Rudy Project's Rydon sunglasses pack a lot of technology into a very lightweight package with the use of carbon, aluminum, magnesium and titanium. The most unique aspect of these sunglasses is the moldable aluminum temples that adjust to fit your head shape. Add to that the fully adjustable nose pads and the result is an almost custom fit.
It is important to spend some time getting the fit of the Rydons just right. Without doing so, they will bounce, particularly during a run. By curving the temples into a wraparound shape and tightening the nose pads (which force the glasses higher onto your face), I was able to stop the bouncing.
I was initially worried about twisting and bending the bits and pieces on these lightweight and fairly expensive sunglasses. Moreover, Rudy Project’s web site gave no instructions on "how" to adjust these very adjustable sunglasses. I eventually overcame my apprehensions and started bending the glasses into shape; which, as it turns out, is what they were designed to do.
Once properly fitted, the Rydons are very comfortable and it is easy to forget you’re wearing them (which should be the case for a quality pair of sunglasses). The optics are excellent, the coating on the lenses appears to be plenty tough and coverage is very good. Rudy Project opted for good coverage and protection over the style of smaller lenses. While the Rydons are fine for hanging out at the mall, they are first and foremost designed for sports usage. For those wanting it all, the Rydon is available in a wide range of colors - both for the frame and lenses - suiting tastes from conservative to wild.
The only real price for all this technology is, well, the price. The Rydons cost between $110 and $150, based on the retailer, and replacement lenses run about $40. That's a fair amount to pay for a pair of sunglasses, but not out of line with other high-end performance eyewear from Bolle, Oakley and North Face. The Rydons also come with a nylon bag for cleaning and a cool hard case for protecting your investment.
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