Naked Optics sunglasses: Naked facts: "The Blade" is sharp, robust and affordable

A good pair of sunglasses doesn't have to cost 200 euros - we obviously share this view with the three founders of Austrian manufacturer Naked Optics. We tested the "The Blade" model.

With "The Blade" sunglasses, Naked Optic is launching sports glasses with a half-frame and interchangeable lenses specially developed for cyclists. The Blade" initially impresses with its attractive price-performance ratio: 75 euros - the Salzburg-based company has set the bar pleasantly low >> available here.

Great tinting, good rubberisation

When you put the sunglasses on for the first time, you immediately notice the stable fit, which is achieved thanks to the rubber coating on the temples and a rubberised nose bridge. The nose bridge can also be individually adjusted. However, the Blade did not fit one of our testers at all. However, the sunglasses usually fit comfortably under the helmet without pinching or bumping. The sunglasses also score points for their good ventilation, which minimises fogging of the lenses while offering effective protection against wind and dirt.

The tinting of the lenses on the version we tested (red, protection category 2) seems ideal for road trips in particular, as it offers high contrast on grey-black surfaces. However, in brown-green surroundings, such as on trails or in the forest, the tinting effect is less pronounced. It is noticeable that, depending on the viewing angle, the tint can appear bluer at the edges than in the centre of the field of vision. In addition, the "Naked Optics" lettering on the lens could be distracting or be perceived as a smudge when sitting in a low, sporty position. Overall, the glasses make a very stable impression and the lenses are easy to clean.

Naked Optics sunglasses umpteen combinations

Naked Optics offers different lenses for The Blade 7. From the optionally available clear lens to the polarised black lens of the darkest tinted category 4, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. The glasses in categories 0 to 3 made of polycarbonate offer UV 380 to UV 400 protection, depending on the category. Naked provides good information about the respective glasses on the website. The glasses can then be combined with 7 different frame colours at no extra charge.

The dimensions of 145 x 59 mm and the weight of 33.8 g remain the same. This means that "The Blade" is also pleasantly light to wear. At a price of 74.99 euros, they offer really good value for money. The replacement lenses in clear and orange are currently available for 19.99 euros and 24.99 euros respectively (for a further five colours).

Like some other manufacturers, Naked Optics is also trying to make its sunglasses a little more sustainable. The material composition of the temples and frame therefore consists of 50% of a "sustainable plastic mixture CO2RE" according to the manufacturer, which uses renewable raw materials as a starting point instead of a conventional petroleum-based plastic. As no new, climate-damaging CO2 is produced during production and later disposal, CO2RE stands for "Carbon Dioxide Recirculated Material".

The Naked Optics sunglasses The Blade in a nutshell

• sits super stable thanks to good rubberisation
• Adjustable and interchangeable nose bridge
• ventilates quite well, but also protects very well
• super tinting with lots of contrast, especially for roads
• Fits under the helmet without bumping and pressure points
• Dimensions: 145 x 59 mm
• Weight: 33.8 g
• Price: 74,99 Euro >> available here
• Many replacement lenses available: 19.99 euros (clear / orange lenses) // 24.99 euros (other 5 colours)

Who are Naked Optics?

2013 Garage start-up based on the idea that sports glasses have to be able to withstand a lot and that it's stupid if €200 glasses have scratches in the lens after the second tour. So three guys found the company "Naked" in Bergheim near Salzburg with the idea of direct marketing, i.e. no wholesalers or middlemen on the way to the customer, which lowers the price.

Now you ask yourself: "Why NAKED?". The three founders prefer to let their imagination run wild and say: "Good things happen when you are NAKED."