HINDSIGHT EDGE SPORT

£199.99 Innovative new rear-view cycling sunglasses

Innovative new eyewear brand HindSight claims to have made the world’s first pair of sports sunglasses that provide dual forward and rear vision. One of three models, the one-size-fits-all Sport version is made from darkened lenses with the outer third of each side made of a semi-transparent mirror that’s angled slightly inwards. The idea is that this enables the wearer to see into their left and right blind spots without compromising forward vision. Meanwhile, the ‘True-Mirror’ technology on the lenses helps to maintain true depth perception.

In practice, we found a slight head tilt was still necessary to see a reflection of the road behind, which took some getting used to. We also experienced a double mirror effect, where we could see two reflections of the road behind out the corner of our eye, which was a little disorientating at first. HindSight recommends a 15-minute acclimatisation phase, though we’d still exercise caution on the fly, as using the rear mirror function while in motion can distract from the road ahead. The mirrored part of the lens proved easiest to see in overcast conditions, which seemed counterproductive for a pair of sunglasses.

Worthy of praise, however, is the young company’s hands-on approach to feedback for further improving the model, which they call a ‘first draft’. It’s important to recognise that these are designed to be used as an extension of your periphery, rather than as a replacement for rear view sighting. To this end, the glasses certainly meet their purpose.

VERDICT POTENTIAL TO BE

80 REVOLUTIONARY, BUT WEAR % WITH CAUTION