The coolest glasses. How to choose sunglasses for sports and outdoor activities? Mechanical protection
It may seem difficult against the backdrop of their modern diversity. The stores offer a variety of glasses with lenses made of different materials, different colors and degrees of darkness. There are dozens, even hundreds of frames on the shelves that can take all day to try on.
Therefore, to make your fate easier, carefully formulate for yourself where and how your future sports equipment will be used. Sunglasses. Most leading manufacturers specialize the sports optics they produce for a specific range of activities, making it easier for us to find the right model.
Regardless of the activity for which your glasses will be used, they will be based on lenses, which almost always “do not have registration” in a particular sport. Therefore, understanding what they are like will be useful for everyone who is faced with the problem of choosing glasses for active rest.
Sports glasses lenses – what are they and which ones should you prefer?
Protective properties of lenses in sports glasses
UV protection
All modern sports glasses from leading manufacturers reliably protect our eyes from the negative effects of all types of ultraviolet rays: A, B and C (although potential danger for us only the first two represent). This applies even to those lenses that have no shading at all.
Visible light protection
Bright light can be very annoying and interfere with sports activities. To protect the eyes from its effects, glasses use darkening, which does not transmit part of the visible spectrum of light. Depending on how dark the lens is, it is assigned a certain index:
| Protective index | S0 | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visible light transmittance,% | 80-100 | 43-80 | 18-43 | 8-18 | 3-8 |
S0– transparent or almost transparent lenses. Used in low light conditions, at night, under artificial lighting and in cloudy weather.
S1– have a slight darkening. Used at dusk and cloudy weather. They have a certain contrast for a better perception of the surrounding area.
S2– have a medium shade. Used in partly cloudy and cloudy weather. They have a certain contrast for a better perception of the surrounding area.
S3– protect from strong bright light. Suitable for most users who play sports in sunny weather.
S4– protect the eyes from very bright light. Necessary for high mountain conditions, where the intensity of sunlight is an order of magnitude higher than at sea level. Used in mountaineering, ski touring, ski mountaineering and skyrunning. Since 2014, the S4 category characterizes not only the degree of darkening of the lenses of the glasses, but also the geometry of their frames.
Visible Light Protection Index
The darkness of category S4 glasses is so strong that it is not recommended for use when driving a vehicle. Through a dark filter it is sometimes difficult to make out the color of traffic lights, road markings and signs.
Naturally, no lens is capable of working across the entire spectrum of light brightness. And this creates problems in case of changeable weather. To solve this problem, glasses are created with the ability to quickly change lenses or photochromic lenses are used that can change darkening depending on the degree of illumination. Simple in design, photochromic lenses change their light transmission as the intensity of UV radiation increases or decreases. However, this does not allow them to work inside cars and glassed rooms, where UV radiation is highly scattered. This disadvantage has been overcome in many modern high-end photochromic lenses (Oakley Transitions, Julbo Falcon).
Mechanical protection
Sports optics are designed to protect not only from the harmful aspects of sunlight. Glasses should also protect against a branch or a pebble that has jumped out from under the wheel of a passing car flying into your eyes. All sports glasses with polymer-based lenses cope well with these tasks.
Optical properties of lenses in sports glasses
Optical correctness
The first and main property by which lenses from different manufacturers are evaluated is optical correctness. Any lens produces distortion and the task of manufacturers is to reduce this to a minimum. After all, the more distortion the glasses produce, the more tired our eyes are and the more discomfort we experience from wearing them. In those sports where you need to constantly monitor a rapidly changing situation - mountain biking, trail running, kayaking, etc. - the optical correctness of glasses is one of the keys to the safety of the life and health of an athlete. Optically correct lenses are perceived as very transparent and clean. When wearing glasses with them, the user does not have the feeling that he is looking “through glass”.
Contrast
Modern sports optics are designed not only to protect our eyes from external negative influences. Its tasks also include improving our vision and perception of the situation. By adding colored pigments or coatings to lenses, manufacturers increase their contrast and regulate light transmittance, which can be useful in different types sports and weather conditions. High contrast sharpens shadows, highlighting terrain and objects around you. Combined with the dimming of “white” visible light, this allows you to actually see your surroundings better.
Which lens color should I choose?
The color of the filter can affect the perception of the real world. For example, for ski goggles, the most popular filters are yellow-orange, bronze and black. Cycling also often uses yellow lenses; these glasses can be worn early in the morning and late in the evening.
Polarization
The glare of reflected light can be even brighter than the ambient light. This is especially pronounced in the mountains, during trips to a glacier or snowy pass and on the water. Here, the reflected light dazzles, prevents you from accurately seeing surrounding objects, makes your eyes water and leads to premature fatigue. For fishing enthusiasts, the light reflected from the water does not allow them to see the bottom topography, even if the water is clean and transparent. Polarized lenses eliminate these problems. They dampen the glare of reflected light and increase contrast, allowing anyone who loves water sports and active recreation in the mountains to easily navigate. They will also be loved by drivers and city dwellers who are bothered by glare from glass and wet roads.
