Blenders Eclipse Review

Blenders was founded by a surf coach about ten years ago but landed on our radar through their partnership with professional bike racer Keegan Swenson, who won the Lifetime Grand Prix in 2022. Many of their frames and lens tints share a design vernacular with much higher price point manufacturers, and we were curious if they worked as well as they looked on the trail. We found this to be a comfortable and solidly built frame with decent optics and would recommend it to any rider, whether those looking for a daily driver or for those wanting to add to their quiver of options.

Performance Comparison

Lens Quality

The Blenders Eclipse frame we tested came with a Polarized Blue and Red Mirror lens rated to protect from 100% UV rays. It features crisp optics and boosted contrast, an excellent choice for medium to bright light. In lower light environments, as well as dappled settings under dense canopy, this lens filtered too much light and was too dark for our tester's eyes. This limited the use of this frame to mountain biking on exposed trail networks, although we found it an excellent choice for paved and gravel road riding. Blenders offer no technical information on the use case of their lens tints nor the coating or construction of the lens in this frame. The lenses do not appear interchangeable (although they offer ten different frames, each with its own lens tint). Despite the lack of details and options, the lens in the Eclipse felt immediately competitive with lenses at a much higher price point.

We experienced some fogging of the lens we tested, which isn't surprising considering the substantial amount of lens wrap, lack of lens venting, and lack of anti-fog coating. Historic rain events during our test window had us constantly wiping water and grit off the lens, which has left some scratches and markings but isn't so significant as to stop us from running these lenses for many more miles.

Fit and Comfort

We found the Eclipse to be a comfortable medium to large size frame that easily fit our face. Adjustable nose pads and arms bent to the correct fit and held their position throughout our testing. At 32 grams, the frame weight lands next to many of its competitors in the high coverage class, and on long rides, it never drew attention to itself.

Coverage

With a 132.5mm wide lens, the Blenders Eclipse provides massive coverage. The lens also has a decent convexity, providing some peripheral protection. While riding, the field of view felt generous, and the edges of the fully framed lens were not noticeable. The wrap of the lens and 59mm of vertical lens height also kept the wind out of our eyes on high-speed descents.

Frame Quality

The Eclipse frame feels well constructed and of robust quality. The hinges are screwed and make solid clicks in and out of place. Blenders don't specify the exact frame material of the polycarbonate frame. Still, the material has some ability to contort and flex, which feels reassuring if one were to crash in these. Other budget-friendly frames with lens interchangeability or other frills have tended to over-promise and under-deliver in our testing. Still, the quality of this barebones frame leaves us little to complain about.

Field Performance

On the trail and in brighter light settings, this frame felt like a superb choice and extremely competitive with other frames we've tested, regardless of price point.

It felt confidence inspiring and provided excellent protection from wind, water, and the occasional arm of foliage reaching into the trail. The large convex lens did tend to fog up under the right conditions, and some venting or lens coating would have been nice to help resolve this. However, this frame is an excellent choice on road and gravel rides with less stopping and more airflow.

Style

For those who prefer the look of an oversize lens, the Blenders Eclipse punches far above its weight in delivering a large lens in a sleek frame design. The unimpeded top segment of the frame had friendly interactions with a couple of different helmets we wore with it, which gives a seamless feel between helmet and glasses to those that prioritize it. Where some lower price point frames might look as such, this frame breaks away from the pack in delivering clean lines that compete with frames that cost three times as much.

Case Quality

Our frame came with an EVA clamshell-style case, branded pouch, and microfiber cloth that felt similar in quality to offerings from much higher price point manufacturers, and we were impressed with the assemblage.

Should You Buy The Blenders Eclipse?

The Blenders Eclipse is ideal for riders on a budget but not wanting to compromise on style, though this frame has more to offer than its looks. Alternatively, it is a good choice for those wanting several lens or frame options to compliment their kit; picking up multiple pairs seems easy because of the intersection of cost and quality.

What Other Cycling Sunglasses Should You Consider?

The frame quality, comfort, and style of this frame put it nose to nose with frames that cost significantly more, and throughout our testing, we found ourselves recommending it to friends. Although the lens tint we tested was dark for our environment, and swapping out the lens would be excellent, you can get a whole frame and lens for different light conditions for less than the cost of many accessory lenses from other manufacturers. Despite the lack of anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings, the lens optics are excellent for the price. For those looking for a similar style frame with more lens options, check out the Oakley Sutro. Check out the Sledge for something similarly priced with interchangeable lenses.