Rudy Project sunglasses in test: Astral X - more protection, more glasses, hardly any more weight

Rudy Project is just as much a part of the world of biking as the veterans Oakley, Fox or Trek from the USA. Founded in 1985 in Treviso, Italy, almost 40 years ago, the designers are still involved today when it comes to creating technically sophisticated and stylish sunglasses. So here comes the latest creation from Rudy Project: the Astral X. Frameless sports glasses that are lightweight, modern and designed to offer particularly good UV protection.

We tested the new Rudy Project. Our results below in the practical test.

Rudy Project Astral X: All the advantages of Astral sunglasses + increased protection

The new Astral X sunglasses are the enhanced version of the existing Model Astral from Rudy Project, which - like all of the manufacturer's other sunglasses - is 100% made in Veneto. It retains the characteristic features such as lightness and stability, but introduces a larger lens: 55 x 147 mm for the Astral versus 60 x 150 mm for the Astral X.

The new model is designed to provide even better protection from wind and light and improve visibility. Through collaboration with professional athletes, Rudy Project has optimised the shape of the lens to offer maximum comfort.

The lightness of the Astral X is also retained, the weight is still less than 30 g; according to the manufacturer, the Astral X now weighs 2 g more than its predecessor: 28 g. The sunglasses offer a customisable fit thanks to an adjustable nose bridge and wrap-around temples, which are designed to ensure a perfect fit even during intense activities.

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Sunglasses with mirrored lenses & filter category 3

The polycarbonate lenses of the Rudy Project Astral X have filter category 3 and, according to the manufacturer, shield 91 % of the sun's rays. The lenses therefore offer clear and precise vision in bright light conditions thanks to the anti-reflective coating, which reduces glare and increases contrast.

The Astral X is available in 5 different colour combinations, with mirrored lenses and clear or matt temples. The temples are also made from Rilsan - a polymer made from castor oil, i.e. not a petroleum-based material - and are durable and flexible. A step towards more sustainable production.

Rudy Project offers optional customised optical solutions with RX inserts for the Astral X sunglasses so that athletes can maintain their vision correction without having to give up their favourite activities.

• Adjustable nose bridge
• Material: Rilsan instead of petroleum-based plastic
• Weight: 28 g
• Lens size (manufacturer's specification): W 150 mm, H 60 mm, D 130 mm

The Astral X is now available at a price of 139.90 euros.

Practical test of the Rudy Project Astral X

Admittedly, I had my last pair of Rudy Project glasses about 15 years ago. So I'm getting back into it umpteen generations later. Back then, they were incredibly tight on my head, as if my skull was too wide for these last Rudy glasses... a problem I very rarely have with sunglasses. So the first impression when I put on the Astral X was that they fit perfectly, with a slight curve at the temples because the temples are slightly curved.

From the various frame colour and lens tint options, we have selected a pair of black glasses with "Multi Laser Red" lenses. They have a pleasantly dark, greenish-blue tint that can be used quite universally as long as the sun is shining brightly. When changing to the shade, such as in the forest or in subways, the eyes need a moment to get used to it.

Stable hold, good all-round protection

The shape of the lenses, which have a wide lower edge, offer very good protection from wind and sunlight. The lenses also leave plenty of room for eyebrows, forehead or eyelashes because the lens is tilted forwards from the nose bridge away from the face. This creates air behind the glasses so that less heat builds up and the cycling glasses quickly start to fog up.

The fit is well chosen. The Rudy Project sunglasses sit firmly on the nose. This is ensured by adjustable nose pads that can be bent from very tight to maximum width. Rubberised areas at the end of the temples hold the sunglasses securely on the head. As the temples become very narrow and thin towards the end, they did not interfere with any of the helmets tested during the test period.

The only criticism compared to the sunglasses I have tested so far is that the lenses attract fingerprints and other dirt very quickly and do not let go as quickly when cleaning. This is easier with other glasses. Speaking of light: at a self-measured 28 grams, the Rudy Project Astral X is also wonderfully light to wear. And after 15 years, I'm very happy to be wearing a model from the Italians from Treviso again!