Glasses are almost essential when the heavens open to ward off the grit from the road and stop the rain getting in your eyes.
What you need are a decent pair of clear lens glasses in a frame that's going to cope with the demands of autumn/winter riding. The Northwave Predator sunglasses perhaps have a slightly misleading name but a clear purpose as to what they'll be useful for.
The ergonomic shape provides a particularly wrapped feel. Whilst the frame feels robust it is the lenses that add the finishing touch. They are good value too. Made from polycarbonate they are resistant to both solvents and scratches.
Perhaps more importantly they are repellent to water which is ideal given the inclement weather. The lenses have been treated to make them perfectly smooth to allow any water to slide off, leaving the important area free any hazards that may obscure your view.
The Northwave Predators are particularly clear and provide ample forward vision. The only flaw is the side struts at the edge of the frame towards the arms. They are small but when you turn your head to view behind you catch them out of the corner of your eye and they obscure your view slightly. When you only have a glance this isn't ideal and let down an otherwise decent pair of glasses down.
The cost doesn't - a penny under £20 you almost get a very good set of glasses but the side bar hinders your line of sight just enough to prevent top marks.
These glasses are almost very good - clear, scratch resistant lenses and a sturdy frame but the side bars that bolster the frame hinder your line of sight. A shame as the Predators could be really useful during the autumn/winter months.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Northwave Predator glasses
Size tested: Shiny Black Clear Lens (85111011)
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?
For those who ride with glasses over the autumn/winter months when it's more about keeping the grit and debris out of your eyes rather than the sun's rays.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
The ergonomic shape provides a particularly wrapped feel. Whilst the frame feels robust it is the lenses that add the finishing touch. They are good value too. Made from polycarbonate they are resistant to both solvents and scratch.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
The glasses are sturdy and strong with the lenses feeling secure and giving a very clear view.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Given the price and the performance this is a decent set of glasses that almost tick every box.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
The polycarbonate lenses ensure they are resistant to both solvents and scratch. The frame is strong and long lasting.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
The Predators are light and unobtrusive.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
The wrap around feel is good and they sit well without moving around.
Rate the product for value:
9/10
For the cost you can't quibble and they almost have it spot on.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Apart from the side bar the glasses are very good.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The fit and quality of the lenses.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
When riding on the road the side bar does impede your view and therefore stops the Predators getting a really good mark.
Did you enjoy using the product? Mostly yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Not really unfortunately for the reasons already covered.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? No.
Age: 44 Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three My best bike is: As above
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT
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