HAWK LT, PHOENIX X and RHINO GUARD MIPS Tested in Southern Spain

As a triathlon coach living in the mountains of southern Spain, I'm lucky enough to ride almost year-round. Most of my miles are on my road bike, but I also enjoy escaping onto the mountain bike trails that criss-cross the Andalusian hills. Then, when my partner and I head off in our campervan, my trusty folding e-bike comes with us so we can explore wherever we've parked up (plus get supplies when I’m tired).

So, when OutdoorMaster asked me to test three of their cycling products, I wasn't just thinking about race day. I wanted to know whether these were products I would actually choose to use day after day – whether I was coaching athletes, training for my next event or simply heading out for a coffee ride with friends.

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Watch the Unboxing

If you'd like to see everything that comes with each product before reading my full review, check out my unboxing video below. Then come back and see how everything performed after several weeks of riding in the Spanish sunshine.

After several weeks of riding in everything from blazing Mediterranean sunshine to dusty mountain trails, here's what I found.

Outdoor Master Rhino Guard MIPS helmet plus Pheonix X and Hawk LT sports glasses unboixng video

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HAWK LT Photochromic & Polarized Cycling Sunglasses

RRP: Approximately £59 / €69 / $79 (OutdoorMaster regularly offers discounts, so it's worth checking the latest price.)

I'll admit it – the first thing that caught my attention wasn't actually the sunglasses.

It was the water-resistant bike-mounted storage box.

At first, I thought it was just a nice extra. After a few rides, it became one of my favourite features.

It straps neatly to the bike's top tube and is surprisingly spacious. I've managed to fit a couple of gels, a CO₂ canister, tyre levers, my van key and even an emergency snack inside. Like most cyclists, I appreciate anything that frees up jersey pocket space.

Would I try to unzip it while riding? Probably not. It's a little fiddly one-handed, but that's not really what it's designed for. Where it really shines is at café stops or whenever you need to grab an energy bar without emptying every pocket you own. Note that you can buy this storage box separately for around €18 if you need extra bike storage.

Outdoor Master waterproof sports glasses case on my gravel bike

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The glasses themselves are incredibly lightweight. Within minutes I'd forgotten I was wearing them, which is exactly what you want on long training rides or during a triathlon.

Living in Andalucía means my rides often start in brilliant sunshine before climbing into shaded mountain roads. The photochromic lenses cope brilliantly with these changing conditions, automatically adjusting as the light changes, while the polarised lenses cut glare from bright roads and passing traffic.

I had the pink lenses to try, and the photochromic change was subtle but useful.

One accessory that had me scratching my head was the prescription lens insert. I do wear glasses—but only for reading, so thankfully I can still see where I'm riding! For a moment I wondered what it was for. It turns out it's a smart idea for cyclists who need prescription lenses for distance. An optician fits your prescription into the small insert, which clips behind the main shield lens, giving you clear vision without the expense of custom prescription sports sunglasses. It's a thoughtful addition and one that makes these glasses accessible to a much wider range of cyclists.

I did find the plastic frame a bit unforgiving and they remind me a little of the safety glasses I used to wear when I was an engineering apprentice!

Outdoor Master LT sports glasses with frame box, fabric bag and prescription lens frame

What's in the Box?

• HAWK LT Photochromic & Polarized sunglasses
• Bike-mounted top tube storage box
• Soft storage pouch
• Cleaning cloth
• Prescription lens insert
• User guide

Everything included feels useful rather than simply filling the box, and the top tube storage case has become one of those accessories I didn't know I needed until I started using it.

Coach's Verdict

Best suited to:

•  Everyday road riding
•  Triathlon training
•  Sportives
•  Gravel riding
•  Travelling when you only want one pair of glasses

Would I race in them? No. Not because it’s not possible to cycle and run in them, it’s more about the style which does not suit my face shape for race comfort.

Would I buy them myself? No. The style is not right for my face shape. But I would buy the box that mounts on your bike for extra bike storage.

The Outdoor Master glasses box can be used to store other bike items like a CO2 tyre inflator

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RHINO GUARD MIPS Road Helmet

RRP: Approximately £57 / €66 / $76

Let's be honest a helmet is never going to be the most exciting thing to unbox.

But it is the most important piece of cycling kit we own.

