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100% Glendale Review

Goggle-like performance, great optics, and retro style in a comfortable, breathable package
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100% glendale cycling sunglass review
Credit: Competitive Cyclist
Price:  $185 List
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Manufacturer:   100%
By Zach Wick ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 22, 2023
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 18
  • Lens Quality - 20% 8.0
  • Fit and Comfort - 20% 7.0
  • Coverage - 20% 8.0
  • Frame Quality - 15% 8.0
  • Field Performance - 25% 7.0

Our Verdict

With the Glendale, 100% offers an impressively high-coverage, protective pair of performance glasses that simulates goggle-quality performance without many drawbacks. This model also provides some of the best optics in the test, along with UV and impact protection. The Grilamid T90 frame has soft, comfortable hydrophilic rubber at each contact point. Despite the close-to-the-face fit, it does an excellent job of maintaining airflow and channeling sweat away from the lens. We feel these are a great option for all types of cycling, though the large fit may be a little less stable during higher-impact activities for people with smaller faces.
REASONS TO BUY
Massive coverage and protection
Two lenses included
Good optics
REASONS TO AVOID
Large fit
Stability issues on smaller faces
Editor's Note: This review of the 100% Glendale was updated on May 10, 2023, to include a new status after comparing it with new products in our line-up.

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100% glendale cycling sunglass review
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100% Glendale
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Price $185 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Massive coverage and protection, two lenses included, good opticsSuper comfortable, quality frame, excellent optics, two lenses includedSuper breathable, neutral fit, secureInexpensive, three lenses included, good optics, good dust and debris protectionInexpensive, great coverage, good styling
Cons Large fit, stability issues on smaller facesDust protectionNo fit adjustment, dust protectionDifficult lens swaps, can fog easily when stoppingNo lens coating, lenses not interchangeable
Bottom Line Goggle-like performance, great optics, and retro style in a comfortable, breathable packageSuper comfortable with great coverage, two lenses, and a stellar all-around performanceA solid, durable and good looking pair of sunglasses with great fog managementAn impressive value with high-coverage, high-performance, and three lenses included at a reasonable priceAn affordable, high-coverage frame that is comfortable and built to last
Rating Categories 100% Glendale Smith Wildcat 100% S2 Tifosi Sledge Blenders Eclipse
Lens Quality (20%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Fit and Comfort (20%)
7.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Coverage (20%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Frame Quality (15%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Field Performance (25%)
7.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Specs 100% Glendale Smith Wildcat 100% S2 Tifosi Sledge Blenders Eclipse
Fit large medium-large large large-extra large medium-large
Number of Lenses Included 2 2 2 3 1
Lens Tested yellow chromapop red mirror, clear soft gold, mirror, clear smoke, clear, AC red polarized red and blue mirrored
Ideal Lens Light Conditions soft yellow: medium to low light; smoke: low light chromapop red mirror: bright light; clear: low light clear: low light; smoke: medium to bright light clear: low light; smoke: bright light; AC red: medium to bright light medium to bright light
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) yellow: 68%; smoke:12% chromapop red mirror: 15%; clear: 89% unknown unknown unknown
VLT Protection Index yellow: Cat 1; smoke: Cat 3 Cat 3 unknown unknown not specified
Polarized no no no no yes
Lens Material plastic - polycarbonate plastic - carbonic polycarbonate plastic - polycarbonate polycarbonate
Lens Type cylindrical cylindrical cylindrical cylindrical cylindrical
Neutral/Contrast increased contrast increased contrast neutral increased contrast increased contrast
HEV/Blue Light Protection yes yes unknown unknown unknown
Protective Coatings hydrolio coating hydroleophobic coating hydrolio coating none none
Weight 41 g 32 g 31 g 39 g 32 g
Case Included rigid zippered case and soft cleaning/storage bag rigid zippered case and soft cleaning/storage bag rigid zippered case and soft cleaning/storage bag rigid zippered case and soft cleaning/storage bag EVA Case, pouch, microfiber cleaning cloth

Our Analysis and Test Results

With roots in motocross goggle design since the 1980s, 100% has only recently become one of the most prominent players in the performance sunglasses industry. With a rockstar list of sponsored athletes, 100%'s popularity in the cycling realm has skyrocketed over the last few years. We decided to test out the Glendale glasses. These behemoths offer goggle-like coverage with excellent optics and a durable and comfortable frame, beating out many other sunglasses we tested.

