One thing to note is that, like most photochromic glasses, these lenses are responding to levels of ultraviolet light. This can have a couple of unintended consequences if you're not expecting them. First, they don't work when you're behind glass – so these won't offer much protection when you're in a car. Second, there are occasional overcast days when it is relatively dark but still high in UV, and on these days the lenses can darken more than you'd perhaps like them to. I only experienced this once or twice when testing, and it really wasn't a big issue. Only once did I stash the glasses because they got a bit darker than I'd have liked. Comfortable to wear, the flexible and robust nylon Grilamid TR90 frame has a seemingly basic design, but the arms and nose pads keep these lightweight sunnies firmly in place no matter what you’re doing, which earns them a place in our guide to the best sunglasses available at the moment for hiking and climbing. The weight and dimensions of each pair, including how flat or wrapped around they are, measuring the linear distance from the nose bridge to a line between the rear edge of the lenses Style: Flatter ‘lifestyle’ sunglasses (very on trend this year), or sportier wrap-around glasses that cover more of your vision The lenses are Cat 3, and although the VLT is unspecified, they strike a good balance between remaining functional for everyday activities like driving, and providing enough protection for outdoor pursuits (unless you’re really high up in the mountains, when some Cat 4 glasses would be better).

Category 0 lenses are either clear or have a very light tint, letting in between 80 and 100 per cent of light. They are best for night riding when light is already low. With hundreds of styles of polarized sunglasses for sailors out there, and many brands, there’s no shortage of choice. Not all are created equal, however, and if you’re going to be spending long hours on the water, then having shades that stay on your head, protect your peripheral vision, and cut out direct light and reflected glare is essential. Lens colors: New Blue / Smoke Yellow / Smoke Red / Smoke Yellow / Smoke Bright Blue / Smoke / Brown / Clear / Smoke Most sailors will opt for polarized sunglasses. If you haven’t tried them before and don’t know what the fuss is about, ask to try someone else’s next time you’re out on the water. Tip your head on one side to see what things look like with dark glasses, then look normally to see how much additional glare the polarization cuts out and you’ll be amazed.

Glasses Buyers Guide

When buying sunglasses, there are plenty of features and variables to consider that will make one pair better for you than another. Things like adjustability, weight, style, size, colour, and added features like replacement lenses will all carry a certain amount of weight, and by understanding how each will affect your ride, you can make an informed decision on what's the best. As the cheapest shades in our polarized sunglasses for sailors test, we weren’t expecting much from these, but were pleasantly surprised when we took them out of the box as they looked and felt pretty good for such a budget pair. Polarization, by measuring the LUX reduction between vertically and horizontally rotated lenses, whilst aimed at a flat metal surface reflecting direct sunlight, replicating water glare Don’t be put off by the name. Dirty Dog have been around for years, and make glasses that many sailors have used for a long time, such is their build quality. With a whole wealth of styles available, we were testing a ‘unisex’ style, although the fit and shape were rather wide. The downside is that light from your instruments can be refracted through their screens, polarizing it parallel to the surface of the glass, so you might need to tilt your head to see the screens clearly. How we tested the best polarized sunglasses

Interchangeable and/or spare lenses such as clear night-time lenses definitely add value, but only if you actually use them, so be honest with yourself about your needs.

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Category 1 lenses let in 43 to 80 per cent of light. They are regularly coloured lenses, such as bright yellow, that aim to increase contrast on cloudy days. The only real niggle I have with the glasses concerns their arms, which are quite long and curved downwards. I've got quite a big head, but even so the arms extend at least a couple of centimetres past the point where they rest on my ears. Generally, this wasn't a problem, but it did mean that they wouldn't sit well with some helmets. I tried them with three helmets that I currently have around the house. They were entirely fine with a Livall helmet I was testing, but they occasionally got nudged by my Ekoï helmet, and really didn't get on all that well with my main helmet, which is a Kask Infinity. Here, the long arms ran foul of the plastic cage that grips the head and this often led to the glasses being pushed forward off my nose. So if you wear a helmet that wraps close behind your ears, just be aware that you might have a similar issue. The nose and temple grips keep them securely in place, no matter how lumpy the landscape I’ve been running and riding over became, and for the most part they’ve been pretty comfortable to wear for reasonably long periods of time – the hydrophilic nose grips seem to pinch slightly after while, but this can be relieved by lifting the glasses momentarily.

The Tifosi Alliant Light Night Fototec sunglasses are well vented and well made, with photochromic lenses that make them suitable for a very broad range of conditions. The long, curved arms mean they don't sit comfortably with every helmet, but as long as they work with yours, these are a solid choice for all-day riding. For this example, it is easier to visualise just the vertical and horizontal waves. The lenses of polarized glasses are coated with a polymer, the moleculesBollé are synonymous with top-notch optics in skiing, sailing, and for safety goggles. They have a huge amount of expertise in making high-quality lenses, and the Holman are no different. Another brand that has hundreds of styles to choose from, the Holman is one of the few styles they offer designed for sailing that float. Tired of sunglasses that pull your hair when you put them on or take them off? Swank's integrated hinge is designed with your comfort in mind. It glides on smoothly without any hair-snagging, ensuring you're always ready to seize the day.

ULTRA LIGHT FRAME ➤ Light only 26 grams and durable Grilamid TR90. Features integrated hinge which never pulls hair, hydrophilic nose pads for increased gripping, and Tifosi Glide technology allows the frame to slide on comfortably and provide a no-slip fitThe polarization, in contrast, was more light-touch, with a further reduction of glare of just 58.2%. The frames offered a good degree of wraparound (26mm) without appearing too sporty, and leaning towards the narrower side, these were a more genuinely unisex style. The BBB Avenger is futuristically styled, but it is not merely for show. You’ll notice the slight ventilation clearance between lens and frame, a deliberate design to avoid the annoyance of fogging. This is an elementary comfort feature for riders who are committed to venturing outdoors for their training in even the worst conditions. Suitability: Trail activities ranging from hiking to biking at sea level and in lower hills, plus general beach and bar wear These Tifosi Slice Fototec Light Night Lens sunglasses offer excellent all-round visibility thanks to their frameless design, and the tint range of the photochromatic lens covers the majority of riding conditions even into the darkness. The wind can whip around the sides a bit, though, which won't please hayfever sufferers or those with sensitive eyes. Category 2 lenses let in between 18 and 43 per cent of light, and are usually coloured in slightly darker hues, meaning they are best for days where weather is intermittently sunny.