Lens materials for sports glasses
The materials for the manufacture of modern sports sun lenses can be:
- Glass– has very high optical correctness – a lens made from it does not cause any optical distortion. Good glass lenses are clean and highly scratch resistant. At the same time, they are distinguished by their relatively high weight. In this case, glass lenses can break and the fragments can damage your eyes. Impacts can cause jagged marks on them. Therefore, glass lenses are rarely used in the sports and outdoor industry. Today they can be found in some high-end mountaineering glasses, where impact resistance is not so important. Examples: Julbo Alti Arc 4 lenses; Cebe 4000 lenses.
Polycarbonate– very light, flexible and durable material. Lenses made from it provide eye protection not only from bright sunlight and UV rays, but also from mechanical damage, for example, from small stones. At the same time, polycarbonate lenses have a relatively low price. The combination of these properties has made polycarbonate the most popular material for making lenses for sports and ski goggles. At the same time, polycarbonate is easily scratched and lenses made from it require more careful handling and care. In addition, manufacturers have not yet been able to achieve the same purity and optical correctness from polycarbonate lenses as from glass ones. Examples include all Lexan lenses from General Electric; Julbo Spectron lenses; All Cebe lenses except 4000 series.
NXT polymer(semi-silicate quasi-thermoset) - combines the lightness and strength of polycarbonate lenses and the optical correctness of glass. Resistant to scratches. Used in the most technically advanced sunglasses. The main disadvantage is its price. Examples – Julbo Falcon, Octopus.
Which material to choose?
This choice has already been made for us by optics manufacturers. In most sports, glasses require protection from UV rays, mechanical damage, and their low weight is desirable. Therefore, when making lenses, manufacturers give preference to impact-resistant polymers - polycarbonate and NXT. 99% of all modern glasses for sports and active recreation are produced from them.
Don't worry if your glasses fit glass lenses. Just make sure whether they are positioned as sports and whether they correspond to the intended operating conditions? Glass is still used to make lenses used in mountaineering.
Lens coatings in sports glasses
The properties of sports glasses lenses can be significantly improved by applying special coatings to them. They are applied to most top-class glasses, regardless of their specialization for a particular sports activity. Let's talk about the most common ones:
- Oleophobic coating– simplifies the cleaning of lenses from human skin oils – fingerprints, etc.
Anti-fog coating– reduces the risk of glasses fogging, the lenses are ventilated faster if condensation does occur on them.
Water-repellent coating causes water droplets to roll off the surface of the lenses, improving visibility. Can be used both on the outer wall of the lens, for example, in running or cycling glasses, and on both its sides, for example, in Julbo Octopus lenses for aquatic species sports
Mirror finish– Used to darken and reduce glare in non-polarized lenses.
Glasses frames for sports and outdoor activities
In the sports optics industry, there are virtually no lenses that specialize in a specific type of activity. With frames the situation is almost the opposite. Their convenience for the user and “belonging” to specific types of activity depend on their geometry and the interconnected shape of the lens.
The final weight of the glasses, as well as their ability to stay on the owner’s head, depends on the material and geometry of the frame. The last circumstance is especially important - sudden movements and vibrations should not lead to the loss of glasses. A curved frame with flexible arms that tightly cover the head “sits” many times more securely than rigid glasses with straight plastic arms.
The most popular material for the production of sports glasses frames today is nylon. It is light, flexible, cheap to produce and quite durable. Budget class glasses most often use molded plastic, which, alas, is quite fragile. In addition, it is rarely possible to create frames of complex shapes from cheap plastics that would accurately fit the heads of future owners.
Top-class optical frames often use inserts made of soft and tenacious elastomer, capable of absorbing moisture. They help the glasses to stay on the head in conditions of high sweating of the athlete; the frames do not slip or rub. This is very helpful during intense sports activities.
Especially for water sports frames are produced that can float on water, if for some reason they still slip off the owner’s face or simply fall overboard.
Glasses - with diopters or “zeros” - are the first thing people pay attention to when they look at their face. And it is not without their help that they determine who is in front of them: a businessman, a creative person, an intellectual or someone else. Agree, it’s nice when glasses suit you not only according to your face shape, but also according to your personality. Which fashion trends men's optics appeared in 2019?
Oversized
Oversized glasses are still a must have for true fashionistas. Be prepared that thanks to such an expressive accessory, all eyes will be focused on you.
To whom: for men with almost any type of face. They look especially good with large facial features.
