SunGod Vulcans Review

In this SunGod Vulcans Review, we take a detailed look at the new design options that improve on all the SunGod sunglasses greatness from the previous models, taking flexibility and customizability to an exciting, new level.

Let’s Go

SUNGOD are now onto their seventh model of custom-designed sunglasses & goggles. SunGod makes both recreational sunglasses and snowboard goggles but today we are more interested in their SPORTS SUNGLASSES which are the two new 2020 CYCLING models VULCANS and VELANS.

The Vulcans and Velans share a similar design and are part of what SunGod call their ‘Pace’ series. This review specifically looks at the Vulcans model which differs from the Velans in that it has a slightly larger frame and a cylindrical lens, the Velans are slightly smaller and have a spherical lens. Other than that they share all the same options for customisation and usage.

Semi-serious note – these are designed for cycling, of course, you can wear them wherever you like.

All the components of the SunGod Vulcans sports sunglasses are chosen by you including frame; icons & lens colour; differing degrees of opacity; and photochromic covering. And they’re usually delivered within 1-2 days. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves as we delve into the detailed depths and product intricacies in this SunGod Vulcans Review.

What’s Changed for this SunGod Vulcans Review?

I used the previous Sungod PaceBreakers model as my cycling sunglasses for a couple of years and am adding in the Vulcans for 2020. They are both the same kind of ‘top-framed sports sunglasses, albeit with a different aesthetic feel. However, the key design difference is that you can get a conversion kit to change the Vulcans between top-framed and full-framed whenever you like – almost like two pairs of sunglasses for the price of one. Personally, I prefer the top-framed design but the full-frame cycling sunglasses are definitely on-trend right now.

There is still the ability to customise and choose the colour of the icons & grip locks on the Vulcans’ frames; another detailed technical change is that there is a new, stronger screwless hinge. We also see an entirely new 8KO lens for the first time – twice as good as the previous 4KO lenses 😉

CUSTOMISING your SunGod Vulcans

Every pair of SunGod Vulcans can be customised at the ‘normal’ price. These are the components that you can choose:

• Various lens colourations can be selected including two special, photochromic IRIS lenses which adapt to changing light conditions. As you can see in the graphic, below, there is a good lens colour selection and the smaller graphic in the top-right indicates which lens is best for which light conditions. Here you can see I chose the 8KO IRIS HV BLUE which is best for most conditions except direct, full sunlight plus which lets through a variable amount of light depending on the conditions.

• There’s also a similar choice of colour for the top frame and bottom frame

• Then just like the previous SunGod models, you can choose the colours for the ICON and rubbery GRIP-LOCK which goes over your ears

All the lenses offer 100% UV protection and, as part of the customisation process, you are given information about the suitability of each lens colour/type for various light conditions as well as an indication of the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) index – ie how dark they are! Stating the generally obvious: a darker lens tends to let less light through than a lighter lens.

• Replacements lens kits are available, which can be in the same colour….or a different colour. You could buy a few of these to handle different light conditions; and
• On other SunGod glass models, you can choose the colour of the SUNGOD icon. Now you can with the Vulcans too…

WHAT YOU GET

When your present to yourself arrives, this is what you get in the rather pretty box…sunglasses. Ta-Da! Plus, of course, the now-obligatory microfibre storage and cleaning pouch as well as 3 additional nose clips. On the left of the image is the bottom-frame that can be detached from the full-frame Vulcans or later bought separately as a kit.

Take a good look at the TOP-FRAME design above and then the next image further below is the subtly different FULL FRAME setup ie the bottom bit has been added on by me.

LENS QUALITY

SUNGOD highlights their new “8KO” lenses – ie 8K Optics, presumably wordplay on 8k UHD video. Either way, they have their own lens and that is the branding for them rather than any wider-market standard for lenses.

• The lens is made of 2mm co-nylon, which is claimed to be both lighter and optically superior to Polycarbonate lenses used elsewhere.
• The lens has a degree of impact resistance and and ‘certified’ to have FULL-FRAME impact resistance.
• 100% UVA + UVB protection exceeding EN ISO 12312-1:2013 (CE) and ANSI Z80.3 (FDA) standards.
• Triple-layer scratch-resistant coating + anti-reflective inner lens coating (hydroleophobic)
• 2 of the lens options are photochromic, meaning that they change opacity dependent upon the prevailing light conditions.
• Techy Info: The lens is a relatively new-to-market type of material and the material ranks highly on the “Abbe value” scale which is a measure of the ability to handle distortion. Now you know.

SOME EXTRA DETAILS in this SunGod Vulcans Review

You want every detail to be right.

OK, you can choose the various parts of the sunglasses but here’s a close-up of some of the key parts and key details about them to help you make the right choice for you. All of the images are to enlarge them for more detail.

