Rudy Project : Profile

 

RUDY PROJECT EYEWEAR

TWENTY YEARS OF RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND ADVANCED SCIENCE

Rudy Project was founded in Treviso in 1985, immediately gaining a prominent position and establishing itself as one of the leading companies in Europe in the sporting and optical sector.

The basis for this success lies in its intensive distribution network, its continued investment in targeted communication strategies and especially in its mission to concentrate on excellent product quality and on a constant search for new materials and technologies to apply to lenses and frames.

For more than twenty years, Rudy Project has been designing and producing technical sunglasses, goggles and accessories for sports.

Conceived initially for athletes, Rudy Project glasses rapidly became widespread amongst a vaster clientele, thanks to the combination of aesthetic features and the exceptional visual comfort and protection that they offer.

All the products are distinguished by the care given to detail, both in the frames and design as well as in the lenses and materials used.

Established in Treviso, where the heart of the company is still situated together with its research and development laboratory, design office, logistics centre and marketing division, Rudy Project was immediately projected onto the international scenario. Its position was consolidated through the opening of an office in the United States and the establishment of an intensive sales network spread throughout the world.

As far as its distribution is concerned, the company is present to date in more than 50 countries worldwide with a large number of single-brand sales outlets, highly popular particularly in South-East Asia.

Distribution is backed by targeted communication activities, concentrated especially in sponsorships within the sports world. More than ten thousand athletes world over in the most varied of disciplines are backed by Rudy Project; these include cycling, in which the Venetian company has always been the acknowledged leader, as well as golf, sailing, skating, snowboard, triathlon, cross-country skiing, racing and canoeing.

Founded by the guru Rudy Barbazza and, today, managed by his sons Cristiano who is the Managing Director, and Simone, who is in charge of Marketing and Communication, the company is one of the last eyewear brands to remain totally independent, free and faithful to their original mission: that of creating technical glasses with attention to the smallest of details and subjected to the most meticulous quality control, which succeed in fulfilling the requirements of the most demanding users.

Rudy Project Technology

ImpactX represents the ultimum in global research for sports lenses, the maximum in technological evolution in the optical field. They have a lifetime guarantee against breakage or cracks. Made from unbreakable material and with semi-rigid molecular properties, they represent the best solution for safety in athletics in case of collision or falls.

• Guaranteed unbreakable for life
• Superior optical quality
• Superior anti-scratch properties
• Lightweight
• Exclusive semi-ridgid platform
• Cutting edge photochromic and polarised technology

GUARANTEED UNBREAKABLE FOR LIFE

IMPACTX™ is stronger than any other lens material, guaranteed not to break or crack, even in complex rimless frame.

EXCLUSIVE SEMI-RIGID PLATFORM

Tailor-made IMPACTX™ formula for superior safety and unparalleled protection. IMPACTX™ impact resistance is higher than polycarbonate and passes all impact resistance standards. IMPACTX™ polymer has high thermal stability and is not subject to optical or mechanical distorsions, even when exposed to temperatures in excess of 80°.

SUPERIOR ANTI-SCRATCH PROPERTIES

IMPACTX™ lenses feature a superior Quartz™scratch-resistant antistatic coatings, which doesn’t attract dust. Unlike polycarbonate and other materials IMPACTX™ is not sensitive to stress cracking, so it does not craze or break when subjected to mechanical strains.

SUPERIOR OPTICS

IMPACTX™ has lower refractive index, internal stress and chromatic dispersion than polycarbonate, resulting in sharper images, higher definition, reduces “rainbowing”, and more visual comfort. Unlike polycarbonate and polyamide , IMPACTX™ is not attacked by common chemicals or solvents (i.e. acetone and methyl alcohol).

PHOTOCHROMIC & POLARISED LENSES

Enhanced visual acuity for any climatic conditions. Lenses in IMPACTX™ are made by casting, which ensures low internal stress, high optical homogeneity, thermal and mechanical stability. Such properties make IMPACTX™ the material ideally suited for high quality unbreakable polarized lenses.

