Orao Bislett Photochromic sunglasses

These Orao Bislett photochromic sunnies are a very serviceable pair of specs that react to the changing conditions. They're cheap, and well made for the money, they're light and the optics are good. The photochromic range isn't as wide as more expensive specs though.

Design-wise the Bisletts use a fairly standard wraparound design with the lens connected only at the top. The hinged arms are comfy and the nose piece is adjustable, which helps you get the fit just right for your face. At only 22g they're super light, but they don't feel flimsy. You get a semi-rigid case and a cloth thrown in.

Once you're wearing them it's easy to forget you are. They're very comfortable and the lenses are of good optical quality with no noticeable distortion and good coverage of peripheral vision. I had a few foggy moments on sweaty climbs, but they weren't any worse than some glasses I've tried costing many times as much. Once you crest and start speeding up again, they're quick to clear.

You don't notice the lenses changing in colour, and that's sort of the point. They just get on with it. The lenses don't go completely clear, so they're not really suitable for riding at night, but they coped well with all other conditions. They just about go dark enough to cope with really bright sun, but they're not as dark as the sun lens out of a typical three-lens system, for example, and they don't go as dark as some other photochromics I've tried.

They're only £30 though, so let's cut them a bit of slack. If you want interchangeable lenses then Orao's Griffith glasses (/content/review/124611-orao-griffith-pack-sunglasses) cost a tenner less and they're equally good. Given the choice I'd probably plump for those for the greater range of use, but if you want a pair of specs you can just sling on for day rides, the Bisletts are a good choice.

Verdict

Comfortable, good value specs for day riding in most conditions