sp3000

Has anyone used the I/O's with the Photochromic lens? I just got a pair and have tested it outside and I really can't see any change in the lens at all, not to mention it has a wicked reflection inside of the shiny red coating that really sucks.

linvillegorge

photochromic isn't instant

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sp3000

Yes I was aware of that, but I've left them out in the sun for a full 5 min and still see no noticeable change.

I'd like to hear from anybody with experience with these.

mojo maestro

I've got some Zeal's with a photochromatic lens. I thought one lens to do it all.....yeah, not so much. In flat light there is not enough contrast. As far as "changing" tint, it is really slow and almost unnoticeable.

tdn

My Zeal Z3's are amazing. I've used a lot of different goggles and they work great in everything I've experienced these past 23-24 days so far this season, except for very low light/night riding. They've never fogged even with my face mask under the goggles, comfortable with a wide range of vision. Then again, I didn't buy them thinking they were one lens to do it all.. more like one lens that handles the vast majority of conditions very well.

OP, how are you measuring the change? Keep the lens in a dark area for a while, go outside, snap a picture from the inside with the sun on the other end. Let them sit for a few minutes facing the sun, then snap a picture in similar fashion as before. Post up the two pictures. Or.. just ride them. The change should be very subtle but it's there and enough to make a difference. As for the reflection you're experiencing, wish I could help. Contact Smith.

sp3000

Thanks tdn, I'll do as you suggest, I'd love to ride in them but I'm in Australia and it's about 30 degrees C outside so not much snow! I'll be in Canada in March.

pdxrealtor

My buddy I ride with has Zeal PC lenses and he really likes them. We've ridden all kinds of conditions and I've never heard him complain.

mb889

I have them on my IOx. To be completely honest, I don't notice much difference. I think it may give a little difference in tint compared to the red sensor lens but that's it. I was a little disappointed in the fact that it doesn't seem to change very fast, if at all. I think smith makes a great product but I don't know if these lens are quite there yet. I wouldn't be happy if I paid $100 for the lens alone.
I don't really notice any reflection though unless I really try and look for it.

tdn

Well I can only speak for Zeal, as I have not used Smiths Photochromatic lens. If you aren't happy with them, definitely contact Smith. Any good company logs and appreciates feedback like this. If there's a problem, they'll eventually catch on but the sooner people speak up the quicker they can identify it and fix it.

Here's a video I found that kind of shows the change for a pair of Zeals.


Photochromatic, Polarized & Spherical Goggles by Zeal Optics - YouTube

Watch the whole thing or skip to the 50 second mark for a better comparison.

sp3000

cool, great video! Thanks again tdn! mb889, I think you have it nailed, it's a real shame as I thought the smith would be good especially based on the VLT specs 20-50%, it's more like 48-50%! I did pay $100 for the lens alone, amazon have refunded the money so it's not all bad but had I just been going a standard goggle I probably would have bought Oakley's.

If I do decide to go down the road of Photochromic again does anyone have experience with the POC? unfortunately in Australia I don't think anyone sells Zeal so I can't even try them on.