30 South Trail RX glasses

The 30 South Trail RX glasses are a triple-lens design which live up to their hype and don't cost the earth. The interchangeable lenses feel lighter and less substantial than some polycarbonate types, but prove reassuringly durable and are easily switched around.

The ADVX frames are made from 'Swiss engineered' TR90, a thermoplastic that is light and extremely flexible, so unlikely to break if you drop them – or even sit on them. 30 South backs this up with a lifetime warranty.

The HDO (High-Definition Optics) lenses employ NASA-developed REVO coatings to give 'high-contrast viewing and enhanced clarity,' apparently, with the three supplied options being a non-polarized mirror lens, a grey CAT 3 polarized lens, and a clear UV400 lens.

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The latter rating refers to a UV filter impregnated in the lens (so it shouldn't degrade over time) that blocks 99-100% of UVA & B light. As for 400, that means blocking all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Basically, it's the highest rating sunglasses can get.

Wraparound design is nothing new, and since we only get one pair of eyes, you'll be reassured to note these are 'ballistic grade' shatterproof. They're also hydrophobic (water repelling) and 'highly' scratch resistant.

The company also does a light-reactive 'PhotoChromatic Transition' lens, available separately for £14.

Completing the soft-cased package, there's a flamboyant carry sack and lens wipe.

Frame & fit

On the bike, the 30 South Trail RX frames stay in perfect alignment, passing my two-hour, mixed terrain test with flying colours. The rubberised gripper sections along the arm and ear sections may look a little willowy, but they do an excellent job and remain unaffected by sweat or heavy rain.

The hydrophobic lenses work well. Persistent, showery rain doesn't impaired vision or the ability to canter along at a decent pace. I've had no fogging issues either, and I've been out in temperatures between -1° and 12°C.

The coverage is decent, without being engulfing, and leaves little room for wind or rain to penetrate. The lens shape and subtle 'give' mean they stow neatly in jersey pockets, top tube bags and so on as well.

Switching lenses is easy, even by the roadside. Compared with some polycarbonate designs, the lenses feel a little whippy, but this means they easily engage in the frames with a soft but audible 'click'.

The polarized grey lens has also proved surprisingly reactive to subtle and moderate variances of light, from overcast to bright but not blazing sunlight.

Limitations become apparent a dusk; not to the point where I was struggling, but enough to warrant a switch to clear. The Shimano S-Phyre R Glasses cope better in these extremes, to give one example, but then they're £129.99.

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The mirror lens has done what I expect of it, although is only necessary when conditions turn dazzlingly bright. Direct hits from stray stones make a definite 'thwack,' but have so far left no evidence of damage.

Value

At £65, the price is reasonable given the spec and quality. The Madison Code Breaker Glasses Three-Lens Pack retails at £55, for instance – and offers a useful yellow lens – but seems a little more vulnerable to scratching than the Trail RXs. However, spares are available.

The Tifosi Davos Race Neon Interchangeable Lens Sunglasses are level-pegging with the 30 Souths at £64.99, but George noted the fit may not suit everyone and that lens swaps are a touch fiddly.

Summary

While I would prefer a yellow lens for low light to one of those included here, I have been impressed by the standards of performance and build quality. The 30 South Trail RX glasses are comfortable, well made and a really solid option.

Verdict

Solid performers, but lack of replacement lenses counts against them given the stiff competition