Review: Cyclist - 100% Slendale Glasses

The Cyclist has reviewed the 100% Slendale Glasses. Here is what they had to say:

The 100% Slendale sunglasses are the cheapest glasses in the 100% Sports Performance Glasses range while still featuring its top of the range HiPER lens technology.

They are made using an impact resistant polycarbonate lens with hydrophobic, oleophobic and scratch resistant coatings to aid longevity, which appear to work well. The HiPER lens offers enhanced contrast on the road to highlight surfaces and textures, which it does very well. The lens also works brilliantly at reducing glare even in bright sunlight, and is easy to change.

Adjustable rubber arm grippers and different nosepiece options allow the fit to be slightly tailored, while the frame offers the protection of a full frame but the field of view of a top frame.

The value is exceptional for the performance, even with the lack of a soft pouch or supplied spare lens.

The Slendale sunglasses take the 100% Glendale design and essentially slim it down, with the frame losing a lot of material. It still features a top frame along with an extended nosepiece frame element to provide protection for the lens while maintaining a larger field of view.

The lens itself is cylindrical and made of polycarbonate for impact protection and shatter proofing. The lens is treated with a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating to repel water, dirt and oil and has an additional scratch protective coating. HiPER lens technology is also used to boost light contrast and enhance details so as to improve rider perception, in 100%’s words. There are small openings at the base of the lens designed to protect against fogging and aid ventilation.

The frame is made from a Grilamid TR90 plastic that is durable, flexible and lightweight, and the glasses weigh in at 36g. Ultra-grip rubber nose and temple tips are used to provide grip for the glasses while the temple tips are flexible to tailor fit.

Four frame colours are available, and five lens options. The HiPER Blue Multilayer Mirror Lens tested is a Category 3 lens with 12% light transmission with dimensions of 142mm wide and 60mm tall for the lens and 125mm long arms. Replacement lenses can be purchased at £24.99 (clear) to £70 (photochromic).

The Slendale glasses are a really comfortable pair of glasses to wear and I really like the design of the frame as it offers some very neat features.

The semi-frame on the lower half means that the lens doesn’t rest directly on surfaces and so is less prone to damage. Meanwhile the lower corners of the glasses feature no frame so there is no obstruction to vision when looking behind. The top frame is also tall enough that there is not any of it visible even when riding in a more aggressive position with my head more down.

Something else I noted was that, as the frame protrudes slightly beyond the lens, it protects the lens from damage in the event of being dropped. I unintentionally tested this feature and the frame did exactly that, protecting the lens and leaving it spotless. It’s something that should help ensure the longevity of the lens, which I appreciate.

100% Slendale sunglasses review verdict

The 100% Slendale sunglasses are an exceptionally good value pair of glasses coming in at under £100. The HiPER lens is brilliant quality and great for spotting potholes with its enhanced contrast and detail, while also preventing glare even in direct sunlight.

The large lens offers a great field of view while the frame is clever for limiting visual obstructions and improving protection in the event of being dropped. A soft case would be appreciated, but the performance level for the price is still exceptional.

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