Performance Comparison


100% glendale cycling sunglass review - the glendale has heaps of coverage and a goggle-esque look.
The Glendale has heaps of coverage and a goggle-esque look.
Credit: Zach Wick

Lens Quality


100% includes two lenses standard when you purchase the Glendale. We tried the Soft Tact Mustard frames with a soft yellow lens for low-light conditions and a darker smoke lens for when it gets bright. The soft yellow lens offers a category one light filter that transmits 68% of visible light and provides protection from 100% of harmful UV rays. For more protection, the smoke lens is rated as a category three filter and transmits just 12% of visible light while providing 100% UV protection. Both lenses use an impact-resistant polycarbonate construction with an anti-scratch coating and water-repellent treatment.

100% glendale cycling sunglass review - the glendale has a comfortable fit, though the massive coverage may...
The Glendale has a comfortable fit, though the massive coverage may not agree with all faces.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

We were hard-pressed to find any significant differences between the optical quality of most of the models in our test. At this level of performance, differences are relatively minimal. We had no problems with the Glendale's optics. Both lenses provided great contrast and clarity, and as much as we tried to find it, we couldn't detect any distortion from the five-base cylindrical lens. The water-repellent lens treatment did a great job of keeping our field of vision relatively clear when smashing through puddles on a mountain bike, and the lens didn't require constant cleaning.

Like many of the models we tested, the Glendale also impressed us with the durability of its lenses. If we're being honest, we treated all of the glasses in our test pretty terribly, and most of them came through with flying colors. The Glendale was no exception. After being dropped on the ground, stuffed into backpacks, and cleaned with a t-shirt multiple times, the lenses still looked great.

Fit and Comfort


After countless hours of testing, none of our testers would accuse the Glendale of being uncomfortable, but the fit is quite large. With a soft grilamid frame and "ultra-grip" hydrophilic rubber pads at the nose piece and arm tips, all of this model's contact points are agreeable. The nose piece doesn't offer any adjustability, but the design allows the rubber pad to stretch and contour to most nose shapes and sizes. The arm tips can be adjusted for a proper contour to your head shape. You can wear these all day without any pain or discomfort.

100% glendale cycling sunglass review - the glendale is one of the models that provides excellent coverage...
The Glendale is one of the models that provides excellent coverage for high speeds.
Credit: Zach Wick

While all of our testers agreed that the Glendale is comfortable, some of our small-headed testers had problems with the fit. This massive pair of glasses fits well on large heads but lacks enough adjustability for a secure fit on narrow heads. At 41 grams, this is also one of the heaviest models we looked at, and the extra weight on your face requires more security to keep everything in place. The arm tip adjustment helps a little, but we still had some issues with them moving around when things got rough during trail runs and mountain bike rides.

Coverage


With a large lens, the Glendale doesn't lack coverage. At its largest points, the lens is 165mm wide and 60mm tall and provides an enormous field of vision. While wearing these glasses, you must consciously work to see the frame in your periphery. It does a great job of mimicking the coverage, protection, and field of vision that goggles provide. 100%'s motocross goggle heritage clearly shows.

100% glendale cycling sunglass review - the grilamid frames are tough and comfortable.
The Grilamid frames are tough and comfortable.
Credit: Zach Wick

The massive lens provides peace of mind when descending at high speeds. The lens wraps tightly to the face and blocks all wind interference while providing an enormous shield from rock, bug, or branch impacts. After wearing these glasses mountain biking for a while, we learned to stop flinching at incoming impacts and stay focused on the task at hand. We were so impressed with the coverage and protection. It scores highly in this metric.

