Julbo Millenium
While our tester has been a longtime fan of oversized sports glasses, “the Millenium converted me,” she said, describing them as “retro and relatively low-profile.” Made from lightweight (just 27 grams), bio-sourced Rilsan (a more durable, environmentally friendly material than standard plastic, per Julbo), our tester found these shades simple and comfortable. She appreciated the rubber Grip Tech along the inside of the arms and nose and added that they never slid anywhere. Plus, after breaking her less sporty sunnies, she found they double well as lifestyle shades, too. “Unless I’m headed out into treeless, sunny terrain, I typically leave the side shields off,” she said of the leather accessories, “but I love to have the option when the time comes.” Her only qualm was the lack of clear lenses for shady, snowy tours.
Anon Strategist
Tired of wearing your wrap sunglasses to the tailgate? Check out the Strategist, which combines sporty features with stylish detailing. Side shields block wayward rays in the peripherals while titanium arms securely loop behind the ears. A small-faced tester found the arms too long to keep the sunglasses on her nose, but her partner had no such problem. “They’re a little tricky to get on while wearing a beanie, but once they’re on, they stay on,” the larger-faced partner explained. He did find that the thin metal dug into his ears after prolonged wearing, but it was easily fixed with a Croakie. As for the lenses, “The colors pop, depth perception is good and my vision stays clear,” our tester concluded. “I can wear these for a ski tour before styling the après scene.”
Poc Devour Glacial
“These are the definition of goggle-like,” said our tester who felt like Buzz Lightyear. “I can see to infinity and beyond,” she joked. Poc’s signature take on wide-lens glacier glasses, the Devour Glacial offers ample side protection and field of vision, according to said tester. Since they’re big, she appreciated the adjustable temple arms and grippy nose bridge which allowed her to keep the frame tight to her face. Her larger male counter-part had no problem with fit, though he did find the arms a little flimsy. Made from durable, lightweight Grilamid with Ri-Pel (protects against dirt, oil and water) and anti-scratch-treated UV400 lens that, per Poc, are fine-tuned for snow use, both testers had clear vision. “They’re are a little heavy,” our female tester found, but said “they’re worth it for the views.”
Scott Sport Shield
Our tester loved the look and function of these do-it-all glasses,w hich were originally released in 1989. “The wrap around lens design provides a massive field of vision and protection from the elements,” he remarked after cruising downhill in lightly blowing snow. He also endorsed the shape of the partially bio-based frame, derived from castor beans, that sat securely under a ski or bike helmet, and the adjustable nose piece that dialed in fit while keeping the glasses just off his face. “I never have to worry about these moving even a fraction of an inch,” he said, noting they stayed on even after some rowdy falls on his bike. The glasses come stock with Scott’s Cat S3lens, which lets in 14% of light. Our tester thought it was a perfect every-day option, keeping him from squinting in the sun without being too dark for shade, but the lens is interchangeable as well.
These reviews were originally published in Issue No. 160. To read more, pick up a copy, or subscribe to read our gear reviews earlier when they are published in print.
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