Straight away, the RHINO GUARD felt comfortingly light, had a comfortable soft chin strap and I was pleased to see it fitted with MIPS technology for additional protection against rotational impacts.

One feature I was pleased to see is MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). It's designed to help reduce the rotational forces that can occur in certain types of impacts. It's one of those features you hope you'll never need, but it's reassuring to know it's there—and it's becoming something many cyclists actively look for when buying a new helmet.

Rhino Guard MIPS road cycling helmet at ChiliTri, Spain

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Would this be the helmet I'd choose for my biggest race of the year? Probably not.

When every watt matters, I'd likely reach for a more aerodynamic race-specific helmet.

But I spend far more time training than racing and usually in the hot sun where the 21 ventilation channels help to keep my head cool.

As a coach, that's true for me and for the athletes I work with.

Whether I'm riding long endurance miles on the road, exploring mountain bike trails or cycling around a new town on my folding e-bike while travelling in the campervan, this is exactly the sort of helmet I want.

The fit is comfortable, the adjustment dial is easy to use, and the ventilation copes well with the Andalusian heat. I also like the white finish, which reflects rather than absorbs the fierce summer sunshine.

Outdoor Master Rhino helmet adjustment dial, ensuring a comfortable, safe fit

This isn't a helmet I'd save for special occasions it's one I'd wear every day.

And that's probably the biggest compliment I can give it.

One thing that's worth mentioning is that helmets aren't designed to last forever. If your helmet has been involved in a crash, even if it looks undamaged, it's generally recommended that you replace it as the protective foam may have been compromised. Even without a crash, many manufacturers suggest replacing a helmet every three to five years, depending on its age, wear and exposure to sunlight and the elements.

If you're reading this and thinking your current helmet has seen better days, or perhaps you've been meaning to replace one after a tumble, then the RHINO GUARD is well worth considering. It offers modern safety features, including MIPS technology, a comfortable fit and excellent ventilation, making it a solid choice for the everyday riding that most of us do. Plus, it won’t break the bank!

What's in the Box?

• RHINO GUARD MIPS helmet
• Some extra Velcro pads to attach the inner padding
• User guide

Simple, practical and refreshingly free from unnecessary extras. Personally, I'd rather manufacturers spend the money on the helmet itself than fill the box with gimmicks.

Outdoor Master Rhino Guard MIPS Road Helmet interior with mesh and padding

Coach's Verdict

Best suited to:

• Everyday road riding
• Mountain biking
• Gravel riding
• Commuting
• Campervan E-bike adventures

Would I race in it? Probably not for my key races.

Would I train in it? Absolutely.

Would I buy it myself? Yes. It has become my "default" helmet. If I'm not racing, chances are this is the one I'm wearing.

PHOENIX X Sports Sunglasses with ZEISS Lenses

RRP: Approximately £119 / €140 / $160

Now we're moving into OutdoorMaster's premium range.

And you know it before you've even opened the box.

In fact, my first thought was simply…

"That's a big box!"

Fortunately, it's not just oversized packaging.

Inside is a premium package with interchangeable lenses, quality accessories and sunglasses that immediately feel like a step up.

Outdoor Master Pheonix X sports sunglasses with Zeiss lenses plus extra lenses, nose bridge, cleaning cloth, frabic pouch and hard storage case

The standout feature is undoubtedly the ZEISS optics.

The first ride was enough to notice the difference. The lenses deliver exceptional clarity and contrast, making it much easier to spot potholes, gravel and imperfections in the road surface.

The Orange Pink lens has become my go-to choice for bright Spanish sunshine, while the supplied clear lens is ideal for early morning starts, gloomy weather or those evening rides once the temperature finally begins to drop.

I also like the convertible frame design, allowing you to customise the look depending on your preference. You can change it from full frame to half frame. You simply unclip the bottom fame with integrated nose piece and then replace with the other nose piece in the box.

Outdoor Master Phoenix X sports sunglasses 2-in-1 convertable lenses

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Despite the larger lens coverage, these remain incredibly comfortable – in fact I personally find it more comfortable than the HAWK sunglasses. They stay securely in place without squeezing your head and are easy to forget about after several hours in the saddle.

