Outdoor Master PHOENIX X and HAWK LT Cycling Sunglasses Review
I wasn’t familiar with Outdoor Master until the company’s rep reached out to me last month. The California-based company, which manufactures in China, sells affordable cycling helmets, sunglasses, and goggles, as well as snow- and water-sports gear. While browsing the company’s website, I was impressed by its use of ZEISS lenses, from the German company known for high quality, on some of its sunglasses and goggle models.
I received two very different styles of sunglasses for testing: PHOENIX X, a full-shield, full-rim model that converts to a half-rim, and HAWK LT, a half-rim photochromic model. My review of each model is below.
PHOENIX X ZEISS Sunglasses
https://outdoormaster.com/products/phoenix-x-sports-glasses
Price: $159
Fit: Medium to large faces
Lens Type: ZEISS
Lens Design: Full shield
Lens Protection: Water-repellent and anti-smudge coatings
# of Lenses Included: 3
Frame Colors: Blue-Orange, Black, Purple, Pink, and Dark Green
Frame Material: Ultra-light TR90
Frame Type: Full-frame that converts to half-frame
Weight: 32 grams
Availability: Online and retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Versatility and Performance
The PHOENIX X sunglasses can change to suit your mood. Choose the full-rim frame one day, then pop off the bottom half for a totally different look. Either way you wear these frames, the shield-style lens delivers excellent clarity when riding road or trail. To further improve clarity, a water-repellent, anti-smudge coating on the lenses helps repel moisture, sweat, and dirt.
Each pair of PHOENIX X comes standard with a Polacontrast Clear lens for night rides and a grey lens for bright, sunny rides. ZEISS does not manufacture these lenses. However, ZEISS manufactures the third lens included with the PHOENIX X, and it varies slightly depending on the frame color you select. For example, the purple frame I tested has a ZEISS Orange Pink lens, while the black frame has a ZEISS Violet ICE Blue lens. For a complete lens/frame pairing, see the image below.
Switching between lenses is quick and easy. Snap the top and bottom of the frame off the lens, then remove the nose piece. Then select the new lens and snap the two-piece frame and nose piece back on. Quick and easy!
Don’t worry about breaking the frame when swapping lenses or riding. Made from TR90, it’s flexible and impact-resistant. TR90 is also lightweight, so these sunglasses weigh only 32 grams. Put them on and forget you’re even wearing sunglasses.
The large shield lens protects your eyes from debris and wind. Great if you wear contact lenses like me. However, there are no vents, so in the right environment, they can fog up.
What’s Included in the Box?
The PHOENIX X sunglasses come with a large hard-shell zippered case, three lenses, two nose pads, a microfiber pouch, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. The case houses and protects all these items. The microfiber pouch is perfect for carrying just the sunglasses when on the go.
Bottom Line
At $159, the PHOENIX X delivers excellent performance and versatility usually reserved for premium sunglasses. Three lenses and the ability to switch between full-frame and half-frame give you so many options. For riders who use a rearview mirror, the temple is thin enough to accommodate one.
Some things to note: the PHOENIX X frame fits medium to large faces, and the nose pad does not adjust. I have a narrow face, and this frame was just too big.
HAWK LT Photochromic Sunglasses
https://outdoormaster.com/products/hawk-lt-photochromic-polarized-cycling-sunglasses
Price: $79
Fit: Small to medium faces
Lens Type: Photochromatic
Lens Design: Full shield
Lens Protection: Water-repellent and anti-smudge coatings
# of Lenses Included: 1
Vents: Two top vents
Frame Colors: Obsidian Black, Sakura Mist Pink, and Brown Tortoise
Frame Material: TR90
Frame Type: Half-frame
Weight: 29 grams
Sunglasses Adjust to Any Lighting Conditions
Summer is ending, and the days are getting shorter. If you find yourself cycling before sunrise or into the evening, you want to see clearly in all conditions. Photochromatic lenses will protect your eyes and take you from riding in the dark to bright sunlight. The lens tint automatically adjusts based on sun intensity.
Outdoor Master’s HAWK LT Photochromic sunglasses provide excellent visibility, durability, and affordability. At $79, these sunglasses cost less than premium brands, yet are comparable in price to brands like Tifosi.
The HAWK LT frame is made from lightweight, durable TR90 and is available in four colors. At only 29 grams and with an adjustable nose pad, these sunglasses are truly comfortable to wear. The full curved shield design protects your eyes from debris and wind. Two brow vents allow airflow to help prevent fogging.
For riders who wear prescription lenses, the HAWK LT includes a prescription inner frame that snaps right in. The combination of a photochromic lens and prescription compatibility lets you ride in all light conditions with one pair of glasses.
What’s Included in the Box?
The HAWK LT sunglasses come with a hardshell zippered case, a microfiber pouch, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. The case has two hoop-and-link straps to attach it to the handlebars, plus a loop cord to secure it to the stem. This feature may appeal only to commuters, as other cyclists can stow sunglasses on their helmet when needed.
Bottom Line
The HAWK LT is a lightweight, durable, affordably priced pair of photochromic sunglasses. Perfect for riders cycling in a variety of light conditions.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
