
Not A Bike Review
Three Bean Soup Product Review
KOO Alibi Sunglasses
Here I am, wearing my first ever pair of cycling specific performance eyewear; the KOO Alibi. Well, actually, that's my dog, Lot-E, posing for the photo. Hard to tell the difference, but she is the one who takes more pride in her appearance. Anyway, I have been wearing these for a month now. And yes, in spite of being old enough to remember when Oakley came out with Blades, I have never actually worn any of this type of eyewear, except for when Dain Zaffke loaned me a pair of something for the Starling review last year because he said I looked stupid in my Ray Bans and even worse with my unshaded RBF.
So, KOO. This is the eyewear end of Kask, the Italian helmet makers. There is actually a fair bit to write home about here. One piece lens made by Zeiss, replaceable rubber nose pucks that are available in different sizes and shapes for different schnozzes, little vent slots at the top of the lens, prescription inserts, and in this case, a turquoise mirror lens with a super low 11% VLT that looks blue from the outside but is actually more of an orange/persimmon tint when viewed from the inside.

Blue on the outside. Blue steel, even...

Some kind of persimonny goodness on the inside...
In spite of the low VLT, the tint offers impressive relief/shadow resolution and works surprisingly better than expected in low light situations. I wouldn't pick it for my rainy day lens, but it handles changeable light better than the number might imply. The optical quality and consistency is clean and distortion free. I was sort of expecting for my first rodeo with this kind of eyewear that I would be immersed in a massive field of vision with no edges or frame visible, and now have to concede that maybe I was daydreaming a bit too utopian. As it sits, the Alibi shields wind well, has better coverage than most of the "regular" glasses I've worn over the last three decades, and doesn't jiggle or bounce or move around at all when getting pinballed through the chunder. So that's a solid win. I'm not sure how I feel about now existing somewhere on the Terminator/Brian Bosworth style spectrum, but everyone is doing it these days and while not as cool as Ray Bans these work way better and still don't scream "culture victim" nearly as loud as Pit Vipers. But I'm not so sure that I'd willingly shell out somewhere between $190 and $230US for the experience.
It should also be noted at this juncture that I am not singling out KOO here. I am calling out every single sunglass brand being sold at somewhere other than gas stations. Factor in that around 80% of the fancy eyewear on the planet is made by Luxottica (but not KOO, fyi), and it starts to all feel a bit fishy. But then again, if people are willing to fork over $15k for a new ebike, what's a couple hundred bucks when it comes to making sure that your eyeballs don't get violated by the sun's rays or any errant rocks?

Endura MT500 Lite Knee Pads
I bought these because I had a pair of Pearl Izumi Elevate knee guards that got stolen. Those PI Elevates were my holy grail knee pads. They were light enough and ventilated enough and comfortable enough to ride all day without ever taking them off. They fit really well, they were unobtrusive, and their squishy D30 pucks offered just enough protection to feel worthwhile. Definitely not hardcore knee protection, but enough for my limited, somewhat reserved level of schralpitude.
So, when it came time to replace them, I noticed that PI had changed the recipe a bit, and decided to instead look for something similar, with about the same size D30 pucks and a roughly equivalent pull-on Lycra kind of vibe, and slapped down the credit card for these puppies - the $110US Endura MT500 Lites. On the website they sure did look a lot like the old Elevates I was seeking to replace.
In person, the MT500 Lites are a whole lot different. They are quite a bit more substantial than the pads I was replacing. The D30 inserts feel larger, the Lycra has some sewn padding on the outside of each guard, the rear of the guard is covered in breathable fabric instead of open, and there is an elasticized hook and loop strap that cinches around the quadricep to help hold the whole jam in place.
This is a mixed blessing. On one hand, these are more substantial guards than what I had before. They feel like they can take more abuse than the guards they are replacing, and are going to offer more protection during yard sales. That's good. Buuuut, on the other hand they are also a lot more noticeable when riding, and while not as hardshell bulky as the full on pads out there like the Fox Launch, they are up there in weight, clocking in around 400g for a pair. They make their presence known on hot days when there's a lot of pedaling involved. I dig the added sense of security these provide, but I would be more comfortable, and more inclined to wear them more often, with a less substantial pad. I'd prefer something that breathes more, I don't need a strap across my quad, and I am willing to sacrifice some protection for pedalability. Like maybe the Endura MT 500 Ghost, or the old Elevates.
On the other other hand, if you ride in cooler climates, and think the current crop of lightweight pads are a little too lightweight, but at the same time are looking for something a little more pedal friendly than the full-send double strap hardshell options out there, these might be just what you're looking for.
