Spy Daft Review
February 14, 2014
88 The Good
- Solid performance features
- A noticeably lightweight and comfortable design
- A full-coverage design with excellent peripheral vision
- Lens venting system
- Interchangeable lens design with two lenses for varying light conditions
The Bad
- Nosepads are not adjustable
- Rimless lens design makes it difficult to swap lenses without excessive lens smudging
The Spy Daft is the Best in Class sunglass in this test of performance sunwear in the $150 to $250 range. It earned this position, in part, due to its lightweight design and flexible frame. In addition, its large, rimless, wrapped lens provides an excellent, wide-open field of vision. For $180, this sunglass offers usable performance, noticeable comfort, and style.
Fit & Comfort
I like the Daft’s simple design. This sunglass is made with lightweight, durable Grilamid, a frame material that is also slightly flexible. The Daft combines light weight with forgiving comfort for noticeable performance on the road and on the trail, where shock absorption is always a plus.
This sunglass has a medium to large fit and its flexible nature works for a variety of face shapes and head sizes. Its flexible, gripping temple tips kept the Daft firmly in place during road biking, mountain biking, trail running, and hiking activities.
While they are flexible/bendable, the Daft’s nosepads are not adjustable, a definite downside for those (like me) that really want a custom fit.
Lens Clarity
The Daft’s combo of a rimless lens design and a large, 7-base wrapped lens offers an impressive, wide field of vision. I found the Daft’s visual experience to be stellar; it’s perfect for road biking and other outdoor sports where peripheral vision is critical.
The Daft package ($180) includes an interchangeable lens system and two lenses—Spy’s Victory lens for bright light conditions plus a lens for low-light days. While I like the idea of interchangeability, the rimless design makes it nearly impossible to swap lenses without lens smudging.
Wind Resistance
The Daft’s big-coverage wrap design kept the wind out—period—even in full-on windy conditions on the road bike. An in-temple venting system also kept sweat and fog at bay effectively.
Best For:
Cycling
Running
Nordic Skiing
Changing Light Conditions
Peripheral Vision
Wind Resistance
Bad For:
Small Faces
Custom Fit
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