Everysight Raptor Smartglasses review

Looking down at your GPS device can be distracting, so being able to see real-time ride information without taking your eyes off the road has to be a good thing, right?

Available in 16GB or 32GB versions, the Raptor smartglasses offer an augmented reality experience thanks to their patented BEAM technology.

A lens on the right side, above the adjustable nose-bridge, projects high-resolution information in front of the wearer’s eye in a way that’s viewable at infinity focus.

The Raptor’s primary control is a touchpad on the right temple, operated by swiping or tapping in different ways. Raptor’s microphone means you can also use voice commands and a bar-mounted control is available.

ANT+, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity allow pairing to any on-bike sensors and your phone, which can also be used for setup via Everysight’s app.

Built in GPS and GLONASS ensure reliable route recording and, with maps loaded, spot-on navigation, too. Phone notifications can be displayed while on the road and a speaker allows you to receive calls.

The brow bar contains most of the hardware including an HD camera. Once you’re familiar with the controls, taking a snapshot or video is quicker than wrestling your phone out and the quality is good.

The brow bar is always more visible when getting low – but general vision is pretty good. There’s only one lens shape, which is available in dark or light tints and RX frames for prescription lenses can be purchased.

At 101g for my 32GB version, they’re beefy. The straight, chunky arms wouldn’t fit with several of my usual helmets. Contact with the helmet, mass and limited grip saw me often nudging them back into place, too.

Connecting to sensors and devices is simple. There’s no noticeable data lag when riding and the display is visible even on the brightest days. Scanning the displayed data without consciously looking at it takes some getting used to, and remembering the touchpad controls can take longer.

Contrary to the Raptor’s intended benefits, over several weeks of riding with them they’ve actually distracted me more from the outside world than actually enhanced my experience.

Everysight Raptor glasses details

1. Charging: The end of the left arm opens to uncover a micro USB charging and data port. Charging before each ride can give the Raptors up to eight hours’ battery life
2. Touchpad: The Raptor’s touchpad control is situated in the forward portion of the arm at the right temple, and is operable with bare or gloved fingers
3. Camera: The central window on the brow covers an HD point-of-view camera for on-the-fly still or video images. There’s also a microphone and LED privacy light