Rudy Project sports glasses : Astral Sphere vs. Turbolence – which model to choose in 2025?

Essential for athletes, Rudy Project sports glasses have been combining technology and performance for nearly 40 years. In 2025, the Italian brand is pushing the limits once again with its flagship models: Astral Sphere and Turbolence. Designed to meet the demands of cyclists, runners, and skiers, they stand out as the best sports glasses of 2025.

Which model should you choose based on your sport? Here’s our detailed comparison.

Kayak athlete wearing Rudy Project Turbolence sports sunglasses, paddling intensely on the water.

Astral Sphere vs. Turbolence: what are the differences?

Astral Sphere : the high-performance sports glasses for cyclists and skiers

With its innovative design and ultra-lightweight frame, this model guarantees optimal comfort for athletes seeking sharp, distortion-free vision. Astral Sphere Rudy Project is ideal for cyclists, runners, and cross-country skiers who demand exceptional visual clarity.

  • Ultra-wide spherical lenses providing an expanded field of vision and reduced glare.

  • ImpactX® photochromic and Polar 3FX HDR technology, ensuring instant adaptation to changing light conditions.

  • Rilsan Clear® frame, a bioplastic derived from castor oil, offering lightness, durability, and flexibility.

  • RX insert compatibility, allowing for integrated prescription correction for eyeglass wearers.

  • Adjustable temples and nose pad, ensuring a precise fit and long-lasting comfort.
Rudy Project Astral Sphere sports sunglasses with blue Polar 3FX lenses, designed for cyclists and skiers.

Turbolence : the ultimate sports glasses for trail running and extreme sports

Designed for action, these glasses provide flawless stability, even in the most extreme environments. Turbolence Rudy Project is built for trail running, gravel cycling, and water sports, ensuring optimal protection in tough conditions.

  • Spherical lenses with an anti-sweat band, preventing perspiration from affecting vision.
  • ImpactX® lenses, Polar 3FX HDR, and RP Optics mirrors, providing UV400 protection and reduced glare.
  • Flexible temples and adjustable cord, ensuring a secure fit, even during intense activity.
  • Featherlight weight (only 29 g), perfect for extended outdoor use.
  • Available in 8 variants, including photochromic, polarized, and mirrored options, tailored to athletes’ needs.
Rudy Project Turbolence sports sunglasses with yellow lenses, ideal for trail running, gravel cycling, and water sports.

Detailed comparison – Vision, comfort, and adaptability

To maximize your performance, choosing the right pair of sports glasses is essential. Whether you’re a cyclist, runner, or trail running enthusiast, vision, comfort, and adjustability play a key role. Here’s a detailed comparison between Astral Sphere and Turbolence to help you make the right choice.

Vision and optical protection

Criteria Astral Sphere Turbolence
Field of vision Very wide thanks to spherical lenses Wide, optimized for extreme sports
Available lenses ImpactX® 2, Polar 3FX HDR ImpactX®, Polar 3FX HDR, RP Optics Mirror
Light adaptation Excellent, ideal for cycling and skiing Very good, with enhanced anti-glare for trail running and water sports
UV protection 100% UV400 100% UV400 with enhanced anti-glare
  • Astral Sphere is designed for athletes looking for precise vision and long-lasting comfort.

  • Turbolence is ideal for those who face extreme conditions and need optimal stability.

    What is your primary sport? Depending on your discipline, one of these models will better suit your needs.

Comfort and adjustability

Criteria Astral Sphere Turbolence
Materials Bio-based Rilsan Clear® (lightweight and durable) Rilsan Clear®
Weight Ultra-lightweight Only 29 g
Adjustability Adjustable temples and nose pad Flexible temples + anti-sweat band

Turbolence stands out for its featherlight weight and optimal stability, while Astral Sphere provides a precise fit and long-lasting comfort.

A woman trail running in the mountains with Rudy Project Turbolence glasses, offering protection and stability.

Which sports glasses should you choose based on your sport?

Each discipline has its own specific requirements. To maximize your performance and comfort, it’s essential to choose the right pair of glasses for your activity. Here’s our guide to finding the model that best suits your needs.

Cycling and running → Astral Sphere

  • Wide and sharp vision thanks to spherical lenses and ImpactX® photochromic technology.

  • Ideal for long distances, with optimized comfort and an ultra-lightweight frame.

  • Glare reduction and anti-reflective protection, perfect for road cycling and running in bright sunlight.

Trail running and extreme sports → Turbolence

  • Enhanced stability with flexible temples and an adjustable cord, preventing discomfort on rough terrain.

  • Maximum protection against sweat and dust, thanks to the integrated anti-sweat band.

  • Ideal for gravel cycling, mountain biking, and trail running, ensuring clear vision in challenging conditions.

Water sports → Turbolence

  • Adjustable cord to prevent losing your glasses in the water.

  • Polarized lenses with a hydrophobic coating, perfect for sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

  • Enhanced UV400 protection, reducing glare from water reflections.

Cross-country skiing → Astral Sphere

  • Excellent glare protection on snow, thanks to Polar 3FX HDR lenses.

  • Precise fit, ensuring a secure hold under a ski helmet.