The ImpactX™ Polarized Photochromic lenses offer razor-sharp clarity and cut glare while allowing you to see your digital read outs. Years of research with professional sailing teams have allowed Rudy Project engineers to develop a tailored polarization technology scientifically laminated to read onboard polarized GPS LCD screens without compromising clarity, performance and quality of the lens.

RUDY PROJECT PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES 

The Rudy Project range of prescription sunglasses mainly focuses on prescription inserts (optical adaptors), which clip into most Rudy Project sunglasses. However, the Ekynox SX, Horus and Apache glasses are now available as directly glazed prescription sunglasses.

ADJUSTABILITY

Rudy Project eyewear are totally adjustable to assure you a perfect fit on the face and total comfort.

SAFETY

Danger can be right around the corner in training as well as in competition. Protect yourself with Rudy Project eyewear!

• Safety Project is a unique Rudy Project feature that creates fold-in-hinge without any sharp edges. Designed to minimize injury in case of impact or falls.
• IMPACTX™ is stronger than any other lens material, guaranteed not to break or crack, even in complex rimless frame.
• Tailor-made IMPACTX™ formula for superior safety and unparalleled protection. IMPACTX™ impact resistance is higher than polycarbonate and passes all impact resistance standards. IMPACTX™ polymer has high thermal stability and is not subject to optical or mechanical distorsions, even when exposed to temperatures in excess of 80°. Unlike polycarbonate and polyamide, ImpactX™ is not attacked by common chemical or solvents (i.e. Acetone and methyl alcohol).

ADVANCED MATERIALS

Rudy Project has selected the most advanced materials to offer you performance, resistence and lightness.

KYNETIUM™

Revolutionary aerospatial aluminium alloy which combines Magnesium, Silicium and Titanium; the refined mixture of lightness (Mg), strength (Ti) and elasticity (Si) allowed for major breakthroughs and radical advances in the design specifications, giving our engineers the ability to create stunning masterpieces. 

GRILAMID® TR 55/90 LX FRAME

The Grilamid TR 55, high quality thermoplastic material, is shock resistant, lightweight and non allergenic. It is used in our advanced sunglasses because of its stability and durability. (Keeps its shape even under stress)

TITANIUM

Strong, low-density, highly corrosion-resistant, metallic element that occurs widely in igneous rocks and is used to alloy aircraft metals for low weight, strength, and high-temperature stability. Atomic number 22; atomic weight 47,87; melting point 1,660°C; boiling point 3,287°C; specific gravity 4,54; valence 2,3,4.

ALPACCA

A metal composite of sterling silver with a small amount of nickel to increase strength and durability.

CARBONIUM FRAME

Composite plastic material mixed with carbon molecules. Offer a lightweight, durable and technical platform.

COPPER-BERILLIUM

A super light alloy mixture of copper and beryllium with special heat treatment to increase durability and flexibility. 

MONEL

A nickel-copper extraction characterized by a high level of resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures. Excellent elasticity. 

HARMONIC STEEL

Steel combined with manganese silicon that makes it highly malleable and flexible to facilitate the insertion of RX clip-ons.

MEGOL®

Soft, hypo-allergenic rubber used for temples tip and nose pads that offer a high degree of elasticity for maximum comfort.

LENSES

Rudy Project Prescription Clip-on / Inserts

EASY IN. EASY OUT. ADFFORABLE

For our more technical sunglasses that cannot support a direct in frame prescription, Rudy Project has created CLIP-ON RX optical inserts that can be snapped in behind the Rudy Project optics lenses. Thanks to their patented ‘easy-in easy-out’ system, Rudy Project Clip-ons can be inserted or removed with ease. This is particularly useful when you want to wear your contact lenses or when cleaning.

Flip Up

FAST. REMOVABLE. INTERCHANGABLE.

The Flip-up is an elegant device that allows the intechange of the lenses to manage any light condition. Designed for sports, perfect for any occasion: the Rudy Project sunglasses with Flip-up technology are a double-use eyewear wearable at all times, both for training and for free time.

