Rudy Project Kelion Sunglasses with Impact X 2 Lens
Durability and clarity for the road ahead
Reviewed by Ben Thorpe & Robert Thorpe
Rudy Project have surpassed themselves with the latest ImpactX® 2 lens used in their Kelion road cycling sunglasses. Yes, I know, the lens is always an important element to road cycling sunglasses – that’s plainly obvious. However, these new and highly technical lenses have everything that a cyclist could want: lightness, clarity, durability and excellent photochromic ability that adapts quickly to changes in light, offering optimal visibility and full UV protection. When seated inside of the stylishly modern design of the Kelion frame, the lens also has a small air-flow cutaway in the top center, which maximises air flow and stops the lens from misting up on hard rides – something that can frequently be a problem with other brands – even other high-priced sunglasses.
Design aesthetics and technology in balance
In essence, the lens is simply very clear when you’re riding. It’s also designed well, covering a well-thought-out field of vision, allowing you to ride without thinking that you’re wearing sunglasses. It has none of that frame block issue that can sometime occur on the edges of vision. Yes, the large framing is aesthetically pronounced; but it’s also stylishly modern too, and it ensures that your vision is well looked after from all angles.
Where does all that clarity of vision come from? Well, there’s a whole lot of technology and research that goes into creating the ImpactX® 2 lens for Rudy Project. ImpactX® lenses easily outperform polycarbonate with a lower refractive index, less internal tension and a reduced chromatic dispersion, which in effect offers the athlete – or in this case, the cyclist – the exceptional visual clarity and reduced “rainbow” effect that we’ve found when testing these out in the varying conditions of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Italian styling for a modern look
The frames are also an important aspect of a good quality pair of cycling sunglasses. Too often, I’ve tested sunglasses that simply felt that they were badly and cheaply made, that they lacked durability and didn’t stay put on my face. Cyclists need sunglasses with arms that have stability, durability and comfort in equal measure, and these Rudy Project Kelion sunglasses certainly do all three very well. They’re not the cheapest sunglasses on the market, granted. However, you’re buying the cycling sunglasses equivalent of a Ferrari, not a knock-off Chinese version of that well engineered car super-car. You decide; you can spend less and spend it twice and not be wholly happy with your purchase. Alternatively, buy well once and look towards a brand like Rudy Project, who you can thankfully rely upon for those all-important aspects of stability, durability and comfort.
The Kelion ‘white gloss – ImpactX® 2 Laser Purple’ sunglasses that we tested looked super stylish immediately on seeing them. White is always a good choice for frame colour – especially when testing sunglasses – as it goes with all cycle clothing choices. Yes, style is never optional when cycling, and Rudy Project understand this. The Rilsan® frame, is a lightweight and highly resistant bio-based material, also ensuring exceptional comfort and what Rudy Project say is ‘unmatched durability.’ I have to admit, on test, the frame did feel super strong, well-made and very durable. Sizing and construction seem spot on, as the arms sit neatly against the head and the nose bridge – which is adjustable – adds to the stability on the face.
Not all noses are created equally, however; and when Ben tested the glasses, he found the adjustability didn’t always support his name shape, and the glasses occasionally slipped slightly when he was down on the drops. Apart from this small detail, he loved the overall design, finishing, quality, comfort and performance.
Small details are important
Looking closely at the frame material, Rislan, it’s described as being an eco-friendly material and for being exceptional for its resistance and flexibility. It performs well along these lines, and does in actual fact help to maximise that all-important comfort and stability. Add to this, that the ImpactX lens adapts smoothly and with clarity in changing light conditions, and you’ve got a pair of sunglasses that easily sit at the top of the mountain for cycling sunglasses. There’s a reason why Rudy Project is trusted by athletes across several sports; they simply do things very well indeed, with innovation and excellence present across their vast range of cycling products.
The frame has a well constructed and effective airflow system along the top edge, which really does work in support in support of the lens cut-away, to maximise airflow and to keep the sunglasses clear from misting, and keeping you with a clear view ahead when you’re working hardest. The rubber tipping that helps with keeping the frame in place on the arms, is also high quality and seamlessly integrated into the frame. It’s these small details that count and which stand out from a very crowded marketplace.
RX- Clip For Prescription
For prescription lens users, the Kelion seamlessly accommodates the same “optical insert” as the Spinshield Air, allowing for effortless integration of corrective lenses. Dive into the dynamic style and efficiency of Kelion sunglasses, ensuring crystal-clear vision without compromise.
It’s time for change
The lens is easily changed also, featuring the tried and tested Rudy Project a rapid lens-swap mechanism, enabling seamless transitions to suit varying weather scenarios and enhancing the longevity of your sunglasses against potential wear. With this capability, you’re always equipped with the ideal lens for your surroundings, allowing you to challenge boundaries with confidence. It also makes things easy if you simply want a different technicity of lens to deal with the changing conditions, such as a clear and plain lens for dark winter days, when the durability of the lens and its protective capabilities for eyes is all-important.
How do we look at the overall performance of the Kelion ImpactX® 2 – very favourably indeed, and well worth the high price tag. Buying great sunglasses is an investment and should be considered in depth before pressing the ‘buy’ button. Thankfully, Rudy Project have made the decision easy to make with their latest Kelion ImpactX®, leaving you to ride into a very clear future.
Rudy Project
