Good-looking, lightweight and far cheaper than most of the big brands, the Panda Optics S25-1 glasses make a strong first impression. While the nose piece might take some adjusting and the lenses are prone to scratches, overall they’re a good option for UK conditions.
> Buy now: Panda Optics S25-1 for £78 from Panda Optics
With a catchy name, the Panda Optics S25-1 sunglasses are pitched as all-round sports eyewear rather than being cycling-specific. There are two versions: the Black model on test here, fitted with a warm L3 UV400+ Category 3 mirrored blue lens, and a Green version that features a mirrored gold lens.
Both share the same construction, including a TR90 frame, titanium temple adjustment and an adjustable Y-Axis nose grip. Claimed weight is 30g, though our sample came in at 34g for frame and lens. They’re supplied with a microfibre bag and supplied in a basic cardboard case.
In the hand, the S25-1s feel reassuringly well-made. The arms close with a positive snap that not only adds to the sense of quality but also makes storage easier, helping to stop them from unfolding when stowed. The frame shape suited me perfectly, and while the lens isn’t as large as some modern options, it still provided excellent coverage with little noticeable intrusion around the edges of vision.
The arms curve slightly but don’t drop, which meant they slotted neatly into the vents of various helmets when stored while riding, although the thinner arms and limited amount of rubber on them did mean they started coming out of some helmets, but only those with larger vents.
The nose piece proved more problematic. While the Y-Axis adjustability should, in theory, allow for a precise fit, I found it fiddly, taking several rides to settle on a position I was happy with. Grip from the rubber pads was also underwhelming, particularly on hot days with suncream applied, and this was a drawback I haven’t experienced with comparable eyewear.
Panda Optics doesn’t publish an official VLT (Visible Light Transmission) figure, though as a Category 3 lens it should fall between 8–18%. From my experience, it’s at the higher end of that range, as on sunny days there was still a degree of glare. However, this light transmission amount can be an advantage for riders tackling mixed conditions or routes that dip in and out of the trees, as the lens strikes a useful balance. I often found myself choosing these over darker lens options that cut out too much light.
Durability is one area where the S25-1 disappointed. Despite using only the supplied microfibre bag for cleaning and never riding off-road or in especially harsh conditions, the lenses picked up scratches and marks surprisingly quickly.
At £78, the S25-1 sits in the mid-range bracket. They’re significantly cheaper than products from the likes of Rudy Project and Scicon, which push close to £200, and I’d happily pick these over the Rudy Project Astral.
On the other hand, there’s stiff competition from more affordable, well-rated models from brands such as Van Rysel, Galibier and Magicshine. Recent high-performers include the Van Rysel RoadR 900 and Galibier Grandtour, both of which cost slightly less.
Overall, the Panda Optics S25-1 delivers solid performance at a sensible price. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and versatile enough for typical British conditions. Fit on the nose piece can take a little fiddling, and the lenses mark easily, but for £78 these glasses punch above their weight against the bigger name brands.
Verdict
Excellent lens and frame shape, and good for typical British riding conditions
> Buy now: Panda Optics S25-1 for £78 from Panda Optics
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Panda Optics S25-1
Size tested: One
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?
Panda Optics says:
S25-1 – Spring 2025 Release
Introducing the S25-1 available in Matt black/Forest green or Jade green, the latest evolution in performance eyewear from our all-new S25 range – designed to elevate your game with next-level quality, advanced features, and ultra-lightweight durability.
Weighing in at just 30 grams, the S25-1 is built for athletes who demand comfort without compromise. The fully adjustable Y-Axis nose grip and titanium-adjustable temple arms ensure a custom, secure fit for every face shape, no matter how intense the action.
Equipped with a single fixed UV400+ Category 3 lens, crafted from lightweight and durable polycarbonate (PC), the S25-1 offers superior optical clarity and protection. PC lenses provide up to 10x more impact resistance than traditional resins – perfect for high-speed sports and everyday wear alike.
Whether you’re chasing performance or just want gear that keeps up, the S25-1 sets a new benchmark in sports eyewear.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Panda Optics lists:
Features
– TR90 Frame
– Titanium temple adjustment
– Adjustable Y-Axis nose grip
– Removable top frame
– 1.8mm PC Lens
– Weight: 30g
Lens Specification
VLT – TBC
Category – 3
Tint – Warm L3
Coating – Mirrored Blue
Dimensions
Frame Width – 144mm
Lens Height – 57.4mm
Bridge Width – 0mm (no bridge)
Temple Length – 124mm
They are well constructed, and compare well to other more well-known brands. The main frustration is the nose piece.
In typical British weather, the lens is good, although on very sunny days, some riders may find it has limited protection from sun glare.
The frame is good, but the lens scratches easily, even when using the cloth provided.
Excellent frame and lens shape, which makes them great to use, and they fit well into various helmet vents tested.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
The nose piece proved frustrating, taking time and adjustment before I found a comfortable fit. Once dialled in, though, the glasses performed well, with a frame shape and lens that felt comfortable and worked with a range of helmets. The lens handled general light conditions well, but on very bright days some glare still crept through.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The shape and lens profile, with arms that fit well into helmets and onto the ears.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The nose piece is infinitely adjustable, but that also meant it took multiple rides to get into a comfortable shape, and the lens scratched quite easily.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Cheaper than many branded options, including the Rudy Project Astral, but other recent high-performers include the Van Rysel RoadR 900 and Galibier Grandtour, both of which cost slightly less.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Perhaps, although I would also look at the other lower cost options.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
The S25-1 feels well-made, sits comfortably once adjusted, and offers versatile performance in mixed light conditions, all at a competitive price. However, the nose piece is fiddly and the lenses mark easily and may not offer enough light protection for the brightest days.
About the tester
Age: 39 Height: 168 Weight: 61
I usually ride: My best bike is: Cannondale SystemSix
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, cyclo cross, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Lots of gravel style riding
