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A long MTB tour in beautiful weather - what could be better? But the blazing sunshine also has its - well - dark side: UV light damages the skin and therefore also the retina in our eyes. Apart from the fact that we are often simply dazzled. We need some smart sunglasses. That's why we tested 6 self-tinting models ranging from just under 40 euros (the outlier: the Kapvoe KEBR China glasses from the Internet) to 250 euros (Dynafit Sky Pro). The company Cratoni is represented with 3 pairs of sunglasses. On the one hand, because they offer very narrow, photochromatic glasses - contrary to the trend of producing ever larger cycling glasses. Secondly, because the glasses range from 80 euros (Cratoni Skyvision) to 170 euros (C-Matic NXT).
The reviews of the 6 sunglasses can be found here:
6 Self-tinting sunglasses in the test
The following results are based purely on practical tests and do not contain any laboratory values for darkening or break resistance. Rather, they are intended to reflect the impression made when wearing them - both visually and haptically - and whether there are differences between the cheap sunglasses and the expensive ones. All manufacturers claim 100 per cent UV protection for the models tested. All glasses can be used with a digital display without any restrictions. The "blackening" of the mobile phone screen that is common with polarised glasses is not the case with any of the test glasses here. However, all self-tinting glasses have the problem that they do not darken enough behind glass - e.g. in the car - because the necessary amount of UV radiation is missing.
Cratoni Skyvision Photochromic
The first pair of sunglasses in our mini test is the most affordable from the Swabian manufacturer Cratoni. The Skyvision Photochromic has the modern shield look, i.e. a huge lens that is cylindrically curved - in contrast to the more aerodynamic models that are also curved in the horizontal axis. The photochromic lens is slightly tinted without UV radiation, but this is no obstacle until well into the twilight. The self-tinting cycling goggles also protect against insects on the late ride home, for example, without darkening the view too much. Conversely, although the Cratoni Skyvision fulfils category 3, it is often not as dark as its competitors in terms of personal impression (15% light transmission according to Cratoni).
The fit is flat in front of the eyes and provides good protection against wind and dirt from below - due to the slightly tilted position of the lenses away from the forehead, a larger gap forms between the helmet, forehead and goggles, so that small insects can occasionally fly through. To prevent this, you might tend to push the glasses up, but then they often sit on your cheeks or your eyebrows touch the inside of the glasses.
The frame makes a stable impression and has a matt finish, but tends to become shiny with prolonged, intensive use. The nose pad is not adjustable and is relatively wide, which means that the sunglasses will sit too low on some noses or may slip.
Data on the Cratoni Skyvision Photochromic:
- Dimensions: 142 x 56 mm (self-measured)
- Weight: 29 g (self-weighed)
- Light transmission: 60 % - 15 % (Cat. 1-3)
- Elastomer nose pads
- Elastomer gripper at the end of the temple
- Price: 79,95 Euro >> available here
Cratoni C-Matic NXT Photochromic
The expensive self-tinting sunglasses from Cratoni are the C-Matic NXT Photochromic. The NXT stands for the technology behind the self-tinting, which is supposed to work very quickly (> 50 % in 10 seconds) - and actually does. In full sunlight, it only takes a few seconds for the self-tinting cycling goggles to darken. The photographer almost had trouble showing the different lenses (see picture below, still slightly tinted on the right).
Without UV light, the Cratoni C-Matic has almost no tint, only the mirror coating gives a slight bluish tint to the field of vision, which increases from the inside to the outside. Cratoni specifies the darkening or light transmission of the lenses at 86 to 11 per cent. Compared to the first pair of cycling glasses, they are therefore clearer at the beginning and darken more. The bluish tint is also pleasant and makes the sky shine even brighter.
With the fit and the curvature of the lenses, Cratoni offers quite aerodynamic sunglasses for bikes. They fit snugly around the face and offer very good protection against light, wind and dirt from all directions. The air openings at the top and bottom of the lenses ensure cooling and prevent fogging. Thanks to the adjustable nose pads, the cycling goggles can also be easily adjusted in height in front of the eyes. A little extra: the temples lock into the end position.
Only the grease and dirt-repellent properties of the lens coating described by Cratoni could not be verified in practice. The greasy finger from the sun cream could be wiped off just as easily or as badly as with other glasses.
