With the sun finally making an appearance, what better opportunity to review some cycling eyewear from Oakley.
With a price tag of over £150, Oakley Radar Edge sunglasses need to work hard to warrant the eye watering spend. Did they live up to our reviewer’s high expectations as she tested them cycling across the Pyrenees?
Revealing the Radar Edge sunglasses from the ‘Soft Vault’ case they came in, it’s immediately apparent with their low profile and small lens, that these have been purpose-built for women’s faces.
The sunglasses sit in Oakley’s ‘Toric Shield Series’ meaning it has a more rounded design that offers unobstructed peripheral vision; even with the shallow lens, my entire range of vision was covered.
The Radar Edge frame fits comfortably under your helmet, hugging closely to your face to help protect your eyes from wind, rain and debris. With other cycling sunglasses, I’ve struggled with pressure from the arms, but I was pleased that these fitted snugly without any discomfort.
Radar Edge sunglasses come in a variety of colours and lens options. I tested the Mellow Yellow colour with G30 Iridium lenses. The lenses coped incredibly well, they’ve been worn in bright sunshine, overcast dull conditions, through torrential rain and even snow – never once was my vision compromised. Don’t worry about snapping the one lens if you need to change them, I trialed it and with some gentle persuasion they came off with ease. The same goes for re-installing, it’s amazing how flexible the lens is, so you shouldn’t panic.
I’ve loved wearing these glasses; even on the longest of rides, they’re so lightweight, I’ve forgotten I’ve been wearing them, surely a great sign that they’re comfortable.
Oakley boast that the Radar Edge “Unobtanium® earsocks and nosepads increase their grip, even in sweaty conditions”. While they never slipped forward off my face, I did experience some rubbing from the nosepad. Even when I changed to the other nosepad supplied, things didn’t get any better. It is worth mentioning I do have a large bridge to my nose, so it may not be an issue to others.
One other slight concern was that the sunglasses had a tendency to steam up on long hill climbs, when my output was high but speed low, something I wouldn’t expect from glasses in this price bracket. The Radar Lock model from Oakley has vents at the top of the lens, so they could be an alternative.
Aesthetically, unless you like the sporty look off the bike, these Oakley’s should probably be reserved for cycling. Admittedly an expensive outlay for glasses you’ll wear just on your bike, but even with the niggles, it really does feel like a little treat every time I put them on.
Verdict
The Oakley Radar Edge Women’s sunglasses are great for long and short rides, due to their non-slip, secure fit they’re suitable for a range of other sporting activities, which is where you can really get your value for money.
Pros
– Lightweight
– Great coverage
– Lenses great in all weather conditions
– Available with prescription lenses
– Easy to change lenses
Cons
– Tendency to steam up
– Grips on nose pad can rub if you have a large bridge
– Expensive
Price: From £175
Colour options: Polished White / Orange Flare / Pink Lava
More information: Oakley
What Oakley say about their Radar Edge Women’s sunglasses
Stellar performance, streamlined design: Oakley Radar Edge gives athletes an extra edge over the competition. The latest addition to our popular toric shield series has a more rounded frame for even better coverage. With a simple silhouette and vibrant color palette (think Shortcake and Mellow Yellow), Oakley Radar Edge is as beautiful as it is hard working.
Athletes of all abilities will enjoy optimized peripheral vision and side coverage of Polaric Ellipsoid™ lens geometry as well as UV protection of Plutonite® lens that filters out 100% of UVA / UVB / UVC & harmful blue light up to 400nm. When it comes to protection, Oakley Radar Edge has you covered: impact resistance that meets all ANSI Z87.1 standards for high-mass and high-velocity impact.
Designed to keep the pace, Oakley Radar Edge has a stress-resistant O Matter™ frame that is super lightweight and a Three-Point Fit that holds lenses in precise optical alignment. When you’re playing your hardest, the Unobtainium® earsocks and nosepads increase their grip, even in sweaty conditions. Customize yours with options like polarized lenses, Iridium® lens coating for glare reduction or Authentic Oakley Prescription Inserts. They’re also available with interchangeable lenses to optimize performance in any environment and for customizable nosepads for secure fit. Keep your Radar Edge safe in the protective Oakley Soft Vault (included).
