VERDICT

The days when cheap riding shades looked like they belonged in the protective eyewear box of a GCSE design and technology classroom are long gone. Now they look as good as pro-level shades from the biggest brands. They may not have the precision optics of the very best premium glasses but they all meet safety and protection standards and, from my findings, all perform incredibly well on- and off-road.

Choosing an overall best is tough when they’re all such a high-standard and low price. BBB’s Avenger has the tenacious grip necessary for any kind of riding and looks great to boot, Tifosi has the same grade frames and lens materials as the premium brands, Galibier’s lens quality is superb and Van Rysel’s clever design would impress if you found it on an Oakley, Rudy Project or 100% model, nevermind a pair of glasses from a sports supermarket.

I have to give the crown to Madison’s frameless Stealth though. They look and perform superbly well, they are cheap and if you need corrective lenses these are a viable option.