When I returned from Maui this week, I received my samples from Julbo USA. Julbo manufactures high end sports glasses and goggles for numerous uses from water sports to mountain excursions. These two new pair, the Run (black) and Dirt (white)…not on website yet, are stylish adventure sport models that feature their Zebra lens technology.

Zebra® Photochromic Lenses: Ultra Reactive NXT®

From the Julbo website:

The Zebra® photochromic lens darkens or lightens depending on the light’s intensity. It can change from a light transmission rate of 40.7% to just 6.6%! Its anti-fog coating, directly integrated via laser, guarantees maximum efficiency and long life. Zebra® is recommended for mountain biking, trail biking and climbing.

The Zebra® lens has a very quick activation time: the lens reaches 50% of its capacity in just 28 seconds. In the undergrowth, the Zebra® lens changes to category 2. In bright sunlight, it provides category 4 protection.

198′s Initial Thoughts

Out of the box, the glasses seem to have great coverage without any loss of peripheral vision. The construction is strong and the hinges operate smoothly. So far, they fit very comfortably, but some serious trail time will tell the full truth. I am going to use both sets over the course of the next month or two and I will report back on the process. Normally, I use my Oakley Half Jackets with the clear lens. This will be the first time in over a year that I have used transition lens on the trail. The last set was a pair of Tifsoi Optics.