Lennons
Round colored mirror glasses are extremely trendy in 2019. But such a frame requires a certain style of clothing. After all, they are associated with the greatest musician of the last sixty years - John Lennon. Pair these glasses with steampunk or vintage inspired hats, belts and accessories.
To whom: for men with a square or triangular face type. They look especially good on people with high foreheads.
Brawliners
Over the past few years, such frames have been used only for sunglasses, but in 2019, browliners (from the English brow line - eyebrow line) returned to the world of large optics. We are sure that these unusual glasses will be popular with hipsters or geeks (as people who are passionate about gadgets, comics, and works of art are called). You can choose a serious option for business people.
Sunglasses are not just another fashion accessory and style element, but, first of all, a means of protecting the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, and the skin of the eyelids from premature aging.
Today's selection features sunglasses rating, it includes only proven, well-established brands. After all, cheap Chinese glasses bought from the metro not only do not protect the eyes, but can also cause serious damage to vision.
10. Bentley
It is this brand that is preferred by the family of sheikhs of the Emirate of Dubai. All Bentley frames are handcrafted and eyeglass cases are made from the finest leather. For fans of absolute exclusivity, frames made of gold and platinum are intended.
9. Persol
A subsidiary of the Italian company Luxottica, it has been producing premium eyewear since 1917. The history of the brand includes work for military aviation, collaboration with movie stars, and the production of special protective masks for climbers. Today, Persol produces stylish, elegant and consistently high-quality sunglasses.
8. Prada
Dear, but always quality glasses Prada have a long history and at the same time meet all the requirements of modern fashion. Each glasses are accompanied by a stylish case and certificate.
7. Diesel
In the Diesel collections there are frames for every taste - comfortable sports, universal classic, and avant-garde. Each pair of glasses is a combination of style and quality lenses that completely protect your eyes.
6. Fendi
The brand is known not only for glasses, but also for other expensive accessories. At Fendi you won’t find classic frames, but you can easily choose stylish and trendy glasses. In each brand collection there is a place for timeless classics.
5. Oakley
The company owns six hundred patents for glasses, which indicates a serious approach to business. Oakley's consistently high-quality glasses are preferred by many Hollywood stars, athletes and professional aviators.
4. Maui Jim
This American brand is almost unknown in Russia, but is distinguished by its excellent quality. Maui Jim glasses provide excellent protection from the sun, and the materials and ergonomics of the frames make them indispensable for fans of tourism, as well as various active species sports
3. Dior
Dior glasses are a combination of style and consistent quality. The brand's collections include both universal classic models and trendy frames. Dior uses high-quality lenses in combination with frames made of plastic or metal.
2.George
The brand has been producing men's and women's sunglasses since 1970. The basis of the George style is classic; most of the frames of this brand are made in this manner. Among the elite brands, it is George that has the most affordable price.
1. Ray-Ban
This brand belonged to the Bausch & Lomb company, and today is the property of the Italian Luxottica. It was Ray Ban that first released the famous aviator glasses, which have become classic. No less popular is another famous model of glasses - the wayfarer. Ray Ban accompanies every pair of glasses necessary documents, confirming the quality of the product.
IN last years I began to spend more and more time in front of monitors and television screens. This is primarily due to my professional activity. When you are a journalist, whether you like it or not, every day for several hours in a row you type huge volumes of texts, edit them and “comb them.” In other words, the monitor becomes your personal workspace. Let's add here many hours of playing games, which I regularly have to write reviews for our site. At some point, I began to seriously think about the safety of my eyes. Recently, quite by accident, I came across special computer glasses that reduce eye strain when working on a computer and playing video games. These are the ones I would really like to tell you about today.
The first in this review will be the Visione VX-800 glasses produced by the Swedish company Arozzi. It was founded in 2013 and is well known among European gamers for its wide range of ergonomic chairs, as well as other accessories useful in the life of video game lovers. It is the quality of life of gamers that the Swedes put first in the process of designing and creating their products. From their point of view, computer glasses are also extremely important for comfortable gaming in front of a TV or monitor.
The packaging of the Visione VX-800 glasses is made in a simple style and is designed in black and red colors. Thick cardboard reliably protects the contents during transportation, and a transparent plastic insert allows you to get acquainted with the glasses without removing them from the box.
The back surface of the package contains short description benefits of glasses in English and French.
Inside the box I found instructions, which, in addition to several European languages, also contained information in Russian, which was very nice. However, there is not much information there, and most of it is duplicated on the back surface of the glasses packaging.
Here are the glasses themselves. First, I'd like to talk about their design. The aluminum-magnesium frame immediately gives the impression of a premium product. Nothing in these glasses dangles, slops or plays. They are simply pleasant to hold in your hands.
The earpieces are made of high-quality lightweight plastic, which reduces the weight of the structure and avoids contact of your ears with cold metal. By the way, the weight of the glasses is only 33 grams, so you practically don’t feel them on your head.
