Kaenon was started by a former Oakley employee who believed there were better ways to make sports eyewear. The Kore is one of Kaenon’s first models, and it’s designed to compete with Oakley cycling models such as the M Frame and new Radar.
Lens technology is where all eyewear brands aim to make their mark, and here Kaenon believes it has the most advanced lens material. Instead of opting for polycarbonate, CR39 or glass, it uses a material called SR91 which scores maximum marks in official American optical clarity tests.
The company claims this material matches or surpasses the impact resistance and optical clarity of Oakley’s lenses. All Kaenon’s lenses are polarised and block harmful UV light.
Kaenon has used a split-lens design on the Kore, and lenses can be snapped in and out with ease, allowing you to change the size, shape and tint to suit the specific weather conditions.
The frames are extremely strong and are designed to resist being sat on. Fit is good for medium-sized heads, and the frames are flexible enough to cope with wider heads without causing pressure.
Security is always an issue when bumping down rocky trails, so the Kore uses a hydrophilic rubber nose piece and ear socks which get stickier when wet.
Our tester used medium-sized lenses and found the fit on his face was good – on par with Radar Path lenses, but not quite as sealed to the cheekbones as M Frame hybrid lenses. The polarisation of the lenses works well in mixed light conditions, such as diving in and out of tree cover, enhancing the shadows and dimming glare with equal aplomb.
The Kores are stunning quality and are priced to compete with their major rivals. If you’re on auto pilot heading towards a new pair of Oakleys, at least check out the fit of a pair of Kaenons.