Koo Alibi sunglasses reviewed | Biking Weekly
Few points make me as utterly blissful as unboxing a model new pair of biking sunglasses. Immediately I actually really feel modern and stylish, and I’m motivated to get out driving.
After a few weeks testing Koo’s Alibi photochromic sunglasses, I can say confidently that they don’t merely look good, nevertheless their effectivity matches their swankiness.
Half-framed with a coloured lens that changes counting on the sunshine scenario, the sunglasses are the choice of Bora-Hansgrohe, and whereas I’ll not expertise with the flexibility and panache of Primož Roglič or Jai Hindley, I can on the very least say I look practically pretty much as good as them. Correctly, presumably. I can dream, correct?
(Image credit score rating: Future)
Improvement
Koo is the sister agency of the Italian helmet mannequin Kask, prepare in 2016. It’s unsurprising, subsequently, that Koo sunglasses are made with premium prime quality and constructed for the premium market.
The unisex Alibi range is obtainable in eight completely completely different colourways, and I examined the blue/inexperienced shade that’s formally known as the Bora-Hansgrohe mannequin. All colours have a half-frame design, are constructed from Grilamid polymer (primarily a very sturdy supplies), and have rounded arms that match into all kinds of helmets. There are moreover two air circulation holes on the excessive of the physique that stop the glasses from condensing.
Zeiss make the cylindrical polycarbonate photochromic lenses, and the full-faced measurement is typical of most trendy sunnies. The lenses have a Seen Delicate Transmission range of 75% to 12% – in darkish circumstances, they allow in as a lot as 75% of sunshine which turns the lenses clear; in brighter circumstances, solely 12% of sunshine is let in, giving the lens a purple/purple shade exterior.
Alibi is printed on the once more of the upper physique, and a white Koo model is engraved on every arms and printed on the centre of the lenses. Spare lenses can be found for buy, and each set of sunglasses comes with a substitute nostril pad. For people who placed on prescription glasses, the Alibis are appropriate with Koo’s optical clip.
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Effectivity
The overwhelming sensation with the Alibi sunglasses on my head is that I don’t actually really feel that they’re there. They’re so extraordinarily delicate, topping my kitchen scales at merely 24 grams. For comparability, the Oakley EV Zero Blades weigh 22g, and the Enduro Dorado II can be found in at 30g.
It’s not merely the featherlight weight that’s spectacular, though – they’re terribly cosy and preserve in place. I’ve worn completely different glasses that switch spherical, nevertheless these don’t. What’s further, the air circulation holes do a improbable job of stopping glasses from steaming up when driving arduous.
The lenses adapt really quickly to altering delicate circumstances, and they also carried out excellently in every heavy rain showers and cloudless, sunny skies. One smaller issue I was considerably impressed by was how even small smudges don’t hinder the visibility, and although a tiny little little bit of paint has come away from the left arm after only some weeks, it’s obvious that the event is of a high-quality and these shall be a pair of sturdy and lasting sunglasses.
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Conclusion and value
These are a very versatile pair of sunglasses, applicable for all seasons. Not solely that, nevertheless they’re fashionable and get heads turning – practically everyone I’ve ridden with whereas I’ve examined the glasses has commented on how modern they’re. That talked about, some people did suggest that when clear it regarded like I was carrying safety glasses. I cannot disagree, each.
For the worth ($245/£180/€230) they aren’t low-cost, nevertheless they’re within the an identical ballpark as completely different premium decisions, such as a result of the aforementioned Oakleys. It’s doable to get photochromatic sunglasses for half the worth, such as a result of the Endura Dorado II, nevertheless few are as well-made, elegant and lightweight as these. Within the occasion you may justify the outlay, spend cash on the Alibis.
(Image credit score rating: Future)
Specs
Value: $245/£180/€230
Colours: Alibi blue/inexperienced; black matt/gold; darkish blue matt/purple; grey matt/turquoise; harbour blue matt/copper; orange matt/inexperienced; inexperienced matt/orange; sand matt/gold; white matt/fuchsia
Dimension: all of the an identical measurement
Website online: kooworld.cc