The glasses are equipped with two adaptable nose pads that are ideal for any nose shape and size. It's nice that the Visione VX-800 comes with an extra pair of nose pads in case you decide to upgrade.
This model looks very impressive thanks to the combination of white and red colors, as well as a modern ergonomic design. However, I would not say that this color will suit everyone without exception. It will suit girls more than men. On the manufacturer’s website I found many other models of all colors and shapes, from which anyone can choose something for themselves.
I was incredibly pleased with the set of glasses. It was especially nice to find a durable case for carrying and storage in the box. It is somewhat bulky, but there will definitely be no threat to the glasses inside: neither dust, nor moisture, nor impacts.
In addition to the hard case, the kit also includes a fabric pouch with drawstrings, a lens cleaning cloth, two spare nose pads and a special metal key for adjusting the temples. What can I say? Really great package for the money. These glasses cost 5,990 rubles on the Russian market.
Now let's talk about technical specifications Arozzi Visione VX-800. The manufacturer claims that the glasses are capable of blocking 50% of the short waves of the blue spectrum in the frequency range from 400 to 500 nanometers. The same cold light emitted by most modern electronic displays, TVs, smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. And yes, we all know that the color temperature in some cases can be adjusted in the device settings. Some monitors allow you to do this using a menu, and the iPhone even has something called Night Shift. But what should we do in cases where such options are not available to us or the user simply does not want to bother with unnecessary settings? It is at such moments that computer glasses come to the rescue.
The Visione VX-800 lenses are coated with a 7-layer photosensitive coating that not only blocks 99.8% of ultraviolet radiation, but also minimizes screen glare. The glasses adapt to the surrounding lighting on the go, making the picture on the display as clear and contrasting as possible. They allow you to eliminate tension in the eye muscles and eye fatigue when working for a long time in front of a monitor or playing a long intense video game. In addition, glasses minimize unpleasant effects such as dryness and irritation of the eyes by retaining some of the moisture evaporating from their surface. The manufacturer specifically mentions in the instructions that the Visione VX-800 model has passed European CE certification, as well as American certification by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
However, computer glasses from Sweden also have some contraindications. For example, if you have poor eyesight, they are unlikely to help you at work or while playing video games. After all, their lenses do not contain diopters and will not be able to properly correct your vision. But if you wear contact lenses- this could be a good solution to the problem. It is also not recommended to wear glasses for more than three hours when using them for the first time. Everything is the same here virtual reality: The accessory takes a little getting used to. Well, the last limitation is that it is not recommended to wear glasses while driving. Although they cut off some of the glare from oncoming headlights (I tested this on myself), this is not their main purpose. Glasses are perfect for those people who are undergoing a period of rehabilitation after therapeutic or surgical correction vision. They will protect the eyes from harmful radiation and allow the person to gradually return to work.
Using the Visione VX-800 glasses for a month, I got very used to them. My eyes actually began to get noticeably less tired from constantly typing texts. The only thing that I would consider to be a disadvantage of such glasses is the fact that when they cut off the blue spectrum of the monitor’s radiation, leaving only warm tones, it begins to make you feel a little sleepy. It is on this feature of light waves that the Night Shift technology, developed in Apple. However, when you sleep well and feel energetic, this by-effect is reduced to a minimum. I also tried playing video games on TV with these glasses. But still, my eyes hardly got tired of watching TV before, so I didn’t notice any particular increase in productivity for myself. Although eSports players who often play on PC monitors would probably argue with me.
Pros:
- Glasses really reduce eye fatigue when working with a monitor for a long time.
- Stylish design, high-quality assembly and expensive body materials.
- A truly “rich” package, including everything you need.
- Glasses will be useful for people undergoing rehabilitation after vision correction.
Minuses:
- Glasses should not be used if you have poor vision.
- Warm tones can sometimes make you sleepy.
Gunnar Havok Onyx
The next glasses model in my review will be Havok Onyx from the famous American manufacturer Gunnar. This company was founded in 2007 and over the past ten years has managed to establish itself very well in this market segment. Today, the manufacturer works closely with such well-known gaming companies as Razer, MLG, releasing its branded products adapted for fans of various video games. Many famous e-sportsmen, game streamers and other media personalities actively use Gunnar glasses at world championships, as well as during work. In addition, Gunnar is the only company in the world that has patented its products, including coating for lenses and special glasses for working on a computer. American doctors recommend these glasses to their patients, backing up their words with the results of official research by scientists conducted at the request of Gunnar, which also says a lot about the manufacturer and the seriousness of its approach to business. I simply could not pass by a brand with such fame and history, which is why I chose glasses to my taste and carefully studied them.
