Seen at SIA: Panoptx
Jan 24, 2007 · 12:30 AM · permalink
Over at the Panoptx booth, I got to check out their Speed and Velocity lines of sunglasses. The frames are light, shapely, and come in some really nice finishes. Unlike some plastic frames, they also felt secure without any pressure points, and I was impressed with the explanation of Panoptx’s focus on optical quality.
But my interest was piqued in particular by the Velocity line—glasses with a removable eyecup. With eyecup in place, the glasses work much like a goggle, blocking wind and back reflection while providing venting. I love this idea—I can’t ski in sunglasses because the wind buffeting makes my eyes water, but I also have problems with fogging which the removable eyecup (as well as anti-fog coating) would seem to address. At the same time, there are plenty of times when I would love to ditch the goggles and ski with a little less bulk.
Panoptx Velocity line could be the ticket.
I really like that removable eyecup too. I recently bought some new sunglasses, but they don’t fit my face really well and I’m suffering the same wind buffeting problems that you mentioned.
It would be really cool to have some something like these Panoptx, because then I could use them for skiing, and then remove the cup and use them underneath my motorcycle helmet too. (I love being able to use gear for multiple activities. It cuts down on storage needs around the house.)
I just checked out the Panoptx web page. I’m curious how the foam of the eye cup feels against your face. I also wonder how long it would take to break down in our intense sun.
Jackson at Panoptx was telling me that motorcycling is one of their major markets, and the velocity series is designed with that in mind. So, they’re thinking the same thing too (though I think they mean for you to leave the eyecup in when you’re on a motocycle).
The eyecup is surprisingly comfortable and though it felt different, I could tell it’s something you’d adapt to quickly.
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