Earlier than this summer time my solely information of Julbo was that they sponsored Squamish-based shredder Remy Metailler. I used to be glad to get the supply to check a pair myself, and I opted for the Edge mannequin with each a photochromic lens and a transparent lens.
After a couple of months of testing the Edge sun shades impressed me in a number of methods. I appreciated their giant, protecting lenses, gentle weight, and flexibility for any gentle or climate situations. In addition they refused to fog up, and their lens swap system is painlessly easy. Â Â
Julbo Edge Sun shades – Building Options:
The very first thing that stood out concerning the Edge sun shades is their giant lenses. Specifically, 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 large at 131mm, however they match me fairly effectively. The arms are 124mm lengthy, which attain simply to the again of my ears. The Edge frames have been designed to offer a large field-of-view, and I discovered they undoubtedly do.
The Edge mannequin I examined comes with two lenses, one Spectron 0 clear lens and one Reactiv Expertise excessive distinction photochromic lens. The Reactiv lens covers class 1-3 gentle situations. They permit between 13-72% transmission to go well with any climate from cloudy situations to full-on sunshine.
The Reactiv lens just isn’t temperature delicate, so it’s going to stay attentive to gentle whether or not it’s chilly or heat outdoors. Julbo additionally claims their lenses have a really quick response time when adjusting to gentle ranges.
Lenses can rapidly and simply be swapped because of the Edge’s MagneFix magnetic lens swap system. A magnet on the bridge holds the lens in place, and a easy upward thrust disconnects the lens from the body. Julbo’s lenses have an anti-fog coating however on the Edge sun shades in addition 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 constituted of 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 suitable 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 formidable 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 fabric.
Journey Impressions:
I attempted 4 completely different helmets to see how they jived with the Edge sun shades. They match superb 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’ area of view is great – It’s a must to 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, try 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 maintain wind off your eyes, and supply loads of safety from rain, mud or path particles.
On one experience I seen the arms have been pushing my ears outwards a bit, and this acquired just a little uncomfortable after an hour and a half on the bike. Nonetheless, this didn’t show to be a constant situation. On all my different rides I discovered the Edges completely comfy. I barely adjusted the nosepiece, because the sun shades match my face effectively 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 concern I’d lose them off my face. The low weight of the Edges is nice; Even on longer rides you possibly can virtually neglect you’re carrying them.
Julbo’s MagneFix lens swap system is straightforward 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 robust the magnet could be, because it wasn’t onerous to by accident 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 time 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 undoubtedly present a variety of sunshine transmission. I attempted shifting inside and outdoors 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.
In fact, 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 great; 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 effectively 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 could 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.
