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review

Orao Bislett Photochromic sunglasses

7
£29.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Comfortable, good value specs for day riding in most conditions
Weight: 
22g

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These Orao Bislett photochromic sunnies are a very serviceable pair of specs that react to the changing conditions. They're cheap, and well made for the money, they're light and the optics are good. The photochromic range isn't as wide as more expensive specs though.

Design-wise the Bisletts use a fairly standard wraparound design with the lens connected only at the top. The hinged arms are comfy and the nose piece is adjustable, which helps you get the fit just right for your face. At only 22g they're super light, but they don't feel flimsy. You get a semi-rigid case and a cloth thrown in.

Once you're wearing them it's easy to forget you are. They're very comfortable and the lenses are of good optical quality with no noticeable distortion and good coverage of peripheral vision. I had a few foggy moments on sweaty climbs, but they weren't any worse than some glasses I've tried costing many times as much. Once you crest and start speeding up again, they're quick to clear.

You don't notice the lenses changing in colour, and that's sort of the point. They just get on with it. The lenses don't go completely clear, so they're not really suitable for riding at night, but they coped well with all other conditions. They just about go dark enough to cope with really bright sun, but they're not as dark as the sun lens out of a typical three-lens system, for example, and they don't go as dark as some other photochromics I've tried.

They're only £30 though, so let's cut them a bit of slack. If you want interchangeable lenses then Orao's Griffith glasses (/content/review/124611-orao-griffith-pack-sunglasses) cost a tenner less and they're equally good. Given the choice I'd probably plump for those for the greater range of use, but if you want a pair of specs you can just sling on for day rides, the Bisletts are a good choice.

Verdict

Comfortable, good value specs for day riding in most conditions

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Orao Bislett Photochromic sunglasses

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

cycling and running in all weather conditions. The BISLETT PHOTOCHROMIC adapt to changes in light thanks to their photochromic lenses. Their ultra-soft and lightweight (22g) frame with adjustable nosebridge will fit all faces.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Protection in all weather - full UV filter - category 1 to 3 lenses

Their low weight of 22g provides a light feeling

Ajustable arms and nose pads to fit any face shape

Lens vents reduce fogging

The arm tips are made from soft materials to ensure proper hold

Protect against the wind, dust and weather conditions with a wraparound design

Photochromic lenses will adapt to all light conditions

With their plastic frame and polycarbonate lenses, they are shock-resistant

Guarantee : 2 Years

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Well. They're good all-purpose specs.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Fit, optical quality.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Photochromic range could be a bit bigger.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes, but the 3-lens Griffiths are a tenner less.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 41  Height: 190cm  Weight: 102kg

I usually ride: whatever I'm testing...  My best bike is: Genesis Equilibrium 853

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track

 

Dave is a founding father of road.cc, having previously worked on Cycling Plus and What Mountain Bike magazines back in the day. He also writes about e-bikes for our sister publication ebiketips. He's won three mountain bike bog snorkelling World Championships, and races at the back of the third cats.

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3 comments

Avatar
Ham-planet | 9 years ago
0 likes

How quickly does the tint change? These might be just the ticket for mountain biking in dark forests on sunny days.

Avatar
TheSpaniard | 9 years ago
0 likes

That's a damn sight cheaper than my Rudy Project ones! Very good deal for photochromic lenses and probably sufficient for most days in the UK.
The Rudy's do go completely clear though. And they look better, which is the most important thing, right?

Avatar
gthornton101 | 9 years ago
0 likes

these look great  16

Decathlon also do the Orao Portel model with photochromic lens for a fiver less
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/portel-photochromic-id_8301115.html#anchor_Co...

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