2mm co-nylon lens

pop-lock screwless hinges

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

These are super-light, coming in at 34g (FF) and 31g (TP), I like the neutral colours I chose but miss the carbon-fibre effect and polarised lens that was available on previous models. They are snug-fitting to the face and comfortable. During cycling they are AWESOME in terms of not hindering peripheral vision whilst allowing you to view your bike computer and the IRIS lenses do their thing and change opacity but you can’t tell…it just seems natural. The only minor criticism is that these are a snugger fit than earlier models so after going hard on the bike and then slowing down, ventilation is not perfect and they can steam up – conversely on a cold day they are ‘warmer’, keeping more of your face out of the wind.

I have 4 helmets, there are no problems with wearing the sunglasses and any of the helmets.

What also stands out is the size. They measure 143mm as a total lens width (140mm for Velans), 66mm lens height (55mm Velans) and the temple arm length is 122mm (120mm Velans)

Unsure of just how cool you will look? Try this…

A key aspect of these particular sunglasses for me was that they would be able to perfectly handle changing light conditions as I go under significant tree cover. I want to instantly be able to see potentially dangerous ruts and holes in the roads. The IRIS lens is great for that.

RIDES, RUNS, DRIVES & WALKS

I would use the Vulcans sunglasses for cycling and driving a car. the smaller, Velans model would be better for running. Yet both designs are fairly large simply because they are functionally good at handling the sun-related needs of your sport. I’d perhaps consider them a little too large for casual beachwear, although taste is a highly personal thing and, of course, they ‘work’ for casual usage too.

SunGod Vulcans Review – Changing from Full Frame to Top Frame and back

The first time I did this it took a couple of minutes to remove the bottom part of the frame. However, once you know what to do it takes less than 30 seconds.

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS & TIDBITS

• There is a “lifetime guarantee against breakage” – I’d check the small print on their site when you buy but it looks like it genuinely covers the frames but would not, for example, cover a scratched lens.
• Capsule cases and spare lens kits are available for an additional cost and in this SunGod Vulcans Review, we would recommend getting those extras when you buy the sunglasses to reduce the effect of postage costs.
• Flexible frame – SUNGOD brand their frame as ‘Adventureproof‘ and they are made with a material they call TR90 memory polymer. The frames do maintain their shape when flexed and seem to tolerate a few cms of flexing with no ill effects, although I had no intentions of testing to anywhere near breaking point.
• The lens is clearer towards each outside edge. This might aid visibility and light transmission.
• The weak point of the earlier SunGod designs was the hinge, this is now improved. It was covered under guarantee in any case.
• User Manual: here, just in case.

KEY SELLING POINTS – Covered in SunGod Vulcans Review

• Price – Seems competitive for fully customisable sunglasses with the ability to create a unique look
  
• Super Lightweight
• Design – durable with a classic look
  
• Free Customisation
• Great optics

Competition – SunGod Vulcan Review

If you want a free pair of SunGod sunglasses then try this competition, although at the time of writing the newer Vulcans/Velans are not yet included in the competition.

If you enter the comp and optionally choose to leave your email address then I will be notified when if any promotion or discount becomes active and can pass that on to you.

If you’re looking for a discount then you will find them hard to come by except when specifically promoted by SunGod for end-of-line/end-of-season promotions and one-offs like Black Friday. So no discount codes, sorry! The only alternative for you coupon hunters is the competition…good luck at getting a freebie instead!

Buy SunGod Vulcans Review – PRICE & AVAILABILITY

Let’s wrap up the SunGod Vulcans Review with a look at price and availability against the competition for those of you who are thinking of buying one.

The lenses and frame parts are interchangeable. If you are looking to get a pair of sunglasses you might consider also getting a spare lens as a backup OR as a darker/lighter colour for different sporting conditions.

EU and International Shipping options are offered, with free shipping for orders over £100.

If you buy your custom sunglasses one morning you should receive them the next day…it’s super quick personalised customisation. For a custom-design pair of sunglasses, I think you will find the speed of service and prices hard to beat. After all…you are getting a potentially unique product which no-one else has!

• Vulcans – Top Frame £125
  
  • add £40 for IRIS Lens
  • customisation is free
  • add £25 for FULL Frame
  • add £10 for Capsule Case
  • other kits and accessories are available
  • deduct £10 for smaller, Velans model

Purchase/Further Info Link: https://sungod.to

Disclaimer: this is not a paid-for advert. If you buy SunGod sunglasses via a link in this review, this site earns a small commission – thank you! I normally review sports tech but I make exceptions for products that I like and use….like these babies. #Sweet. If you have any issues (I don’t think you will) then drop me a line and I will try to help.