Data on the Cratoni C-Matic NXT Photochromic
- Dimensions: 145 x 60 mm (self-measured)
- Weight: 33 g (self-weighed)
- NXT High Definition lens, photochromatic, mirrored Tint change 10sec > 50% / 120sec > 100%
- Light transmission 86 % - 11 % (cat. 1-3)
- unbreakable
- Super-Flex half frame
- Hypervent anti-fog ventilation
- Snap-in/out bracket
- Adjustable elastomer nose pad
- Elastomer gripper at the end of the temple
- ergonomic flex fit
- Price: 169,95 Euro >> available here
Cratoni C-Lite NXT Photochromic
The little sister of the C-Matic is the Cratoni C-Lite. Although it is also slightly cheaper, it has a much narrower cut and is also sold by the manufacturer as running or sports glasses. With a height of only 44 mm (in contrast to the 66 mm of the C-Matic), it looks rather aggressive, but above all it stands out in the crowd of Shield glasses. From a technical point of view, the C-Lite sunglasses have everything their sister can offer: very fast, pleasant tinting, side ventilation and adjustable nose pads.
However, the Cratoni C-Lite sits a little tighter on the head and is not as flexible as the C-Matic. As we only had one pair of the self-tinting cycling glasses to test, we cannot assume that this is a general problem. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that although the temples click into place just as well, a slight creaking noise can always be heard on both sides.
Data on the Cratoni C-Lite NXT Photochromic
- Dimensions: 135 x 44 mm (self-measured)
- Weight: 25 g (self-weighed)
- NXT High Definition lens, photochromatic, mirrored Tint change 10sec > 50% / 120sec > 100%
- Light transmission 86 % - 11 % (cat. 1-3)
- unbreakable
- Hypervent anti-fog ventilation
- Snap-in/out bracket
- Adjustable elastomer nose pad
- Elastomer gripper at the end of the temple
- ergonomic flex fit
- Price: 169,95 Euro >> available here
Dynafit Ultra Pro
Dynafit now has a whole new range of sunglasses in its programme, which differ in terms of frame and lenses (and price). The frames are called Sky, Trail and UltraThe Sky has the most solid frame, the Ultra has a half-frame (both tested here) and the Trail has a lighter frame. For the lenses, you can choose between Pro, Evo, Solid choose:
- Pro (photochromatic) - photochromatic lenses fit with a change in seconds
- Evo - enhances contrasts, brings out colours even more intensely
- Solid - most favourable variants, all-black lenses protect against UV rays
All lenses in Dynafit sunglasses are designed to protect against UV-A, -B and -C rays. For the sunglasses test, we opted for the Pro lens on both models because it is self-tinting and therefore comparable.
The Dynafit Ultra is therefore the lightest of the three versions. It is similar in width to the Cratoni C-Matic but a few millimetres higher, covering a lot more of the field of vision, especially next to the nose, but also to the side. The Dynafit goggles also weigh 33 grams. The lens of the sunglasses is dark with a beige tint in just a few seconds. Unlike Cratoni, Dynafit does not provide any information on light transmission, but the subjective impression is that the darkening is similar to that of the C-Matic (11% transmission). Without sunlight, the Dynafit goggles are clear and only slightly beige in colour. This makes the Ultra Pro sunglasses perfect for evening or night rides.
The Ultra from Dynafit sits reliably on the nose, even if the nose pads are not adjustable. The rubberised temples do this all by themselves. Incidentally, these also snap into place very nicely. The ventilation openings at the top and bottom of the lens also do a good job - you don't have the feeling of wearing "diving goggles" despite the large lens. For some face shapes with strong cheekbones, for example, the cycling goggles will sit on them and leave pressure marks. Better try them on before buying! Another positive aspect is that the lenses are interchangeable and can be purchased for 130 euros (instead of 220 euros for the complete pair of glasses).
Plus points for a sturdy case and a good glasses cloth as accessories.
Data on the Dynafit Ultra Pro
- Dimensions: 142 x 65 mm (self-measured)
- Weight: 33 g (self-weighed)
- Silicone nose pad
- Mega Grip rubber temples
- Ventilation in the hangers
- Climacool AirVent lenses
- Scratch-resistant coated lenses
- Interchangeable glasses
- 100 % UV A, B and C protection
- Price: 220 Euro >> available here
Dynafit Sky Pro
The Sky Pro from Dynafit is the heaviest sunglasses in the test. However, they offer additional features that you can use when biking at high altitudes or when there is a lot of dust on the trail - or if you have problems with sweat running into your eyes. Attachable "wings" seal the goggles to the side against sun and dirt, and a foam sweat barrier on the upper edge of the goggles provides an additional seal. All together, the Dynafit Sky Pro weighs around 43 grams, without the small parts it comes to 38 grams.
Another special feature of the Dynafit self-tinting cycling goggles is the strong tint. They are darker from the outset (cat. 2) and achieve category 4 - i.e. glacier suitability. This makes them unsuitable for riding at dusk or in the dark despite the photochromic lenses. The brownish-red tint, on the other hand, impressively enhances the contrasts in bright light, making mountain peaks and clouds look almost unreal.
