SPORTRX PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES
IGNITION
CW EVALUATION
Peak vision
Don Canet
A fundamental for safe and fun motor-cycling is having a clear view of the road ahead. Even if you’re not an open-face helmet wearer, the right pair of prescription shades can make a big difference in how well you see the line threading a fast curve. SportRx is a San Diego, California-based company specializing in sports eyewear with hundreds of popular frame and goggle options. Its in-house opticians offer expertise in helping customers select the best lens suited to our favorite outdoor activities.
Although I visited the SportRx storefront, it’s primarily an online retailer. I’ve worn corrective lenses during my entire professional riding/ racing career and have developed a few preferences in suitable riding glasses.
As a sportbike rider, my foremost concern is selecting a frame style that allows an unobstructed view when in the head-down full-tuck position—what I call peering through the eyebrows! Another important factor is the frame and temple/ earpiece must comfortably slip into your particular full-face helmet and not lift or rattle around when experiencing helmet buffet at speed. The crux is that not all helmet interiors are similar, so a frame that fits well within one model helmet may experience interference if worn within another lid. Try before you buy. SportRx will send a selection of frame styles to try with your helmet, providing a full refund upon the return of those that don’t fit, and free shipping is offered.
I selected a pair of Oakley
Chainlink Asian fit (larger nose bridge pads) due to the increased vertical viewing angle and good fit within the Shoei X-Twelve I wore in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Despite my prescription presenting a challenge according to my personal optometrist, SportRx nailed it with a progressive digital lens. I’m glad they recommended Day & Night Prebuilt Lenses, a light-reactive lens that transitions from clear to tinted and has an ultra-premium anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and repels dirt, oil, and water.
They’re so comfortable that I wear them daily on and off the bike. After several months of use, the lenses remain scratch-free.
sportrx.com PRICE: $530 UPS + Great selection, free shipping + Many motorcyclefriendly wrap-style frames + Progressivelens great for reading and riding DOWNS - My prescription doesn’t work with wraparound lenses - With clear lenses, Chainlink looks like Buddy Holly specs when the lens is clear