The SWANS Airless-Core2 is a Made-in-Japan sunglasses line redesigned for runners. All three types weigh 20 g: photochromic JPY 20,350, polarized JPY 17,600, night JPY 14,300. All block 99.9%+ of UV, and the lens shape is tuned for running.
The Shoe Nerd's top pick
If I had to pick one, I'd pick the photochromic mirror lens model. The light changes during a run, between sunny spots in the morning and shade in the evening. The photochromic lens moves its visible light transmittance (VLT) from 53% to 10% with UV, so one pair covers it without swapping lenses. At 500 km a month, I run both morning and evening. Wanting one pair is the deciding point for me.
Key points
- All three types weigh 20 g. The lens is held only at the center of the frame, which keeps weight off your nose and ears
- Photochromic: VLT 53% → 10%, JPY 20,350. Polarized: VLT 12%, polarization 97%+, JPY 17,600. Night: VLT 82%, JPY 14,300
- All three types block 99.9%+ of UV. Anti-slip rubber sits at the tips of the temples
Airless-Core2 release date, price and weight
A SWANS sports sunglasses model that came out in April 2026. It comes in photochromic, polarized and night types, and every one weighs 20 g.
Made in Japan, with a lens shape reworked for running. The shape cuts wind wrapping around the face and light leaking in through gaps.
| Item | Photochromic mirror | Polarized | Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release date | April 2026 | ||
| Model number | SACR2-1066Z | SACR2-0751 | SACR2-0121 |
| Price (tax included) | JPY 20,350 | JPY 17,600 | JPY 14,300 |
| Weight | 20g | 20g | 20g |
| Visible light transmittance | 53%→10% | 12% | 82% |
| UV blocking | 99.9%+ | 99.9%+ | 99.9%+ |
| Sizes | 42 mm high × 141 mm wide | 42 mm high × 141 mm wide | 42 mm high × 141 mm wide |
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
SWANS Airless-Core2 Photochromic Mirror Lens Model
Lowest price on Rakuten is JPY 14,709 (as of 10/20), ranging up to JPY 20,350 depending on the shop. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaPhotochromic, polarized or night: what is the difference?
Only the lens differs. Weight, size and frame are the same across all three types.
| Type | Function | Price | Who should pick which |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photochromic mirror | Darkens with UV | JPY 20,350 | One pair from morning to evening |
| Polarized | Cuts glare off roads and water | JPY 17,600 | Sunny roads and coastlines |
| Night | Lets in light at dusk, in rain and at night | JPY 14,300 | Running early in the morning or at night |
Photochromic VLT moves from 53% to 10%. A lower VLT means a darker lens, so 10% suits strong sun and 53% suits shade.
Night has a VLT of 82%, so it barely darkens. It protects your eyes at dusk or in rain without cutting your view.
What I like
First, the weight. 20 g matters for runners who wear them a long time on the nose and ears. Photochromic comes to 20,350 ÷ 20 = JPY 1,017.5 per gram.
Second, the frame. It holds the lens at one central point, so it is said to fit regardless of face width. The nose pads adjust by finger, and anti-slip rubber sits at the tips of the temples.
Third, it is made in Japan. The lens is impact-resistant polycarbonate, and all three types block 99.9%+ of UV. A semi-hard case is included, so you can carry it in a pouch.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
SWANS Airless-Core2 Photochromic Mirror Lens Model
Lowest price on Rakuten is JPY 14,709 (as of 10/20), ranging up to JPY 20,350 depending on the shop. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaThings to watch
First, the price depends on the lens type. Photochromic costs JPY 6,050 more than night (20,350 − 14,300). Decide when you run before you choose.
Second, the nose pad adjustment. It has metal parts, so bending it hard could break it. Move it a little at a time with your fingers.
Third, there is only one size. It is 42 mm high and 141 mm wide. The only sure way to know if it fits is to try it on.
Who is it for?
- You run long and want less weight on your face
- You run both morning and evening and want one pair to handle changing light (photochromic)
- You want to cut strong sun and glare off water (polarized)
If you want to start as cheaply as possible, night at JPY 14,300 is the lowest. Night suits people who run in the dark.
How does the Airless-Core2 fit?
There is one size only: 42 mm high and 141 mm wide.
You can adjust the nose pad width by finger, so it can match your nose height. People with wider faces should also find it easy to fit, since the lens is held only at the center.
Price and where to buy
| Type | Official price | Rakuten price range |
|---|---|---|
| Photochromic mirror | JPY 20,350 | JPY 14,709–20,350 |
| Polarized | JPY 17,600 | JPY 13,728–17,600 |
| Night | JPY 14,300 | JPY 10,499–14,300 |
Choose by the product name “Airless-Core2” and the model number (SACR2-). “ULTRA LENS for GOLF” is a different lens made for golf.
How to choose running sunglasses is covered in our running sunglasses article.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
SWANS Airless-Core2 Polarized Lens Model
Lowest price on Rakuten is JPY 13,728 (as of 10/20), ranging up to JPY 17,600 depending on the shop. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaFAQ
When did the Airless-Core2 come out?
It went on sale in Apr 2026. The photochromic mirror model is JPY 20,350, polarized is JPY 17,600, and night is JPY 14,300, tax included.
How do the Airless-Core2 photochromic and polarized lenses differ?
Photochromic lenses darken with UV, so visible light transmittance (VLT) moves from 53% to 10%. Polarized has a fixed VLT of 12% and cuts glare off roads and water. Photochromic costs JPY 2,750 more.
How much does the Airless-Core2 weigh?
All three types weigh 20 g. It is 42 mm high and 141 mm wide, in one size only.
Gear in this article
Ads and images: Rakuten Ichiba
Sources
- SWANS official Japan: Airless-Core2 Photochromic Mirror Lens Model (SACR2-1066Z)
- SWANS official Japan: Airless-Core2 Polarized Lens Model (SACR2-0751)
- SWANS official Japan: Airless-Core2 Night-Use Model (SACR2-0121)
- Ure-pia Soken: Just 1 Pair for Driving and Running. SWANS's New Sunglasses (Jun 24, 2026)
- SWANS official Japan: new and limited-edition products
