Hardly anything in biking has as much to do with lifestyle as the choice of glasses. That's the obvious. Less obvious: the supposedly overpriced styling accessories now have so many practical advantages that hardly any experienced biker wants to do without their favourite glasses. Ideally, they fit snugly and without slipping, do not fog up even in foggy and cold conditions and, of course, protect the eyes from UV radiation and flying particles as well as unwanted glare reflections.
The contrast enhancement also makes the world look like 4K. You may not necessarily need it, but you do want it, which is why many inexpensive glasses now also rely on this feature. All in all, the requirements are diverse and not every candidate in the premium segment above 200 euros is convincing. So how does the cheapest model of the new Alpina Sonic HR fare for just under half the price?
The facts about the Alpina Sonic HR Qlite MTB goggles
- Weight: 28.5 g
- Dimensions: 168 x 148 x 62 mm (length x width x height)
- Adjustable temple tips and nose bridge
- Price: 99,95 Euro
Alpina Sonic HR Qlite in review: details and workmanship
Not only the first impression is pleasing. The Alpina is cleanly manufactured, the main frame and the angular temples merge neatly into one another, and the metal finish of the TR 90 polyamide frame is also impressive. The rubber at the end of the temples and the nose wing gives a high-quality impression. Neither the lenses, frame nor rubber surfaces show any significant signs of wear after around six months. However, there are no special gimmicks or features on the Alpina. A small drawback: there are no interchangeable lenses or a hard case. The glasses only come with a microfibre bag for storage and a cleaning cloth. Unlike competitors such as Rudy ProjectAlpina has not yet opted for bio-based or recycled materials for the frame of the Sonic. Perhaps only a matter of time - Alpina and its sister company Uvex already offer a few products with bio-based and recycled materials.
The Alpina Sonic HR Qlite on the trail
The Alpina Sonic sits well on the nose in off-road terrain. The rubberised temples and nose wings hold the goggles securely in place, even with heavy shaking, without the goggles starting to pinch. Top: Even in bad weather, the Alpina hardly fogs up, but on the other hand allows pleasantly little draught under the goggles. Thanks to the wide design, the field of vision is ample and the high frame is virtually invisible. The disadvantage of this design is that the helmet collides easily with the goggles, especially when the front is pulled low. A few pairs even rattled annoyingly downhill. The protruding temples also easily came into contact with the helmet shell at the temples.
The mirrored lens proved to be scratch-resistant over the test period, but the Mirror Green lens is borderline dark for trail use. The green tint is easy to get used to, but those who are used to the orange and brown tones of many other contrast-enhancing lenses will find it a change. The contrast enhancement itself is also rather discreet, but some people still found patchy light unpleasant. Anyone who is bothered by this will have to reach for the Qlite's more expensive sisters. The Sonic HR Q for 150 euros enhances contrasts more and minimises glare, while the Sonic HR QV for 180 euros also has a self-tinting lens.
Strengths of the Alpina Sonic HR Qlite:
- Secure, comfortable fit
- Well processed
- fair price
Weaknesses of the Alpina Sonic HR Qlite:
- Wide, collides in part with helmets pulled low at the temple
- Tested Mirror Green lens quite dark, no interchangeable lenses
- Contrast enhancement could be stronger
- No hard case included in the scope of delivery
Conclusion: The Alpina Sonic HR Qlite MTB goggles in test
With the Sonic HR Qlite, Alpina shows that quality doesn't have to be expensive. The workmanship is excellent and the goggles still look like new even after six months. However, the wide, sweeping shape must fit the face and harmonise with the helmet. The Qlite lens with its unusual green tint falls somewhat short of the best on the market in terms of contrast enhancement and in dappled light. - Adrian Kaether, BIKE test editor
Adrian Kaether
Editor
