£191.99 Stylish and ingenious premium Italian eyewear
THE KELIONS USE AN OVERSIZED one-piece curved lens that’s 60mm at its deepest; Rudy claim that the 5.2mm base curve on the rear of the lens closely mimics the base curve of your eye, keeping the lens free of distortion. Whatever the science, they possess exceptional clarity.
The high quality, angular semi-translucent frame features a clever lens-release system. On the inside of the hinge, there’s a simple round button to pop the lens in and out to allow for a second lens for low-light use (available separately). Lenses come in eight configurations, four with (RP Optics) mirrored lenses and four with IMPACTX photochromic lenses. The Kelion’s also compatible with Rudy Project’s own prescription insert. The frames are made from Rilsan Clear, a bio-plastic material derived from 45% castor oil, grown by certified farmers in India. It’s good to see Rudy embrace a newer, greener material than traditional oil-based plastics. The arms feature soft, rubber-coated tips that are slender and shaped around your head, meaning minimal intrusion with straps.
The frame’s brow piece has 16 slots to aid airflow, and subtle vent cut-outs at the bridge and in the corners of the lens combine to help prevent fogging. An adjustable wire-cored nosepiece dials in fit.
On the bike I found the Multilaser Green lens ideal for both sunny days and gravel riding in woodland where darker lenses can muddy the low contrast of foliage and ground textures. The Kelions kept everything sharp and high contrast. At 33.2g, these glasses are also surprisingly light for such a large lens.
The package includes a high-quality cleaning/carry bag and hard case. All in all, these glasses are top quality and outdo their similarly premium-priced rivals.
Warren Rossiter
Rivals...
Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend £152 Rudy Project Cutline £169.99 Oakley Encoder Strike Vented £219
Assos RS LF Targa £65
● THESE ARE AN EXCELLENT