The single-lens frame, with its handy outer flip-up technology, patented by Rudy Project makes the sunglasses extremely versatile.

On the one hand you will have at your disposal an all-purpose prescription glasses for the office, driving, or watching movies and on the other hand a vision correction sports model, which thanks to a single-lens system adapts to every light condition. Without the sun insert the Rudy Project sunglasses are an all-purpose pair of glasses. With the sun insert, they become perfect for sporting activity: simply by flipping the lens up or down you can adjust to sudden changes in light as they occur, for example upon entering a tunnel or the woods.

The Flip-up is especially recommended for the sport activities in which it is necessary to see true light quickly like golf, baseball, shooting, archery etc.

Rudy Project Optical Lenses

For particular light conditions, rudy project offers technically advanced specialty lenses with high visual quality tailored to your needs. the various lenses enable you to perform and excel in any light or atmospheric condition you may encounter.

RP Optics™ is a design philosophy that aims to improve visual performance and eye protection by means of selective lenses with high optical and mechanical performance, combined with the most advanced technologies and scientific applications. Rudy Project's lens program has features common to every type of lens, such as neutralising ultraviolet radiation completely up to 400 nm (UV 400 Protection), and maintains colors integrity even with the dark filters. They believe it is not enough to protect the eyes from hazardous radiation and external agents. It also important to enhance visual acuity and minimize distortion, while offering high quality optics suitable for sports. In some extreme conditions an athlete must rely on technologies to enhance performance and minimize distortion, while offering high quality optics suitable for sports. In some extreme conditions an athlete must rely on technologies to enhance performance and minimize distractions. For this reason, Rudy Project have expanded the range of filters with specific treatments including antifog, hydrophobic, and photochromic.

Solar Radiation & Eye Care Lenses

Light is an electromagnetic ray characterised by its wave length and measured in nanometers (1 nm = one millionth of a millimeter). The ultraviolet rays ( UVA and UVB ) are the most dangerous rays for the eyes. RP lenses absorb all of the ultraviolet rays: the residual transmission is less than 0.001% up to 380 nm, less than 0.1% at 385 nm (the wave length at which the visible spectrum begins). The lens receives an application of metal ions of chrome or silicon oxide, calculated in such a way as to provide a precise absorption factor.

Benefits of Rudy Project Optics...

• REDUCE GLARE - ENHANCE CONTRAST
• PROTECT FROM ULTRAVIOLET RAYS
• ENSURE "TRUE" VISION WITHOUT DISTORTION OF COLORS
• PROTECT AGAINST EXTERNAL AGENTS.

Rudy Project Polarised Lenses

Under extreme lighting conditions (e.g., sea and mountains) the solar radiation is characterized by direct and indirect lighting. By direct lighting we mean the strong light that is normal close to the sun (the equator, high altitude). Indirect radiation is caused by refraction in the atmosphere and reflection with the ground: 

• 85% reflection on snow
• 60% reflection on water
• 17% reflection on sand
• 1% reflection on grass

In direct radiation, the waves of light circulate in all directions: this is what we mean by diffused light (1). When the light meets a refracting surface (2) it is polarized, that is, ordered in parallel planes and it is this concentration that causes indirect radiation - reflected light (3) - resulting in glare.

GLARE

When light is reflected from a surface, it is partially polarised. When it is reflected at a particular angle, 53 degrees in the case of water, it is completely polarised. Whenever such light - GLARE - is viewed through a polariser, it is completely eliminated. This glare produces eyestrain and discomfort. Tinted glass or plastic can not solve the problem of glare. Polarised filters selectively absorb the reflected glare while transmitting useful light from a scene. This overall transmittance can be adjusted to reduce brightness to a comfortable level. Undesirable effects of glare are in increase in brightness and a reduction in color saturation. This makes objects viewed in the presence of glare appear washed-out.

