Rudy Project Rydon Polar 3FX Sunglasses Review
If you are an ultra runner seeking a perfect blend of style, comfort, and durability in your eyewear, then these sleek little numbers may well be for you. As someone who likes a bit of warmth on my skin, these glasses have been part of my travel kit across three continents and coped with varying degrees of brightness, seldom seen in the U.K.
One of the most appealing aspects of this Rydon model is their lightweight design. Constructed with high-quality materials, these glasses feel almost weightless on your face, making them an ideal choice for long-distance runs. Despite their lightness, they do not compromise on style. Their sleek and modern look is of course a matter of preference, but I’ve never been a fan of large wrap around specs so these work very nicely for me indeed.
My “shades” came with the Polar 3 FX lens which offered really solid protection from glare and U.V. Whilst the tint worked well to reduce brightness it didn’t overcompensate and make vision too dark. Comfort is paramount when it comes to any running gear, and these excel in this regard. The ergonomic design and well-padded nose bridge ensure a snug fit without causing any discomfort or irritation, even during prolonged wear. Whether you are running through the humid climate of Southeast Asia or a Lakeland fell, these sunglasses remain firmly in place, providing optimal comfort throughout your run.
Durability is another standout feature, the frames are robust and resilient, capable of enduring the rigors of long runs without showing signs of wear and tear. There are some obvious quality touches in the manufacture, reinforced screw fittings for the arms and well bonded pads on the arms being the most obvious. This durability ensures that your investment in these sunglasses will be worthwhile, as they should serve you well for many outings.
Rudy Project is an established European brand that will be familiar to those of you that cycle. The more fashion conscious iron horse riders are arguably a bit more focused on style than us runners accustomed to squelching through bogs. The Brand’s origins may explain why there are multiples styles and lens options available, a nice touch with these is that they can be made with prescription lenses. So whether you prefer a classic look or something more contemporary, there is a design to suit most tastes.
At a retail price of around 229 euros they are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. You would perhaps need to consider these an investment rather than a seasonal purchase, however, recognising the high quality of the materials they are likely to last meaning you shouldn’t need to replace them for a few years.
These are good sunglasses, very good sunglasses, with excellent quality, durability, lenses and they are super lightweight. Would I recommend them? If you have the cash then yes, absolutely buy a pair, however, I feel that the price point puts these out of reach of most of our community.
Robin Bush is the co-owner of ULTRA Magazine. He’s an experienced mountain runner, who has run many of the classics including the Dragon’s Back and The Spine.
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