The packaging of the glasses seemed too cheap to me when compared to the model from Arozzi. It is made in the form of a plastic blister, where the glasses themselves are attached to holders in the upper part, and the lower cardboard compartment is reserved for additional accessories.
The back of the box briefly lists the advantages of the model in English.
The packaging of the Havok Onyx glasses disappointed me a little. In the kit I found only a storage bag and a short instruction manual, which also doubles as a warranty card. After the rich set offered by the Swedes from Arozzi, all this looks a bit lost. But what are they rich in, as they say? It's better than nothing at all.
But in terms of design, I liked the glasses much more than the model from Sweden. They're more masculine, if you like. It’s really not a shame to appear in public wearing them, which is what I periodically did during numerous tests. I have never worn glasses in my life (I have 100% vision), so the sudden change in image was extremely unusual. Compliments rained down on me from all sides, which once again convinced me of the truly high-quality design and sense of style inherent in the American designers from Gunnar. In addition, I quickly got used to seeing the world in warm colors. Whether you like it or not, the saying about “rose-colored glasses” came true in this case. True, Gunnar glasses are not pink at all, but yellowish. The world seems friendlier when everything around you radiates an exceptionally warm light.
The metal frame made of an aluminum and magnesium alloy is not subject to corrosion, is quite light and looks very neat. Just look at these stylish, roughly polished temples - how can you resist trying on such glasses? The arms end, as in the case of the Arozzi model, with plastic attachments for your comfort. You will hardly guess how much this entire structure weighs. Only 26 grams!
Previously, Gunnar actively collaborated with the German company Carl Zeiss, which produced high-quality lenses for it. There are rumors that the Americans simply stopped buying a license from the Germans to indicate the manufacturer of the optics, however, the lenses for their glasses are still produced at the factories of this famous company.
Gunnar Havok Onyx lenses prevent dry eyes, reduce irritation and improve screen clarity while reducing strain on the eye muscles. All this allows us to defeat the so-called “computer visual fatigue syndrome” (the term appeared in the USA in 1998), which affects many people who work with computers and other electronic displays. As a result, the glasses increase visual stamina, allowing you to better focus on work tasks or concentrate on an intense video game. Considering that modern man On average, he spends 8 to 10 hours a day in front of the monitor screen and his smartphone; some people simply need such glasses. The cost of this model of glasses is 6,290 rubles, which is not much more expensive than the solution from the Swedish manufacturer.
Fluorescent light follows us everywhere. Displays, screens, monitors - where would we be without them in a big city? Gunnar's patented coated lenses are designed to eliminate visual distortion for clear, bright images. As with the Arozzi model, Havok Onyx glasses block not only the blue-violet light spectrum, but also 100% of ultraviolet radiation, improving contrast, improving detail and protecting your eyes from harmful external influences. 65% of the high-frequency blue light spectrum is blocked (let me remind you that with Arozzi this figure is at around 50%) and unwanted screen glare. Well, the best part is that people with low vision can order Gunnar glasses with the diopters they need. The main thing is to know the characteristics of your eyes and provide the manufacturer with a prescription from your ophthalmologist. Such a model will cost about 50% more than those presented in the company’s official stores, and you will have to pay for delivery from the USA at your own expense.
Over the course of a month, I actively used the Gunnar Havok Onyx glasses at work, video games, and even just getting out of the house with friends. It must be said that when working behind a monitor, you begin to notice the effect almost immediately. It really became much easier for me to work with texts and graphics processing in professional editors (the only thing was that I had to look out from under my glasses from time to time to check the real color of the image). While walking with glasses, I noticed only one drawback with them: at long distances (from about 20 meters), the lenses still slightly distort the image, causing it to appear slightly double. So, unfortunately, Gunnar is hardly suitable for forays out of the house. I don’t know if this is a problem specifically with my model or with all products of the American manufacturer. However, at close distances I did not notice such shortcomings for myself.
Pros:
- Great design that attracts the attention of people around you.
- Excellent materials and truly weightless design.
- It is truly much more comfortable to work and play in such glasses.
- Opportunity to order Gunnar glasses with diopters from the manufacturer.
Minuses:
- At greater distances the image begins to appear slightly double.
- A very “thin” package.
SPG Gaming
The third glasses in my review were a model from a Russian manufacturer - the company SP Glasses (SPG) from the city of Korolev, which not long ago launched a line of optics for gamers called SPG Gaming. The company produces several different models of glasses for a wide variety of target audiences. Including for those people who constantly work at the computer or adapt after vision correction. In 2000, the famous ophthalmologist, eye surgeon and academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Svyatoslav Nikolaevich Fedorov took an active part in the development of these computer glasses. This project was his last, since it was in 2000 that he died in a plane crash, leaving behind a huge scientific legacy.