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Milwaukee Packout Tool Case
After a couple product reviews where my biases have come home to roost, you may be wondering what flavor of damning with faint praise I am going to indulge in here. Let's get it out of the way right now then, shall we? I wish these came in yellow. There, that's it.
See, when you enter into the world of battery powered tools, you basically have to pick a color and commit. That way you can swap out batteries between tools and thus maximize your spending potential. I made the decision, for better or worse, a long time ago to go with DeWalt. My ranchmate was true blue Makita. And my best friend has been a red and black Milwaukee man for as long as I can remember. When Milwaukee reached out beyond the batteries a few years ago and launched the Packout line of cases and accessories, I started to regret my DeWalt-ness.
Milwaukee's Packout line is defined by profiled and indented lids and bases, and in some cases, sides. These interlock with the matching profiles and indentations in other cases, or crates, or rolling boxes, or batteries, or bags, or coolers, or radios, or flashlights, or mugs, or shit, just about anything that you can shake a battery powered stick at, and it all locks together in a rugged, stable, secure chunk of workhorse goodness that won't just clatter around stupidly in the back of your car or truck because once you start stacking this shit together, man, it gets solid. It has mass. Authority. Security. Matchy matchy, latchy latchy, don't even think about bringing that shitty yellow Dewalt duffle case anywhere near us, boy...

The other toolbox is filled with Trader Joe's snacks...
These tool cases come with two chunks of laminated foam. Cut the foam to the desired shape and depth for whatever you want to stash, stash the desired stashables, latch the big latches closed with a satisfying "klunk", then stack the boxes onto each other with another satisfying "klunk", then maybe even throw one of those matching milk crate things on top because, hell (satisfying "klunk"), everyone needs a milk crate that locks in place on top of their tool box that locks in place on top of the other tool box, and... yeah. It would be very easy to get carried away at this point. I mean, a Packout cooler? WHY NOT? Makes perfect sense to me now. May as well get one of those baller Packout radios while I'm at it. And maybe a battery powered Packout shop light. And a Packout mug. Stanley? Pfffft, amateur hour. Take that bush league jive back to Ryobi-land, fool.
Okay, reel it back in, Ferrentino. Put the credit card down. Maybe spend some quiet, meditative time in the corner with a sharp blade and some customizable foam. There's a good boy. It'll all be okay.
But seriously, these things rule. Best $79.95 I have ever spent.
Comments
TristanC
11 months ago
My problem with sunglasses is, no matter what kind I wear, I will never look as cool as Lot-E.
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Mike Ferrentino
11 months ago
Same same...
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Dave Smith
11 months ago
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tomis916
11 months ago
Thanks for reminding me. I almost forgot.
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cxfahrer
11 months ago
When I was a kid, I liked my Lego all thrown in a big cardboard box, and when I wanted to play with it I dipped it over to search for the only one super special part. The sound of it!
Thats how I like my tools stashed today, only it's a tin box where everything gets thrown in, oily and dirty... ah the smell of gearbox oil.
Thanks, great read! I won't buy anything of that. But, Luxottica, yes one can't avoid them.
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Pete Roggeman
11 months ago
Same! We had a massive box, and we threw everything in it, whether it was from a set that was bought/gifted, or hand-me-down Lego, which was the original reason for the box. That thing was about 3/4 of a cubic meter, absolutely huge. So big I think it was hard to find a new home for once we outgrew it.
But that sound...
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FlipSide
11 months ago
The Packout system is indeed pretty sweet and some people can get quite intense with this system.
I am in the process of building a rolling tower/organizer based on the Packout system. The floor space I have is limited, and the foot print of the Packout stuff is a good match. So far, I have a Dolly and a Work Top, with a 3-Drawers in-between. I will add more modules, but I am still undecided on which one. 2 -Drawers? 4-Drawers? Organizer boxes? There are so many options. :)
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Offrhodes42
11 months ago
Right after I finished reading this I headed over to the Home Deport website to search the Packout system. The rolling boxes and additional pieces to build something out could occupy me for half the day.
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Kos
11 months ago
Packouts FTW! Related: Milwaukee safety glasses FTW. Each spring: a 3-pack of tinted and a 3-pack of clear. Total cost $36.
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Mike Ferrentino
11 months ago
Damn, even their safety glasses are better than DeWalt...
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rusm
11 months ago
I've been disillusioned with high end sunglasses for years now after going through a period of collecting them after LASIK.
