Julbo Density Sunglasses Review: Lightweight Wonders
Julbo has been making eyewear for over 130 years. Mountaineers trust their sunglasses on the most challenging glaciers in the world and now, cyclists and runners can appreciate their performance-oriented designs. The Julbo Density is an ultralight pair o…
Julbo has been making eyewear for over 130 years. Mountaineers trust their sunglasses on the most challenging glaciers in the world and now, cyclists and runners can appreciate their performance-oriented designs. The Julbo Density is an ultralight pair of sunnies that's built for running and cycling, with a host of features that have combined to make these an easy "go-to" this year for every road and trail I've thrown their way.
Julbo Density Sunglasses Features:
Ultralight Trivex lenses with REACTIV photochromic tech
Better optical clarity than polycarbonate lenses
Single center vent
Anti-fog treatment
2mm lens buffer around lower edges
CustomFIT temples
100% UV protection
Lifetime warranty against defects
Tested: Translucent Gray / Blue with REACTIV 1-3 Light Amplifier lens
Weight: 20 grams
MSRP: $249.95
Great optical clarity o a morning trail run.
Featherweight running and cycling glasses
In the famous words of Marty McFly, "I'm your density!" While Marty was awkward and confused in the movie, "Back to the Future," you may be thinking that Julbo and cycling sunglasses may also be an awkward and confusing prospect. After all, doesn't Julbo primarily make glacier glasses for mountaineers? As awkward as it may seem at the outset, Julbo doesn't just make glacier glasses. No, they also make a lineup of performance-oriented sunglasses, one of which is the new Julbo Density, featuring photochromic lenses and an ultralight design.
I'm a fan of photochromic lenses for their all-day versatility. That "set it and forget it" functionality is so incredibly-awesome. I have found that even though I have access to a variety of sunglasses, the ones I grab most often are always photochromic. Julbo calls it REACTIV, but the functionality is the same -- the lenses change color based on the amount of UV light. The REACTIV 1-3 lens on test transitions from 46-10% visible light transmission (VLT), which is great for early morning to late evening use.
Clear vision on a cloudy and rainy morning trail run.
Upon arrival, my first thought was, "wow, these feel kinda flimsy." In my mind, a $250 pair of sunglasses should feel substantial and provide confidence that they will last a very long time. The source of the ultralight design comes from both the frames and lenses. The entire package does feel dainty in hand, but disappears when worn in a way few sunglasses can.
Here are a few comparative weights of similar sunglasses on the market:
My scales confirm that the Density is LIGHT. The lenses are made from Trivex, which was first developed for military applications. It's lighter than polycarbonate (what most lenses use) and offers better optical clarity. It's not as protective of impacts, but still exceeds the FDA's minimum impact standard by 60x. Overall, as you'll find out, the Trivex lenses do get my nod of approval.
Pairs well with the Cannondale Dynam Helmet.
Density disappears on the trails
Yes, the Julbo Density sunglasses are super lightweight -- probably the lightest sunglasses I've worn -- but that alone doesn't make them winners. Even though the temples are thin and light, they allow for custom adjustments by gently bending them to contour the shape of your head. Julbo calls this CustomFIT and ensures the grippy rubber on the temple tips and nose pieces is delivering the maximum stickiness. Bend and flex them to your particular needs and you'll be rewarded.
Those CustomFIT temples make for infinite adjustments.
I have now tested the Density across a wide range of activities from trail running to road biking and through it all, they have remained the most comfortable and "invisible" sunglasses I've worn. They stay put in rough conditions and really do disappear.
For trail running, I have loved the bounce-free design and how well they stay put. Even on the longest runs, the Density doesn't ever slip or move on my face. Even though the center of the lens, above the nose bridge, does look distorted, I can assure you that the large lenses don't have any distortion in the main visible area that matters. Yes, if you look cross-eyed, or focus intently on the last millimeters on the edges of the lens, you will see some minor distortion. But, 98% of the lens offers clear and crisp vision.
The large lenses aren't as curved as other designs and I do notice something that I haven't experienced with other similar designs. The far right/left corners of the lens actually show a reflection of the terrain behind me. Those with larger heads won't experience this, but my head shape allows for a side view mirror effect on the edges of the lens. I only notice this while running or walking around, but it is interesting. The diminutive temples do work well with the Patagonia Airshed Cap and other running hats I've worn. And, they easily flex outward if worn atop a running beanie.
Great clarity on fast-paced road rides.
For road, mountain or gravel riding, the Julbo Density offers refreshing versatility and comfort. They are compatible with almost every helmet I've tested, right out of the box. I prefer keeping the temples straight, which works well for all helmets tested except the Kask Wasabi. Yes, I could bend the temples downward to make them compatible with the retention system, but I didn't want to do that since they work fine with everything else. Just know that you should be able to tweak the temples to work with just about any helmet on the market.
I love the eye protection at even the highest speeds and the optical clarity needed to navigate tricky trails at those speeds. Since the lenses are automatically adjusting to ambient light, I always had just the right amount of protection and light transmission. The mirrored finish isn't as pronounced as some sunglasses, so they do tend to look plain and dark in the wild. If you value a pronounced mirrored look, these may not deliver. In addition, the frame color is listed as translucent and gray, but I would call the temples purple myself, not gray. They look awesome, but just be advised that they are nowhere near gray in color.
The mirrored lens isn't as pronounced.
Julbo outfitted the Density with a ventilation port in the center of the lens. This does help increase airflow, and, in conjunction with the anti-fog coating on the inside of the lenses, they do an admirable job of keeping fog away. Alas, they aren't perfect and I can fog them up -- especially during a photo break on a trail run. Surprisingly, they do take a little longer to clear up once moving again.
While most lenses can be cleaned by breathing on the lens and wiping with the included sunglasses bag. The anti-fog treatment on the inside of the lenses is really "sticky." In fact, it has so much texture that the only reliable way to clean the inside of the lenses is by placing them under the faucet to rinse them and then drying them with the baggie.
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