Performance Shades on a Budget

In a sea of options, it’s tough to find that favorite pair of shades or glasses that fit your face and your sport. Industry buzzwords and proprietary technologies make the waters even muddier still.

For the last few months, I’ve been testing several pair of Ryders glasses. Making solid, performing eyewear at a reasonable price is the company’s bread and butter. We all love a good deal, but how would the shades stack up against my favorite glasses from heavy hitters like Oakley and Smith? Are we all better off coughing up the $150 to $200 or more for a good pair of performance specks?

Over the test, I tried several pair that just did not fit my face until finally landing on the company’s Caliber model. At $59 the glasses come with three sets of interchangeable lenses (gray, orange and clear) and a hard storage case. They are an obvious bargain.

Injection-molded, shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses are a reliable industry standard at this price point. Company literature states “If astronauts trust this material to keep their heads from exploding while on a 17,000 mph space walk, you’ll have nothing to worry about on your adventures, no matter how fast you’re going.”

The Caliber’s thermoplastic frame is tough and flexible. At 31 grams, they are not the lightest race shades but honestly your face won’t notice. (One of my favorite race shades, the Smith Pivock V90 MAX, weigh 25 grams.)

On cycling outings, the Caliber shades were comfortable and kept my eyes safe. The large, full-coverage and rimless lenses allow a wide field of vision and a tight seal against my face. Not seeing the edge of the lens in my periphery is my favorite part. Fit was good, with no odd pressure points or sharp edges to deal with. For running, the Ryders held snug with no bouncing. And bushwhacking through the woods, the clear lenses became safety glasses, keeping branches from poking my eyes.

Overall, the Caliber glasses have worked just as I would want them to. They are very affordable and would be easily replaced if I was to lose or destroy them. You don’t get polarized lenses at this price, and I won’t be giving away my high-dollar shades anytime soon to trade out for Ryders, but for what they are shades like the Caliber are a nice option.

Without hesitation, I would recommend the Calibers for anyone looking for an affordable shade or just a pair you don’t have to worry about trashing during that next muddy training day. Available in a variety of frame and lens combinations from $39 to $89. Depending on face size and structure, other models might be a better fit, so be sure to try several on before heading outside, eyes shaded now with an affordable view.

—T.C. Worley is a contributing editor based in Minneapolis, Minn.