  • Optimized ventilation, reducing fogging in cold conditions.

👉 Astral Sphere is the best choice for cyclists and skiers looking for sharp vision and a precise fit.

👉 Turbolence is ideal for trail runners, gravel riders, and water sports enthusiasts, offering enhanced stability and protection.

Which model is best for your sport? Make your choice and enjoy optimal vision on every terrain.

Rudy Project lenses: advanced optical technology and performance

Choosing the right type of lenses is essential to optimize your performance and comfort. Rudy Project sports glassesfeature advanced technologies, ensuring perfect vision for cycling, trail running, and water sports.

ImpactX® 2: The innovation of photochromic lenses

  • Instant light adaptation: ImpactX® 2 lenses transition from light to dark in seconds, ensuring sharp vision in all conditions.

  • Unbreakable and ultra-lightweight, providing maximum impact resistance.

  • Available in multiple tints, suited for outdoor sports like cycling, running, and trail running.

Polar 3FX HDR: Reduced glare and enhanced contrast

  • Polarizing technology, eliminating distracting reflections on water, snow, and wet roads.

  • Integrated HDR filter, improving contrast and color perception, ideal for cyclists and outdoor athletes.

  • Hydrophobic coating, ensuring better resistance to water and dirt.

RP Optics mirrored lenses: Protection and style

  • UV400 filtration, blocking harmful sun rays.

  • Mirrored finish, providing optimal glare reduction in bright conditions.

  • Wide range of tints, offering both aesthetic and technical choices depending on your sport.

👉 No matter your sport, Rudy Project provides optical protection tailored to your needs. Which lens type best suits your activity?

A professional cyclist wearing Rudy Project Astral Sphere glasses, offering clear vision and optimal protection.
Matej Mohorič, a professional cyclist, equipped with Rudy Project Astral Sphere glasses.

Athlete testimonials : why they trust Rudy Project

When performance meets innovation. Rudy Project sports glasses are the choice of elite athletes seeking the best vision, optimal protection, and long-lasting comfort. Discover why Astral Sphere and Turbolence are their go-to models.

Astral Sphere – Panoramic vision and high precision

  • Matej Mohorič, rider for Bahrain Victorious, relies on Astral Sphere for its wide field of vision and excellent ventilation, which help prevent fogging on long rides.

  • Johannes Klæbo, cross-country skiing champion, values the glare reduction and lightweight frame, making it perfect for racing in winter conditions.

Turbolence – Enhanced stability and maximum protection

  • Federico Pellegrino, Nordic skiing specialist, contributed to the development of Turbolence to meet the demands of athletes competing in extreme conditions.

  • Ethan Seder, cyclist for American Magic, uses Turbolence to clearly see crucial race data, even under harsh glare.

👉 Whether you’re a cyclist, skier, or runner, these testimonials show that Rudy Project is a trusted choice among professionals. Which model suits you best?

Ride to Zero: Rudy Project’s eco-friendly commitment

What if performance and responsibility could go hand in hand? Rudy Project goes beyond innovation in sports glasses—with its Ride to Zero program, the Italian brand is reducing its environmental impact while maintaining high-quality equipment.

Sustainable, bio-based materials

  • Rilsan Clear® frames → A bioplastic derived from castor oil, used in several models, including Astral Sphereand Turbolence.

  • 100% Italian production, promoting short supply chains and limiting transport-related emissions.

  • Eco-friendly packaging, free from single-use plastics and made with recycled materials.

A commitment to a greener industry

  • Lower CO₂ emissions through sustainable production practices and process optimization.

  • Renewable energy use, including solar panels at production sites.

  • Recycling program to extend the lifespan of glasses and reduce waste.

👉 Choose gear that supports both performance and the environment. With Rudy Project, you’re opting for more responsible innovation.

Which are the best sports glasses in 2025?

Performance, comfort, or adaptability—what’s your priority? Choosing between Astral Sphere and Turbolencedepends on your sport and specific needs. Take a quick look to see which model best meets your expectations.

Criteria Astral Sphere Turbolence
Best for Cycling, cross-country skiing, running Trail running, gravel cycling, water sports
Field of vision Wide and panoramic Wide, with anti-sweat protection
Glare protection Excellent with Polar 3FX HDR Enhanced with Polar 3FX HDR and RP Optics mirrors
Comfort and fit Precise fit (adjustable temples and nose pad) Enhanced stability with flexible temples and adjustable cord
Weight Ultra-lightweight Only 29 g
Materials Bio-based Rilsan Clear® Bio-based Rilsan Clear®

Which model is best for you?

  • Are you a cyclist or skier?Astral Sphere will provide you with the best panoramic vision and superior glare protection.

  • Do you practice trail running, gravel cycling, or water sports?Turbolence is your best ally, offering enhanced protection against sweat, water, and dust.

    👉 Ready to boost your performance? Choose the sports glasses that best suit your activity and enjoy optimal vision in any condition.
  •  

Don't miss any trends!

Receive exclusive updates on the latest in the world of eyewear, our favorite selections, and unique offers reserved just for our subscribers. Join the Parisée community and elevate your style today!