6 Great Sunglasses for Runners and Cyclists (2016 Edition)

Over the next 4 days, I will feature 6 great sunglasses for runners and cyclists.  They encompass different features that make them great.  This is just an overview of the full product reviews that I will post in the coming days. Depending on the shape of your face, different sunglasses will work better for you.  I am reviewing theses sunglasses based on features, price, materials and warranty.  (Click here for last year’s review)

Optic Nerve Reactor PM ($89.00) and Reactor Polarized ($65.00)

The Reactor PM has a photocromatic lens that adjust the tint according to various light conditions.  It comes with a hydrophobic lens coating that repels water, oil, and dust.  They use TR90 (a durable, flexible, and light weight material) in the frame to make these the lightest Optic Nerve shades to date.  They use rubber tips near your ears and a fully adjustable nose piece for a great fit.  The Reactor Polarized is identical to the Reactor PM with the exception of the lenses being polarized and not photochromatic. These are made for people who have average sized faces.  Optic Nerve offers a lifetime warranty against manufacture defects.

XX2i Bermuda 1 - $99.00

The Bermuda 1 is XX2i’s first attempt at a casual pair of shades and they did a great job.  They are light weight and look great.  There are four different models (color options) to choose from and they have 4k optics that ensures the utmost frame durability and lens clarity.   The Bermuda 1 comes with the best warranty in the business.  You can try them for 365 days and if you don’t like them, you can return and get your money back.  Also, they have a “no questions asked” lifetime warranty, even if you scratch or break the glasses. 

XX2i Optics Hawaii 1 - $124.99

The Hawaii 1 from XX2i Optics is probably the lightest shades that I tested.  They come with adjustable temples and nose pads and carbon fiber arms.  They come with 8k optics that ensures the utmost frame durability and lens clarity.   All XX2i shades come with a great warranty, a semi-hard case, cleaning cloth bag, and a strap (known as Croakies back in the day).  These are my favorite XX2i shades to date and it has a lot to do with the fit, how light they are and the super crisp optics.

Smith Optics Parallel D Max - $139.00

The Parallel D Max was the most expensive pair of sunglasses that I tested.  They are worth the price though.  The lenses come with a Hydroleophobic (which reduces fingerprints, oil, and water marks) lens coating.  They fit medium sized faces and wrap around the sides more than the other shades I tested meaning you have better protection from the sun.  These are super light, extremely comfortable and won’t bounce around.  The Parallel D Max comes with a hard case and three lenses plus a lifetime warranty against manufacture defects.  

Tifosi Crit - $62.59

The Crit comes with a Fototec (photocromatic) lens and costs $62.59 on Amazon.  These are light weight sunglasses that won’t bounce around while you are running or riding.  They have great coverage and the changing tint on the lenses make these perfect for changing light conditions.  One awesome feature of the Crit that the other glasses didn’t have are the vent holes at the top of the lenses.  These sunglasses never had an issue with fogging and the vents are the reason why.   The Crit is made for people with medium to large sized faces.  All Tifosi products come with a lifetime warranty against manufacture defects and you get a semi-hard case and cleaning cloth bag as well. 

Don’t let the sun damage your sight.  It is one thing that can’t be replaced when damaged.  Protecting your eyes is vital and wearing a decent pair of sunglasses can take some stress off of your eyes too.  Cheaper sunglasses that you buy for $10 at your local Walmart are better than nothing, but your eyes will have to work harder to see.  There really is a difference when you look at these more expensive shades.  Finding sunglasses that will protect your eyes, fit well, and feel great isn’t always easy.  You might need to go to a local shop to test out a few pairs.  Check out my full reviews throughout the week to find out more about these great sunglasses.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.