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| Jonathan Kantor |
Pan Optx, Smith, and Zeal,
counterclockwise from top
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SMITH SLIDER MAINLINE
($99; 800-635-4401; www.smithsport.com)
Lens: Interchangeable polycarbonate (Not Rx-able)
Smith revolutionized sunglass design a few years ago when it combined interchangeable lenses with stylish frames in its Slider sport glasses. The Mainlines continue this tradition. Each set of frames includes three pairs of lenses in brown for harsh light, gold for morning and late afternoon, and yellow for twilight conditions. Smith crows about its
"Tapered Lens Technology"—a term for decentered lenses, which avoid the distortion caused by wraparound designs. Although the stock lenses aren't polarized, for $48 you can get polarized replacements to pop in after you've biked to your favorite fishing hole.
PAN OPTX RAPTOR
($150; 925-484-0292; www.panoptx.com)
Lens: Polycarbonate, photochromic (Rx-able)
Raptor lenses are photochromatic, lightening up in the shade and darkening when it's sunny. This is a big advantage to mountain bikers who'd prefer not to switch lenses while darting in and out of the trees. In the woods, the Raptors turn a high-contrast copper; on exposed terrain, they become almost gray. In addition to this chameleon-like effect, they
also offer fog-resistance: Each eyepiece is composed of a double-pane lens that is sealed to the frame, creating a vapor barrier. And foam seals around the eyepieces block out wind, dust, and debris—a boon to anyone with contact lenses.
ZEAL BLAST
($110; 435-259-6970; www.zealoptics.com)
Lens: Interchangeable polycarbonate (Not Rx-able)
What's that up ahead: a big retriever or a small grizzly? Some shields and wraparounds tend to trap the moist warm air from your face, creating a lens fog that leaves you wondering what's downhill when you should be concentrating on braking. Zeal Blasts solve that problem with intake vents near the nosepiece and outtake vents on the temples that usher cold
air in and push sweat out. So now you'll know whether to say "nice doggy," or get ready to become dinner.
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