March Gear Review: Jet Black Flight Glasses

Each month, our friends at Hawley share a review on the latest gear that is passing through their warehouse on its way to your local bike shop. As always, thanks to Ken Klatte, Production Artist with Hawley, for this sneak-preview and words of wisdom. For more from Hawley on the latest and greatest in bike gear, check out their blog or YouTube channel.

Three years ago I scratched my cornea after a lifetime of taking my eyes for granted. Apparently, the surfaces of your eyes are extremely fragile and any damage to them can affect your vision. Heeding the message “somebody” was trying to send me, I bought my first pair of sunglasses to wear while riding.

For a cyclist, the harsh, consistent glare of a noon day sun or the brutal headwind that dries your eyes out like a smoked salmon are reason enough for sunglasses. However, for the occasional cloud of dust or debris kicked up by a passing truck or for the mountain biker riding on tree limb strewn trails, sunglasses are the only thing between your eyes and serious ocular injury.

Jet Black Flight glasses

After losing my beloved Smith sunglasses, I was in the market for a new pair but with a lower price point. Following an exhaustive search, I settled upon the Jet Black Flight. Three things drew me to these sunglasses. Eye coverage, lens options and price. The Flight has a larger lens, which covers more of your eye and the surrounding area on your face. Lateral glare is reduced but the side venting makes sure moisture doesn’t build up on the inside of the lens. Speaking of lens, the Flight comes with three distinct options. The “blue” is great for sunny riding conditions. The “amber” is for overcast skies as it brings out clarity and contrast in your surroundings. I used the third lens, the “clear”, for racing and cold night rides this winter.

Finally, and this was a major factor as I am a cyclist on a budget (sic. poverty stricken), the price was hard to beat for 3 lenses, a hard carrying case and lens cloth. I saved the cheapskate rationale for last because cyclists can be somewhat “elitist” when it comes to their riding gear, but nowadays, price matters to a lot of riders of both the serious and recreational breeds. The Jet Black Flight combines that low price with superior eye protection, visual clarity and durability that makes these sunglasses a cut above the rest. MSRP $39.99.