For cyclists who spend long days riding, that's exactly what you want.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the secure hook fit system. The foldable temple tips wrap comfortably around your ears by being "bendy", helping to keep the glasses firmly in place without feeling tight or uncomfortable. Even on fast descents and rougher roads, they stayed exactly where they should. The plastic used on these frames feel like they will take more punishment than the Hawk frames I discussed before in this review.

Outdoor Master Pheonix X sports sunglasses showing the "bendy arm" as part of the secure hook fit system

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Although I primarily tested them on the bike, I can also see this being a real advantage for triathletes. A secure, locked-in fit means you're less likely to be constantly pushing your sunglasses back up your nose, and they should transition well from bike to run for anyone who prefers to wear the same pair throughout a race.

Great cycling glasses aren't just about seeing clearly—they're also there to protect your eyes. The PHOENIX X lenses provide full UV400 protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, and they're designed to resist impacts from road debris, giving extra peace of mind whether you're riding on the road or venturing onto gravel.

The styling reminds me of skiing goggles so I will try them the next time I ski at the Sierra Nevada ski resort close to where I live in Spain.

These are the glasses that make you smile the moment you put them on. The cool design and optics really are that good.

What's in the Box?

• PHOENIX X Sports Sunglasses
• ZEISS Orange Pink lens
• Two interchangeable lens – one clear for night rising and one polarized grey for sunny days
• Hard (large) protective case with carabiner
• Soft storage pouch
• Cleaning cloth
• Nose piece to use when converted to half frame
• User guide

The large box makes sense once you open it. Everything has its place and the overall presentation feels reassuringly premium.

Coach's Verdict

Best suited to:

• Long endurance rides
• Road cycling
• Triathlon racing
• Sportives
• Riders wanting premium optics

Would I race in them? Absolutely on the bike and maybe on the run if they are converted to half rim as they are very comfortable.

Would I buy them myself? Yes. If I know I'm going to be out on the bike for several hours, these are the glasses I will instinctively reach for. I like the large lens look and ZEISS clarity.

Pheonix X Sports Sunglasses with a purple fame and ZEISS orange pink lens

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

One thing I often tell the athletes I coach is that the best equipment isn't necessarily the most expensive—it's the equipment you will actually use.

Most of us spend far more time training than racing. We ride with friends, stop for coffee, explore new roads, head off on holiday and, every now and then, pin on a race number.

That's exactly where these products fit.

The HAWK LT sunglasses have become the pair I leave in my campervan, so I have a pair of sunglasses if I forget my main pair. They are comfortable enough to forget you are wearing them, the photochromic lenses cope brilliantly with changing light and that top tube storage box has earned a permanent place on my bike.

The RHINO GUARD MIPS helmet isn't trying to be an ultra-light race helmet - and I like that. It has become my dependable everyday helmet for road rides, mountain bike adventures and exploring new places on my folding e-bike when I’m away camping.

If I’m lining up for a race or heading out for a long day in the saddle, the PHOENIX X with ZEISS lenses is the pair I will instinctively reach for. The clarity is outstanding and, after several hours of riding, your eyes really do appreciate good optics.

OutdoorMaster might not yet have the same household recognition as some of the more established cycling brands, but after putting these products through their paces in the Spanish sunshine, I've come away actually impressed. They aren't trying to reinvent cycling equipment. Instead, they've produced thoughtfully designed, sensibly priced products that simply work - and work well.

As a coach, that's what I look for. Reliable kit that helps you enjoy riding, whether you're training for an Ironman, tackling mountain trails or just pedalling to the nearest café for a well-earned slice of cake.

You can check out the full range of Outdoor Master products on their website.

Save 15% with the code ChiliTri.

Karen Parnell is a Level 3 British Triathlon Federation Coach, IRONMAN U Certified Coach, qualified NASM Personal Trainer and holds an MSc in Sports Performance Coaching. Karen has a Certificate in Coaching Female Athletes from World Triathlon. She specialises in helping endurance athletes improve performance, strength and long-term health through evidence-based coaching.

Need a training plan? I have plans on TrainingPeaks and FinalSurge:

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I also coach a very small number of athletes one-to-one for all triathlon and multi-sport distances, open water swimming events, and running races. Email me for details and availability. Karen.parnell@chilitri.com

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Disclosure: OutdoorMaster kindly supplied these products for review. As always, all opinions are my own and based on real-world testing.