Comparative review: The world is different depending on whether it is "has" or "not". We've compared various sunglasses that can be used outdoors
written by TAC
table of contents
The power of sunglasses can only be seen when using high-quality models.
When it comes to getting a set of equipment for mountain climbing, many people will always think of backpacks, clothing, shoes, etc. That's not a mistake, but the deepest part of mountain tools doesn't end there. There are quite a few outdoor gear items that are plain, but have the effect of completely changing the world just by having them. The sunglasses we're introducing this time are truly hidden necessities.
To be honest, there was a time when I thought that sunglasses were all about reducing glare. It is said that climbing mountains will be exposed to more UV rays than on the ground, increasing the risk of cataracts and keratitis. There is also the risk of foreign objects such as dust and insects getting mixed in due to strong winds. Protecting your eyes from these things is an important role for sunglasses. And that's not the only benefit of sunglasses. By wearing sunglasses of reliable quality, you can ensure even better vision than you would expect from the naked eye
So, this time we tried wearing sunglasses specialized for each sport and examining what elements are needed for sunglasses that can be used for mountain climbing and trail running.
table of contents
- About the items we compared and tested this time
- Test results and spec comparison table
- Impressions for each model
- Detailed reviews of each item (Page: 2)
- Summary (Page:2)
About the sunglasses compared this time
Looking at the sunglasses released by various brands, you can actually see many models specializing in various fields such as running, cycling, golf, and fishing. This time, we'll be forcibly expanding the range and choosing candidates, from models that are suitable for mountain climbing but are suitable for mountain climbing, to models that are just the right time to use, and instead of just verifying the optimal model, we'll consider the criteria for not being able to use it for mountain climbing or trail running.
As I will explain the types of lenses later, all four sunglasses are "polarized lenses" models that cut off UV protection rates of 99% or more, and also cut off reflected light from the ups and downs of the field of vision, making it clearer to the everyday world. The effect will vary greatly depending on the lens color and shade, but this time we have prepared as many lenses as possible that are not too dark so that they are not too dark, so that they are not too dark, as they are not visible even in the shadows. So, the following four sunglasses compared this time are:
- KAENON HARD KORE (Matte Black, C28 Silver Mirror)
- mont-bell PL trekking glasses (brown x light brown)
- Oakley latch (Asia fit) Prizm Tungsten Polarized
- SWANS STRIX I-0151
Montbell is a model designed for trekking. SWANS is a benchmark positioned as a major part of domestic sports glasses, taking into consideration the typical shape and performance. Oakley has many models specialised in sports, but at the same time, they are also very fashionable, so I'm sorry to Oakley fans, but I'm deliberately choosing it. Finally, the unfamiliar brand KAENON is a California brand known only to those who know it. It is a model that has been a concern for a while, as it is only sold in very small quantities at outdoor and select shops that are particular about it in Japan. This site has previously been featured in the TOAD3 Report.
The following six evaluation items have been set.
- Visibility: The ease of viewing when viewed through the lens. Evaluation is based on ultraviolet transmittance, visible light transmittance, miscellaneous light cut rate (polarization degree), etc.
- The wider field of vision...Of course, the wider field of vision is better. Footing is especially important when driving off-road.
- Storage: How compact will it be? Are there any stress when storing?
- Durability: This time, we did not test the application of impact, but evaluated based on impressions such as the thickness of the frame and the thickness of the lens.
- Holding power and fit...I did some intense exercise and running while wearing sunglasses. We also used a fan to verify the degree of wind that flows in during strong winds.
- Weight: Evaluated based on catalog numbers and actual weight.
