ROKA is back with a new version of their unique Matador frame, the Matador Air. The new version removes the lower portion of the frame around the lens, increasing visibility and reducing weight, and new vents along the upper edge of the frame help to increase airflow.
The Austin-based brand shook things up with the original Matador frame, changing the traditional look of sunglasses with their V-CORE temples. Instead of the temples connecting to the central frame or lense a the top, the Matador dropped them down to the lower portion of the frame. The thought is to keep the temples low so they do not interfere with helmets or caps while wearing.
While the new Matador Air drops a gram of weight down to 25g, the bigger story is the improved visibility of a half-frame design. By removing the lower portion that surrounded the frame, you can now see further down without the need to move your head (think looking down at your computer). This also improves ventilation, along with the added vents at the top of the frame not previously seen on the Matador.
Another change is to the temples themselves to provide an even better fit. Inside the Matador Air temples, you’ll find a titanium core wire, allowing you to shape the temples to the perfect fit for you.
“When we set out to create the Matador Air, we were already working from a stellar product design in the Matador,” says Kurt Spenser, ROKA Co-Founder. “The Matador Air will give any athlete a little more ventilation and a lightweight feel on the racecourse and beyond, while still delivering on the high-quality eyewear promise from any ROKA product.”
Carried over from the Matador are the V-CORE temples, ultra-lightweight TR-90 nylon frame, secure lock hinges keeping them securely open or closed, and 7-base cylindrical lens with precision C3 optics. ROKA claims the lens provides the sharpest clarity at any angle of viewing. The lense is scratch and fog-resistant and has been treated with hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings to help fight sweat and smudges. On the temples and nose pad, ROKA uses their GEKO grip material to provide a solid fit that is comfortable for all-day use. Both the versions of the Matador come with four different nose pieces to help you find the perfect fit.
Colors available are a white frame with HC (high-contrast) Fusion Mirror, great for medium to bright conditions and helps white lines pop on the road, or black with a gold mirror, which enhances greens and yellow for road and trail use. Custom isn’t available yet as it is for the Matador, but could be an option coming in the future. Additional lenses will be available and are said to swap out easily.
As with the Matador, the Matador Air has been thoroughly tested by the brand’s sponsored athletes, which includes Team DSM, Unbound Gravel Champion Ted King, and eight-time Ironman Champion Linsey Corbin. The Matador Air is available for preorder now, with expected ship dates of August 17th. The new shades will only be available from the brand’s site and will sell for $225, the same price as the Matador.
http://www.roka.com
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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