Category Archives: Eyewear

Predator Goggles Review

Quite Nice!

If you are into endurance swimming, you should really look into the over-sized goggle market. I am not talking about huge masks, but goggles that don’t sit inside your eye sockets. I have previously written about the Speedo Baja and how it is a great pair. I have now been swimming with the Barracuda Predator goggle for over a month, and it is also a great option.

Barracuda goggle frames are built to follow the bone contour around your eye socket. The company states that this design creates a “positive pressure that seals out water without suction.” I have worn many goggles and a good majority of them, especially the cheaper models, will suck your eyes out with the suction that they create. Swimmers should avoid this at all costs, especially for endurance events or extended training sessions in the pool. The Predator hits the mark with its design and promises when concerned with comfort. The Predator provides a soft and comfortable fit and feel when you first place them on your face just as as they do an hour later as you exit the pool. The goggles have also performed leak-free.

The Predator is built as a hybrid goggle/mask design. My understanding of this is that the goggles are larger that the standard designs and more importantly, it allows for a greater visual field. The goggles have a hard angle toward the outside of the lenses, which a majority of goggles do, which allows your peripheral vision to be more expansive. This is a critical aspect for any open water swims with all your fellow triathletes. I personally like the lenses of the Speedo Baja better because they don’t have the hard angle, but I have become accustomed to the Predator and any visual distortion at the angle is hardly noticeable.

The Predator is built with fog resistant coating. After a month of use they still are performing as new. It is so nice to be able to see my watch or pace clock on the wall without having to rapidly remove them from my eyes as I complete an interval. With my substandard eyesight, I am amazed at the clarity that the Predator offers.

The other aspects of the Predator seem to be pretty standard. The nose bridge is not adjustable, but uses multiplex material to stretch and conform to the standard face. If this type of nose bridge has been a problem for you in the past you may want to think twice before your purchase. The straps are standard and latex free.

The Bottom Line ~

I really like these goggles and believe that they would be worth your time and money to try them out. The goggles retail for around $18 which is a standard price for this class. World class triathletes wear these, so if that matters to you, take note.

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Ryders Swamper Polar-Photo Sunglass Review

Having 4 Eyes Has Never Been So Stylish

Ryder's Swamper SunglassesWith as much time as endurance athletes spend outdoors, investing in a quality pair of sunglasses is key.  But, let’s be honest, you could probably take out a small loan to buy some of the optics available on the market.

I think a simple, high-quality, feature-packed, moderate cost approach is the way to go.  That’s why Ryders Eyewear is such a great option.

Overall Ryders costs less than the super-hyped brands like Smith.  But just because it costs less does not impact the quality.  I’ve found the Ryder’s Swamper Polar-Photo Sunglass to be a great pair of affordable, quality sunglasses for a wide-variety of sports.

I have used the Swampers for several months in my running, cycling, cross-country skiing and mountain biking.  I have to say that I’m quite happy with these glasses.

First they are polarized, which I believe every athlete who’s spending significant time outdoors should have polarized lenses – it just makes the view that much better.  The Swampers are also cool because they are photo-chromatic.  That is basically scientific talk for the fact that the lenses will automatically darken and lighten, depending on the brightness of the light in your environment.  This is a great option, especially if you are training in the late afternoon/evening or early morning. (when most non-sponsored athletes train and recreate)

Now, it’s important to note that the lenses don’t instantly brighten or darken, but gradually do so.  Also, they darken faster than they lighten, so they aren’t a perfect solution for Mountain Biking when you’re going in and out of dark spaces quickly.

The other feature I really like about these glasses is that the nose pads and temple tips are flexible and adjustable.  This is really great because you can really dial in a customized fit for your individual face.  Also, they are made out of hydrophylic material, so they provide some extra grip which comes in handy as your face starts to sweat.

The Bottom Line ~

Ryders Eyewear is a quality, affordable name that you can trust.  I really like the Swampers lenses and have been happy with the optics quality, fit, and durability.  I really love the photochromatic lenses and I also love how affordable these glasses are – about $90.

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Smith Pivlock V90 Sunglass Review

You Could Wear These Sunglasses at Night

Smith Pivlock V90 LensesSunglasses are a critical part of training for almost every endurance sport.  They protect your eyes, and let’s be honest, make you look cool.

When it comes to optics, Smith definetely has the reputation and name in the industry.  When I was looking for a new pair of sunglasses for cycling and running I immediately thought of Smith.

I really like the design of the Pivlock V90.  They really conform to your face, while providing enough coverage so that you don’t see the edge around your eyes.  I also, really like the weight of these sunglasses.  They are very light, and seem to disappear when you put them on.

Unfortunately, the Pivlock 90 has a pretty big problem.  I’ve found on multiple occasions, both running and cycling, that sweat will run down your face and right onto the lenses.  Because the lenses are a solid piece, the sweat just hits the lenses and streaks down.  This is a big pain, especially if you are doing a hard interval ride or run.  The other hassle is then that your vision is obscured, and I’ve had to clean the lenses after just about every activity.

The quality of the optics are exceptional.  The polarized lenses make for crystal clear viewing.  Also, the Pivlock V90 comes with 3 set of lenses to choose from.  A darker polarized lense, a rose or lighter colored lense, and then a clear lense.  I have found all three to be very useful and convenient. (You can actually wear the clear lens at night!)

The other helpful thing to know about the Pivlock V90 is that to change out the lenses you have to pull off the side arms and then re-attach them to the new lens you want to use.  This can be a little tough the first couple times you do it, and you will probably be worried that you will break the lens.  The good thing is that lenses are very strong, and the system works well, so you won’t actually break the lens.  You’ll need a little practice, but you’ll be able to do it like a pro in no time.

The Bottom Line ~

The Pivlock V90 is a well-designed and high quality lens.  The big drawback of this product is that sweat will run down your forehead and right onto the lens, leaving sweat streaks all down your glasses.  If you don’t mind cleaning your glasses frequently, or if you don’t sweat, than this wouldn’t be an issue.  The optic quality and weight of these lenses is great.  Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this product to friends and I wouldn’t by another pair, until they fix this design problem.

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