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When it comes to shifting, Shimano is one of the absolute big players on the market. What many people don't realise: In addition to excellent shoes, the Japanese also have a large range of cycling clothing and accessories. Only recently we were able to present the two Distanza long-distance bib shorts (for men) and Eleganza (for ladies) test. Shimano sent us the new Equinox 5 for our sports eyewear test. It is the mid-range model from the Japanese company and, in addition to the self-tinting version, is also available in five other versions with standard lenses. The frame of the Shimano glasses is made from bio-based plastic. The material, called Rilsan, is also used in the glasses from BBB (Valor) and Rudy Project (Astral Sphere).
For just under 150 euros, the Equinox's equipment is modest. Only a transport bag is included in the scope of delivery. The glasses themselves have a rotating nosepiece, which at least allows them to be easily adjusted to the wearer. The temples are fixed, but pleasantly rubberised and slightly spring-loaded.
Wide range of applications
The wide windscreen starts without tinting and therefore offers good visibility even at dusk. Its shape is somewhat incomprehensible: The outer ends are slightly lower than the inner area, so although the Shimano Equinox protects the edge area well from draughts, there is a relatively large amount of air between the cheekbones and the windscreen.
The very short temples, which end at ear level, are also striking. This makes for a somewhat unusual wearing experience. Although the nose pads are softly rubberised, the narrower bridge of the nose in particular also rests against the rather angular frame of the goggles - which can be quite uncomfortable in the long run. Overall, the Shimano sits a little high and can therefore collide with lower helmets - be sure to try them out in combination. Narrow faces will probably be less happy with the Equinox 5, as the glasses look very wide.
The Shimano doesn't let the wind pass its wide disc from the side. On the other hand, the Shimano Equniox is less clean at the cheekbones. This is where it can get draughty when riding fast. Although the goggles do not tarnish at every opportunity, the Shimano only ranks in the midfield in terms of fog protection.
Unfortunately, things are even worse in terms of shifting speed. While you can change gears at lightning speed with the Shimano shifters, the disc takes a long time to tint. The tinting process is particularly slow. 12.3 per cent in 30 seconds? That's only good enough for last place in the test.
Shimano Equinox 5 - Info & Price
- Price: 149,95 Euro >> available here
- Made inTaiwan
- Weight: 27,3 g
- Width / temple length140 / 124 mm
- Nose bridge width / lens height: 17 / 54 mm
- Adjustability: none
- Filter colour / filter class: clear to grey / 0 - 3
- Light transmission measured: 78 - 8 %
- Fitnarrow to medium-wide, also for wide nose bridges
- Equipment / special featuresMicrofibre bag / none
- Alternatives: 5 frame and filter colours
Evaluation & conclusion
With its wide tint range, the Shimano is suitable for many lighting conditions. However, they react very slowly to changes in light. Thanks to the swivelling nose piece, they also fit wide nose bridges, but the short temples take some getting used to and provide little support. We liked the clear all-round view, but less the meagre features and the low level of anti-fog protection.
Stefan Frey
Editor
