The Cratoni C-Matic presents itself in the test field as a visually classic sports eyewear that aims to impress beneath its conservative exterior with state-of-the-art lens technology and an impressively robust construction. Priced at just under €170, it falls into the upper mid-range. We found out for you whether its inner qualities can deliver on the trail or if there's a catch.
Cratoni C-Matic: Dimensions and build quality
At first glance, the C-Matic looks familiar. Its design is rather conservative and doesn't demand attention – perfect for anyone looking for glasses that also look good off the trail. With a lens height of 59 mm and a width of 136 mm, it offers high coverage with a medium width, making it suitable for a variety of face shapes, as long as they aren't excessively wide.
Where the C-Matic truly stands out from the crowd is in its build quality. Pick up the frame, twist it, bend the temples – absolutely nothing creaks or cracks. The frame is among the most robust we've ever tested. You never feel like you have to handle the glasses with kid gloves, and you'd have little to worry about regarding their integrity even in the event of a fall. This armor-like feel is simply outstanding. However, we do have to deduct a point for the accessories: at a price of €169,95, we expect a sturdy case to be included. It's a real shame that Cratoni only provides a microfiber pouch.
Cratoni C-Matic: Glass
The heart of the C-Matic is the integrated NXT lens. This material is known for its high optical quality and extreme impact resistance. Cratoni doesn't overpromise here: the lens is clear and distortion-free. Its real strength, however, lies in its photochromic properties. With a tint range of 11% to 86% visible light transmission (VLT), the goggles completely cover categories 1 to 3. This is a vast range that should cover everything from overcast days deep in the forest to blazing midday sun in an open field. An anti-fog and anti-scratch coating completes the technical package.
On the trail: Our test impressions
On the trail, the C-Matic immediately demonstrates its strengths. The tall lens provides excellent coverage and reliably protects the eyes from wind, dirt, and branches – a real advantage, especially when mountain biking, where you're constantly changing your position on the bike. Thanks to large ventilation slots at the top and bottom of the lens, the glasses don't fog up at all, even during strenuous climbs, without creating an unpleasant draft. Excellent!
The photochromic function itself works quickly and reliably. The tint adapts rapidly to changing light conditions. However, this is where the glasses' Achilles' heel is revealed: when darkened, the lens has a very strong, cool blue tint. While this might be pleasant in bright sunlight, it became a problem for us in the woods. When riding quickly from a bright dirt road into a dark section of trail, this blue tint obscured crucial contrasts and details of the terrain. The C-Matic was one of the few pairs of glasses in the test that we had to briefly lift or remove in such situations to be able to clearly see the trail. This is a significant drawback, even though the perception of color is, of course, subjective.