The packaging of the glasses reminded me of a box from American Gunnar glasses. The same plastic blister, assembled according to a similar scheme.
Descriptions of the main features of the glasses are located on the bottom of the box. Here you can also find the manufacturer’s address and the full official name of the product: “Relaxation combined corrective glasses with mineral and organic filter lenses.”
The contents of the glasses are quite modest: instructions, a storage bag and a cloth for wiping dirt from the lenses. But here we should immediately make a reservation: the cost of the Russian model of glasses is only 1890 rubles, which is several times less than what the Swedes and Americans ask for their products.
The body of the glasses is made entirely of rough plastic, which at first glance feels very budget-friendly. But only at first glance. You gradually come to the conclusion that this approach of the Russian manufacturer has its advantages. For example, thanks to this, the weight of the glasses is only 22 grams! They are practically weightless.
The design of the glasses is modest compared to other models, but very nice with those green and gold accents on the arms. And most importantly, they fit almost perfectly on almost any face. I specifically asked my friends and acquaintances to try on all three pairs of glasses and tell me how they felt. Russian glasses were unanimously liked by everyone. Do you know what else these glasses can boast of? The instructions say that if you place the plastic arms in hot (not boiling!) water for a few seconds, you can then deform them with your fingers, adapting them to the shape of your head. I did not try this technology, but I am sure that there will definitely be people who want to experiment with such modding.
As you've probably already noticed, the SPG Gaming glasses do not have nose pads, which allows them to hug your face as closely as possible. And this, in turn, leads to the fact that your eyes practically do not dry out, even if in the process of work you begin to blink noticeably less often (this is what leads to the occurrence of discomfort In eyes). Indeed, glasses perfectly retain moisture and allow you to spend much more time on the computer or video game.
Like the other two models, the glasses from the Russian manufacturer almost completely block ultraviolet rays, and also absorb a significant proportion of blue-violet radiation from digital displays and other devices (for some reason the manufacturer keeps the absorption percentage secret). Besides protective properties glasses also have a number of relaxation benefits: they promote rapid recovery functional state eyes, slow down the aging process of eye cells, optimize the intensity of transmitted light for each fragment of the visible spectrum. The glasses also improve image quality: they increase its clarity and contrast, while maintaining acceptable color rendition. As with Gunnar glasses, you can order a model from the Russian manufacturer with an individual prescription up to plus/minus 10 diopters for each eye. It will cost significantly less than ordering the same glasses from the USA.
During a month-long testing of this model, I came to the conclusion that this is the best budget option for your money. Well, really, who would want to part with an amount of 5-7 thousand rubles when Russian analogue costs less than two thousand? Yes, the materials of this model are noticeably cheaper, and the lenses are most likely of lower quality. But the glasses cope with their main task quite well - working at the computer becomes more comfortable, even despite the fact that this product is not famous Western brands. In any case, SPG Gaming glasses are the most affordable of all those I listed in the review, which makes them extremely competitive not only in the Russian, but also in foreign markets.
Pros:
- The glasses are practically weightless and cannot be felt at all on your head.
- Of the three models, they are the ones that best protect your eyes from drying out.
- SPG Gaming is ideal for almost any face shape.
- Extremely budget price compared to foreign analogues.
- Possibility to change the shape and length of the arms at home.
- The famous Russian academician took part in the development of the glasses.
Minuses:
- Cheap materials still attract attention.
- The quality of the lenses is inferior to foreign analogues.
- Poor equipment.
Let's summarize the results of the experiment. The complex of symptoms associated with computer visual fatigue syndrome includes blurred vision, pain and dry eyes, headache and nausea, lacrimation, photophobia, and blurred images. Computer glasses cope with most of the listed unpleasant effects, if not completely, then at least quite well. During my personal research, I tested three models of glasses from different manufacturers and I can confidently say that they are definitely useful. Especially if your life is closely connected with computer equipment, gadgets or, as in my case, video games. We would like to believe that our readers will now be able to choose a manufacturing company, a frame design, and a price tag that won’t put a dent in their wallets. In my review I tried to give all necessary information in order to simplify the selection process as much as possible. I hope that this material will be useful to you.
Over the course of several years, driver's glasses have undergone a real evolution - instead of traditional chameleons with photochromic lenses, more modern and reliable polarized and anti-reflective lenses have appeared. In order to understand which of them are able to provide comfortable driving at any time of the day, you need to understand the types of coatings and the color of the lenses.
In general, all driver's glasses can be divided into two groups - sunglasses and anti-glare. It is the latter that are capable of reflecting glare from various objects (from wet asphalt, windshield, oncoming cars) and sunlight, which contributes to safe movement. Which driving glasses made the TOP 2018 in terms of price and quality? We study the rating based on customer reviews.
