Let’s face it, choosing the right eyewear with a functional, comfortable fit can be challenging. There are fit guides out there but they may only add to the confusion for most people as they try to categorize face shape and styling based on face size (typically male versus female) and face shape. Determining whether you have a round, oval, heart-shaped, square, or triangle face isn’t very cut and dry. The reality is most people are a combination of two or three of the options and, in the end, the guide spits out a list of one-size-fits-all eyewear, anyway.

The best way to get a functional, comfortable fit starts with the proper frame size that offers adjustability. Different frame sizes help match to different face sizes and adjustable touch points at the nose pieces and temples allow users to tailor the fit exactly to their face shape.

Not only are properly fitting eyewear pieces more comfortable, they also protect your eyes better and enhance your vision. In most sports, vision drives performance. Having great-fitting eyewear can boost performance by reducing glare and enhancing contrast while being less distracting by staying in place and feeling comfortable.

All of Rudy Project’s sport and some casual eyewear feature fully adjustable temple tips and nose pieces. The tips can be adapted in any direction by applying light pressure, and thanks to our innovative T-Lock system, they can be replaced when worn to maintain a completely customized fit and perfect grip.

The adjustable nose pieces provide outstanding comfort and offer an exceptional fit for any shape face and cheek structure.The nose pieces can be used to adjust the glasses' height and distance from the face, which also helps prevent fogging. These adjustments allow users to customize their fit to perfectly match their needs and will accommodate people looking for Asian, alternate, or low-bridge fit glasses.

RX-ABLE

Not only does Rudy Project offer customizable eyewear, they have five ways to adapt prescription lenses to their glasses: Directly into the lens, with an optical dock, Rx direct clips, Rx insert adapter, and flip up design. Athletes with prescription requirements can benefit from the comfort and the wide field of vision of numerous models. Whatever your prescription needs, Rudy Project has you covered.

PERFECT FIT

Like any high performance piece of equipment, you need a level of customization for it to perform its best. With eyewear, you want to improve your vision and protect your eyes, and it all starts with getting a great fit. It doesn’t matter how well the lens works if the glasses are uncomfortable or won’t stay in place. With Rudy Project’s Total Comfort system, you get a custom fit every time.

Photochromic lenses automatically regulate the darkness of the lens according to light exposure, making them the ideal lens for everything from competitive sports to casual wear. The molecules responsible for changing lens tint are activated by the sun's ultraviolet radiation, allowing them to handle a wide range of environments, even on cloudy days. The darkness of the lens will adjust within a designated range according to the level of light exposure, making every shade possible – from light to dark and everything in between – and it only takes a few seconds for lens to adjust.

All lenses that adapt to light use photochromic molecules; the superiority of Rudy Project’s ImpactX photochromic technology lies in their exclusive formula. Most standard photochromic eyewear relies on lens coatings, but Rudy Project ImpactX lenses incorporate a more sophisticated technology. The photosensitive material responsible for the hue change of the lens is embedded directly in the lens matrix, making them both more durable and optically superior.

ImpactX was originally developed for military and aerospace requirements to provide bulletproof, transparent, and lightweight material capable of providing superior protection, reliability, and longer lasting performance than polycarbonate.

ImpactX 2: High Dynamic Range

In addition to faster activation, the innovative photochromic pigments specifically developed for the new ImpactX 2 lenses, incorporates an advanced filter function which scientifically modulates the wavelength of light passing through the lens. By eliminating a portion not perceived by our eyes and optimizing its spectrum, the High Dynamic Range technology provides extraordinary visual performance. While maximizing the chromatic range, perceived benefits include superior perception, sharper image and unparalleled enhanced contrast definition.

Unbreakable Photochromic Optics

ImpactX lenses feature a semi-rigid platform and are guaranteed unbreakable for life. Their molecular semi-rigid properties ensure unique light management and unparalleled eye protection from sun rays and atmospheric elements.

Not all helmets are created equal. A lot goes into your race day kit – tri suit, nutrition, hydration, sun protection, etc. But one of the single most important things you can consider is your helmet – including elements like the aerodynamics, ventilation, and fit. A well-ventilated and comfortable helmet can make the difference between a successful race day and a DNF accompanied by heat exhaustion.

• Fit – this is the single most important element to consider. When you try on a helmet, make sure you try it on like you’re going for a ride: If you wear a sweat band, put the sweat band under the helmet; If you ride with your hair in a braid or ponytail, pull your hair back into your style of choice and make sure the retention system fits around your ponytail or sits on your braid comfortably. Experiment with different padding —Rudy Project helmets come with various pad options—find what’s most comfortable for you.
  
