CÉBÉ have produced a highly effective item of solar protection eyewear in these Drift Photochromic Sunglasses, writes Mike Gormley.
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Until recently I was not an enthusiastic sunglasses wearer, never have been, but these have transformed my use of ‘shades’. This is definitely a very good thing as my optician recently told me I should be using them more.
I was offered these sunglasses to try at the recent OTS (Outdoor Trade Show) event and was very quickly converted to wearing them in the sunny weather we had in early June. The following days gave me many, and varied, opportunities to make full use of these as we walked around Liverpool on bright sunny evenings after the expo then went walking in the Peak District and also did a lot of driving. Back home, I was out on the water again and going about general life in mostly fine bright weather.
I immediately noticed how quickly the photochromic lens version of the CÉBÉ Drift glasses allow the wearer to move from bright sun to shade, or even into a dark building, without having to remove the glasses. This photochromic capability is more or less immediate and amazingly fast. I have in the past had other such sunglasses but the time taken to adjust was really quite slow, too slow, so I ended up taking them on and off. With these Drifts I find I put them on and more or less forget them, which is perfect.
I find these sunglasses fit very well and stay on and in position whatever I am doing, so again perfect for when active. The nose supports are soft feel and moulded on, so comfortable and keep the Drifts in place very well. My only slightly adverse comment with these is they only come with a soft cover and not a more protective case they are not protected when not in use.
¤ The nosepiece is both comfortable and keep the Drifts in place [© MG]
Since I have had these, I use them for most day-to-day activities if it is sunny or just bright, and this has included walking, boating and cycling. This model is the Matt Black frame with Drift Vario Grey Cat 1 to 3 lenses. The lens colour, to me, is spot-on as it does not in general change the colour of what you are looking at but just takes the edge of the brightness. There is a useful amount of flexibility in the construction, which clearly aids comfort as well as durability, but still allows them to stay on without any issues. The lenses are made from polycarbonate so will offer good physical, as well as 100% UV, protection; they are not, however, intended to offer ballistic protection.
You don’t see ‘Made in Mauritius’ very often, but I guess it is sunny out there in the Indian Ocean ~ well at least it was when I was there many years ago.
The Drift model is offered with eight lens variations, including Polarised, but I have to say I really like this combination of both frame and lens colour plus I am told they look smart. Happy sunny days!
[images © Jean or Mike Gormley]
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