Julbo sent two of their new photochromatic sunglasses over for review back in October. Since then, Chad has been running the Run version while I have been using the Dirt set. You can read Chad Oliver’s full review of the Run’s here. Now on to the Dirt…
Specifications
From the Julbo website:
Ideal for mountain biking and running, this light, durable and incredibly aerodynamic sunglass satisfies all needs at high speed. Developed in concert with pro mountain bikers and runners.
- Helmet-friendly: fits comfortably under any helmet.
- Coverage: wide lenses and curved frames for maximum visibility.
- Hold and positioning: shock absorbent temples and nose pads that can handle the technicalities of any trail.
As tested:
Dirt – 369311 – 11 White / Zebra – NXT + Photochromic 2-4 + Antifog / $ 160.00 / Item #369311
Also available:
- Dirt – 369314 – 14 Black / Zebra – NXT + Photochromic 2-4 + Antifog / $ 160.00 / Item #369314
- Dirt – 369922 – 22 Black / Polarized / $ 120.00 / Item #369922
There is little very little difference between the Run and Dirt. Mostly color options and little styling cues.
The Julbo Dirt Performance Review
A really good set of glasses is a must while riding a mountain bike. Dirt and debris are constantly trying to make their way to those precious white balls that allow us to ride the trails we love. In my case, they also provide protection for my contacts that make seeing the trail possible.
Mountain biking has a different variable that most other cycling disciplines do not…vastly changing light conditions. When Julbo sent sent us the sets of Zebra lens photochromatic sunglasses to review, we were ready to jump on the challenge to see if these lens really cut it on the dirt.
Julbo Dirt Sunglasses Out Of The Box
When I first took the Julbo Dirt sunglasses out of the box, I was very surprised by the white. White is not my first choice when it comes to eye wear, but what the hell! I’ll rock the rock star sunglasses…
The glasses seem to fit really tight in the provided case. So tight, they were slightly scratched on the outer most tip of the nose. I stopped using the hard case soon after that because I did not want the scratch to get worse. The white also seems to scratch easily under regular use, so if you are planning on picking up a set in rock star white…be sure to take it easy on them.
Julbo Dirt Sunglasses On The Trail
The fit and feel of the Julbo Run sunglasses is great. They feel light on your head, do not create hot spots and provide excellent coverage for your eyes. With other sets in the past (not from Julbo), I have had issues with my eyelashes hitting the lens when I blink. This was not the case with the Dirt’s. They were just far enough away from my eyes to clear the lashes, but close enough to provide coverage from dirt entering through the top or bottom of the set. They fit easily under the straps of a helmet and work great with headbands.
On the trail, they stay put on your head, so constant readjusting is not needed. I didn’t notice the ear and nose grips while riding, and that is a good thing. Ideally, I like glasses to feel like they aren’t even on my face and the Julbo Dirt sunglasses came really close to that.
The excellent coverage of the lenses also means they provide superior coverage from wind. I took this set on a 52 mile road ride (imagine the faces of the roadies when I had these on!) and my eyes never dried out under windy conditions.
Julblo Sunglasses – Zebra Photocromatic Lenses
Photochromatic lenses are tricky to get right. Is the range wide enough? Do they change fast enough? Do you still get the necessary optical quality?
Julbo claims that the Zebra lens changes from a light transmission rate of 40.7% to just 6.6%, and 50% of that is reached within 28 seconds. This provides protection from category 2 to category 4 light emission. Under these specs, the Zebra lenses from Julbo should be a perfect match for mountain biking in and out of wooded conditions.
Through all of the riding I did on the Julbo Dirt sunglasses, I never saw full 6.6% lens conditions. I might not have been in enough direct sunlight for long enough, but they did not seem to get full strength at any point in time. The lower end performance is fantastic. I even used this set on a night ride without any visibility issues.
The optical quality of the Zebra lenses from Julbo is on par with what you would expect from this price range. There was no visual lens distortion and the optical quality was great with no blurring of any kind.
Summary – Julbo Dirt Photochromatic Sunglasses
Overall, I am incredibly happy with this set. I am actually wearing them on a regular basis for all types of riding even though I am not particularly fond of the white rock star look. They provide great eye protection through a lens that has enough transmission change for regular riding and great optical quality. My only real complaint is that they feel like $150.00 lenses in $10.00 frames. The frames fit very well, but the white coating scratches far too easily for a action sport sunglass.
Good News Julbo Dirt
- Premium Optical Quality
- Incredible Coverage And Wind/Dirt Protection
- Not Too Close To The Eyes
- Comfortable To Wear While Riding
- Do Not Move Under Hard Hits
- Can Be Worn Night Riding
- Anti-Fog Coating Actually Works
Bad News Julbo Dirt
- Not A Fan Of The White
- Frames Scratch Easily
- Not Recommended For Driving (Photochromatic lenses do not work with current UV protected windshields…no way to get around this…)
- Price