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I’ve got some prescription sunglasses from specsavers that work well on the bike, but they are quite dark and I struggle picking out tree roots/stumps etc, in the woods.
Thinking of ordering some more but asking for a much lighter tint. The colour options are grey, brown or green, which would be best for picking out roots/stumps etc, in low light in the woods?
There is also the light reactive lens so that might be an option.
I think brown is the accepted best for the woods.
Personally I would avoid reactive lenses - they take too long to change (the ones I had took over a minute, which is really no good if you're on a trail in and out of the trees).
https://www.sportrx.com/blog/mountain-biking-lens-color-buyers-guide/#
Some people say reactive are fine but I found that even my eyes don't adjust fast enough to riding from bright sunlight to deep woods fast enough for some trails. I've seen people with yellow tints which are interesting though.
I've ordered some prescription Oakleys with their Prizm Trail lense for exactly the reason you mention. They've not arrived yet but I'll let you know how I get on when they do.
With my Evil Eyes, the orange lens is the best for woodsy riding, so from your options I guess brown would be the one to go for.
Prizm Trail is the correct answer unless it's REALLY gloomy.
Agree, really like the contrast from my prizm trails though mine are not prescription. As above not very very low light. I think they let more light through than the prizm road version.
The reactive lenses on mine are really good. I don't notice the change and they always seem to be the right brightness.
The only problem with mine is that I can't see through the fogging up when it rains, or I'm sweating too much!
I might go contact lenses and buy some good riding glasses this time.
MM, go brown, much better contrast.
Problem is places like BPW going from open areas into full shade.
I would have 18% transmission (sunglasses dark) to 40% transmission (a bit lighter) graduated tint so looking down at roots is not so dark. I’d also have an anti reflective coating.
I’m saying this but I have about 3 different pairs for varying degrees of sunshine, my next pair would have the above just for BPW.
Personally I would avoid reactive lenses – they take too long to change (the ones I had took over a minute, which is really no good if you’re on a trail in and out of the trees).
I have cheapo "photochromic" clear -> grey jobs and they're fine in and out of shadow and tree cover, they're not quite as dark at full tint as my proper sunglasses.
I suppose a brown or even a graduated brown tint might make sense but they're probably less effective when you're under constant glare in the open.
As with anything there is an inevitable trade off, set tint might be too dark/light for some conditions, cheap photochromic lenses change far slower than fancy transitions and that won't suit many people, but then pukka transitions that change fast will cost 5x more probably? For specs I run a higher chance of breaking that's proportionately too much...
Mmmm, I’m tempted by the Oakley Prisms now, but they are expensive. Did you guys order online and put your prescription details in. Don’t think speccsavers or my local optician stock them. Seems a bit risky buying online without trying on for fit.
I don’t like any tint in the woods. Have tried Oakley Prizm Trail and by increasing contrast they hid the details. Can’t see photochromic being anywhere near fast enough.
AFAIK, your lens colour corresponds to the kind of light that you want to block out (allowing for the amount of light transmission).
So a blue lens absorbs mostly blue light, a green lens absorbs mostly green light.
I can't bear the orange glow from regular street lights, so I try to use an orange coloured lens for urban riding as this accentuates the other colours/ details.
I've heard people say that an orange lens is best for riding in the woods.
Maybe you should try Specsavers 'bogof' offer and go for one pair in a medium brown-orange lens and one pair in a very light green tint? They should have a display case of lens tints in your local shop.
Hope that helps😌
I tend to get my Prescription Oakley Cross frames (usally latest Switches) done mail order by Reglaze Glasses Direct (aka Cillary Blue)
My usual fave is a Polycarbonate, Lens Type: Transition 7, Price: £125 , Colour: Green, Coating: Mirror with MAR (+£38.00), Mirror Colour: Red-Flame.
Looks like an orangey red mirror transition
Always interests/intrigues the Vision express peeps when I get my eye tests and TBH seems very reasonable as I have a fairly high Prescription and they are a tad different to the norm.
@dudeofdoom
Thanks. They look great for riding in.
Though, when I googled Oakley's crossrange, i was sent to a video of Ali G😛