Frame Quality


The Glendale features a fairly sturdy, tough, but flexible frame. The Grilamid TR90 thermoplastic construction is pliable enough to hold up when bent or twisted and sturdy enough to provide a tight, consistent fit no matter how many times you swap out the lens. The frame also includes hydrophilic rubber contact points at the nose and arm tips to add to the soft, comfortable feel of this frame on your face.

100% glendale cycling sunglass review - despite a small stability issue, we found the glendale worthy of...
Despite a small stability issue, we found the Glendale worthy of some sending.
Credit: Zach Wick

Unlike some other models, the Glendale doesn't offer any nose-piece adjustment. You can bend the arm tips for a tighter fit to your head, but ultimately we found this adjustment relatively inconsequential. Below each eye, the frame includes small aluminum air vents to prevent lens fogging at low speeds.

The flexible frame makes swapping lenses a quick task with no moving parts or extra pieces to keep track of. A quick tug at the top of the frame will pop the lens out of its secure groove and offer easy removal access. Despite its flexibility, the frame holds its shape and provides a tight and secure fit once a lens is locked into its groove. When the lens is fully secured within the frame, there's no movement or popping, even when the frame is flexed or twisted.

Field Performance


While the Glendale provides awesome performance, it also does well when the rubber hits the road. Of all the high-coverage glasses we tested, this model does the best job of replicating the performance and protection of traditional goggles. We had no problems with wind interference at high speeds, and the close fit provided great protection from dust in dry conditions.

100% glendale cycling sunglass review - the big and bold retro styling is at home whether you're ripping...
The big and bold retro styling is at home whether you're ripping pavement, gravel, or singletrack.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The air vents did their job and prevented fogging at low speeds or when stopping after a hard effort, but we should provide the caveat that we tested this model in hot, dry summer conditions where fogging isn't typically a huge issue. However, we have every reason to expect that they would continue to perform well in more harsh conditions. We also had no issues with sweat running down the front of these lenses. The frame does a good job of channeling sweat away from the eyes and keeping the field of vision clear.

Our field performance rating of the Glendale suffered slightly due to a lack of stability on the face. Some of our testers found that when the going got especially rough, these glasses tended to slide down the front of the nose and needed occasional adjustment. We adjusted the ear tips to squeeze the sides of the head a bit tighter with success, but we're worried that some head shapes might not work with this model. With the stability issue, we also found that our frequent readjustment led to repeated contact of the center of the lens to the forehead and brow. Eventually, this lead to the center of the inside of the lens getting covered in sweat and slightly obscuring our vision. We didn't experience this problem on road rides; it was only an issue on rough trails that required constant attention to keep them in place.

Style


Like most goggle-style models we reviewed, the Glendale has a bold, retro style. The Americana-inspired design stands out from the crowd, and the lens's massive size dwarfs most other performance glasses. Unless you're Peter Sagan, we wouldn't recommend this model for everyday use, but it does make for a great look--on the trail or on the road.

100% glendale cycling sunglass review - the rigid, zippered storage case includes space for a second lens.
The rigid, zippered storage case includes space for a second lens.
Credit: Zach Wick

Case Quality


100% provides a hard zippered case when you purchase the Glendale. Inside the case is a semi-rigid foam with cutout storage for the glasses and the included spare lens. The case provides super-secure storage but is a little bit large to easily stuff into a backpack or suitcase when space is tight. More often than not, we found ourselves just using the soft storage bag to save space.

Value


The Glendale sits roughly at the median price of all the glasses we tested. With the best coverage in the test and sharp, clear optics, we think they're a good buy. Add in the fact that 100% includes two lenses and a substantial, zippered storage case, which becomes one of our test's better values.

100% glendale cycling sunglass review - the modern/retro look of the glendale is an acquired taste, but...
The modern/retro look of the Glendale is an acquired taste, but their massive coverage and wind protection takes very little time to get used to.
Credit: Zach Wick

Conclusion


Overall we had a very positive experience with the Glendale. This model does a great job of providing goggle-like performance without the stifling foam construction and cumbersome size. Our only concern was the large fit and lack of stability in rough situations. Otherwise, the Glendale is an all-around performer at a good value.

Zach Wick
 

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