Adidas Sport Eyewear launched its first bike-specific goggles, the Evil Eye, just in time for the turn of the millennium. The glasses were presented with a bang on the brand new Evil Eye Trail on the Geißkopf. The look of the goggles was at least as aggressive as the first Northshore Trail in Germany at the time.
Since the first Evil Eye, time has of course not stood still and after numerous updates and sister models, Adidas Sport Eyewear has now launched a completely new model on the market. The Zonyk Pro is taking on a heavy legacy and attracts bikers with its wide field of vision and numerous customisation options. We tested the Zonyk Pro in size L, with almost unpronounceable LST Bright Vario Purple Mirror filters.
Adidas Sport Eyewear Zonyk Pro: technical data
- Weight: 36 grams, including sweat catcher
- Removable sweat catcher
- Double temples, triple adjustable nose wings
- Easy lens change thanks to lens lock system
- Ventilation integrated in the frame
- Filter: purple mirrored and self-tinting
- Light transmission: 13 % - 62 %
- Sizes: S and L (test size L)
- Scope of delivery: glasses, case, bag/cleaning cloth, larger nose bridge
Price: 249 Euro
Adidas Zonyk Pro - retro look meets modern function
With its upbeat retro look, the massive Zonyk Pro is guaranteed not to appeal to everyone. Especially because the huge filters are likely to look somewhat disproportionate on narrow faces. However, if the new sports glasses suit you, you can get a well-designed pair of full-frame glasses from 199 euros (the Zonyk Pro is available in nine different colours).
The nose bridge can be adjusted in two positions and the temples can be adjusted in three different heights. The filters can be changed quickly and easily using the so-called Lens Lock System. In practice, this works well but not without smudging the filters with your fingers. Fortunately, a bag that acts as a cleaning cloth is included in the sturdy plastic case.
With our model, the purple Vario filters make changing the lenses superfluous - as long as you are not travelling in complete darkness. The light transmission of 13 to 62 per cent covers a spectrum that is completely sufficient for bikers. The LST technology (Light Stabilizing Technology) is intended to act as a colour equaliser and enhance primary colours. This should not only improve colour perception, but also increase contrasts. On top of this, the Pro version comes with a foam temple to keep beads of sweat away from the eyes. Now that's something we can't wait to see.
The Zonyk Pro on the trail
At 36 grams, the Zonyk Pro is not exactly a lightweight. However, once the nose bridge and temples have been adjusted, they fit like a glove and are almost forgotten after just a few metres. Even on rough descents, the Zonyk sits securely and without wobbling. The horizontally very strongly curved filters offer an outstanding field of vision. You have to work really hard to even notice the frame of the Zonyk. During the test, we almost exclusively used the lowest setting for the brilene bars. This effectively keeps the wind out of your eyes and only a gentle breeze blows around your cheekbones. The optional sweatband has long been available as an Adidas Sport Eyewear accessory. On particularly hot days, it effectively keeps sweat away from the eyes. However, as it clashed quite strongly with the tester's eyebrows, we usually wore the Zonyk without the sweat catcher.
The slightly contrast-enhancing filters provide a clear image of the surroundings and bathe the trail in a pleasantly warm light. The change from light to dark works within a few seconds in the test and is not the least bit noticeable in practice. However, if you ride out of the glaring sun into a dark wooded area, the filters need a little time to equalise. However, bikers are used to this with vario filters and there is the option of switching to single-colour filters. The fact that the Zonyk only fogs up late, even in humid conditions, is probably partly due to the small ventilation channels incorporated into the robust frame.
Conclusion: stylish look, wide field of vision and good customisation options: The new model from Adidas Sport Eyewear performs superbly in the test. The high-quality lenses offer high-contrast and clear vision in almost all light conditions. The sweat catcher is a nice and effective accessory, but does not fit all faces. Changing the lenses is easy, but not without a scratch.
Pro
- huge field of vision and high wearing comfort
- Good customisation options
- High-quality filters
- Reliable protection from wind and objects
- Large selection of colours and filters (also available without sweat trap)
Contra
- Very expensive
- Slow change from dark to light
Stefan Frey
Editor
