off-road.cc

Endura have been making protective glasses for almost as long as I’ve been riding bikes, ok that’s an exaggeration but I’ve bought and tested numerous examples from Endura’s eyewear stable and generally have always been impressed. The Endura Guppy glasses are a reasonably priced and durable eye protection option. Look beyond the slightly dated aesthetics and you’ll find a genuinely good performer.

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In short, I’ve got dirt magnets for eyes. Even with a mudguard fitted and glasses worn, I’ll often still manage to get dirt in one if not both of my eyes. Seriously, it's become a constant joke amongst my riding buddies, of which always seem to be able to ride in the dankest of conditions with no mudguard and still avoid temporary blindness, sods! Anyway, what that does mean is I’m in a good position to test the efficacy of said glasses. What could be a better time to do just that than the depths of a British winter? Great timing for the arrival of the Guppy’s.

• You can buy Endura Guppy glasses here from Wiggle

They come with 3 lenses (clear, tinted and light enhancing), all of which are of a tough polycarbonate construction, are 100% UV protected, and the clear lens features a super-hydrophobic/anti-fog coating. They feature a rubber end to the arms and nose bridge meaning they should grip well but remain comfy. Also included is a hard carry case and a microfiber pouch which doubles up as a cleaning cloth, a pretty well rounded and good value package for an rrp of £59.99 (Endura are currently selling them on their site for £47.99)

The Guppy's prove to be hardy and robust

Unfortunately for me, I was apparently born with cheeks of the non-puffy variety. I say unfortunately as ‘bigger’ cheeks would undoubtedly prevent mud from finding its way up and under the glasses and into my eyes. Despite the reasonable coverage offered by the Guppy’s, this has happened on occasions - a combination of my sub-optimal facial anatomy and the not-so-close fit of the Guppy glasses. I’ve found them to be a little loose on my head too, but then, that’s quite possibly due to me having a small, bald head rather than any fault of the Guppy’s. Coverage is acceptable although, I feel, in part due to the slightly dated aesthetical design, it’s less than some of the big brand competition.

The design fits well under most lids

That said, performance is really quite good for the money, they are uber-durable and despite dropping them, rubbing them with dirty gloves, crashing in them and generally treating them like crap, they’ve proven very reliable. The straight and wide arms seem compatible with many different helmets and they’re all-day comfortable. Also, the hydrophobic/anti-fog coating on the clear lenses works superbly and has only recently started to fade, again, most likely due to my substandard treatment of the lenses in general! All in all, they’ve been great and the niggles are most likely fairly personal ones due to fit.

Rubber arm is grippy

If like me, you can’t ride to the shops without filling an eyeball with insects or debris, then get some glasses and, with that in mind, you’d be hard pushed to find a better value option than the Endura Guppy’s.

Nose bridge has added vents

• www.endurasport.com

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