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Name |
price, rub. |
Briefly about the main thing |
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A line of protective optics with lenses in grey, yellow and brown. |
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Impact-resistant lenses in yellow, green, brown and gray Ultrasight IX for 100% visibility at any time of the day. |
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Chinese, but made with high quality. The set is the most complete - the glasses themselves, a case, wiping, polarization check. |
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Significantly increase the contrast of perception, improve visibility in dark time days. |
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With a yellow filter, they are designed to improve visibility and increase contrast in the evening and at night. |
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Eight-layer polarized lenses. Shockproof. Anatomical frame shape. |
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IN top part The lenses have an integrated translucent reflective strip. |
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The only ones certified by Roszdravnadzor. They are produced in Korolev and are sold only in specialized dealer pharmacies. |
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Increases clarity and color and looks modern and stylish. Due to the comfortable frames, they can be worn over prescription glasses. |
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Durable, classic shape. Suitable for both men and women, they help in bright sun, at night and in twilight. |
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Protects eyes in extremely bright lighting conditions due to photochromic and mirror effects. |
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Developed in Russia under the guidance of ophthalmic surgeon S.N. Fedorov. They have a certificate of conformity. |
Types of driving glasses
The main purpose of the optics is safe and comfortable driving in any weather. There are no universal driving glasses - depending on the degree of lighting and time of day, you need to wear one or another pair.
Based on functionality, optics can be divided into the following groups:
Sun protection and polarized
The polarizing effect helps guarantee the driver a comfortable and safe ride, as it almost completely neutralizes glare and blurred images, which not only prevent full control vehicle, but also imperceptibly tire a person’s eyes, worsening his vision. For evening driving you need to choose glasses with yellow lenses, for daytime - brown lenses.
Photochromic
This variety provides dimming equal to the light intensity and brightness. In bright sunshine and no clouds, the lenses are dark brown, almost black. As the surroundings get darker and the brightness decreases, the lenses become lighter. A big plus and the main difference from “chameleons” is instant lightening, for example, when entering a tunnel.
Corrective
To put it simply, glasses are for those who have vision problems - myopia or farsightedness. Such lenses are coated with a special antireflective coating that has an anti-reflex and anti-reflective effect.
When a person sits behind the wheel both at night and during the day, then it is worth buying two models of glasses. Then this will help avoid visual fatigue. A comfortable frame and properly selected lenses will provide excellent protection against glare and accidents.
Cafa France Royal Series
Taiwanese company Cafa France makes good polarized glasses. It is better to immediately buy 2 pairs - one with yellow lenses for night driving, and one with brown lenses for daytime driving.
Optics for daylight hours (gray and brown) give a very good picture, it eats up glare, the dashboard is not reflected in the glass, in general everything is as it should be when using real Cafe France polarized glasses!
Cafa France S11125
Yellow lenses are not as effective as brown ones - they eat up a little light from the headlights of oncoming cars, lighten the image a little, but they don’t change anything radically.
Almost synonymous with quality and benefits for drivers. Japanese polarized glasses for Polaroid drivers are presented in the 2018 CORE collection. There are classic aviators, practical glasses for drivers, and models for young people.
The collection has a lot of unisex models that are suitable for both women and men. The Ultrasight IX lens, combined with fashionable plastic frames, provides high contrast, anti-glare effect, protection from the sun and suppression of bright headlights.
High-quality, heated metal arms, their smooth movement, no backlash. The surface of the glass (plastic, of course) is smooth, without defects. The set is the most complete - the glasses themselves, a case, wiping, polarization check.
Excellent glasses in rich packaging of average quality, at a relatively affordable price. Very high-quality casting, good polarization, nose pads bend without cracking, even the design of the temples is thought out. More suitable for thin faces.
Useful for drivers in conditions of poor visibility - twilight, fog, snow and rain. They cope well with the problem of glare from headlights, even to the point of extinguishing bright xenon headlights. But at the same time colored sunglasses, unfortunately, they distort colors and are therefore not suitable for use by drivers. Yellow glasses are no exception. For example, oncoming headlights and white street lights will appear green in color when using yellow lenses.
Matrix 1105 (C8-476)
The operating principle is based on cutting off the horizontal component of the light wave, thereby blocking radiation reflected from the surface of other cars, windshields, snow and wet road surfaces. Thanks to multi-layer Matrix light filters, the eyes are protected from glare, harmful solar radiation and headlights from oncoming cars.
Matrix 1105 (C8-476)
Yellow polarized Matrix glasses significantly increase the contrast of perception, resulting in improved visibility at night. The lenses show the outlines of objects more clearly due to the absorption of the blue-blue spectrum of radiation, which helps the driver to correctly assess the distance, choose the distance and speed.
