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gear reviews

Gear reviews | Julbo Shield

High-end glacier goggles

by Lorenzo Rieg 05/08/2019
French glacier eyewear specialists Julbo have long been known for the "classic" design of their aviator-style glasses with leather rims. At some point, a "sportier" style was added and the range was expanded into the cycling and lifestyle sector.

The company now also has goggles in its range and is launching new glacier goggles on the market with the Shield, which are somehow based on the classic design but are still modern and stylish. Perhaps the next classic from Julbo

First impression

The goggles come in an innovative case that protects the lenses thanks to a hard side, but takes up practically no space in the backpack when the goggles are on. A synthetic fiber bag, which also functions as a cleaning cloth, is of course also included. There is also a lanyard that can be attached to the goggles so that you can hang them around your neck or tighten them better on your head.

The plastic "shields", which protect the eyes from radiation from the sides and top, are removable and can be easily removed and reattached. The "AltiArc" lenses are really designed for high mountain conditions with strong irradiation and are therefore very dark with category 4 (only about 7% of the light is transmitted), but the goggles are also available with other lenses, for example the well-known photochromatic lenses, which cover a wider range of use.

Tester and test conditions

The goggles are relatively large and definitely made for larger heads. They fit me quite well with a head circumference of 61 cm (this usually corresponds to the largest size for helmets, for example), but the goggles will probably be too loose on a noticeably smaller head.

I spend a lot of time in the high mountains, especially when ski touring. The goggles came in handy this spring, I've been using them since around mid-February and have worn them on almost every ski tour on the ascent. Of course, the goggles are also suitable for mountaineering or climbing tours, but I haven't tried them there yet. Although I like the glasses and would probably also wear them as sunglasses in everyday life, the lenses are too dark for me, so they are really suitable for their intended use as sports glasses.

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Test report

The glasses sit comfortably on my head and, as I said, fit me very well. There are no pressure points and yet, with the additional shade providers clipped on, they fit me very well. They sit firmly enough on the head so that they don't slip even during a descent.

Of course, the goggles provide excellent protection against radiation. I haven't had any offended eyes on any evening so far and there have been a few days with 8 hours or more on a snow-covered glacier in bright sunshine. In the past, when using normal sports glasses with category 2 or 3 lenses in such conditions, I have often had somewhat "flashed" eyes that are slightly irritated in the evening, watery, etc. This doesn't happen with the Julbo, but the glasses are a bit too dark for me in "gray" weather with heavy cloud cover. Of course you can wear them here, but then you can no longer really see the surface texture of the snow, for example.

So all in all, these are really glacier goggles, rather than sports goggles for all-round use. I will probably wear them mainly in spring and summer in the high mountains when there is a lot of sunlight and the eyes need to be well protected. In changeable weather conditions and in the height of winter, I will opt for a different model, although I would also like the Shield with a photochromatic lens...

The lenses are made of solid mineral glass and can therefore withstand a lot. Of course, the glasses haven't been in use for too long, but I haven't noticed any scratches yet. The lenses are also quick and easy to clean.

Conclusion

The Julbo Shield is a very good pair of glacier goggles that protect the eyes from even the strongest sunlight. Not suitable for everyday use (especially driving and cycling) due to the very strong darkening in this version, nor for activities in cloudy or bad weather. However, the same model is also available with "brighter" lenses, which can also be worn in the urban jungle thanks to the option of removing the top and side covers.

Advantages & disadvantages

+ Good shade

+ Stylish with the makings of a classic

+ High-quality mineral lens

- Probably too big for smaller heads or faces

- The glasses are also suitable for everyday wear. Probably too large for smaller heads or faces

Details

RRP €164.95 (varies depending on lenses)

  • Air Flow : Ventilation integrated into the frame to optimize air circulation to protect against fogging

  • Goggle strap attachment : Allows you to attach a goggle strap.

  • Curved temples : Ergonomic profile for optimum grip of the goggles both when worn and when pushed onto the head.

  • Grip nose : Soft, impact-resistant and non-slip nose bridge insert.

  • Grip Tech : Exclusive comfortable soft material on the temples that does not stick to the hair and not only offers absolute comfort, but also ensures a secure fit.

  • Supplied with adjustable strap. : Support and security The length of the strap can be adjusted using the buckle.

  • Side parts made of textile material : Removable side parts made of pleasantly soft, textile material ensure a high level of comfort and do not irritate the skin.

  • Total Cover : Optimum protection against sunlight in the most extreme conditions.

Here is the Julbo website with more information. Here you can buy the good piece at our partner store Bergzeit.de.

This product was provided to PowderGuide by the manufacturer free of charge for testing. You can find out how we test it in our test statement.

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