That was until I tried some of the Heatwave anti fog glasses. I've never had glasses as resistant to fogging up as these before. They are as close to zero fogging as I ever experienced. Sweat still smears on them, but the anti fog is amazing. Recommend trying some out if you get a chance.
I'm also slightly disappointed this wasn't an actual soup recipe or review.
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Mike Ferrentino
11 months ago
I hear that. After spending almost 40 years wearing prescription eyewear, I was used to NOT wearing sport-specific eyewear. I had my regular glasses and my 'scrip sunglasses, and while they were not exactly optimal for cycling I couldn't easily change things up without forking out for more 'scrips.
"And god forbid paying $200 every time I want to look hip" I thought, weighing in my mind the best discount options available for both frames and 'scrip.
Then I underwent the full Clockwork Orange, got my eyes rejiggered, only to find out that now I HAVE TO wear some sort of glasses over my bionic eyes. And those glasses all cost $200 or so, if going with the fancy name brands. Shakes fist at cloud...
I'll work on a soup recipe for another time. Sorry about that.
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Pete Roggeman
11 months ago
Tortilla soup please or something regionally appropriate for your area down there!
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Squint
11 months ago
My propensity to lose/damage stuff has kept me away from the high-end eyewear line, MEC brand has served me well with the occasional stretch to Ryder. No regrets. Honestly not sure what I'm missing other than anxiety.
Though if someone had a properly hydrophobic clear lens that actually allowed commuting in the rain with oncoming headlights, that would be interesting.
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[user profile deleted]
11 months ago
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Pete Roggeman
11 months ago
Yep. They were acquired by a large eye wear conglomerate that makes most of their money from drug store reading glasses. The parent Co knocked all the character out of the brand, any vestige of community involvement and it was a swift decline. They went the way of prioritizing consumer direct and discount-driven and it was a predictable closure shortly thereafter.
Their antiFog glasses were really good though.
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cyclotoine
11 months ago
Yeah I bought a pair of their Fyre lensed photochromatic glasses years ago after the NSMB review. I used them today. They're badly scratched but the anti-fog is very good. I started wearing photochromatic lenses a decade ago and it's like a drug. I can't ride without photochromatic lenses now.
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[user profile deleted]
11 months ago
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XXX_er
11 months ago
IME depending on your rx, trying to put the lenses in futuristic looking frames will not work and the lenses will pop out in the worst possible places like riding the Burfield chair, suggest the Rayban Wayfarers ... Classics for a classic
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Dave Tolnai
11 months ago
A Burfield reference! I really miss the old Burf. Nothing beat that janky-assed double that scared most people away because it seemed like it was going to break your legs each time you got on it.
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Koelschejung
11 months ago
Almost 200 bucks for a piece of fucking plastic? if the dog knew how many delicious bones you could get for it.
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Andy Eunson
11 months ago
That is a lot of Jake for a hunk of plastic. But good eyewear is more than just a hunk of plastic. A tire lever is a hunk of plastic. Eyewear has various coatings and filters. Might be photochromic. Might come with various lens shades. And most importantly your vision won’t be affected by cheap lenses. I found a pair of fake Oakley shades once. I wore them down the trail and had a bad ride. No one claimed them on the local lost and found so I kept them. If I flicked the glasses up and down in front of my eyes, whatever thing I was looking at would move due the distortion from the crap lenses. Good lenses won’t distort. Good lenses will enhance your vision. Good lenses will offer good UV filters and not break easily.
Shop the sales or check out cheap mechanics safety glasses. They might offer the same performance. They might not.
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ohio
11 months ago
I've found for skiing, good lenses make an insane amount of difference - there's few conditions tougher on the eyes than flat light on snow, or full harsh sunlight reflecting off snow. But for trails, I haven't seen the benefit... if anything, I find colored tints make things worse in the woods. Plus expensive lenses inevitably get scratched from wiping sweat or falling off my collar.
I first switched to $10 safety glasses (i.e. Home Depot buys like Milwaukee and Carharrt branded) which were actually pretty great, then ordered 3 different styles of $20-$30 sport photochromic options off amazon. Ended up liking the fit and field of vision on the Rock Bros best (for my face) over 2 models of Kapvoe, and have stuck with them. At $25 a pop, I can afford to have more than one pair kicking around, have found the optics great (clear to a neutral gray). I've been a little tempted to try some of the new D2C mid-grade (<$100) brands like Goodr and Glade, but will probably wait until the Rock Bros need replacing.
