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Adidas Sprocket £99
UV Protection 4 Glare reduction 2 Polarised No
Optical quality 3
These multiple-choice shades change to suit your needs.
The arms detach to be replaced by a thick elastic band to hold them
in place. The black lenses can be replaced by brown ones which come
in their own protective bag. Both are unpolarised lenses meaning
that glare reduction is not great. The head band is a very practical
idea.
VERDICT: 3/5
Enquiries: 0208-889 9997
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Bolle Boomslang £55
UV Protection 4 Glare reduction 3 Polarised No
Optical quality 3
The lightweight frames of these relatively cheap glasses earned
respectable marks. UV protection was very good and glare reduction
and optical quality were better than you might expect for the money.
The copper-mirrored lenses are less gaudy than the silver versions.
The frames can brush annoyingly against eyebrows.
VERDICT: 3/5
Enquiries: 0208-770 1766
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Cebe Outdoor
2000 £65
UV Protection 4 Glare reduction 3 Polarised No
Optical quality 2
The leather flaps which clip to the lenses prevent sunlight creeping
round the edges but means peripheral vision is non-existent. The
arms have soft wire ends which loop right around the ear so that
they can"t fall off. UV protection is very good and the unpolarised
lenses cut out most glare but the optical quality is only average.
VERDICT: 3/5
Enquiries: 01364 631270
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Flexon £138
UV Protection 4 Glare reduction 3 Polarised No
Optical quality 3
You may have seen TV ads for these frames. Made from an alloy of
titanium and nickel, the metal can "remember its original shape"
so you can twist the arms and bridge any which way and they will
flex back to how they were. The lenses we tested had full UV protection,
but their lack of curvature allows too much light in around the
edges.
YM VERDICT: 3/5 Enquiries: 0800 722020
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Lacoste Activ 1410 £95
UV Protection 4 Glare reduction 3 Polarised No
Optical quality 2
Mouldings around the lenses prevent peripheral light getting in
without the need for the ultra-modern wrap. Holes in the ends of
the arms allow lanyards to be easily attached. The quality of the
polishing bag is poor for glasses of this price and you are left
wondering how much you are paying for the crocodile motif.
VERDICT: 2/5
Enquiries: 0208-867 2380
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Musto Sunnies £40
UV Protection 4 Glare reduction 2 Polarised No
Optical quality 2
The cheapest glasses we tested. UV protection was as good as the
£200 shades but glare reduction and optical quality were only average.
The frame construction is obviously cheap. The packaging is impressive
with a neoprene pouch containing a metal case which holds glasses
and neck strap within a soft polishing bag.
VERDICT: 3/5
Enquiries: 01628 491555
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Nautica 502S £106
UV Protection 4 Glare reduction 3 Polarised Yes
Optical quality 3
These more traditional frames let in some peripheral light but
the effect of this is minimised due to anti-reflective coating.
Polarised lenses score highly on optical quality. These are much
heavier than many sports specs and the conventional arms have little
grip. But these comfortable shades are designed for the marine market
and are of good quality: perhaps better for posing than sailing?
VERDICT: 3/5
Enquiries: 0800 722020
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Oakley Wire Carbon £155
UV Protection 4 Glare reduction 4 Polarised Yes
Optical quality 4
Oakley has a dedicated following among young sailors and skiers
but these are not just fashion shades. This metal-framed pair was
a clear winner in the lab, with full marks, and the lenses were
the only ones to have "very good"optical quality. Oakley
has a good after-sales service so these shades could last you a
lifetime.
VERDICT: 5/5
Enquiries: 01462 475400
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Revo 1004/001 £259
UV Protection 4 Glare reduction 4 Polarised Yes
Optical quality 3
The most expensive glasses we tested and a joy to wear. Oakleys
scored higher for optical quality but our testers all raved about
these beauties. The polarised glass lenses are incredibly clear;
the frames have sprung arms which grip the head and a classy case
is included. The lenses are too pale to eliminate squinting in the
brightest conditions.
VERDICT: 4/5
Enquiries: 0208-781 0000
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Serengeti H20 Optix £79
UV Protection 4 Glare reduction 4 Polarised Yes
Optical quality 2
Extremely light, strong and flexible composite frames which cut
out peripheral light without creating blind spots. The polarised
lenses cut glare, although optical quality came out as only average
in the lab. Neck strings clip on to the arms and have small floats.
We tested them during the Warsash Spring Series and were impressed.
VERDICT: 4/5
Enquiries: 0800 3281864
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Vuarnet 097 £75
UV Protection 4 Glare reduction 3 PolarisedNo
Optical quality 3
Vuarnet has a great reputation in the marine market and a huge
range of products. Styles range from the outlandish to the traditional
but with a name built on quality all are a good bet. The unpolarised
pair with glass lenses that we tested still performed well in the
glare test. If these will be your only sunglasses then check the
lenses you choose are not too dark for driving.
VERDICT: 4/5
Enquiries: 0208-543 2211
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