This summer I received a number of sunglasses to review for RBR. The four models covered in this roundup from 100%, Bliz, Scicon and Tifosi are designed with cyclists in mind, but can certainly be worn for other activities. They all provide a wide field of vision, quality optics and offer their own unique features. If you wear contact lenses like I do, all four sunglasses provide ample coverage.
Basically, it all comes down to your personal preference on style, fit, features, and price.
| Brand/Model | MSRP | Fit | Weight |
| 100% – Hypercraft | $155-$195 | Large | 23 grams |
| Bliz – Matrix | $84.95 | Med/Large | 34 grams |
| Scicon – Aerotech XT | $170 | Large/XL | 33 grams w/fenders |
| Tifosi – Sledge | $79.95 | Large/XL | 38 grams |
100% Hypercraft
https://www.100percent.com/pages/hypercraft
100% launched their new Hypercraft sunglasses at the end of April. They feature UltraCarbon™ technology, which weaves carbon fiber into the nylon for a very light and durable frame. Hypercraft has a laser cut rimless shield, with only the temples and nose piece/bridge for a light 23 grams. These are the lightest frames featured in this roundup.
Other features of the Hypercraft include:
- Hydrophobic and oleophobic lens treatment repels water, dirt, and oil
- Scratch-resistant lens coating
- Available with contrast defining HiPER® lens and photochromic lens
- Complete full-spectrum UV protection, including UVA, UVB and UV400 wavelengths
- Large shield for increased peripheral view and protection
- Light Transmission 52
- Second lens included is clear: Filter Category 0, Light Transmission 93%
- Interchangeable lenses sold separately
- Fits temple style rear view mirrors.
What’s in the box?
The Hypercraft sunglasses come in a hard-shell zipper case, a microfiber storage bag that doubles as a cleaning cloth, clear replacement lens, and an alternative fit nose pad.
Bliz Active Matrix
https://www.bliz.com/us/product/matrix-shiny-black–52804-10
I came across Bliz at CABDA Midwest back in February and would put them in a similar class with Tifosi…economically priced, quality sunglasses. The Matrix model was the largest sunglasses I tested for this roundup and overwhelmed my face even though it’s listed as M/L.
Some of the features of the Matrix include:
- Large shield provides unobstructed view and superior eye protection
- Lens made from unbreakable Polycarbonate
- Hydro Lens Technology™ and has minimal refraction, anti-scratch and hydrophobic qualities
- 100% UV protection, including harmful UVA and UVB-rays
- Made from Grilamid TR90 for flexibility and light weight
- Top ventilation holes to prevent fogging
- Adjustable temple and nose pad for a more comfortable fit
- Interchangeable lenses sold separately
- Temple is wide and does not fit most temple style rearview mirrors.
What’s in the box?
The Matrix comes in a box with a magnetic closure that really isn’t conducive for transporting or storage. Bliz also includes a small microfiber cleaning cloth. That’s it.
Watch the short video on the features of the Bliz Matrix.
Scicon Aerotech XT with SCN-XT™ lens
https://sciconsports.com/us_en/aerotech-cycling-sunglasses
I was familiar with Scicon’s travel bags, but this was my first experience with their sunglasses line. Like their bags, Scicon’s attention to detail and sometimes overengineered features are why they can demand a premium price for the Aerotech sunglasses. The unique adjustable features of these sunglasses, including removable bottom fenders, work together to provide a custom fit and high performance.
If you’re unsure of which model will look best on you, Scicon has a Try On app on their web site. Just enable the camera on your phone or laptop, pick the model and the sunglasses will be positioned on your face. Pretty cool way to try before you buy.
Features of the Aerotech XT sunglasses include:
- Power Ergo Design™ offers adjustable temple tips, temple arms and nose pads (nose pads available in three different sizes).
- Two sizes of shields, one for smaller faces (50mm) and one for larger (55mm)
- Photochromic SCN-XT™ lens darkens in sunlight and offers lightweight, high impact resistance, chemical resistance and 100% UV protection
- Flexi Fit™ Temples provide a flexible fit by adding or removing the Clip Switch™ and helps to keep the sunglasses in place
- Adjustable rubber temple tips and double-click nose pad provides customization for any shape face
- Sports Fender System™ prevents contact between lens and face in the case of a crash. Fenders are removable if prefer a half rim look or swap for different colors. I found the fenders were distracting in my field of vision, so I removed them.
- Fenders are available in two formats, a regular and a sprint version allowing you to choose which one fits your face the best.
- Plenty of ventilation to prevent lens from fogging
- Free FRAME GUARD™ RX Optical Adaptor included with the Aerotech SCN-TX which provides an adapter for monofocal or corrective progressive sport lenses, even with high prescription.
- Temple is wide and does not fit most temple style rearview mirrors.
Watch the video to see how to personalize the look and feel of the Aerotech sunglasses.
What’s in the box?
When I received the box containing the sunglasses, it weighed a ton. Scicon doesn’t skimp on what’s included in the box. The list is extensive. There’s a hard-shell case, microfiber storage bag that doubles as a cleaning cloth, a bottle of anti-fog lens cleaner, 3 sizes of nose pads, screwdriver, 2 fender systems, and a spare parts bag.
Tifosi Sledge
https://www.tifosioptics.com/2020/05/13/tifosi-optics-launches-new-cycling-sunglasses-sledge/
Tifosi launched their new Sledge sunglasses back in early May. I’m thrilled to see the company continues to expand their choice of colorways. No more boring solid black, white or blue. The pair I was sent for testing were orange with blue accents as you can see in the photo above. Tifosi continues to keep their pricing affordable with the Sledge costing $79.95.
Key features of the Sledge sunglasses include:
- Oversized shatterproof shield for safety and unobstructed views
- 100% UV protection
- Hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pieces for a no-slip fit
- Vented lenses for improved air flow and prevents fogging
- Adjustable temple tips for a customized fit
- Standard are two additional shields: a clear lens and a high-contrast AC Red lens
- Temple is wide and does not fit most temple style rearview mirrors.
NOTE: Some of the colors can go out of stock, but Tifosi replenishes pretty quickly.
What’s in the box?
Tifosi has even added color to their zipper hard shell case. It’s black with blue trim that matches the blue of the sample sunglasses I tested. Two additional lenses: a clear lens and a high-contrast AC Red lens are nested within the case. Lastly, a microfiber pouch which doubles as a cleaning cloth.
My sunglasses are the only reason I still have a right eye, but they are much more robust than these examples. I wear WileyX wrap-around frames with SAFETY GLASS lenses. With photochromic (“Transitions”) material that works in all light conditions and progressive bifocal prescription, they cost me just over $200 from an online supplier, but proved worth every penny. While stopped, I was hit from behind by a high speed car, and thrown across a wide busy high-speed expressway, some of which I crossed on my face (my helmet broke and did not shield my face). Among other injuries, I got four broken bones in my face (including the orbit of the right eye) and had a huge channel gouged out of the safety glass, with most of that gouge much deeper than the total lens thickness of the models shown here. I’m convinced that anything less protective would have cost me the eye. Think of it as a helmet for your face, and choose carefully!
I like the SL2 Pro-X Bifocal Polarized Reader Sunglasses with a warp-around fit designed for cycling. They come in 1.5 to 2.5 power ranges. Great for people who only need glasses to read their computer.
They’re from Dual Eyewear