Vallon Watchtowers

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?

Vallon says: 'Superior Sustainable Vision. We set out to create the world's best sustainable shield sunglasses, with industry leading optics in a retro-modern style. The shatterproof lens developed with Zeiss ensures exceptional quality and optical clarity. The 80s inspired frame is made from recycled fishing nets fused into a highly durable and lightweight nylon fabric, and come with interchangeable silicone nose pads for a secure and personalized fit.

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

Lenses developed with Zeiss's RiPel technology - a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating

Frames made from highly durable nylon 6 material produced using 85% recycled fishing nets

3x interchangeable soft silicone nose pads

Flexible temples with rubber side-grip

Lightweight: 32g

Delivered plastic-free in a soft VALLON travel pouch.

LENS SPECIFICATIONS

Smoke (Grey tint, 13% VLT, Cat. 3)

or

Copper (Brown tint, 14% VLT, Cat. 3)

or

Blue (Brown tint, 14% VLT, Cat. 3)

The construction feels very sturdy, I (fortunately) haven't sat on them but they have been stashed loose in a jersey pocket and emerged unscathed. The frames have a degree of flexibility which should work in their favour to absorb any impacts in the event of a crash.

I found the lens colour pleasant especially in gloomier conditions, casting the world in a warm hue. The tint struck a good balance and I rarely had to take them off if light levels dropped dramatically. The field of view is excellent, the frames are alarmist invisible when you wearing them and you only see a slight sliver in the periphery of your vision.

The lenses remain scratch- and blemish-free having ridden through the grit and grime associated with winter UK roads. The frames also look as-new and feel like they will also shrug off any wear and tear.

The 32g weight is in line with other sunglasses of a similar design. The Oakley Sutro also weighs 32g and the extremely svelte POC Elicit glasses weigh in at a rather scant 23g.

I found the fit great, the arms gripped with just the right amount of pressure to keep the glasses in place without exerting too much pressure on my head. I did experience some interference between the top of the glasses and my POC Octal helmet but this was fixed by tipping the helmet back a touch.

The Watchtowers include three different options for the nose bridge, so you can dial in the fit too.

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

The fit's great, the optics are clear and I think they're good-looking sunnies too.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The unobstructed view was much appreciated and they felt very comfortable. The eco credentials are a welcome addition, especially the complete lack of plastic used in the packaging.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Interchangeable lenses would be welcome but in reality the fitted lens is appropriate for 95% of conditions.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

Retsiling for £122, the Watchtowers are on the lower end of 'branded' glasses. The recently reviewed Koo Alibi glasses retail for £200 and the Okaley Kato for £245. Of course there are more budget friendly options but £122 seems a very fair price for Zeiss lenses and frames made out of recycled materials.

Use this box to explain your overall score

Excellent performance fit for the price, as well as interesting eco credentials.