Combined relaxation frames with anatomical frames fit well, even on large faces. Very light, but not fragile and quite durable. Protects eyes from bright light in sunny weather, reduces eye strain associated with prolonged eye strain. Completely block ultraviolet rays.
Everything is visible in them very clearly and in detail, the eyes do not get tired during long trips. Includes soft case and lens cleaning cloth. The design and lenses were developed jointly with specialists from S.N. Fedorov’s clinic, for which a certificate is issued.
Modern Cafa France driver's glasses cut off unnecessary part of the light spectrum, thereby reducing eye strain and increasing image contrast. They have polarized lenses that can absorb indirect light rays. Thanks to all this, a person sees better, and gets tired much less.
Cafa France lenses have a very high polarization efficiency of 99.9%. This means they provide a clear image and eliminate virtually any glare. All this distinguishes them from ordinary sunglasses.
Despite the fact that lenses cut off part of the light spectrum, they do not distort the image and color scheme. That is, you won’t be able to see the world in pink (more precisely, yellow).
In conditions of limited visibility due to twilight or fog, such glasses increase contrast. The road becomes not only clearer, but also less tiring for the driver's eyes, while the glasses extinguish the glare from the headlights of oncoming cars. These are, of course, not night vision devices, but you can see the road much more clearly.
Crisley
According to statistics, about 12% of road accidents at night occur as a result of the driver being “blinded” by oncoming traffic. The reason may be high beam, poorly adjusted low beam or uncertified xenon. A translucent reflective strip is integrated into the top of the Crisli lenses - in the face of blinding oncoming light, you just need to tilt your head forward a little and look at the light source through this strip.
A distinctive feature of the Crisli model is the stylish design and comfort of the frame, made of lightweight and durable materials. The lenses are made of glass, which ensures not only scratch resistance and durability, but also the absence of distortion typical of plastic glasses in cheap counterparts.
The main problem with nighttime light is the reduction of eye exposure from the light of oncoming cars and street lamps. Our eye is most sensitive in the dark (the pupil is most dilated to receive the greatest flow of light, photographers know this by increasing ISO and how this is reflected in photographs), so even a point source of light causes a very severe irritation, up to partial loss of vision for some time.
Also, at night, objects become more contoured and more visible even in complete darkness. Also, the overall level of illumination becomes a little higher (here due to contrast). In cloudy weather, they increase illumination, also making objects more contrasty, puddles acquire clearer and more obvious outlines, which makes them more distinguishable.
Enhances clarity and color, looks modern and stylish, and can be worn by both men and women. They allow you to see much more contrast in the evening and at dusk, helping with problems with vision adaptation at dusk, in so-called cases of “night blindness” and reducing eye fatigue.
These glasses have gained the greatest popularity among drivers, as they make driving much easier during twilight, with reflected headlights on wet asphalt, and also prevent drivers from being blinded by oncoming traffic or the bright sun. It is very convenient when moving towards the low sun, which is blinding with its rays.
A special feature of HD Vision glasses is that they can be worn over your regular glasses with diopters, if you use such glasses for vision correction.
Driving glasses have one important property- increasing image contrast. Simply put, by wearing glasses against the headlights, you begin to see better, without having to strain your eyes and squint, which leads to headaches and fatigue.
Matsuda MT093
The beneficial properties are due to the use of lenses with unique coatings and filters developed in the largest ophthalmological laboratories in Europe. The lenses protect the eyes in extremely bright lighting conditions due to photochromic and specular effects.
The main advantages of Matsuda anti-headlights are increasing the contrast and clarity of the image in poor visibility conditions (low light, fog, twilight), reducing glare from the headlights of oncoming traffic, eliminating the “double image” effect, glare and halos at night.
Chinese MATRIX Polarized glasses are produced using a special filter layer. This layer prevents the perception of horizontal sunlight and exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Protects eyes in extremely bright lighting conditions due to photochromic and mirror effects. Matrix drive polarized anti-headlights are recommended for drivers; they increase the contrast and clarity of the image in poor visibility conditions (low light, fog, twilight) and reduce glare from the headlights of oncoming traffic.
The Antifar frame is made of durable plastic, and the lenses are made of glass. Made in one of the most popular shapes that are suitable for both men and women - the famous “aviators”. The glasses themselves were developed in Russia under the leadership of ophthalmic surgeon Svyatoslav Nikolaevich Fedorov and have a certificate of conformity.
They improve visibility when driving in difficult weather conditions (fog, cloudy weather, twilight) by increasing image contrast, and block harmful UV radiation. These glasses help the driver concentrate on the road and relieve eye strain.
Not all driver's glasses are truly polarized.
Polarization check
It's very easy to check: look through the lenses at the screen of your smartphone or LCD monitor, and then turn the screen 90 degrees - the image will become completely dark.
VIDEO: How to choose anti-headlight glasses “Main Road”