Rudy Project Astral X Super-Lightweight Glasses Review: After ‘New Bike Day’ and ‘New Kit Day’, the next best is either ‘New Shoes Day’ or ‘New Glasses Day’. Our man in Spain, Alastair Hamilton, just go his hands on a pair of Astral X Super-Lightweight glasses from Rudy Project – Here are his thoughts on the Multilaser Red shades.
Classy – The glasses, not the model
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: I’ve always like Rudy Project glasses, I’m fairly sure they were the first pair of cycling sunglasses I bought. I’d seen Charly Mottet wearing them back in the 80’s and thought they were cooler than the American ones made famous by Phil Anderson and Greg Lemond. Italian style.
Mottet – Too cool
Since then I have bought, tested and worn a lot of different glasses on the bike, but there is still two pairs of Rudy’s in the collection (and a pair in the car) and if I’m wearing my Rudy Project helmet, then it has to be those glasses. OK, that’s out of the way, what do I think of these new Rudy Project Astral X?
Quality
Like my old Rudy’s, you can feel the quality as the legs are solid, with a real ‘clunk’ when you open the legs. If you look closely you can see they are held in with small screws, no plastic hinges here. Also the nose piece is held by a screw and can be replaced. Talking of which, the nose piece is rubberised for comfort, as are the ends of the legs, both the legs and nose piece are adjustable for the correct fit.
Nice and dark
The lenses I have are the ‘Multilaser Red’ and from the inside they are nice and dark (good for here in Spain), but even in dull conditions you can still see well. One of the best things about Rudy glasses, has always been the clarity of the lenses, they do make the world look more attractive. I need prescription glasses for normal life, but find I can do without on the bike, if I wear a pair of good quality cycling glasses, as they do make everything look clearer. The Rudy’s definitely have top quality lenses.
Cut outs on the legs
The Rudy Astral X have a modern style, at first glance they look quite big, but for someone like me, ‘old school’, they are not ridiculously big and not too wide or high, although the top isn’t flat, it arches up. The top does follow the shape of your face and stops any light coming in at the top. The legs have a cut out on the side and the rubber sections are in a contrasting grey to the black. As with cycling shoes and helmets, I prefer white for my glasses, but the black Astral’s are okay. Like most glasses they come with a soft bag.
Face shaped
I really like them: Comfortable, great optics and top style.
Light – Not super-light
My only criticism would be Rudy’s claim that the glasses are ‘Super-Lightweight’. Yes, they are light, but they are not super-light. The weight is similar to other good quality glasses of similar style. They are lighter than full frame glasses and you can feel the difference, but not ‘Super-Lightweight’.
Full Rudy
As with all glasses and helmets, try them together to make sure they fit, not hitting each other.
What Rudy Project says about the Astral X: Super-Lightweight Glasses Suitable for All Outdoor Sports
A wider lens offers increased protection from light and wind, enhancing both comfort and visibility
Rudy Project presents Astral X, the ideal sports glasses for every outdoor activity. Lightweight, stylish, and with exceptional UV protection, they offer clear, sharp, and comfortable vision in any condition. They are the perfect companion to tackle any outdoor challenge, from running to cycling, from beach volleyball to boating or canoeing, and cross-country skiing.
All the Advantages of Astral and Enhanced Protection
Astral X represents the natural evolution of Astral, Rudy Project’s best seller. Retaining the features that made the original model famous, such as lightness and secure fit, Astral X introduces a wider lens for even greater protection from wind and light, while also improving visibility. Thanks to collaboration with professional athletes like Johannes Klæbo, Rudy Project has optimised the lens shape to offer unprecedented comfort. Building upon the success of its predecessor, Astral X stands out for its light weight, weighing less than 30 grams, and offers customisable fit thanks to the adjustable nose pad and wrap-around temples, ensuring unparalleled stability even during the most intense activities.
Category 3 Mirrored Lenses: Performance and Style
The RP Optics polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and durable, offering 91% UV protection (category 3) and clear, precise vision in all light conditions. Thanks to advanced technology, with anti-reflective treatment that reduces glare and improved contrast, they reduce visual fatigue and enhance detail perception, allowing you to appreciate every detail of the landscape. Astral X is available in numerous colour and finish combinations, including mirrored lenses and crystal or matte temples, to meet every taste and need.
Sustainable Materials and Optical Resolutions
Crafted from sustainable Rilsan® material – a polymer derived from castor oil, the temples are both flexible and durable. A choice that, in addition to guaranteeing high performance, contributes to more sustainable production. Always attentive to athletes’ needs, Rudy Project also offers a customised optical solution for this model with an RX insert, allowing them to practice their favourite activities without compromising visual correction, reaffirming its dedication to high-quality sports eyewear.
Helmet and glasses
Like PEZ? Why not subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive updates and reminders on what’s cool in road cycling?
