Rudy Project Wizaard

Overview:
Rudy Project is a modern, marketing oriented company that has established itself as a leading brand worldwide. Rudy Project designs and manufactures hi-tech sunglasses, goggles, helmets and accessories using the application of science, advanced materials and computer technology to create functional, aesthetically superior and technologically advanced products.

Disclaimer:
As a product reviewer for the Crooked Cog Network, I am providing my unbiased opinion of any products provided to us by any company. I do not posses any type of relationship with the product’s company or parent companies. I am not compensated in any way by companies that send in their goods to be reviewed.

My background:
I am 5′7″, 174 lbs. I ride a Giant Warp DS 2 for trail riding and a Giant Cypress LE for my daily commute. I also own a 7 speed Gary Fisher Tarpon. I am mainly a XC rider that will occasionally have too much fun on my Warp. I am also a bike commuter traveling 10-20 miles each way.

Testing Grounds:
My current options for testing any products are at the following trails and streets of Southern California: Fullerton Loop, Panorama, Turnbull Canyon, Aliso Woods which consists of: Woods Canyon, Rockit, Cholla, Meadows, Lynx and Top of the World. When testing products for commuting, my route usually will take me through the following streets: Bastanchury, St. College, Chapman Ave, Main St. and Jamboree Rd.

In the past year I’ve participated in riding events such as the LA Bike Tour, 04 and 05, Southridge Spring Fling and the Mt. Sac Fat Tire Classic. I am planning on participating in more events when the opportunity comes.

Product Tested:
The Rudy Project Wizaard™ is a full frame performance sunglass with advanced 8-base Grilamid™ architecture to ensure maximum protection from the elements. Using Quick Change technology the Wizaard™ lenses can be easily changed to manage any light condition. Adjustable nose pads using Ergonose™ II allows wearers to prevent fogging and eyelash touching. The stylish temple metal emblem and Safety Project hinges give the Wizaard™ it’s unique technically cool look and allow an elastic strap to be added for endurance sports.

This is me wearing the Rudy Project Wizaard posing with the President of Shimano USA, Kozo Shimano.

First Impressions and Comments:
My first impression, the glasses are very stylish and very light in weight, full of options such as interchangeable lenses, but we’ll discuss the options later. Once I slipped them on my face and stepped outside to see how well they work under the Southern California sun, I was genuinely impressed. I wear contact lenses and my eyes are very sensitive to the sun. Even if I had a pair of sunglasses on, I would still be squinting. But while wearing the Wizaard, I didn’t squint unless I looked directly into the sun, which my mom said when I was a kid, would make me blind.

The Wizzard cuts out any glare without sacrificing your vision. My view while wearing the Wizaard was so clear that when I was out riding on my way to work, that I had forgotten I was wearing them at all. The lightness of the frames and lenses allows you to easily forget they are on your face. The Adjustable nose pads using Ergonose™ II makes the glasses very comfortable to wear. It doesn’t leave any markings or impressions on your skin. They really don’t weigh more than an empty medium paper cup from the Diedrich Coffee house that is sitting on my desk. In fact I think the Wizaard might be lighter only weighing in at 0.88 Oz / 24 Grams

Options:
The Wizaards come with a boat load of options. Things such as color schemes: Silver Velvet, Matte Black, Blue Velvet, Platinum and Titanium. Each color scheme had a different set of lenses to compliment the frames. Lenses come in a myriad of colors from clear to Polar 3FX Brown Laser. There are a total of 10 spare lenses you can choose from. Basically anyone that feels like they need a pair of glasses to match their cycling wardrobe can easily find a match with the Wizaard’s color options.

You can also get prescription lenses with a clip-on adapter for the folks that wear glasses. Another option is to buy the stylish elastic Rudy Strap to prevent them from falling off. This is great for the aggressive athlete.

Strengths:
- Light weight
- Very stylish
- Great under the sun, no glare
- Interchangeable lenses
- Ergonose II provides a comfortable fit

Weaknesses:
- None, it’s reasonably priced for high quality sunglasses

Summary:
The Rudy Project Wizaard is an exceptional piece of art. I call it art because of the fact that the glasses are beautiful, performs well, comfortable, affordable, and it has full of options. I really like the fact that I am not squinting while in the sun and I can’t recall them ever fogging up my while riding. Anyone can easily get a pair from any Rudy Project dealer by clicking HERE

Related Links:
Rudy Project Wizaard