Review: Zeal Optics Eclipse SPPX Polarized Photchromic Goggles

[Micol]

Zeal Eclipse SPPX Sperical Polarized Photochromic Goggles

Retail: $210
Paid: $100 used

I bought a pair of these used in like new condition from a consignment shop. The pair I am reviewing are NOT the $500 Gaper Vision Transcend Model with 10 things to look at besides terrain and other skiers.

Previous Goggles
Oakley A Frame (multiple lenses)
Smith Phenom (ignitor mirror)
Smith Turbo Fan
Smith I/O (Carrying about 3 extra lenses)


Here's what Zeal says on the Eclipse Goggle:

"You can pretty much live your whole life in these goggles. In fact, we do. We stretched the lens to the very edge of the frame, so all you see is the snow in front of you. And it looks straight mean.
Features
Eclipse is the goggle that you drop in with. Whether you are on the edge of the superpipe or on the top of a couloir, Eclipse helps you maintain absolute concentration.
Lenses can be changed quickly, but with Zeal's polarized One- Lens™ photochromic technology you won't need to. Available with One-Lens SPPX or spherical polarized SPX lenses."

Here's what I found:

Conditions: Bluebird to Sideways blower whiteroom

After about 50-75 days in all conditions on them I feel that they really are a one lens system. I used to use the Smith I/O for the ease and ability to change lenses for light conditions quickly. The Eclipse with photochromic lens is a sweet deal that you do not have to change when light conditions change. The lens is easy to pop out of the tracks and brackets even from adjusting them or raising them up onto your helmet. However, they don't come all the way off the frame and they are easy to snap back in place. The lens in terms of photochromatic properties is pretty quick to change with the light conditions. Polarized lens also allow for better vision in the shadows and low light conditions. The lens does not feel as beefy as Smith a Smith lens. And I wonder what would happen if you struck a tree branch (which I did frequently in the I/O). It is possible that the SPPX lens has allowed me to see branches better and avoid them. IMO the name of the game in skiing is being able to see at all times. Skiing or riding blind has serious consequences. The SPPX gives me consistently better vision and performance than any of my past goggle selections.

Taking Face Shots:
If you take a dive from hitting deadfall, or are ripping deep blower... and the lens gets caked with snow, I have been able to successfully shake off loose snow and put the lens only into an interior jacket pocket and after about 15-20 minutes a combination of my body temp and continuing to wipe away moisture with poly cloth as solid turns back to liquid (I use my jacket pocket liner to dab away water drops) will have you back in business without a trip into a warming hut or lodge. I have gone through this process multiple times and every time it has been successful. I really would rather have at least one extra replacement lens with me, but the cost is prohibitive. The Smith I/O lens once compromised by moisture on inside meant it was done for the day or until I could get inside somewhere and put a heater on it. The SPPX can actually be brought back to use in the field. I think this is important, especially if your are touring OB and do not have access to going inside or heaters. Or, for inbounds conditions when you are racing against other skiers trying to lap powder before it gets tracked out. Think less pit stops with SPPX.

Ventilation and Fogging:
The ventilation is really good and I have had no issues with fogging at all. However, I attribute a lot of the no fogging to using breathable fabric jackets and pants. Like Freeride Systems Antero or Shavano (shameless spam) If your clothing is retaining lots of body moisture you are going to fog goggles.

Style and Fit:
The SPPX has a pretty cool curvature which looks good and fits well under the K2 Clutch helmet I use. I have no gaper gap, but this is probably attributable more to helmet brand than goggle. The strap is plenty big to fit around a helmet, and there are two plastic gliders to adjust tension. Note when strap is maxed out in size , the two plastic gliders are in the way of the goggle strap holder on back of helmet. The strap does not have a rear open/close connection point like the Smith I/O. I believe the overall fit is large very similar to I/O but maybe bigger field of vision. I will compare lens size to I/O as I kept them as backup. Nose coverage is greater than any other goggle I have owned. This means the nose does not get cold or windburned easily if at all. (unless you have huge honker)

Customer service:
Smith customer service is the best I have ever had. Before Zeal sold out (last year) customer service was pretty sub par in my opinion. If you want an extra lens you are going to pay a pretty penny for it. To get any kind of deal they wanted your old lens. In my case, I wanted a spare and it was going to be more than I paid for the complete goggle. I am not sure of customer service under the new ownership.

file photo:

[Micol]

Update:
I replaced these after a few seasons with a new pair I found when researching finding replacement lens....I think it was backcountry that had the whole google for $150ish...and that was maybe 2014.....

jump to 2017...Maui Jim based in Illinois has purchased zeal. Evidently they changed the frame and lens die cuts. getting replacement lenses for sppx is virtually impossible for the older model frame...i have been on phone with zeal and others and there seems to be no relief for any price for photochromic replacement....they offered a standard lens that is not photochromic for $130....

btw these are not the gps or video models....just straight up regular goggles