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  1. #1
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    Apr 2012
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    Sunglasses/glacier glasses that actually protect eyeballs?

    I've been using Rudy Project Genetyks for ski touring for a while, and they do a pretty shit job of protecting my eyes from getting sunburnt when I'm on snow for a long day. I think reflected light coming in between the lens and my cheeks is the main issue. Any recommendations on sunglasses that have good coverage, are reasonably comfortable and don't fog?
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  2. #2
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    What's the VLT on your lens? I think you want something like 4-5% VLT.

    The trade off with glacier glasses is the more protection they offer, the worse they fog. I like the Julbo Montebiaco, but I might jump up to the Explorer if I were at super high altitude. You'll want the spectron 4 lens for super-bright days or if your eyes are prone to sunburn. I use the Camel photochromatic lens for general touring, but switch to the Spectron 4 for sunny days.

    I'm sure other brands make good products, and I'm sure other members have more experience.
    "Alpine rock and steep, deep powder are what I seek, and I will always find solace there." - Bean Bowers

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  3. #3
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    I like the julbo darkest lenses...
    I have light colored eyes, so I need darker lenses than most peeps.
    Aggressive in my own mind

  4. #4
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    Dec 2007
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    I use the Julbo Explorer (Spectron 4 @ 5% VLT).
    They're pretty dark; bluebird/abovetreeline and my eyes feel relaxed.

    https://www.rei.com/product/826296/j...unglasses-mens
    In search of the elusive artic powder weasel ...

  5. #5
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    Thanks all for the replies; I guess I'll check out Spectron 4 lenses. I also have light-colored eyes. The lenses I have in my Rudy Projects are 20% VLT, which has almost always seemed like enough.

  6. #6
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    Nov 2014
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    Haven't used the explorer (not much glacier travel in UT) but love my Trek glasses and Aerospace goggles (both zebra fwiw). Definitely would go Spectron 4 Explorer personally if I were worried about snowblindness/ultra bright days/etc.

    Want to get a pair of Treks w/camel but just can't justify the cost. Their stuff is rad though.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Toddball View Post
    The lenses I have in my Rudy Projects are 20% VLT, which has almost always seemed like enough.
    Then you might like the Trek or Montebianco with a camel lens. lt's not quite as dark as the spectron 4 (despite both claiming 5% VLT), but it is much more useable in graybird days.

    I have skied all day on a sunny glacier at altitude with the Montebianco in both the Camel and Spectron 4 lens, and both lenses provide adequate protection. I just think the Spectron 4 is a bit better when it's bright sunny all day.
    "Alpine rock and steep, deep powder are what I seek, and I will always find solace there." - Bean Bowers

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  8. #8
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    Nov 2003
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    Quote Originally Posted by auvgeek View Post
    Then you might like the Trek or Montebianco with a camel lens. lt's not quite as dark as the spectron 4 (despite both claiming 5% VLT), but it is much more useable in graybird days.

    I have skied all day on a sunny glacier at altitude with the Montebianco in both the Camel and Spectron 4 lens, and both lenses provide adequate protection. I just think the Spectron 4 is a bit better when it's bright sunny all day.
    similar experience here with two pairs of monte bianco's

    the camel lens has an anti-fog treatment which has worked well for me while skinning/touring
    Aggressive in my own mind

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
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    truckee
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    I have the camel 2-4 lenses in the Montebianco frame. They are fine for bright days but too dark for skiing in and out of shade mid winter. And they do fog.

  10. #10
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    Sep 2008
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    Not Brooklyn
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    Vuarnet Skilynx

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by hoarhey View Post
    the camel lens has an anti-fog treatment which has worked well for me while skinning/touring
    I honestly haven't noticed a difference between the spectron 4 and camel in terms of fogging. Have you?

    old goat: neckbeard was saying in another thread that the photocromatic lens is temperature sensitive...it stays darker in colder temps. I haven't personally noticed it, but I use goggles for the descent 95% of the time.
    "Alpine rock and steep, deep powder are what I seek, and I will always find solace there." - Bean Bowers

    photos

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
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    northern BC
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    Nothing fits my face better than a Rayban wayfarer frame so I buy the sunglasses, get the lenses taken out and replaced with a prescription paid for on my HCSA, I must have 6 or 7 pair in clear/yellow/grey/brown/green

    I find Photochromatic lenses don't change fast enough so I don't use em on snow, you wana see something cool put a pair in the sun close behind a window screen, when the lenses changes the pattern on the screen will be on the glasses and fade away in a minute or so
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
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    Quote Originally Posted by XXX-er View Post
    ............you wana see something cool put a pair in the sun close behind a window screen, when the lenses changes the pattern on the screen will be on the glasses and fade away in a minute or so
    how much weed should i smoke to get the full effect?
    "we all do dumb shit when we're fucked up" mike tyson

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
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    Quote Originally Posted by old goat View Post
    I have the camel 2-4 lenses in the Montebianco frame. They are fine for bright days but too dark for skiing in and out of shade mid winter. And they do fog.
    The zebra lenses are good enough to use at dawn and dusk, and in the dark w/a headlamp or some moonlight. Not as great staring at the sun but I've had no problems on bluebird days and I have sensitive light blue eyes.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot View Post
    how much weed should i smoke to get the full effect?
    whatever you got eh?
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  16. #16
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    May 2009
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    Quote Originally Posted by hoarhey View Post
    I have light colored eyes, so I need darker lenses than most peeps.
    I have never heard this before. Is this physiologically accurate?

  17. #17
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    Yes. Lighter eyes = less melanin = more sensitivity.
    "Alpine rock and steep, deep powder are what I seek, and I will always find solace there." - Bean Bowers

    photos

  18. #18
    Join Date
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    I have noticed some difference between the lenses that have and those that don't have the anti-fog per Julbo specs.
    Aggressive in my own mind

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
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    These are the best choice- https://pitvipersunglasses.com/
    Contact LeavenworthSkier, I think he might be a dealer.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
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    3,711
    I've been using the Julbo Dolgans (with Spectron 4 lens) for a while and am happy with them. They are pretty dark. Perhaps too dark, IMO, once you get into the shade. They fit close to the face and thus will fog a little when, say, bootpacking. But if shift them forward on my nose, it seems to do the trick. I find wearing a hat with a bill (e.g., a baseball cap) helps my eyes a lot too.

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by AKbruin View Post
    I've been using the Julbo Dolgans (with Spectron 4 lens) for a while and am happy with them. They are pretty dark. Perhaps too dark, IMO, once you get into the shade. They fit close to the face and thus will fog a little when, say, bootpacking. But if shift them forward on my nose, it seems to do the trick. I find wearing a hat with a bill (e.g., a baseball cap) helps my eyes a lot too.
    Hat with a brim is key for spring touring or even midwinter, keeps the snow out of your eyes with sunglasses on as well as keeping that evil sun at bay.

  22. #22
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    I would add that even though the Montebiancos fog with heavy exercise they don't keep the wind out of my eyes on fast descents. I got them more for hiking above treeline and the like than for skiing.

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    187
    Cebe Ice 8000.

    Itīs available with different lenses, a.o. mineral glass with some 4-5% VLT.
    I have both this and the version with the Vario Peak lenses (should be cat 2-4)
    Skinning 4 days at 3500-4000m in full sun, the latter was sometimes border-line, but it seems like I survived.

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