Earlier than this summer season my solely information of Julbo was that they sponsored Squamish-based shredder Remy Metailler. I used to be completely satisfied to get the provide to check a pair myself, and I opted for the Edge mannequin with each a photochromic lens and a transparent lens.
After a number of months of testing the Edge sun shades impressed me in a number of methods. I appreciated their giant, protecting lenses, mild weight, and flexibility for any mild or climate circumstances. In addition they refused to fog up, and their lens swap system is painlessly easy. Â Â
Julbo Edge Sun shades – Development Options:
The very first thing that stood out concerning the Edge sun shades is their giant lenses. Particularly, the lenses are fairly tall top-to-bottom, measuring 64mm. Their form is clearly designed to supply full eye safety and good decrease peripheral imaginative and prescient.
The Edge is listed as providing a big match. I don’t have an enormous head and they’re pretty huge at 131mm, however they match me fairly nicely. The arms are 124mm lengthy, which attain simply to the again of my ears. The Edge frames have been designed to supply a large field-of-view, and I discovered they positively do.
The Edge mannequin I examined comes with two lenses, one Spectron 0 clear lens and one Reactiv Know-how excessive distinction photochromic lens. The Reactiv lens covers class 1-3 mild circumstances. They permit between 13-72% transmission to go well with any climate from cloudy circumstances to full-on sunshine.
The Reactiv lens will not be temperature delicate, so it’ll stay attentive to mild whether or not it’s chilly or heat exterior. Julbo additionally claims their lenses have a really quick response time when adjusting to mild ranges.
Lenses can shortly and simply be swapped due to the Edge’s MagneFix magnetic lens swap system. A magnet on the bridge holds the lens in place, and a easy rise disconnects the lens from the body. Julbo’s lenses have an anti-fog coating however on the Edge sun shades additionally they barely contact the frames. The lens mainly floats on the frames to make sure good air flow from all sides.
Julbo’s frames are constructed from Rilsan, a bio-sourced materials that’s lighter, stronger, and extra eco-friendly than conventional plastic. The Edge sun shades characteristic a minimalist body design with slim, straight arms. This design will in all probability make these sun shades appropriate with numerous helmets. Grip Tech sections on the within of the arms and the adjustable 3D nostril piece assist guarantee a safe match.
Precise Weight:
Even with the MagneFix lens system, my scale weighed the Edge sun shades at a powerful 26g (with both lens).
The Edge sun shades I examined include a tough shell case (with a slot for a second lens) and a mushy bag/cleansing material.
Journey Impressions:
I attempted 4 totally different helmets to see how they jived with the Edge sun shades. They match fantastic with my Oakley DRT5 and ABUS MoDrop helmets, however the width turned a problem with two of my deepest-fitting lids. With my POC Kortal Race MIPS and Endura MT500 helmets, each shells sit too low they usually push the arms downwards at my temples.
The Edges’ discipline of view is superb – You must look to see the frames on the perimeters, prime, or backside, and whereas using I didn’t take into consideration them in any respect (for even much less body visibility, take a look at the additionally glorious Julbo Density). The decrease peripheral protection is especially good, which is good for biking. The lens form extends fairly far downwards and the frames simply clear my cheeks. The big lenses hold wind off your eyes, and supply loads of safety from rain, mud or path particles.
On one experience I observed the arms have been pushing my ears outwards a bit, and this received a bit of uncomfortable after an hour and a half on the bike. Nevertheless, this didn’t show to be a constant subject. On all my different rides I discovered the Edges completely comfy. I barely adjusted the nosepiece, because the sun shades match my face nicely proper out of the field.
The Edges do sit a bit additional out on my nostril than I’d like, however solely by a tiny bit. After using tough terrain, I discovered the sun shades will slip barely down my nostril, however they solely shift outwards by 1-2mm and keep there. At no level did I ever worry I’d lose them off my face. The low weight of the Edges is nice; Even on longer rides you possibly can nearly overlook you’re sporting them.
Julbo’s MagneFix lens swap system is easy and straightforward. It takes mere seconds to slip one lens off and set up one other. At first I used to be involved with how sturdy the magnet is likely to be, because it wasn’t onerous to unintentionally knock the lens off the frames whereas dealing with the sun shades. Fortunately the lenses held tight on the paths, by no means even rattling or shifting not to mention falling off.
The lenses additionally proved glorious at stopping condensation. I rode a scorching summer season climb on a sweaty 31° day with the Edges’ Reactiv lens and they didn’t fog up in any respect, staying crystal clear! I did additionally experience the clear Spectron 0 lens, and all through my complete take a look at interval I by no means managed to fog up these glasses.
As promised, Julbo’s Reactiv photochromic lenses positively present a variety of sunshine transmission. I attempted shifting inside and out of doors on a really sunny day, and will simply see the lens altering its tint. At their darkest they’re ample for the brightest of days, shading issues to a noticeable diploma. Alternatively, I by no means discovered the Reactiv lens too darkish whereas using in shady forested areas.
After all, having the clear lens solely furthers the Edges’ usefulness for darker days once you simply need safety from rain and dust splatters. I ought to be aware the readability on the clear Spectron 0 lens is superb; it’s like they’re not even there.
Pricing and Choices:
The Edge sun shades (as examined) retail for $289.95, which isn’t low cost however nicely inside purpose for a pair with each photochromic and clear lenses. Try Julbo’s web site for all the colour and lens choices; The Edge sun shades might be bought with only a photochromic lens, a non-photochromic lens, or with each a photochromic and a transparent lens. Costs differ from $184.95 – $289.95.
Julbo covers their sun shades with a lifetime guarantee.