Rudy Project Lens Tints

LASER Engineered for sunny days and bright light conditions, Laser™ lenses provide 400uv protection and come in a wide variety of colors and shades. A chrome mirror finish is applied to the entire outer surface of the lens. When it is applied on the lens, it reduces glare without altering the performance of the lens underneath. - Laser Black - Laser Bronze - Laser Blue - Laser Sky-
AR-LASER The AR-Laser series implement additional Anti-Reflective back coatings for enhanced protection capacity and perceived comfort benefits. Engineered for variable weather. - Laser Copper - Laser Gold - Laser Green-
POLAR3FX Rudy Project’s Polar3FX revolutionary new polarized lens technology is one of the most advanced applications of science and optics that eliminates annoying glare and eye fatigue. - Polar3FX Grey-
RACING RED High Optical quality lenses in high definition Polycarbonate treated with multi layered coating to enhance visual depth and eliminate eye fatigue. The Racing Red lens was engineered for serious athletes and "techno files".
ACTION BROWN High contrast lenses built around chromatic partitioning, they enhance color contrast and, cut glare from all angles maximizing visual clarity.
GOLF 100 Golf 100™ lenses provide a unique balance of target and background brightness. The transmission of 25% was tailored to accomodate for grass reflecting only a low amount on incident light. While controlling low level blue light, the middle range is selectively manipulated to provide optimum visual stimulation and distinctive "object illumination".
SMOKE This type of lens, offered in a variety of shades, transmits only 22% of the light and is ideal for moderately sunny days or winter days.
MULTILASER The Multilaser series have been developed with a special process implementing very thin “mirror”coatings on the lens surface, improving therefore its resistance and its superb cosmetic aspect. - Multilaser Red - Multilaser Blue - Multilaser Orange-
LASER DEG/BICHROMIC SERIES A partial "laser" gradient coating is applied to a different colour base lens. The gradient density (darker at the top/lighter at the bottom) makes it perfect for variable weather.
IMPACTX ImpactX™represents today the most advanced technological solution in the field of vision protection. Lenses made in NXT¨ ensure sharp vision and unbeatable comfort. - ImpactX™ Polarized Photochromic Brown - ImpactX™Photochromic Clear - ImpactX™ Polarized Photochromic True Grey - ImpactX™ Photochromic Golf - ImpactX™ Photochromic Red - ImpactX™ Photochromic Grey - ImpactX™ Photochromic Laser Clear-
ORANGE A natural high contrast lens that transmits 70% of light - perfect for general street wear and intermittant light conditions.
YELLOW These lenses transmit 87% of the light and enhance contrast and depth. They are ideal for early morning light, sunset or rainy days.
TRANSPARENT Lenses that transmit 92% of the light. Designed for protection of the eyes from dust or other foreign bodies during sports activities. Excellent protection for the eyes in very cold climates.
HI-ALTITUDE The HI-Altitude™is engineered to protect from high illumination and transmits only 5,5% of light. Perfect for mountain activities, glacier and high altitude conditions, this special lens is tailored with triple layers anti-reflective back coating and proprietary front mirror coating. For its exceptional light transmission level, this lens is not suitable for driving. (CAT4).

COMING SOON TO RXSPORT...

Rudy Project Gozen Sunglasses

AGGRESSIVE LOOK. TECHNOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE. EXTREMELY CUSTOMISABLE.

“Technically cool”: two words that sum up the philosophy that has always characterized Rudy Project, and of which GOZEN is the perfect expression.

An aggressive look, sleek wraparound design and glamorous detailing, together with technological performance make GOZEN eyewear fit for any occasion, both for sportswear or for free time.

GOZEN eyewear is particularly suited to mountain biking thanks to its lightweight and robust features which are indispensable for this activity. With its 360º adjustable temple tips, GOZEN also guarantees maximum contact with your face and a perfect fit, basically so athletes won't lose their glasses or have to let go of the handlebars while cycling.

Rudy Project has taken everything into consideration so as to always ensure top performance. In fact, GOZEN can be used with a wide range of lenses, depending on light conditions. Fitting the lenses is quick and easy thanks to the cutting-edge “Flip Change Technology”, a system patented by Rudy Project that makes replacement a simple operation: just flip up the front insert, insert the lenses, and then close it with a simple motion.

