Article by Sam Winebaum
Julbo Destiny Reactiv 0-3 High Contrast, Smith Shift Split MAG ChomaPop Photochromic, Rudy Project Rydon Photocrhomic with prescription Insert
In the article I test and review 3 performance photochromic (light adapting) sunglasses suitable for running, cycling, skiing, hiking and everyday wear.
All three feature photochromic lenses which means their Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage changes as light changes, letting through more or less light depending on conditions.
At their “darkest”, most sun in the mix, all three are quite close with 9% VLT for the Rydon, 12% for the Shift Split Mag and 15% for the Destiny. Their “low light” VLTs varies more with 67% for the Smith, 74% for the Rydon and a big 87% for the Julbo with higher numbers clearer in dimmer light.
I always choose photochromic lenses to maximize the utility of the sunglasses from full on sun to in and out of trees on trail runs, to dawn to dusk.
And there is a twist.. as I have always worn such glasses with typically big lens surfaces over my 25g Oakley carbon frame prescription eyeglasses (non sun) to be able to easily put them up on my head when need be and for just plain convenience.