  Simulate your riding position: Tuck into aero, make sure that you can comfortably and easily keep your head in a position like you are looking up the road, without the helmet slipping down. Some heads are more circular, some are more oval, and if you choose the wrong helmet for your head shape, you’ll notice uncomfortable pressure points on your forehead and temples, or even your neck.
• Aerodynamic profile – in an ideal world, we’d all be able to spend hours in the wind tunnel, finding the optimal helmet that matches our body position. Since that’s not realistic, it helps to think instead about the kinds of courses you’re doing (flat and in the aero bars = most aero; hilly and out of aero = most versatile). The pros and other athletes can be informative as far as what’s new, but bike fit is highly individualized, and pros vary widely in their helmet selection. For example, some rock a road aero helmet, while others go with longtail aero helmets, and others go for a more ‘jelly bean’ style – at the speeds pros are going, their savings from an aero helmet may be vastly different from yours, or the athlete next to you.

• Ventilation – The best way to evaluate ventilation is to take your helmet out for a ride. But, few stores will let you walk away with a helmet and bring it back if it doesn’t work out. Rudy Project offers a 90 day return window, so you can always order a helmet and test it out. If a helmet is not 100% satisfactory, you can send it back for a full refund.
• Weight – As you move above the $100 mark, you’ll find helmets are much lighter due to higher quality materials, like lightweight EPS foam. Advanced safety features enhance the protection provided by the helmet, while maintaining a light weight, and superior ventilation

• Warranty – Does the helmet manufacturer stand behind their equipment? Up-front savings can translate into costs down the road: if something on the helmet breaks, and you have to pay for a replacement, or buy a brand new helmet, you’re not saving money. Rudy Project helmets are covered by a 3-year manufacturing warranty, and a 6 year, industry-leading crash replacement guarantee. If you crash in the helmet within 6 years of purchasing it, we’ll replace that helmet at a very competitive price.

Most importantly, when you travel with or store your helmet, make sure you take excellent care to make sure it doesn't get damaged in transport or spend prolong amounts of time exposed to UV radiation. Store it in a dark, cool place that is temperature controlled, and take care to wash the straps and retention system, especially after a salty ride or race. We highly recommend our handy helmet carrying case!

National Sunglasses Day – held annually on June 27 – is The Vision Council's campaign to raise awareness of the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Ultraviolet radiation can penetrate Earth’s atmosphere at any time and place, but certain regions have heightened radiation levels. UV rays are particularly strong near the equator, since they travel a shorter distance to reach Earth’s surface. Cities at high altitudes also share higher UV levels because the sun’s rays can easily penetrate the thin atmosphere.

To determine areas of high risk, The Vision Council analyzed national UV index levels from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service (NWS). More than 50 cities were evaluated for solar radiation strength, season, climatic conditions, ozone concentration, cloudiness and elevation. Below is a map showing the top 25 U.S. cities receiving the highest levels of UV exposure.

UV PROTECTION

• Eyes can be sunburned. Without protection, your eyes can be sunburned after exposure to harmful UV rays, leading to long-term UV-related eye damage. In fact, 75% of Americans are concerned about UV eye exposure, yet only 31% wear sunglasses when they go outside.
• Even on cloudy days, UV rays can infiltrate the eye causing strain and potential long-term damage. Lenses with a lighter tint offer the same UV protection with a higher light transfer than gray lenses for overcast conditions. Photochromic lenses offer the ultimate visual and UV protection as they change tint to match ambient light conditions.

EYE PROTECTION

• Less squinting means less strain in the muscles around the eyes. Over time, eye strain from sunlight can cause fatigue and headaches.
• Sunglasses act like windshields for the eyes blocking wind, dust and debris from entering your eyes during outdoor activities.

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE SUNGLASSES

Our Skytrail and Spinair series of glasses offer a range of fit, color, and lens options. In all, they provide a multitude of ways for you and your family to protect your eyes, improve eye comfort in bright conditions, and look awesome all the while.

PRESCRIPTION SOLUTIONS

In addition to our plano, non-prescription eyewear, we also offer a whole host of RX solutions for your corrective eyewear needs. Prescription glasses can be enjoyed with clear lenses or any of the many lens technologies we offer. For more information and to better explore the options, please contact your local Rudy Project eye care professional.