With a name that can be rather questionable, Naked optics puts itself right in the market. The Austrian brand from Bergheim near Salzburg, focuses on the sporty segment with all kinds of eyewear, as well as helmets and clothing. They target the outdoor market, with options for skiers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. We received a sample of the eyewear, Naked Optics the Blade, sent it to us and took it for a spin. Whether you should buy it right away? You will find out later in this article.
First impressions matter
I had not heard of Naked Optics before. Until I received a message in the mail that they were looking for opportunities for a review. I am always up for that and so it happened. A short time later, a package was waiting for me. With a small, handwritten card attached. And stickers! That always works well here. The sunglasses' sturdy protective box contains two lenses and a black frame. The included lens is blue, a category 3, against the sun. There is also an orange-coloured lens for foggy days, winter days and days when you don't need sun protection. You can also choose other lens colours if you order your own. On both lenses, you will see the letters Naked Optics.
The protective box is hefty for the size of the glasses. Those things are never very handy. Of course, it also contains a small pouch where you can put the glasses and use it to polish m a bit. The frame is solid in the colour black with small white accents. You can also customise these colours to your liking. There are 7 different colourways in total.
Frame
The frame is 145mm wide on the outside and inside it is 137mm. i have a pretty big head myself and these glasses just fit. It fits snugly, as you can also see in the photos. It doesn't press on my temples, at least, that's not how I experienced it. So this frame is suitable for a big head like I have. With 61 cm circumference (funnily enough, the same as my frame size), there is a lot of head to cover.
In use
One of the things I have to name is this: although the name letters on the lens are not super large, I notice that I 'see' them when I have the glasses on. At first you think there's something on the lens, but then you realise: oh yes, it's the brand letters. That's actually a shame. That could be more subtle and it also has no function outside branding. After driving for a while it is no longer noticeable, but at first it is.
Apart from that, the glasses sit well and firmly on my head. You can ride over rougher terrain without them bouncing off your head. The lenses protect well against the sun, but with a Cat. 3 you still have problems when looking directly at the sun. You see this with almost all cycling glasses. If you don't want that, you'll have to ride with ski goggles. Wouldn't recommend it.
Final verdict Naked Optics The Blade
With a price of €79,99 you have got yourself a pair of glasses that really hits the mark in terms of price/quality. There is not much competition in this price range, especially with an interchangeable lens and with the customisation you can apply. That said: the branding on the glasses, it can come off as far as I'm concerned. That's a personal thing, but also practical.
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