These glasses are an affordable option for any climber. They are designed primarily for glacier and snow excursions although can be used in a variety of settings.
Features:
Spectron x5 polycarbonate lenses block 100% of UV rays and 85% of visible light, reducing glare and creating a clear image
Moldable ear temples offer added security with a customized fit
Vented leather side shields block peripheral light and can be removed as needed
Comes with nylon keeper strap and plastic carrying case
pjc30943 - Dec 16, 2004 12:27 pm - Voted 4/5
Untitled Review-Price. It is inexpensive.
-Durability: I have had no problems with the frame at all, despite some accidental abuse.
-Lens: Does not scratch too easily, and is likewise durable.
-Light transmission: For most conditions, the visible light is attentuated plenty sufficiently. I can't see UV, so I'm hoping the 100% UVAB is correct:)
-Side shields do decent job of cutting out light.
-Relatively comfortable to wear for extended periods. After about 8-10 hours in one stretch, though, you can feel it.
Cons:
-Side shields make it hard to look to the side with a hood on: one has to completely turn the head, as can be expected with the "classic" type glasses.
-Despite the claims, I could not find that the ear segment was modable at all. Flexible, yes; but not moldable. So, my biggest complaint is that these glasses easily slip down slightly due to this, at least for my head geometry; especially when wearing a fleece cap, for example, which helps push it down. This slight slipping does not terribly compromise anything, but is very annoying.
-Color distortion is pretty obvious, but that is to be expected (though some other glasses are better with color accuracy)
-The carry case is very durable, but almost useless; it is *barely* bigh enough to hold the glasses, and in cold weather it is annoying to fiddle around with making the springy ear-temples both fit inside the case at the same time.
My next pair will be a wrap-around, such as the Jublo Epic or Advance, to facilitate glancing to the side. However, the drawback is that wrap-around glasses can't be had in prescriptions, for those who wear eyeglasses. The ability to have prescription glacier glasses was my main reason for starting with the classic-style (round) glasses.
This pair is recommended. But please also consider the wrap-arounds, even if the base models are usually more espensive. However I would not buy these again knowing what I know now, because of the slight slipping problem. This is most likely just because of my head geometry. I'd go for a pair that has some adjustability on the nose bridge, which would remedy the situation--as the Sherpa has none.