Wraparound sunglasses by Oakley, designed to protect both eyes and nose
The Oakley Velo Kato glasses, a follow-up to the original Kato design, have made a splash in the cycling world with their distinctive and innovative features. The standout element of these glasses is the large, wraparound visor-like lens, made possible by Oakley's PhysioMorphic technology.
This lens design offers a continuous spherical wrap that extends across and down the face, including over the nose as a sort of nose cover. This allows the lens to sit very close to the face without direct contact, improving upon typical cylindrical lenses that either leave gaps at the sides or sit too close centrally.
Pros of the Velo Kato Glasses
The Velo Kato glasses boast several advantages over their predecessor:
- Improved Field of Vision: The large continuous lens provides an expansive view, enhancing the cyclist's peripheral vision.
- Advanced Optics: The lenses, equipped with Oakley's Prizm technology, offer enhanced colors and contrast on the road, improving road surface visibility.
- Aerodynamic Design: The close-fit nose extension and wraparound shape are claimed to provide aerodynamic benefits, although current data is lacking.
- Secure Fit: The arms of the glasses feature Unobtanium, Oakley's proprietary grippy material, and have a ribbed texture to keep the glasses in place.
Cons of the Velo Kato Glasses
Despite its benefits, the Velo Kato glasses also have some drawbacks:
- Lack of Portability: The non-foldable arms reduce the practicality and portability of the glasses, making them less ideal for travel or storage.
- Inability to Switch Lenses: The lenses on the Velo Kato glasses cannot be replaced, meaning a new pair must be bought for a clear lens.
- High Price Point: Retailing for £271, the Velo Kato glasses are a premium purchase compared to other Oakley Prizm lens options.
- Divisive Aesthetics: The bold and distinctive design of the glasses may not appeal to all users, with opinions on their appearance being quite strong.
Final Thoughts
The Oakley Velo Kato glasses represent a significant step forward in cycling eyewear, offering a large, wraparound lens for improved field of vision and aerodynamic design. However, the lack of foldable arms and inability to switch lenses compromise their practicality, while their bold aesthetics may not appeal to everyone.
For those seeking a performance-oriented statement piece, the Velo Kato glasses are a compelling choice. But for those prioritizing practicality and versatility, other options may be more suitable.
[1] Data sourced from Oakley's official website and various cycling forums.
- The large, wraparound lens and aerodynamic design of the Oakley Velo Kato glasses might make them an appealing choice for tech-savvy athletes who value advanced technology in their sports gadgets.
- However, those who prioritize practicality in both their technology and sports equipment may find the lack of foldable arms and replaceable lenses to be a drawback, as these features are commonly expected in modern devices.
