Sunglasses put to the test: Colour changers - 14 self-tinting glasses

A chameleon changes colour as it pleases. When exposed to strong sunlight, the animals turn a bright colour and reflect the incident light. Brightly coloured, they attract attention when looking for a mate. When the temperature drops, they use dark colours to recharge their batteries. With the constantly changing light conditions off-road, we bikers could also make good use of such a function. Our eyes are often overwhelmed by the rapid changes between light and shade. But there is an adequate solution to this problem: self-tinting or photochromic sunglasses are the chameleons among sports glasses. They use a chemical process to adapt their tint to the intensity of the UV radiation and thus ensure consistently good vision.

Overview: the 14 glasses in the test

• 100% Hypercraft >> available here
• Alpina Turbo Pro V >> available here
• BBB Valor PH
• Evil Eye Trailsense II
• Giant Agos
• Julbo Intensity >> available here
• Oakley Radar Plate >> available here
• Poc Aspire >> available here
• Rudy Project Astral Sphere >> available here
• Shimano Equinox 5 >> available here
• Smith Shift Split Mag >> available here
• Sweet Protection Memento RIG Photochromatic >> available here
• Uvex Sportstyle 235 V >> available here
• Van Rysel RR 900 Perf >> available here

Slow adaptation to shady conditions

Unfortunately, switching from clear to dark and back again is not possible at the touch of a button - and this is also the biggest shortcoming of the self-tiners. While most glasses darken by just under half within ten seconds, lightening takes considerably longer: even good models take a minute or more to clear up again to some extent. Because the human eye takes a long time to get used to the dark, when you enter a shady wooded area from full light, you are initially in the dark - not without danger when travelling at full speed.

I want goggles that range from level 0 to 3 because I want to be able to wear them in bad weather. Glasses for every use! Category 0 to 2 is usually not enough for me in terms of darkening, especially because the chemical process often doesn't work optimally in summer when it's hot. - Laurin Lehner, BIKE editor

Technology with pitfalls

The weather also plays a role: the molecules react more quickly in cold weather and more slowly in hot weather. This can lead to the tint being too weak in summer and too strong in winter. The technology hardly works in cars, as windscreens filter UV radiation. It is also important to remember that dark is not always better. If you are looking for a pair of glasses for everything, you should not choose a tint that is more than 20 per cent darker at the beginning or models that start at category 0, as this means you can still drive at dusk.

>> Self-tinting sunglasses 2024: 14 cycling glasses with photochromic lenses put to the test

Many models with contrast enhancement

A lot has changed, especially when it comes to filter colours. Whereas until a few years ago, most glasses only changed from clear to grey, many manufacturers now have filters in their range that are tinted in contrast-enhancing red or violet - a relief for the eyes in cloudy weather or overcast skies. The lenses from Evil Eye and Julbo are particularly impressive here. With them, the trail appears as colourful as a chameleon in mating garb, even on dull days.

Proper care is also important! Please do not rub the lens too much, otherwise the darkening will suffer. Wash your glasses under running water and let them dry or rub them with a clean cloth. AND: The glasses must look good on you, so don't just order them, but always try them on first. - Dimitri Lehner, BIKE Editor

All test results at a glance

The differences between the individual test candidates are huge. The prices range from a favourable 89.99 euros for the Van Rysel sunglasses (Decathlon) to 315 euros for the Shift Split Mag from Smith. Giant shows that price does not necessarily determine quality: the Agos comes with a wide range of features and also impresses in the laboratory with quick adjustment to changing light conditions. Those looking for particularly lightweight glasses will find what they are looking for at 100% or Julbo. The Evil Eye Trailsense II offers the best compromise of all the features - albeit at a hefty price of €299.

Let's be honest: who really changes the lenses on their sunglasses? With most glasses, you're more afraid of breaking the lenses and then the annoying fingerprints! For me, there is only one option when cycling: self-tinting sunglasses with a contrast-enhancing filter with category 0 to 3. - Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor

Changing the tint - how it works

The automatic darkening of photochromic or photochromic glasses is based on silver compounds melted into the panes or applied as a layer. These molecules change their chemical structure on contact with UV radiation. In the unexcited state, the molecules are almost invisible and are only noticeable through a slight basic tint. When irradiated, however, they increase their surface area and open up like the petals of a flower. The glass becomes darker. When the UV radiation decreases, the molecules return to their original shape. The speed and intensity of the darkening also depends on the temperature. The colder the temperature, the faster the process takes place and the darker the glass becomes. Foggy winter days can therefore pose a problem. Because UV radiation can also be strong in fog, the lenses can sometimes become too dark.

Good to know: Filter classes of sunglasses at a glance

From completely clear to quite dark - these filter categories are available for sunglasses:

Filter category 0

• Suitable for cloudy days and twilight
• Glare protection: up to 20 % of the light is absorbed

Filter category 1

• Suitable for overcast days
• Glare protection: up to 57 % of the light is absorbed

Filter category 2

• Suitable for summer days in our latitudes (Central Europe)
• Glare protection: up to 82 % of the light is absorbed

Filter category 3

• Suitable for holidays in the snow, in the mountains and by the sea in southern Europe
• Glare protection: up to 92 % of the light is absorbed

Filter category 4

• Suitable for stays in high mountains or on glaciers - unsuitable for driving!
• Glare protection: up to 97 % of the light is absorbed

This is how we tested

Self-tinting (40 per cent)

To measure self-tinting, we simulate sunlight with a UV lamp. Under a defined illuminance and corresponding UV radiation, the initial brightness and tinting process are recorded at regular intervals. The speed and degree of subsequent brightening (relative to the extent of darkening within two minutes) are evaluated.

Visibility & protection (25 per cent)

In addition to the size of the lenses and any interfering frame parts in the field of vision, we tested the protective effect of the goggles (in bike position, with helmet) in front of a fan with a wind speed of around 60 km/h.

Fit & comfort (25 per cent)

We check the fit of the glasses on several test subjects, as well as their adaptability and whether any annoying edges cause pressure points.

Equipment (10 per cent)

The addition of the individual points for scope of delivery (such as case, textile bag, additional interchangeable lens, lens coatings) and construction (adjustability of temples and nose pad, any extras).