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araz
11 months ago
It's funny to me that a crowd that will spend $1000 on ti cranks or $2000+ on a drivetrain always seems to complain about the cost of eyewear. I'd have a very hard time ever justifying a set of eewings, but as a RX glasses wearer I happily pay for top end eye wear. They are on my face every waking minute, and it's how I see the world. Now that I'm into progressive lenses, the cost really does hurt a bit, but I do love my Zeiss lenses! My riding glasses are not progressives, but good trivex lenses in some Oakley frames.
It does suck that Luxuttica has jacked up pricing so much for not great frames and crappy poly carbonate lenses. I avoid those brands (except the Oakley frames, which were covered by my vision insurance.)
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ohio
11 months ago
Lol, it me. I literally have a pair of eeWings on my enduro to match my $10 Home Depot safety glasses.
But truly, I have found I HATE any colored tint in the woods. So while I run top of the line optics for skiing (anon M4), I actually prefer my $25 rock bros to the Smiths I had previously. And bonus, I like having things I don’t need to treat preciously.
Edit: also, while good design deserves to make a profit, it is admittedly hard for me to pay what I know to be a 30-60X (multiple not percent) markup. Those $300 glasses cost about $5-10 to make. Including packaging. Maaaaybe $15 if you’re paying a Zeiss brand licensing fee.
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araz
11 months ago
Haha. I will admit that if I didn't need prescription lenses, I'd likely have a hard time plunking down $200+ for riding glasses. I'd probably step up from the $10 safety glasses, but not too much. I don't like color tints either.
I'll also admit that the eeWings are very, very pretty ;-)
For RX glasses, there is a notable quality difference between a frame from a good independent boutique maker and the molded plastic stuff with a Gucci or whatever label stuck on at Lenscrafters. My Oakley riding glasses feel notably cheap compared to my fancier non-riding glasses (though their design is good in that they have good field of vision, are comfy, and don't move around while I'm riding). And the MSRP of the Oakleys is not hugely less than my boutique frames.
The high end prescription lenses, especially with a stronger RX and progressives, do make a difference, at least for me. Still a huge markup I'm sure, but it's one of the few things in my life that I'll pay for the best I can possibly get.
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XXX_er
11 months ago
For astigmatism/ progressive lenses are closer to 1000 so IME you want frames that fit and will last
BTW anyone who is type 2 diabetic the eye exams are 1/2 price at least in BC
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[user profile deleted]
11 months ago
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Mike Ferrentino
11 months ago
Good point. I based my value proposition on the Packout stuff on three points of comparison (but neglected to write about it because I didn't want to fall down that wormhole) that are totally at the opposite end of the price spectrum: Pelican, Yeti, and Decked. I looooove Pelican stuff, but I really cannot justify the price for my particular use, and Pelican don't click together and stack the way these do. Yeti, well, they don't really have a competitive product at all, but I am willing to bet they are trying to edge into this space in the next few years. Decked are new players, and their D-Co cases put a lot of stock in stackability and modular fit-togetherness. They are made in the US, big props, but they don't have as big a range, as many features, and they cost a bit more. Stacked (heh) against all of them, the Packout stuff is well enough made to pass muster and is substantially more cost effective.
In the other dollar direction, Husky does the job, but I have had a few of their plastic cases self destruct over the years. RIdgid, getthefuckouttahere. Next you'll be telling me you only buy Ryobi for your power tools (that was an attempt at good natured ribbing, and if you love your Ryobi tools I will shut up now). Stanley, I can't speak to since I have no direct experience. But I swear by their tape measures.
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[user profile deleted]
11 months ago
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Cam McRae
11 months ago
Impressed by your retro-grouch 40 year eyewear holdout and jealous of your tool cases.
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LWK
11 months ago
The whole toolbox isle at Home Depot is awesome. So many different storage options, along with brands/colors if that is important! I wanted something a bit more organized than a rubbermaid container for camp kitchen supplies. Outdoors stores didnt really have what I envisioned. The Yeti GoBox Gear Cases are cool, except for the price... I finally clued in to visit Home Depot, bought 4-5 different ones, at home figured out which worked best for me and took the others back. Been very happy - totally agree with your final sentence.
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Brad Nyenhuis
11 months ago
I also really liked the old Elevate knee pads but tore the outer mesh on one. I replaced them with the new version and didn't like them at all. The rear "knee-pit" cutout I expected to like turned out to be quite uncomfortable.
I then switched to the PI Summit pads. Very similar feel to the original Elevates but even more unobtrusive and more better peddling comfort.
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XXX_er
11 months ago
if you got rips/ tears/ loose stitching/ loose velcro/ a torn bike seat cover or any out door product fix it with aqua seal, i fixed a rip on my Dakine knee padz
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