Both versions tackle a familiar problem: on a ride, covered forest tracks, shady singletrack and open, sunny sections can alternate. Yet the lenses solve this problem in different ways. Anyone who thinks of ‘photochrom’ as a virtually clear lens should take a closer look at the specifications for Iris Gold.
Plum: a rich shade for grey days
According to SunGod’s product announcement, the new 8KO Plum is a high-contrast lens with a fixed filter category of 2. It transmits 31 per cent of visible light. The tint therefore does not change when clouds roll in or the trail leads into the woods. The improved visibility of roots or uneven ground is a claim made by the manufacturer, not the result of a BIKE test.
In practice, this means that if you mainly cycle in even light, you don’t need to wait for the tint to change. However, in very dark woodland or towards the end of a late autumn ride, even with the ‘Plum’ tint, only 31 per cent of light gets through. Our test shows just how much the base tint determines the lens’s range of use: A comparison of 14 pairs of photochromic cycling glasses. In particular, brightness in shaded sections was a key factor there.
Iris Gold: variable, but not clear
According to the manufacturer, the photochromic 8KO Iris Gold covers categories 1 to 3: at its lightest, light transmission is 47 per cent; at maximum tint, it is 11 per cent. This makes it more versatile than the Plum model when a ride alternates between woodland and open country. However, Category 1 does not mean ‘clear’: even at its lightest, the lens blocks more than half of the visible light.
When it comes to rapid transitions from sunlight to deep shade, how quickly the lens lightens again is also crucial. SunGod does not specify a specific reaction time for the new Iris Gold lens in its product announcement. With other photochromic models, our Comparing sunglasses on the trail, that lightening may take longer than darkening. The times measured there cannot be applied to SunGod. How a lens with a lighter initial state performs in the field is described, for example, by the Practical test of the 100% Slendale Photochromic.
Models, UV protection and price
According to SunGod, both lens options are designed for the Ultras Air, FORTY2s, Velans 2 and Vulcans Vent models. They are based on 8KO nylon technology. The manufacturer claims that they offer advantages over polycarbonate in terms of weight, optical quality and impact resistance. SunGod states that both variants offer full UV protection and a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. We do not have any independent test results for the new lenses. Further information on the glasses and lenses is available on the SunGod website.
The starting price is 170 euros, with no price list provided for the individual frame and lens combinations. Anyone looking for an even lighter base tint as an alternative can choose the Alpina Turbo Air V with the specified range S0 to S3 consider.
Background on SunGod
SunGod was founded in the UK in 2013 through a crowdfunding campaign and develops sports glasses for various disciplines, including cycling. The company has offices in London and Verbier, Switzerland. SunGod is certified as a B Corp and received the King’s Award for Sustainable Development in 2023.
What would be more important to you on autumn trails: consistent contrasts or a shade that changes automatically? Let us know in the comments!
Marc Strucken
Editor
