Oakley Radar Path Photochromic eyewear

Oakley Radar Path sunglasses with light-sensitive lenses are so comfortable you can hardly tell you're wearing glasses. The photochromic lenses make them spot on for all but the gloomiest or persistently bright conditions and deal for changeable light. They're a sound investment in versatile eye comfort.

Available in both standard unisex and a women's fit (suitable for narrower faces), the Radar Paths come from the more technical end of Oakley's range, aimed at those looking for high levels of performance for sport. These aren't glasses you'd buy for mooching about the shops (although you could, you'd just look a bit daft), these are glasses for riding, running, skiing or wherever else your eyes need protecting.

Weighing in at just 30g they are no heavyweights, although you'd not want to carry them around in their semi-hard protective zip case if you're on the bike. The frames allow you to easily swap lenses for changes in light levels or just different needs and are available in several colour options for both the women's and unisex versions. The protective case has slots for spare lenses, and these are available reasonably easily, from around £40.

The point of trying out the photochromic option, though, was to try and get the best of all worlds, a pair of glasses suitable for most light conditions, without having to fiddle about changing lenses.

In use these were extremely comfortable, with the narrower 'women's fit' being just right for the size for my face. My other half tried them on and found them too narrow, so this shape is strictly one for the ladies or men with narrower/smaller face. The initial colour of the lenses as you take the glasses out of the case is a fairly light brown tint. This was suitable for all but the gloomiest days.

The photochromic element was pleasantly subtle, with no real sense of the colour of the lens changing in brighter light, just a constant feeling of comfort for the eyes. Only the absolutely fiercest sun had me thinking I might need darker glasses, but as we all know, those aren't conditions we encounter in the UK all that often. For the vast majority of the three main riding seasons these cover a range of tints that's just right.

The quality of the Oakley optics here was as good as you'd expect. You're paying £205 for a reason and that reason is the clarity, durability and exceptional quality of the lenses. Looking through these was relaxing for the eye, with good clarity of vision and great field of view with no obstructions.

The size and shape of the lenses meant that eyes were well protected from the wind and dust, with no risk of looking over or below the glasses and no problems with peripheral vision. There was no issue with interaction with a helmet either, with the arms fitting easily over helmet straps with no trouble or discomfort.

These glasses mark a significant initial investment, but for most riding conditions they will give relaxed and effective performance for years to come, especially considering you can replace the lenses for just £40 or so. The likelihood of you needing to, however, is pretty small.

Verdict

Expensive, but a sound investment in versatile eye comfort for years to come.