for sunglasses, make sure that they are large enough. Many styles are available that range from the 120mm to mid 140mm.

While not ‘cycling’ specific, these sunglasses MORE than fit the bill and are 5-STAR recommended.

The Details

  • Ref#: 6700000000189
  • Fit: Large
  • Weight: 150g
  • Product Material: TR90 (Grilamid TR90) thermoplastic offering durability, lightweight and flexibility which equals extremely comfortable wear for longer periods of time.
  • Tech: **Happy Boost
    • Chemically treated lens that offers up to 30% color enhancement beyond the naked eye. All colors are enhanced, and none are diminished.

*What are the good rays? The “good” rays are a specific type of long-wave blue light that science has shown helps to boost both mood and alertness while also enhancing color and contrast.

*What are the bad rays? The “bad” rays include ultraviolet (UV) light and short-wave blue light, both of which can cause eyestrain, fatigue, and several sunlight-related eye diseases.

**Happy Boost: https://www.spyoptic.com/us/happyboost.html

SPY+ makes Sunglasses, Goggles, Snow Helmets, Eyeglasses and Apparel.

For sunglasses, they make polarized, wraps and shields.

For further reading, see Guidance Document for Nonprescription Sunglasses for Industry from FDA.GOV.

Coach Rick Schultz is an avid cyclist who has trained, raced, and coached in Southern California and now resides in Bend, Oregon where he works as a bike fitter and bike fit educator. Rick is an engineer by trade and a prolific cycling product reviewer. He’s the author of Stretching & Core Strengthening for the Cyclist in the RBR eBookstore. Check his coaching site, www.bikefitnesscoaching.com. Click to read Rick’s full bio.

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