Rudy Project Eyewear & Helmets Project Ketyum

Price Paid:  $155.00 at Performance

Favorite Ride:
Anything away from work

Summary:
These glasses were a replacement / upgrade to my RP Kerosenes and I absolutely love them. At first I was a little worried about the durability just because of what they cost but there was nothing to worry about. I've dropped them on the lenses, had them fall off from around my neck while walking (my fault) and have had zero problems with them. I'm surprised that the lenses, to date, have not scratched at all.

One other thing, I used Performance's price matching policy and then cashed in some points to get the price that low.

Strengths:
Good, sturdy feel
Lenses are tremendously scratch resistant
Good fit
Comfortable
Amazing optics

Weaknesses:
A touch heavy
Price

Similar Products Used:
Rudy Project Kerosenes
Cheap Performance glasses

Price Paid:  $188.00 at eyesave.com

Favorite Ride:
Kings Mountain

Bike Setup:
Scott CR1 Pro
Full Ultegra
Ksyrium Elite
Look

Summary:
Update to Prior Posting --

I have been sorely disappointed in the $250 sunglasses I purchased. I would have thought that at this price that the glasses would be perfect and customer servie would be stupendous.

Since purchasing the glasses, the lenses have scratched, a screw has broken on the frame such that you can't replace the screw since it is stuck in the hole.

While all of this is covered under warranty, I expected better durability from the glasses. I've also had to for over $14.95 each time for S&H to Rudy Proejct, plus the recommended using fedex for the shipping of the frames. That's another $15. So take the cost of the glasses and add another $45.

I do still believe the optics on the lenses are great, and the fit is fine, but my sense is the durability stinks. Save you money and get nice glasses for half the price.

Strengths:
Optics

Weaknesses:
Durability
Quality of construction for my pair

Price Paid:  $188.00 at eyesave.com

Favorite Ride:
Kings Mountain Road

Bike Setup:
Scott CR1 Pro
Ultegra Triple
Ksyrium Elite
Look

Summary:
I was looking for a nice set of sunglasses to replace the cheap performance bike $35 pair I currently have. I was looking for a pair that were truly adjustable as I was finding my current pair were too close to my eyes. Occasionally they would touch my eye lids as I was sweating, and vision would then be blurred. Fogging was an issues as well.

The Ketyum's were pretty darn expensive, but not that much more than the next level down RP's, which were the Rydon's, when you consider you get 2 sets of lenses with the Ketyum's and only one set with Rydon's -- Lenses are around $60. Rydon's didn't fit as well. Ketyum's were infinitely adjustable and fit well.

I couldn't stomach the $255 per pair, and found eyesave.com. They originally were for sale at $209, but I couldn't stomach that as well. I had just about completed the purchase when I back out. Since they had my info, they sent me another 10% discount coupon. At that point, I couldn't say now.

I've gone on a few rides and my impressions are as follows:

1. optics/lenses are fantastic. Almost no glare in the worst conditions, and visual acuity is near perfect.
2. Fogging is down to virtually nil except on the coldest days.
3. between fit, glare reduction, and acuity, I feel much less fatigued on long rides. It really makes a difference. Note that I am comparing to my $35 cheapies.
4. The only drag is these feel heavier than my cheapies. I don't notice when I am riding with full riding gear. But, when I am just wearing them around as sport glasses, they are a decent amount heavier than my cheapies.

I've been wearing my cheapies for so long, that I don't know if all high quality glasses are heavier due to material. Cheapies were all plastic, and not metal alloy.

It is a good trade-off for me however.

These are not for value seekers. These are for peloton wannabes with a wad. Unfortunately I only am the former, but ...

Strengths:
Optics
Fit
Acuity
Glare Reduction
Ventilation

Weaknesses:
Weight, compared to cheapos. Seem to be right or light in comparison to other high quality glasses.

Price Paid:  $230.00 at Spin City Bicycles

Summary:
I have been a long time user of Oakley products and have been happy with them for a long time. I have used the M Frames for a number of years with good results. I had heard about Rudy Project through bike magazines and my local shop. I spent some time researching their products before deciding on my purchase. I am very happy with my purchase. I wanted a pair of glasses that I could use for cycling as well as use for casual wear. The M frames due to their styling was a bike only option for me. The Ketyums fit my face better than any other glasses I have had, including other Oakelys and Revos that I have owned in the past. I like the extra substance of the alloy frame. It makes them feel sturdier and yet they are still very light unlike my Oakley Judys. The 3FX polarized lenses are the best polarized lenses that I have ever tried. There is very little red tint when looking through them. I also see a lot less of the spotting when looking through a tempered glass window when wearing them. The Racing Red lenses that came with them are excellent as well. They provide excellent contrast and depth perception. It took a while for me to decide to switch from Oakley but these glasses have made me comfortable with my decision. A excellent quality product backed up back a great warranty and the adjustability lacking in most sport glasses.

Strengths:
-Adjustability - moveable temples and nose pads to custom fit to your face
-3fx lenses - best polarized lenses I've use
-laser clear degree lenses - Good for cloudy and rainy weather. Also major cool factor when used off the bike. I've never got some many people asking about a pair of glasses before
-warranty - Although you have to pay $18 with Rudy, Oakley won't replace your scratched or broken lenses for anything except full price. Rudy will also replace your damaged frames for 1/2 price. Better than buying a new pair
-Comes with a hard case and a soft carrying cloth/bag.
-Comes with 2 lenses unless you purchase it with the polarized lenses. (mine came with smoke and racing red)

Weaknesses:
-two lenses to switch out instead of one, unlike Oakley M Frame. Check out the Rudy Freeon if you prefer just changing out 1 lens.
- Not a lot of info or reviews on Rudy Project stuff out there yet. Still has yet to have mainstream popularity of Oakley or Smith so you may have to hunt around to get info.
-Will have to go to a specialty bike shop to see products first hand. Luckily my shop had the very pair I wanted in stock so that I could see and touch before buying.
-Not the cheapest out there but you can get a similar style and lens choice with the Rydon.

Similar Products Used:
Oakley Blade
Oakley M Frame - old and current style
Oakley Juilet polarized
Oakley E wire polarized
Revo
Nike