Smith Slider Sunglasses

Price Paid:  $90.00 at Burrow's, Brattlebor

Summary:
Very impressive 4-season sunglasses; good coverage, filtering -- they do more than block light; they really enhance ability to see.

Strengths:
These were my first pair of expensive sunglasses after using drugstore/gas station glasses for year. I got them after getting back into road biking last June. Before I got these glasses, after about a week of riding I had a lot of irritation in my L. eye. With these glasses, the irritation cleared up in a few days and never recurred--good coverage in all standard riding positions. Second strong impression came riding late in the day / cloudy / shady roads with the RC36 lenses -- contrast on the road surface is heightened above the naked eye. I have been most impressed, though, by the yellow (Y68) lenses since winter started, for skiing and snowshoeing. In twilight, in snowstorms, in the woods, etc. these lenses really heighten contrast on the snow -- I often take off the sunglasses and am surprised at how dark it has gotten out, b/c the glasses make it seem brighter than it is.

Weaknesses:
None that I've noticed.

Price Paid:  $99.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
anywhere

Bike Setup:
Fixed gear Surly

Summary:
I got the SL 01 first and thought the lenses were too small for my face. Swapped the 01 with the 02 and I was satified. The three interchangable lenses is what sold me on it. I got the brown, orange and a clear lense. I even used the clear one throughout the police academy during life firearm training.
My girlfriend sat on the frame and broke the arm. Cost $25.00 to replaced the frame. Later the rubber arms ripped and within a week after contacting the company, new ones came to my mailbox free of charge.

Strengths:
Versatiliy, good looks and great value.

Weaknesses:
The soft case and lense seem to scratch easily.

Similar Products Used:
Varneut, Raybans

Price Paid:  $95.00 at S&W Sports, Concord,

Favorite Ride:
Rolling hills and light traffic

Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic, Shimano 105 group. Ride adapted for triathlon.

Summary:
Great glasses, the frames are durable and light. I have never had a problem with them slipping. They do a excellent job with blocking out the wind and sun. The interchangeable lenses are great to. Smoke gray, Amber Orange and yellow are the standard colors that come with these sport glasses. I would have preferred clear to yellow though as I almost never use that color and my training sometimes takes me past dusk. Although various colors can be had for approx. $25.
The one gripe I have with these glasses is that when out running they tend to fog up. Though this can be fixed with some anti-fod spray it is still somewhat annoying.

Strengths:
Light, comfortable, great job of blocking the elements. You almost forget that they are there.

Weaknesses:
If your a triathlete then be prepared to use some anti-fog spray as they tend to fog over when running.

Similar Products Used:
Oakley

Price Paid:  $35.00 at Optometrist office

Favorite Ride:
Vacant open roads

Bike Setup:
2001 Bianchi Talledega

Summary:
Great sunglasses. Have had the slider 01 with the interchaneable lenses for two years with no problems Wrap-around style is very comfortable and block little peripheral vision. Able to wear them all day with no irritation or heaviness on the nose - but it did take about a month break in period to reach that comfort level. The interchangable lenses are very convienent, esp. for cloudy days ect.

Strengths:
Lightweight
Interchangable
Comfortable

Weaknesses:
Need to carry a cleaning cloth with you if you are going to change the lenses often, because you will get a finger and palm prints all over the lenses you change them out.

Similar Products Used:
serengetti, maui jim, nike

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Sunglass store

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
Two wheels. Pedals. Chain.

Summary:
Great glasses. Won't slip off under any circumstances. They used to come with clear lenses, but no longer do. The lenses are very high quality, with no distortion at all. Sure, they get scratched after replacing them for many months, but if you keep the lenses clean, then the scratches are barely noticable and only in the corners by the nosepiece. They may fog up on you when you STOP riding, but they've never done so while riding. If it happens to you, ride faster! My current pair is a replacement of a previous pair that got lost. I was happy to pay list for them. I wear contact lenses when I ride and these are great at shielding the eyes from the wind.

Strengths:
Stay on, light, high-quality optics

Weaknesses:
No clear lenses, lame case.