A
shade cleverer.
As
you might have discovered by the low and glaring winter sun, summer
isn't the only time to pop on a pair of shades. Regardless of if you
are skiing, snowboarding or driving the kids to school, a good
quality pair of sunnies are essential – all year round. But
what happens when the light changes, when it suddenly gets brighter
or dimmer? In the past you were stuffed; either make do with
inappropriate shades or carry around a second pair. Those days, my
friends, are over – all thanks to the Switchbacks from Maui Jim.
Maui Jim make some seriously cool looking shades in a variety of styles and materials. The new Switchbacks are unique as they feature interchangeable lenses that are suitable for different light conditions. Unlike other similar products that boast a lens swap-out feature, the Switchbacks use one-piece sturdy lenses that securely clip into a strong one-piece frame.
To
change the lens all we had to do was press a small button on the top
of the frames which essentially unlocks the the glasses. The current
lens can then be popped out and swapped for another more suitable
lens. What makes the whole process more practical is the inclusion
with the Switchbacks of a carry case that allows you to neatly store
all your other lenses. Mmm, we do love a well thought out carry case!
The
Switchback frame itself is very comfortable to wear while gripping
onto your head well. The secure fit would make them excellent
sporting glasses – particularly for runners and skiers. But as the
Switchbacks also feature a clear lens, we could imagine them being
great for general outdoor and work use. If while out camping you
needed to keep the wind out of your eyes but disn't want the
beautiful scene around you darkened, the Switchbacks are ideal.
All
the lenses have
waterproof and oleophobic coatings to shed water and repel smudges,
as well as proprietary CLEARSHELL scratch-resistant coating to reduce
scratches. Not many sunnies can claim to have
that amount of technology packed into them.
A
superb looking pair of shades, with the brilliantly devised idea of
interchangeable lenses. Well done Jim.
£245
