Smith Rebound Sunglasses

With their full rim, street style design the Smith Rebound Glasses look and perform handsomely both on and off the bike. The spec is suitably high, and a two-year warranty adds further peace of mind. The optical clarity is very good and they react well in variable light, if fractionally slower in intense/sudden changes compared with others I've tested recently.

• Pros: Contemporary street style, solid construction, effective optics
• Cons: Expensive, slightly slower response than some to sudden changes in light

The lenses do react promptly to subtle changes in light, so despite the smoky mirror effect they didn't leave me struggling when conditions suddenly turned overcast, or when passing reservoirs and waterways on very bright days.

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In very intense, sudden changes there is a small yet discernible lag – I'm talking tenths of a second but tangible – compared with the Julbo Aerospeed photochromic glasses that have been my defaults for the past year or so. The Julbos are £20 or so more, though.

Judging by a very changeable few weeks, the ChromaPop lenses appear to have a hydrophobic coating. Moderate to intense rain has slid away promptly, with only trace staining, the sort easily dismissed with a lens cloth. I've never felt inclined to apply a spray-on product, like those used on motorcycle visors.

Polycarbonate is an obvious choice for the lenses, for its impact resistance, and although mirror finishes aren't to everyone's taste, here the polarized technology is designed to improve optical clarity, enhancing contrast and eliminating (or at least minimising) intense glare.

Their sharpness/detailing is absolutely bang on – no problems with eyestrain or tiredness, regardless of distance.

They've also made a big difference to visibility off the bike, especially when driving at motorway speeds in very intense sunlight.

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I don't have a particularly large head but tend to find most technical glasses fit just fine. I've found the Rebounds fitted me perfectly at every point – just as well given there's no scope for adjustment.

The carbon fibre frames and arms offer a high strength to weight ratio, while the soft rubberised gripper panels and nose pads ensure slip-free, tactile tenure. I haven't needed to give them a second thought – whether I've been trying to beat a personal best on my TT bike, or aboard my tubby tourer indulging in some green lane/dirt road fun.

Bigger jolts have shifted them, but nothing a deft touch hasn't righted – testament to the silicone gripper's tenacity and infinitely preferable to those with a vice-like grip that becomes painful given an hour or so. I've worn these for a good eight hours plus without any issues.

Though the surface area is smaller than some, I've found them to offer excellent defence against wind, midges, mud, stray stones and other airborne particles.

Value

We only get one pair of eyes, so there's a sound argument for buying the best we can afford. I would describe the Smith Rebound as upper-mid range. You can certainly buy cheaper: street styled polarized cycling models such as FWE's Helios Revo Polarized Glasses start at £24.99, and Bloc's Hornet is £34.99.

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Even higher up the price spectrum you can still make quite a saving: the Lazer Krypton KR1 is £74.99, and if you didn't require the same degree of civilian styling then Tifosi's Alliant Fototec Light Night Lens Sunglasses at £99.99 might prove a better fit.

You can still spend a lot more: the Uvex Sportstyle 810V sunglasses give a penny change from £200.

The Rebounds come with a protective carry case and lens cloth. The former doesn't offer the same defence as you'd associate with prescription glasses, but seems sturdier than the soft-shell types typically supplied with sports models.

Conclusion

Overall, the Smith Rebounds are a well-executed pair of technical glasses with wider horizons than riding; crucially, their civilian looks don't compromise performance on the bike.

Verdict

Competent and stylish multi-purpose sunglasses but quite pricey