Good photochromic sports glasses don’t have to cost a fortune. The up-and-coming Spanish eyewear brand 41 Eyewear promises dynamic light adaptation for under 100 euros. How does this newcomer fare in practical and laboratory tests?
Our verdict on 41 Eyewear’s photochromic glasses
The photochromic sports glasses from 41 Eyewear come highly recommended for budget-conscious sports enthusiasts. Whilst the response time is slightly slower and the range of tinting is moderate, the quality of the materials, the level of protection and the fit are impressive for just under 90 euros. Anyone looking for an affordable, stylish and functional alternative to expensive sports glasses from well-known manufacturers will find what they’re looking for at 41 Eyewear.
Really cheap, but is it also competitive?
Photochromic sports glasses have long been the norm in modern cycling and running. Anyone out and about in changing light conditions doesn’t want to be constantly changing their glasses or lenses. However, established top brands charge a hefty price for this convenient technology: it’s not uncommon for photochromic models to cost over 200 euros. This makes the range from the young Spanish brand 41 Eyewear all the more exciting. With the promise ‘Adaptive light. For sport addicts’, the manufacturer is launching a versatile collection of glasses designed specifically for long bike rides, running sessions and outdoor adventures.
We have put the Pro Race, Rush, Fury and Air models through their paces, both in real-world use and in the laboratory. The overall verdict is encouraging: particularly given the extremely affordable price of 89.90 euros, the Spanish manufacturers offer an attractive overall package.
High-quality feel and a secure fit
When it comes to the feel of the materials, the 41 Eyewear collection certainly holds its own. The frames and temples are made from flexible, high-tech plastics such as polycarbonate and high-quality TR90. They look and feel premium, fit comfortably on the head and offer excellent support when you’re on the move.
The Fury and Race models, with their closed frames, are designed for trail riding. They also offer excellent protection: the large lenses provide a superb field of vision and effectively shield the eyes from wind and debris, whilst the frames do not obstruct the field of vision. However, at 36.2 (Fury) and 35.1 grams (Race), both models are slightly heavier than the more minimalist Air and Rush models. These semi-rimless glasses, which are quite light at 28.9 (Air) and 31.7 grams (Rush), are designed more for endurance activities – whether on foot or on two wheels.
In our tests, the lenses themselves proved to be sufficiently flexible and robust. The mirrored lenses on the Fury and Rush models are slightly more prone to scratching. The fit is generally good across all our test models – with one minor caveat: Although the screw-on nose pads are adjustable, they could be a little softer and offer a better grip. However, given that established competitors using higher-quality materials often cost twice or even three times as much, the choice of materials is perfectly acceptable.
Light adaptation: findings from laboratory tests
How does the photochromic lens perform in everyday use and in our lab test? The measurements show a 52.8 per cent reduction in light transmission within 10 seconds. This is a rather slow response time, which is particularly noticeable on sunny days when driving off-road: when there are rapid changes between light and shade, the glass takes a little time to adjust.
After 30 seconds, the lightening reaches a solid 44.9 per cent – a good result. As the lenses are generally tinted slightly lighter (protection levels are available in either categories 0–3 or 1–3), they offer excellent all-round performance, particularly in overcast conditions, at twilight and in gentle sunlight. On bright summer days, however, a darker tint would be welcome.
The 41 Eyewear range
As well as our test models – the Pro Race, Fury, Rush and Air – the Spanish brand also has the lightweight Pulse-X in its range, plus the Titan Jr, a model designed for young riders. All 41-Eyewear glasses are available in three different frame and lens colours. Whether it’s subtle Clear Grey, vibrant matt orange, green or pink, plus coatings in Blue, Red or Pink Revo – there’s something to suit every taste and use.
41 Eyewear Sports Sunglasses – the facts
- Glass technology: Photochromic polycarbonate lenses with automatic tinting
- Filter categories: Cat. 0–3 and Cat. 1–3; the Air model is available in Cat. 0–2 and 0–3
- Frame material: TR90 & polycarbonate for flexibility and light weight
- Adjustment: Adjustable, screw-fastened nose pads; no temple adjustment
- Design & colour options: 3 frame and filter colours per model
- Contents: Includes a high-quality hard case, a fabric pouch and a lens cleaning cloth
- Price: 89.90 euros (+ 10 euros postage)
- Available in the online shop: www.41eyewear.com
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief