When Madison – the UK’s leading distributor of bicycle parts and accessories – announced they were adding Lazer helmets and eyewear to their stable, we wanted to find out what the 2013 range would offer our readers.
The new Lazer eyewear range is set to launch here in the UK in early August 2013, but we’ve already got you a sneak peek. Madison consider the 25-gram Argon AR2 model, with its two-piece lens, stylish frame and small to medium fit, to be the key offering for the women’s market, so we were sent a pair to test.
There’s a choice of three interchangeable lenses (£64.99 – smoke silver, lazer yellow and clear) or a photochromic option (£74.99 – lenses automatically adjust to the light). Six colourway options for the frame – including tortoiseshell, matte violet, red, white and black – make the Argon AR2s stylish enough to wear off the bike.
We passed the Lazer Argon AR2 test sunglasses in matte violet through to reader/reviewer Rebecca Miles to see whether they lived up to the hype Madison have put behind the brand.
No glare, lots of grip and multi-lenses mean the Argon AR2s have all bases covered.
On receiving the Argon AR2s, I was pleasantly surprised at the value for money. The matte violet glasses on test came with silver, yellow and clear lenses, plus hardcase and cleaning bag – all for £64.99 (£74.99 if you were to opt for the photochromic lens). For a set of specs with various lenses that allow you to get year-round versatility, I think that’s a very sensible outlay.
The lightweight frame, coming in at 25-grams was simple and sleek. Even with my fairly wide face, the small to medium fit was incredibly comfortable, and at no point could I feel any part of the glasses digging in. Lazer have managed to attain that fit-and-forget feel with the Argon AR2s – great for long hours in the saddle.
Lazer utilise panorama technology for the lenses of the Argon AR2s, the shape provided, combined with where the frame positions the lenses meant my eyes were nicely protected from flying bugs and bits without the glasses feeling too close.
By default, I’ve mainly used the silver lenses, even if it’s just been vaguely sunny. They’ve been great at keeping out the glare and I haven’t had to squint. They’ve only let me down a little when I suddenly descended in to the shade – the tint was then too dark, but that’s to be expected and if it’s a problem you can buy the photochromic lenses that adjust to various light condition. Riding through dappled light under the trees, the Argons lenses were a marked improvement on my previous glasses.
Cycling to work, the yellow lenses have been ideal for overcast and changeable weather conditions, providing a wonderful clarity to my vision. Style-wise, wearing yellow lenses is still taking a bit of getting used to. The brightness of the yellow, make me suddenly look like a ‘serious’ cyclist, but I’m appreciating the protection they’re giving my eyes.
Another standout area for the Argons was how little they steamed up. Over four days of riding in the sun in the Alps, they steamed up – very briefly – only once.
Clumsily, I’ve already dropped them on to a tarmac road and while the frame has stayed intact one of the lenses has scratched, a little too easily I thought.
A word of warning – the first time I pulled at the frame to change the lenses I was convinced it was going to snap. If you look closely, you’ll notice there’s a flexible section across the top of the frame, which gives and with a bit of practice, swapping the lenses becomes less scary – promise.
Verdict
The Lazer Argon AR2 sunglasses are strong, comfortable and versatile – plus, great value. Thumbs up in my book!
Pros
– Supplied with three different lenses (smoke silver, lazer yellow
– Grippy nose pads
– Sturdy, strong but lightweight frame
– Anti-steam
– Good anti-glare from silver lenses
Cons
– Lenses scratch easily
Price: AVAILABLE IN MID-AUGUST 2013
– Standard lenses, £64.99
– Photochromic lenses, £74.99
Frame colour options: Tortoiseshell, Matte Violet, Gloss White, Gloss Black, Crystal Grey, Crystal Red and Crystal Yellow.
More information: Lazer Sport
