Rudy Project vs Oakley
 

Any significant pros/cons between Rudy Project and Oakley sunglasses? I realize this is mostly personal preference, but I'd like to hear opinions from those who've tried both.

From my experience, the variations occur more between models than the brands.

Well I have owned both over the years and I can say that I think they both suck. But since I need to wear sunglasses when I ride, I choose Rudy's because I think they suck marginally less (and they are a bit cheaper too...)

Interesting. Any reason you think they suck? I've been using Performance glasses but want to go more high-end because the optics of the Performance aren't great and they fog pretty easy. Lack of a rubber nose grip is another reason (though the models newer than mine have the rubber now).

True enough. I guess I'm wondering more about the optic qualities and whether there's much of a difference.

Well oakleys are just too expensive and I guess given that I dont really take a lot of care with my riding glasses they get scratched and buggered too easily. They used to have a really really good returns policy but that changed about 4 or 5 years ago (I can't really remember) because it was costing them too much money. Not tough enough for what you might pay.

The Rudy's are quite good, they have good clear lenses in them and the adjustability of the nose pieces and the earpieces mean that you can fit them really well so that they don't fall off at all. The problem with them is that, despite all that, they don't seem to be very well made in that the moulding of the plastic isnt straight (lay them upside down on any flat surface and you will know what I mean). I know 2 other people with them and they have the same problem, they just don't quite fit well when they are a bit crooked. A bit of a minor quibble but when you consider what you pay for basically a bit of moulded plastic, it should be right....

I've heard Rudy has a great return policy, even with scratched lenses. What I like best about the Rudy's is their adjustable nose peice. That one thing makes a huge difference.

Yeah rudy have a good return policy, its oakley that are turds.... and rudys stay on very well

I personally don't own any Rudy Project sunglasses. But I do own Oakley Half Jackets, M Frames, Half Wires, and the A Wire Thick. They all fit well and are quite comfortable. At times they will fog a bit but I accept this. If you try the M Frame you may want to choose a ventilator style lens to improve air flow and that may possibly relieve your fogging issues.

I didn't realize Oakley's return policy had changed. I never used to mind paying as much for them because they'd replace any pair I broke, no questions asked. If that's changed, then I guess I'll probably stay away from the Oakley price tag. Thanks for sharing.

Yeah well dont take my word for it, check it out for yourself. I just think that they have tried to make it more difficult to return them. I dunno, probly best to ask instore for the right answers

Oakleys are a rip.......gotta pay all those athletes their endorsements from somenwhere, I guess.

I've had Brikos or Rudys since the early 90s. Both are excellent.

It's definitely mostly down to fit, but I do like the Rudy Projects (I use Rydons). Lenses are easy to change, RP will exchange damaged lenses for you for about $12 shipping and handling, and the adjustable nosepiece makes it easy to find a comfortable fit. My wife has a pair of the narrow Rydons, and I haven't noticed any moulding problems on either of them. The Rudy Projects are also easy to repair if damaged, as you can buy and replace individual parts easily.

Oakley's just don't fit my face very well. YMMV - I'd suggest going to a sunglasses shop and trying a few pairs.

I love my mframes and the lens are fairly inexpensive if (like me last night) ruin one.

I would second the vented part, they do fog up easily if you get the non vented one.

BTW I distroyed my clear lens are I got nailed in the face with a branch (hate being 6'6" at 24 MPH last night, scratches and chipped the lens, not my eyes...

Any reason why you are not considering Bolle? I have about 5000 miles on a pair, and they fit great and work great.

I have actually looked at some Bolles, but they looked freakishly large on my face (I'm hoping it's not my face that looks freakish). For some reason Bolles just don't fit my face well.

They have two models that look exactly alike except the Parole is smaller. I have a small face, and they fit me great. Then again, you might have tried the Paroles, and not like them. Also, from a practical standpoint, some of the glasses when used in an aero racing position make you look at the rim rather than through the lens - that is not a problem with the Bolle Paroles.

I've used several models of Oakleys over the years, and I was disappointed with their durability. I know refer to them as "Brokleys". Since then I have used Bolle and Rudy Project, and been much more satisfied. I tried Smith last year, when I wanted one set of glasses to take on a trip that lasted about a month. I wanted something with interchangeable lenses, but that would also look decent off the bike if I was wearing them casually. I was really impressed with the quality and the optics! They really seemed to enhance the contrast and improve my vision. I still use my Rudy Projects occasionally, but I like the Smiths better. You might want to consider them too.

I had oakleys a few years ago and I thought they were way over priced for what they were and now I have Rudys the Hydes and I couldn't be happier. I haven't had issues with them not sitting right when put upside down like scroz described, so I would have to say Rudys. You might be able to get them cheaper if your on a team with a rudy sponership or know someone on a team with the rudy sponsership

Check out Smith's. (great fit, changeable lens's, and are designed for cycling.) Just got a pair of Theory's they are the best yet. The web site tells you small, medium, or large fit which is good as we all have different size heads. I've had great luck with them and they have a great return policy

Broakleys....lol.

Riding glasses are like bikes. Find the one brand/model that fits nicely and stick with it.

I have a pair of oakley Half-jackets, they were $0 since they were covered by insurance(I have prescription lenses in them).

They are ok, I definately wouldn't have paid $120 for them though.

Next time I can get glasses and have them covered by insurance I'm going to try and get some Rudy Projects, my uncle swears by them.

Take a look at the Smiths too. I bought a pait at Supergo for something like 70% off. They came with 3 sets of interchangable lenses.

Smiths Smiths Smiths!!!