Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses Review
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Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses with REACTIV Technology
The Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses are a pair of high-end adventure/performance sunglasses aimed squarely at the outdoor enthusiast crowd. Whether you’re pace lining with friends on the local Thursday night ride, hitting single track chasing the gnar, hiking your local trails, or just livin’ it up outdoors, these glasses should be on your radar. I was able to test the Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses in a wide range of conditions on road, gravel, and mountain bike trails, as well as some hiking explorations to see just how adaptive they are.
Specifically, on test are the Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses in Iridescent Blue / Red with REACTIV 1-3 Light Amplifier Lenses. The key to that LONG name is the “REACTIV” technology as that’s Julbo’s photochromic lens term for automatically adjusting to UV light conditions. I’ve never used a pair of photochromatic lenses, so these were a bit of an experiment for me as my eyes are pretty light-sensitive.
The Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses Product Review:
Versatility (10 out of 10)
Although Julbo has released the Density in both their REACTIV and SPECTRON lens variations, I was lucky enough to snag a pair of the REACTIV variety. For reference, the REACTIV lenses are photochromatic, the SPECTRON are not, and they’re priced accordingly.
The Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses with REACTIV lenses are a game changer for my type of outdoor pursuits. I was initially skeptical of photochromatic technology as I’ve heard mixed reviews. That being said, Julbo has done an outstanding job of making these sunglasses truly a jack of all trades…with just one or two caveats.
Julbo REACTIV Technology – High Noon, 5pm, Dusk
If you’re like me and find yourself doing most of your outdoor exploration after work hours on weekdays, or early morning weekend starts, you know how light can easily bleed into dark pretty quickly, or vice versa. From an eye comfort standpoint, it can be annoying when you’re on an evening group ride and you have to tuck your glasses into your helmet so you can see enough not to touch the wheel in front of you. From a safety standpoint, it’s more than annoying…it can be downright dangerous. This is precisely where REACTIVE technology shines.
I started one Saturday morning ride in near darkness but still wanted some eye protection from road debris. The Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses handled that marvelously as they worked their magic and converted the lenses to nearly clear. This easily allowed me to see traffic lines, road signs, other riders, and my Garmin without issue. As the ride went on and the sun brought the heat, the lenses gradually darkened without me realizing. Midday sun felt manageable to my sensitive eyes.
Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses
The Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses with their REACTIV tech are truly the Swiss Army Knife of performance glasses in the versatility department.
Comfort/Fit/Features (10 out of 10)
Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses lens
Having worn The Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses on all manner of bike rides ranging from 45-minute interval efforts in the evenings to 5-hour midday training rides I can confidently say they’re nearly invisible, which is a huge compliment if you’re easily annoyed by gear that just doesn’t fit quite right.
Comfort is subjective, of course, but you’d be hard-pressed to argue that these aren’t some of the lightest sunglasses on the market. The highest praise I can give the Julbo’s is that they simply disappear on your face. I’ve ridden a wide range of brands when it comes to cycling glasses, including POC, Oakley, Smith, etc., and these rival the very best out there as far as comfort is concerned. In other words, they’re feather-light and supremely comfy.
Julbo Density Comparison w/POC & Oakley
- Coming standard with CustomFIT Temples (i.e. moldable) ensured a comfortable fit and secure grip. This made their use on single-track MTB trails more than solid.
- I’ve worn the Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses with several different helmet styles ranging from road to mountain bike and not once did they interfere with my lid.
- I sweat. A LOT. And the built-in front vents did their job in preventing any fogging, especially on cool morning starts.
- Again, concerning my over-the-top sweat rate, the flexible, shock-absorbing inserts on the nose bridge not only felt cozy but prevented ANY slip. SCORE!
- The fit is what I’d consider ‘large’ without being obnoxious.
- Julbo lenses block 100% of UV a, b, & c rays! Let’s keep those peepers intact, people!
- Lastly, the only real negative with my time using the Density’s is the god-awful case. It’s a soft-sided case, (which for sunglasses at this price point seems silly as it affords little protection), that’s also just a bit too small. Stowing the glasses quickly after a ride is a slight exercise in frustration. A small negative that is just annoying.
As mentioned above, The Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses come in both REACTIV and SPECTRON lens varieties. They also come in variations within the REACTIV technology line to cater to all manner of light conditions.
From Julbo, “Visible Light Transmission (VLT) refers to the percentage of light that filters through a lens—the higher the number, the more light passes through. A window in a home, for example, might have a VLT of around 70%, allowing most visible light to pass through while filtering enough to keep your sofa from getting bleached.” The takeaway is that the higher the VLT score on Julbo’s scale, the more light that is allowed through. Conversely, the lower the number, the less light that’s allowed to pass through the lens, (think bright sunny day at high noon.)
Julbo REACTIV Visible Light Transmission (VLT) Range
My particular pair of Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses came with Iridescent Blue / Red lenses with REACTIV 1-3 Light Amplifier, or 75% – 17% light reactivity. This is a super versatile range for most folks as they work great in low light to bright conditions. That being said, living and riding at altitude along Colorado’s Front Range, the sun can get pretty intense. There were a few instances with these sensitive eyes of mine that I could have used a few more percentage points on the low end to block a tad more light.
Not to worry though as Julbo has REACTIV lenses available in several of their performance sunglass lines, including the Density, that range from 87% VLT (“Hello darkness my old friend…”) to 10% VLT (can you say welding goggles?). So yeah, pick your poison based on your typical light range.
Style (8 out of 10)
Completely subjective as style is up to the end-user, but I find the look of the Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses to be on par with most other performance glasses. They don’t exactly break new ground or make any sort of bold statement. Good if you like your glasses to blend into the background, but not as good if you like to make a splash.
Julbo offers the Density in 8 different frame/lens combinations, so if you want something a bit more bold, (i.e. more colorful lenses, brighter frames, etc.) they should have you covered.
Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses Summary: (9.5 out of 10)
Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses are a pair of premium outdoor adventure shades, providing extreme versatility, supreme comfort, and style in a feature-rich package whose only downfall is the included case.
The highest praise that I can heap upon a piece of kit is that it becomes a staple in my gear closet, and the Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses have done just that. Versatility and comfort are outstanding and leave little room for improvement.
Specs/MSRP:
The Julbo Density Performance Sunglasses come in 8 different lens/frame combinations, (5 with REACTIVE lens tech, 3 with SPECTRON lens tech) with an MSRP of $249 and $169 respectively. These aren’t cheap shades, but considering the sheer versatility of the Density, I’d confidently say the value is there. Check them out at www.backcountry.com or www.amazon.com.