Rudy Project Gozen sunglasses are available in a wide range of optical choices: polarized, photochromic polarised ImpactX, and Laser - Multilaser, perfect for mountain biking.

The Multilaser lenses have been developed through a special process that imparts extremely subtle “mirrored” treatments to the surface of the lens, boosting resistance, guaranteeing optimum protection from the sun under all conditions, and providing an unquestionably aggressive look.

The Gozen is also available in prescription form using a Rudy Project Clip-On / Insert.

Rudy Project Gozen will guarantee:

• Optimal fit and stability on the face thanks to the ergonomic design and total comfort system, which provides adjustable terminals.
• Super lightweight, thanks to innovative materials.
• Perfect vision in each atmospheric context and light conditions, thanks to the Quick Change interchangeable system.
• Optimal shielding from the sun's reflections through the laser and multilaser lenses, which guarantee transmission of less than 20% sunlight.
• Protection from falls and knocks thanks to the Safety Project system.
• Optimal vision thanks to the wraparound shape which adheres to the face, preventing entry of the sun's rays.

Rudy Project Gozen is also available with ImpactX lenses for a:

• Perfect vision in all weather and light conditions, thanks to the photochromic lenses that can handle light changes over the whole day.
• Protection from wind, dust and shocks due to falls thanks to ImpactX technology lenses, guaranteed unbreakable for life
• Optimal shielding and protection from harmful UV rays and excellent vision in all weather conditions thanks to the polarized glasses with photochromic lenses. These, besides automatically adapting to any changes in light, eliminate glare caused by the reflection of rays on the water, on the snow, on the windshield, that fatigue the eye

Rudy Project Kylix

THE LIGHTEST RUDY PROJECT'S SPORTS EYEWEAR IN THE COLLECTION. PERFECT FOR SMALLER FACES.

Rudy Project has expanded its product range with Kylix, exclusive eyewear that is specially designed for those who have a small face, for example women or youngsters. Kylix sunglasses may be small in size, but they are big in performance. The new range is a perfect mix of high technology - the most advanced in today's optical field - and cutting-edge materials science involving the use of KynetiumTM, a revolutionary aluminium alloy designed for aerospace applications that contains magnesium, silicium and titanium, making the frames exceptionally lightweight, robust and flexible.

The temple tips can be adjusted in any direction simply by applying slight pressure. Like the nosepiece, the temples are made of Megol® (hypoallergenic silicone). As a result, the frames fit perfectly, adhering to your face in all conditions without pinching.

Of course, for such technically advanced eyewear, Rudy Project simply had to select the best lenses: the exclusive ImpactX sun lenses and the ImpactRX vision/sun lenses. The two available types of lens (photochromic and polarized) are guaranteed for life against breakage or cracks. Due to their transparency and superior optical quality, these state-of-the-art lenses offer sharp images and exceptional visual comfort.

The KYLIX is also available in prescription form using a Rudy Project Clip-On / Inserts or directly glazed.

Rudy Project Swifty

THE SPORTS EYEWEAR FOR ENHANCED VISION AND SOLAR PROTECTION. SUITABLE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF PRESCRIPTIONS.

Swifty is a product specially designed for sportsmen and sportswomen with sight problems.

This range of eyewear, with its carefully crafted curved geometry, was designed to correct high prescriptions.

The new products guarantee a high level of safety, they are unbreakable for life, and they produce sharper and more clearly defined images, while the rainbow effect is limited and visual comfort is enhanced.

Once you have selected your frames, all the optician has to do is issue the prescription and define the parameters allowing the eyewear to be fitted according to your facial features. The result is a product that is uniquely tailored to the needs of each sportsman or sportswoman.

The Rudy Project Swifty open frames allow better ventilation, wearer comfort is guaranteed by the adjustable nosepiece, and the temples are completely coated with rubber to ensure a perfect fit to the face.

The Swifty is also available in prescription form using a Rudy Project Clip-On / Insert or directly glazed.