Test results and spec comparison table
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★ | ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| item | ![[KAENON] HARD KORE Hardcore Adult Polarized Lens Polarized Sunglasses Sports Sunglasses](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51IffTwSXjL._SS300_.jpg) KAENON HARD KORE (Matte Black, C28 Silver Mirror) |  mont-bell PL trekking glasses (brown x light brown) |  SWANS STRIX I-0151 |  Oakley latch (Asia fit)?Prizm Tungsten Polarized |
| Visibility | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Wide view | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Storageability | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Holding power and fit | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| weight | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Specs | ||||
| item | KAENON HARD KORE (Matte Black, C28 Silver Mirror) | mont-bell PL trekking glasses (brown x light brown) | SWANS STRIX I-0151 | Oakley latch (Asia fit)?Prizm Tungsten Polarized |
| Frame material | Lightweight, flexible TR-90 frame material | Nylon resin | nylon | O Matter |
| Lens material | Kaenon SR-91 Lens, Kaenon SR-91R Polarized Lens | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate | Plutonite (High Purity Polycarbonate) |
| weight | 42g | 23g | 35g | 25g |
| color | Frame: Matte Black Lens: C28 Silver Mirror | Frame: Brown Lens: Light brown | Frame: Pearl Black x Gunmetal x Black Lens: Polarized Smoke (double-sided multi-coat) | Frame: Matte Brown Tortoise Lens: Prism Tungsten Polarized (Polarized Lens) |
| UV protection rate | Over 99% | Over 99% | Over 99.9% | Over 99% |
| Visible light transmittance | 28% | 18% | 29% (Polarization degree: 97% or more) | 14％ |
| accessories | Hard case, soft case | Storage case, cleaning cloth | Semi-hard case (spare lens can be stored), instruction manual | Genuine lens cloth pouch |
Impressions of each model
This time's top sunglasses: KAENON HARD KORE
This time, I was incredibly impressed by the KAENON HARD KORE . Honestly, I never heard of or saw this brand until it was featured on this site. I wasn't expecting much, so I couldn't help but be surprised at how high the quality was.
My favorite part was that it made my vision much clearer. Contrast is increased, boundaries between objects and landscapes are clearly visible, and all miscellaneous and reflected light are cut off, making your vision much better than when you were naked. This model made me want to wear it whenever I'm in an activity, rather than just wearing it when it's dazzling. KEANON 's proprietary lens material SR-91 and the polarizing film Glare86, developed at a thickness of just 30 microns, creates this field of vision. In addition, both the frame and lens are sturdy, scratch-resistant and can be used without stress, making it easy to use. It weighs 42g, but it is not a lighter option, but the nose pads and the anti-slip part hold the head firmly, and the front and back are well balanced, so it didn't shift even when running, unless you lowered your head and looked at your feet or did some intense exercise, shaking your head as hard as you could. The large frame and lens cover the entire eye, so it protects you perfectly and protects you from wind, dust, insects, and UV rays entering through the gaps. KAENON are sunglasses originally developed for sailing competitions in the United States, so they are designed to withstand intense exercise.
Combined with good visibility, sturdy construction, and good hold, I think these sunglasses are perfect for mountain climbing. Seeing is worth seeing. Please try it out.
Pursuing ease of use when climbing, and also cost-effective: mont-bell PL trekking glasses
The frame is foldable, making it surprisingly compact and can be stored in a pocket, making it a very high-quality item. It is lightweight and comfortable to wear. However, while it can be folded, it also has the disadvantage that it is difficult to store and attach with just one hand. In the field, one-handed operations are overwhelmingly more common than two-handed operations, so this is a point that you simply can't overlook. Additionally, since the entire lens is covered with a frame, the field of vision can be narrow and the field of vision under your feet can be blocked. As expected, models with no under rims, such as KAENON and SWANS It's also a good idea to carry it with you as spare sunglasses to avoid taking up any space when packing.
Perfect for not only climbing but also running: SWANS STRIX I-0151
The lens can be easily replaced and the under rim can be attached and removed. It is the top of the four models in terms of hold power. It is especially highly appreciated that the shape of the nose pads can be matched to the shape of your nose. Thanks to this, my sunglasses never shaking when I ran. Additionally, the lens is large and the under rim can be removed, allowing for wider field of view. The under rims narrow the field of vision, but the wind inflow can be reduced. The negative point is that the rubber in the temple extends to the outside, causing it to rub and snag when stored. I think this is the perfect model for normal mountain climbing and trail running.
If you want to focus on everyday use: Oakley latch (Asia fit) Prizm Tungsten Polarized
The clip system is installed on the hinge, and the model name is apparently called latch because it can be latched on the neck of a T-shirt, etc. This is a great feature when you want to remove your sunglasses. In this test, even after doing intense exercise, it latched firmly without being shaken off. The Boston lens is covered with the frame, so the view cannot be said to be wide. Furthermore, the lens does not have curves and gaps create, making it impossible to prevent wind, dust, insects, or light from entering. Although it is lightweight, it doesn't fit, and if you run, your sunglasses will slip and move. However, the visibility of the lenses is excellent, the KAENON HARD KORE , the vision is better than when you are naked. Taking into account the above, this model is more recommended for everyday use than mountain climbing.
