Product Review: Specialized Chicane Sunglasses

MODEL NAME: SPECIALIZED Chicane Optics

PRODUCT OPTIONS: Metallic Blue, Black, Bronze, Yellow, Midnight (as shown right and worn by me)

Description from online source: The ChicaneÂ’s larger frame design and exclusive trail specific lens formulation suits both shaded woods and exposed single track. As with the other optics, the vented design prevents fogging.

• Adaptalite technology is used on Apache helicopter windshields. Instead of photochromatics which change tint levels by applying a coating over the glasses, Adaptalite is built into thelense so it cannot be rubbed off, smudged or suffer from detoriation with age.

• Specialized AdaptaliteTM lenses adapt to varying ambient UV levels, providing optimal performance in low to bright light conditions without having to change lenses.

• By varying the amount of light transmission, AdaptaliteTM lenses maximize comfort without sacrificing optical clarity.

• AdaptaliteTM lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection throughout the full range of light transmission.

• Adaptalitelense will adjust toambientt conditions in about 15 seconds.

• AdaptaliteTM NXTTM lenses are 10-20% lighter than other plastic lenses.

• Exclusive Mountain Lens formulation works in low light to bright conditions.

• Vented design prevents fogging.

• Lens and frame angles are designed for cycling-specific application in the riding position.

• Larger frame and lens provides more coverage.

See the lens in action. Click on the glasses in frame to move through the course.

My personal review: The search for the mythical "end-all-be-all" of sunglasses came a little closer to reality when I bought these. I originally thought the lens would change tint from clear to dark based on lighting conditions. I have since found that the lens color stays fairly consistent but the technology allows the lens to lighten or darken as needed very quickly, meaning that indoors or low light outdoors I can look in a mirror and see my eyes, bright light or outdoor sunlight I cannot.

I have worn these in every conceivablee condition; pitch dark, twilight, sunrise, overcast, bright cloudless days, indoors at low light restaurants, shopping and finally working on my computer. In every instance I have been pleasantly surprisedd at how adaptable they are.

The lenses definitely highlight specific colors like red and green. Compared to my dressy Calvin Kleins and my Aruba orange iriduims, these are not a dark lens, more of a bronze, which at first made me question their ability since I have based my likes and dislikes first on form then on darkness. After trying many styles I found the Chicane gave me the most coverage, as all the other Adaptalite models had large gaps either at the top or bottom based on my face shape.

Many times I have taken all my sunglasses and rapidly changed them out on my face while looking at an object. Each time, regardless if I want them too or not, the Chicanes have provided better clarity of what I am looking at.

Con: Price $149, gappage top and bottom.
Pro: can be worn in any condition at any time. Unlike the road frames, the Chicane is stylish enough to wear as an indoor frame and not look so obviously like sunglasses.

Bottom Line: Sunglasses are all about Form and Function. If you find a model of Specialized Adaptalites that fit your face without gappage, I give you a strong buy recommendation, the cost offsets needing multiple purchases for varying circumstances.