Due to the higher weight and the large lenses, you initially have the feeling of having "a lot of glasses" on your nose when wearing them. However, this quickly changes as the rubberised temples and nose pad hold the sunglasses in place very well. And even though the Sky Pro has no ventilation openings in the lenses, it doesn't get uncomfortably warm behind them. The lenses of the Dynafit Sky Pro can also be exchanged and/or bought separately. At 250 euros, the goggles are the most expensive in the test - but handmade in Italy.
Plus points are also awarded here for the sturdy case and the glasses cloth in the accessories.
Data on the Dynafit Sky Pro
- Dimensions: 145 x 68 mm (self-measured)
- Weight: 38 / + approx. 5 g for sweat absorber and wings (self-weighed)
- Silicone nose pad
- Mega Grip rubber temples
- Ventilation in the hangers
- No ventilation in the glasses
- Scratch-resistant coated lenses
- Interchangeable glasses
- 100 % UV A, B and C protection
- Price: 250 Euro >> available here
Kapvoe KEBR
The sunglasses from the Chinese brand Kapvoe should actually be tested out of turn - what should a pair of self-tinting glasses for around 40 euros be able to do - apart from having a funky style! Under the different name "Saolar Cuttle", they are heavily advertised on Instagram with huge discounts. Therefore, no RRP can be given here, as the price fluctuates greatly. Saolar's relationship with Kapvoe still needs to be researched, but the Saolar online shop only sells Kapvoe glasses.
The Kapvoe KEBR became a fully-fledged member of the test field the first time it was worn, but above all the quick and pleasantly dark tint of the photochromic lens.
At 152 mm, the frame is the widest of the 6 self-tinting cycling glasses tested. The KEBR follows the "Oakley" approach of recent years, with a thick frame to protect additional surface area from wind and sun. At first glance, the centre bridge and the holders on the right and left protrude into the field of vision, but this quickly becomes unobtrusive. On the other hand, the sunglasses sit very comfortably on the nose with a wide nose pad. The lower frame is slightly rounded inwards so that the sunglasses should very rarely rest on the cheeks.
Kapvoe provides hardly any relevant information about the glasses. In our test, however, the frame makes a flexible yet sturdy impression. The colourful comic-like print - admittedly a matter of taste - appears to be durable and shows no signs of wear. Anyone wearing these self-tinting cycling glasses will definitely (!) be looked at or even approached - according to our experience in beer gardens and ice cream parlours. The lenses do not distort and darken almost as quickly as the other sunglasses here. The grey-blue tint of the self-tinting lenses also promotes a natural impression of what you see instead of colouring everything in. In the evening, the lenses are completely clear, so the Kapvoe KEBR can also be worn in the dark to protect the eyes.
The ventilation of the Kapvoe KEBR also works perfectly and prevents heat build-up or fogging of the sunglasses. The only point of criticism, which again needs to be put into perspective, is that we only had one pair available: There was a small sharp edge at the end of both temples, where the rubberising grips into the plastic, which pinched the scalp when we took them off. However, the burr was quickly sanded down with a nail file and the problem was solved.
Plus points for a sturdy case, a soft cloth bag, a glasses cloth and even a frame that can be inserted into the frame for prescription lenses.
Conclusion: Cheap internet offers don't always have to be bad. In this case, we even consider it a real tip in terms of value for money.
Data on the Kapvoe KEBR
- Dimensions: 152 x 60 mm (self-measured)
- Weight: 34 g (self-weighed)
- UV400 protection (99-100 % UV filter)
- Price: 35,00 Euro >> available here
Conclusion on the test of the 6 self-tinting sunglasses
The favourable Cratoni Skyvision is a good pair of simple, self-tinting sunglasses that you can use every day on the bike without regret due to their relatively low price. They will probably last a second summer if you don't scratch the lenses yourself. The Kapvoe KEBR was a positive surprise and convinces across the board. They are the only glasses with a completely clear lens. The Cratoni C-Matic and the Dynafit Ultra Pro are probably the best goggles in the test in terms of design and function. One is cylindrical, the other is aero-style. The Cratoni sunglasses are more attractive in terms of price. The Dynafit Sky Pro are only suitable for bright days due to the very dark tint from the outset, which limits their use, and the even higher price is the must-have factor. In terms of light and UV protection, however, they are the best self-tinting glasses in the test. The narrow Cratoni C-Lite is probably more suitable for multisport athletes - or when narrower lenses become en vogue again...
About tint levels of sunglasses
Marc Strucken
Editor
