Lifelong Oakley user wanting a change. Smith? Rudy? POC?
Moderators: robbosmans, Moderator Team
I started in '80s Factory Pilots and have been a loyal Oakley cleint until today with the Sutro Lite, Flight Jacket, Radar and Jawbreaker but I need a change! Oakley sunglasses are high quality and functional but IMO none of their current performance/cycling sunglasses look good. They are all very strange looking and I have arrived at an age where it would be nice to not look like a Star Trek extra when I go for a post-ride coffee or beer!
What are best brands to consider that offer large cycling sunglasses? My face and head isn't small so I always buy the largest models available in style sunglasses, googles, etc. After a bit of time on Google it looks like Smith, Rudy Projects and POC have a strong following of cyclists but I would like to hear from fellow WW'ers for size large recommendations.
What are best brands to consider that offer large cycling sunglasses? My face and head isn't small so I always buy the largest models available in style sunglasses, googles, etc. After a bit of time on Google it looks like Smith, Rudy Projects and POC have a strong following of cyclists but I would like to hear from fellow WW'ers for size large recommendations.
Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓ Broad Selection ✓ Worldwide Delivery ✓
www.starbike.com
-
- Posts: 12457
- Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:02 pm
Roka has the best optical clarity of any brand I’ve tried. Currently using Koo (Kask sister brand) as well.
-
- Moderator
- Posts: 1293
- Joined: Sat Dec 01, 2018 4:14 pm
- Location: UK
SunGod! Look epic, feel great, good customer service
Allegra- Steel Lugs TBC
Aurelia- Stainless All Road 8.5kg
Bertha- TT 9.8kg
Perdita- Ti Turbo bike 8kg
Serenity- Ti Gravel 9.5kg/8.9kg
Verity- Ti Aero 8.2kg
Alya- Ti Climbing TBC
All weights with pedals,cages & garmin mount
Aurelia- Stainless All Road 8.5kg
Bertha- TT 9.8kg
Perdita- Ti Turbo bike 8kg
Serenity- Ti Gravel 9.5kg/8.9kg
Verity- Ti Aero 8.2kg
Alya- Ti Climbing TBC
All weights with pedals,cages & garmin mount
-
- Posts: 783
- Joined: Wed Dec 07, 2011 1:26 am
- Location: California's country side
I ride smith, hard to go back to wear the jawbone after frameless. But I recommend picking ones with more coverage, not just a tiny one. There is also an option for photochromic that is completely clear so I can wear at night.
both smith and oakleys have some problem with rubber melting after a number of years. one smith the lense seem to have a coating that is flaking and basically not usable any more.
but, all the trendy people those huge POC ones. Those look really hot when climbing.
both smith and oakleys have some problem with rubber melting after a number of years. one smith the lense seem to have a coating that is flaking and basically not usable any more.
but, all the trendy people those huge POC ones. Those look really hot when climbing.
might have to check these out.. I have Roka sunglasses and blue blockers but never thought of cycling glasses from them. Usually wear 100% for years now.TobinHatesYou wrote: ↑Tue Sep 21, 2021 7:08 amRoka has the best optical clarity of any brand I’ve tried. Currently using Koo (Kask sister brand) as well.
2024 BMC TeamMachine R Building
2018 BMC TImeMachine Road
2002 Moots Compact-SL- getting aero look makeover
2019 Parlee Z0XD - "classified"
2023 Pivot E-Vault - completed project, full Xplr package
2018 BMC TImeMachine Road
2002 Moots Compact-SL- getting aero look makeover
2019 Parlee Z0XD - "classified"
2023 Pivot E-Vault - completed project, full Xplr package
Haven't tried Roka but 100% S2 have been good Jawbreaker replacements. Would recommend if you're after standard sized glasses...
-
- Posts: 12457
- Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:02 pm
I’m a big fan of the S2 look. I keep going back to them.
-
- Posts: 1395
- Joined: Thu Mar 21, 2013 3:19 am
- Location: Southern Ontario Canada
I just purchased the Smith Ruckus as the Oakley seem to be limiting their photochromic lenses to very few models. The Smith offer the photochromic in many different models so purchased pair onsale to see how they fit and feel. They seem to fit my helmets and my face better than any of the Oakleys I own.
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=154188
2018 Colnago V2R Rim Brake
2019 Colnago V2R Disc Brake
2014 Norco Threshold Disc Brake
2006 Ridley Crosswind Rim Brake
2018 Colnago V2R Rim Brake
2019 Colnago V2R Disc Brake
2014 Norco Threshold Disc Brake
2006 Ridley Crosswind Rim Brake
-
- Moderator
- Posts: 1293
- Joined: Sat Dec 01, 2018 4:14 pm
- Location: UK
Love the sungods. Great lenses and customisation
Allegra- Steel Lugs TBC
Aurelia- Stainless All Road 8.5kg
Bertha- TT 9.8kg
Perdita- Ti Turbo bike 8kg
Serenity- Ti Gravel 9.5kg/8.9kg
Verity- Ti Aero 8.2kg
Alya- Ti Climbing TBC
All weights with pedals,cages & garmin mount
Aurelia- Stainless All Road 8.5kg
Bertha- TT 9.8kg
Perdita- Ti Turbo bike 8kg
Serenity- Ti Gravel 9.5kg/8.9kg
Verity- Ti Aero 8.2kg
Alya- Ti Climbing TBC
All weights with pedals,cages & garmin mount
Circling back to this. I bought SunGod Airas with the 8KO Iris HV Blue lens. Fit is good, quality is decent but the lens is terrible. In cetain lighting conditions the reflection from the back of the lens makes it downright dangerous to ride and I've had to remove the glasses to continue riding. This has never happened to me in 25+ years of riding with Oakleys, on and off road.
The search continues. Maybe Smith or Roka next?
The search continues. Maybe Smith or Roka next?
Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓ Broad Selection ✓ Worldwide Delivery ✓
www.starbike.com