By Brandon Bilyeu
Hot!
- Blocks 100% of UV
- Frameless design for unobstructed view
- Excellent optical clarity
- Adjustable nose pad
- 28 grams light
- Accepts prescription lenses with optical adapter
Not!
- Non-swappable lens
- Doesn’t come with a hard case, only a microfiber pouch
Price: $205
Weight: 28 grams
Frame Color/Lens Color:
- Light Teal Matte/Multilaser Osmium
- Black Matte/Multilaser Red
- Crystal Ash/Multilaser Green
- White Matte/Multilaser Rose Gold
- Crystal Lilac/Multilaser Rose Gold
How obtained: review sample
Available: retail, online
Website: Rudy Project Astral X
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 20+ hours
Rudy Project Astral X – A Bigger Astral
A while back Sheri reviewed the Rudy Project Astral sunglasses and since then Rudy Project has released a bigger version of the Astral, called the Astral X. For the Astral X the lens height and width has grown so that now users can pick the temple width and lens height that best fits their face size. The Astral X is 3mm (0.12 inch) wider at the temples and the lens is 5mm (0.2 inch) taller.
Astral:
Astral X:
Well Executed Frameless Design
Without a stiff frame element connecting the two temple arms the lens becomes the ‘spring’ that determines how strongly the glasses clamp onto your head. I’ve tried frameless glasses in the past where the lens is too soft and the glasses would bounce around on rough roads. The Astral X lens is stiff enough to offer a secure hold and the two widths available with the Astral and Astral X give the option to choose different levels of force on your temples.
Where a framed design can hide a poor-quality lens because the lens-to-air transition is interrupted by the frame, a frameless design will highlight any lens imperfections. The Astral X lens clarity is excellent over the whole field of view without any visible distortions are the edges. The wide and tall lens provides full coverage out to the edge of peripheral vision.
Rx Optical Inserts
The Astral X has the ability to take prescription optical inserts, a rarity for cycling glasses. The insert costs $90 without lenses and simply snaps onto the nose piece of the Astral X. You can order the prescription lenses through your personal eye doctor or Rudy Project can also make the lenses with a simple step-by-step online ordering process.
Adjustable and Secure Fit
The nose pad is fully adjustable to customize how the glasses fit your face including height and distance. The distance from your face can be important during these colder months to allow airflow to keep fog at bay. The nose pad is also tacky for a no-slip fit.
The temple arms have an integrated rubber insert that grips well and is low profile behind the ears. I appreciate that the rubber inserts are built into the frame and not a rubber sock that goes over the temple tips. Rubber socks tend to loosen over time and eventually fall off.
The temple arms are manufactured of 45% bio-plastic made from castor oil and provide a stiff base for the lens and rubber inserts. The hinges are very smooth with no play and in the closed position securely hold the temple tips away from the lens to avoid any scratches.
The Astral X comes with a microfiber pouch (hard case available separately) and the lens is not swappable.
Bottom Line
The Rudy Project Astral X is a great pair of sunglasses. With excellent lens clarity and a secure fit they disappear on your head while keeping you safe from UV rays. The two versions, Astral and Astral X, give fit options for different faces. A great option for those that need prescription optics.
Brandon Bilyeu is an avid recreational roadie who lives in Regensburg, Germany. He’s a year-round bike commuter and is a mechanical design engineer by trade. Click to read Brandon’s full bio.
Ha!! First cycling glasses I ever owned were identical in appearance. I’d call these RETRO.