“Self-tinting glasses are for pensioners and have no place on mountain bike trails simply because they react too slowly to changing light conditions.” This is one of the biggest prejudices against photochromic goggles, which rely on a light-sensitive material to adapt their tint to the current light intensity and change its absorption behaviour. In other words, the lenses get darker in brighter conditions. If the light intensity decreases, the tint lightens up again. Normally, this process takes a few seconds, which can be an issue, especially when you’re riding in the forest, where light conditions can change quickly due to the trees interfering with the sunlight. This is also a problem in short tunnels, where many lenses don’t respond quickly enough, meaning that you can’t see anything while riding through the tunnel and are totally blinded on your way out, because the lenses brighten up just a few seconds before you exit the tunnel.
React aim to put an end to this issue with their ShadeTronic technology: The Swiss manufacturer’s glasses are said to take just 0.1 seconds to adjust their tint level from 2 to 4, which works out at a 57-94% tint percentage. However, this also means that the lightest tint level is 57%, which might already be too dark at dusk or in very dense woodland – but more on that later. React charge a whopping € 329 for the full-frame rev model, which we tested in the Ruby/Black and Sky/White finish. There’s also the lighter Optray version, which is frameless at the bottom and costs € 289. If you wear prescriptions, React also offer a correction clip for €39.
ShadeTronic – From the factory to the trail
The technology used for the React glasses trickled down from welding safety equipment. Back in the mid-1980s, Optrel, React’s parent company and supplier of face and head protection products, invented an auto-darkening welding helmet that relies on a liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. With the founding of their React subsidiary, the company utilised their ShadeTronic LCD technology for their sports sunglasses, which distinguish themselves from other products through the particularly fast tinting adjustment and are therefore intended to be particularly helpful in rapidly changing light conditions. The glasses in the Optray and rev series are produced in Switzerland and bear the “Swiss Made” logo. At the heart of the ShadeTronic technology lies a clever combination of photocells and LCD lenses. Depending on the light intensity, the photocell generates more or less current, which is used to rearrange the liquid crystals. This ultimately leads to near-instantaneous tinting of the lenses – but only in the medium-to-strong tint range. React glasses don’t lighten up completely. However, the automatic tinting also works behind a window with UV filters, like in a car, for example, where conventional photochromic glasses don’t darken, as they only react to UV radiation.
React rev – Elegant look, high-quality workmanship
The first thing you’ll notice when wearing React rev glasses is that they’re permanently tinted and never go completely clear. So if you kick off your ride in the early morning hours or want to shred right up to beer o’clock at sunset, you’ll either have to take a spare pair of clear glasses, or ride without, because at dusk, it can be hard to see what’s going on on the trail. But first things first: The fully framed glasses can be customised in three different ways to suit your preferences and anatomy. The nose pads offer width adjustment, the arms can be bent near the temples, and the arms themselves can be tilted up and down between three positions relative to the lenses – which is rather unusual! This might look pointless at first glance, but is actually quite helpful on some trails.
Of course, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, even when it comes to sporty sunglasses. Nevertheless, we can attest to the Swiss company’s good taste. The slightly wider lenses transition seamlessly into the pleasantly slim arms, ensuring a sporty look. What’s more, the weight of 40 g is perfectly reasonable, and both the choice of materials and workmanship quality are beyond reproach. Retailing at € 329, the React Rev glasses proudly boast a “Swiss Made” logo, and rightly so! However, at this price range, a few more customisation options would be nice.
The React rev in our practical test – Always the right shade (almost!)
The React Rev comes in two frame colours, black and white, which can be combined with four different lens colours. Even indoors, the glasses react well to changes in light, getting darker or lighter when needed. This process is virtually instantaneous. Of course, the reaction time is the same outdoors, only the tint range increases. Even in very bright light conditions, the React rev offers sufficient protection against glare. On the other hand, the tint doesn’t quite brighten up enough if you ride into the evening twilight. In a nutshell, 57 % tinting is just too much! Due to the design of the glasses, you have to ensure at all times that the light falls on the sensor, which is positioned at the top centre. But even with large visors, we never had issues with this. Particularly with modern helmets, which often feature a goggle storage just above the face cut-out, the visor sits high enough to prevent it from obscuring the light sensor. The speed of the liquid crystals built into the lenses is impressive. Even with very quick changes in light conditions, for example on trails riding through forest glades and clearings, the React rev does a great job, always providing the right tint – awesome! You’ll occasionally detect a slight flicker, presumably when the light changes correspond exactly to the time it takes for the goggles to lighten and darken. Both models in our test come equipped with a contrast-enhancing, reflective layer. The lenses are also polarised, which increases contrast even more and minimises stray light. To put it simply: you can see more details on the trail, and are less distracted by sudden changes in light. And you’ll notice that, even though you’ll have to get used to it first.
Despite the countless customisation options, the goggles weren’t a perfect fit for every tester. One or two riders complained in particular about a small gap on the forehead, which lets the wind through to the eyes. On the other hand, riders with relatively narrow heads got on fine with the goggles, despite the comparatively big lenses. Our tester Patrick also used them for the odd trail run, where they fitted reliably and without bothering him.
Who should take a closer look at the React rev sunglasses?
The React rev are the perfect sunglasses for all riders who want a super-fast tint adjustment. This comes in handy above all on technical trails with nasty root carpets, and in conditions with scattered light – and the polarised lenses improve contrast. However, if you enjoy epic rides from dawn to dusk, the React rev won’t be quite right for you – it doesn’t brighten up enough.
Our conclusions about the React rev sunglasses
The React rev are without a doubt amongst the fastest self-tinting sunglasses on the market. The degree of tinting is spot on in most situations, while lightening and darkening are virtually imperceptible. Thanks to the correction clip, they are also suitable for riders with prescription glasses, who, like everyone else, will benefit from the excellent adjustability. However, we would like to see a little less tint, which would make them suitable for cheeky twilight trail sessions.
Tops
- Super-fast tint adjustment
- Top workmanship
- Correction clip available
Flops
- Too much tint for low light conditions
- Expensive
For more info, visit react-swiss.com
Words: Patrick Gruber Photos: Antonia Feder Translation: Eric Frajria
