In my mind, the best cycling sunglasses are semi-rimless designs to allow uninhibited vision. I don’t want frames getting in the way when split-second decisions are on the line. However, the new Adidas Evil Eye Evo Pro’s have done a great job at warming me up to full-rim designs for cycling.
Adidas Evil Eye Pro Features:
- Tested with LST Bright Vario Purple Mirrorlenses
- Wrap-around design
- Detachable foam bar
- Hydrophobic lens
- Climacool® dynamic ventilation
- Lens Lock System™
- Compatible with prescription lenses
- Small and large (tested) size options
- MSRP: $235.00
Adidas Not-so-Evil Eye Pro
We’ve all gotten the “evil eye” from time-to-time. Usually, it was from our mothers when we were up to no good. And, we’ve all given the evil eye to shut down some sort of shenanigans. I don’t think that type of “evil eye” is what Adidas had in mind, but rest assured, you won’t be giving the “evil eye” to these sunglasses — no sir.
Surely, there is nothing evil about the Evil Eye Pro instead, there’s a ton of good to speak of. Let’s start out with the size of these lenses. No question, they are huge and because of that we’re talking a wide field-of-vision that’s atypical of framed cycling glasses. Rarely do I find a pair of full-rim sunglasses that I can wear mountain biking, road biking or trail running but the large lenses of the Evil Eye Pro’s make for uninhibited vision in every direction.
Adjustable nose pieces are important when fitting to a wide variety of faces and nose shapes. The Evil Eye Pro’s feature a two-step nose piece adjustment that’s easy to switch between wide and narrow settings. Don’t go thinking these are infinitely-adjustable or adjustable beyond those two steps or you just might end up with broken nose pieces. I found the rubber nose pads provide good grip to secure these in place on the road and dirt. The straight temples play nicely with a wide variety of helmets, but could be a little grippier.
The hinges are simple interlocking pivots which have proven sturdy and durable, but they do pivot with a fair bit of friction and squeaking with time. Certainly, I don’t fold them that often, so it’s really a non-issue.
The LST Vario lenses feature a myriad of technology that delivers high-quality vision with added sharpness — no matter the light conditions. These particular lenses have a purple tint to them and the photochromic behavior really seems unnoticeable. I have several pairs of photochromic lenses that I can compare these with and I’m honestly not noticing a change — even in direct sunlight. I’ve covered one lens completely while the other is getting direct sun, then uncovering both and I can’t tell any significant difference — if there is it is very slight.
That said, I’ve been impressed with how these perform in early-morning and mid-day conditions for both road and mountain biking. I can wear these comfortably during the early-morning hours and everything is bright and crisp. Mid-day is equally solid with good performance under harsh light conditions. I actually prefer a brighter lens all-day as opposed to a traditionally-dark pair of glasses anyway.
As mentioned, these lenses are huge and offer excellent coverage for sun, wind and debris protection. The Pro’s feature a removable foam bar that does block a bit of sweat from entering into he backside of the lenses. It never bothered me so I kept it in place. I did notice that the lenses do fog up on morning rides when I stop for a rest. A couple of pedal strokes and the vents do their job and the fog dissipates. Adidas does treat these lenses with a hydrophobic treatment to further help moisture bead up and drip off the lenses.
Scratch resistance appears good thus far with no signs of wear at all — in spite of not once placing these back into their case. I typically drop them into my helmet, place my gloves on top and they sit in the back of the car until the next ride.
As usual, I put these to the trail running test and let’s just say that I’m not going to recommend running with these. They are a little heavy and don’t work so well for me as trail running glasses. I’ve been perfectly stoked on them on the bike though.
The Good
- Wide field of vision with large lenses and crystal frames
- Adjustable nose pieces help ensure the right fit
- Work well with a variety of helmets
- Good lens tint for early morning and mid-day adventures
- Excellent for both road and mountain biking
- Can fog up, but a couple of pedal strokes and they quickly clear
- Great wind protection at speed
The Bad
- Lenses don’t seem to darken very much — in spite of being LST Vario
- Rubber on temple tips could be grippier
- Not a ton of retail outlets for these
The Bottom Line: Adidas Evil Eye Pro
I absolutely love the wide field-of-vision afforded by these sunglasses. At speed, they simply disappear and over-the-shoulder glances are unencumbered. The purple tint works great in early morning and mid-day and durability is good so far after a summer of abuse. Vario lens transition is very, very subtle.
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