Sunglasses
Product 2021
Man
This Julbo Montebianco sunglasses are undeniably designed for high-altitude or even very high altitude. We tested them with the Reactiv High Mountain 2/4 lens. The lens is very protective out on the snow, you immediately notice its dark brown color, very comfortable in the strongest sunlight. Even if the lens is photochromic, which goes down to level 2 protection, you still have quite a significant tint. So, when you go into the shade, in the woods or dramatically bright to dark areas they are less pleasant, you need to concentrate more, or you just slide them up onto your head (or around your neck as the Julbo Montebianco come with a neck cord).
But the main aim of the Montebianco is to provide high UV protection, which it does perfectly.
There is no distortion on the edge of the lenses, or a darker tint (top/bottom). There is high-quality details.
Fogging up is very well managed, even with the side pieces: there’s enough ventilation. If you have a scarf across your nose, you can of course experience a bit f fogging up, but it’s just the odd moment.
We like the removable side protection pieces. Once they are put in, eye protection is even better. They can be removed in a jiffy and just as easily put back on. Once removed, where do you store them? We would have liked a special slot inside the semi-rigid case.
The other positive point concerns how light the Julbo Montebianco are: 30g alone, 33 with the cord, 107g with the semi-rigid case + textile cover. You totally forget you’re wearing them! On the other hand, you do feel the nose pressure: don’t tighten the cord too much if you choose this safety option. The Julbo Montebianco are delivered with a cord (silicone, rubber?) which is very practical because it prevents you from losing the sunglasses when you are on a rockface, on a rope, on a belay, or just at the bar! But, don’t tighten it too much because it puts pressure on the nose increases.
The Julbo Montebianco are designed for large faces, be careful if ordering them online. The sunglasses sit relatively well on your head. We would have liked a slightly softer and more grippy plastic on the arms at the temples (the ends) to provide a better grip.
Beyond the quality of the lenses, and therefore the protection, what we like most about these Julbo Montebianco are how tough they are. We don’t have the impression of having a fragile product where you feel like you may break an arm at the slightest knock inside your bag. The sunglasses are delivered with a classic textile storage case (we recommend slipping the cord or even the side protections in this) and another semi-rigid case. The latter is well designed, be careful to respect which way round they go inside. There’s a great long cord to be able to grab the zipper easily.
With UV protection that goes up to 4, the Julbo Montebianco are specially designed for high mountains and all very sunny environments in general, such as ski touring. These sunglasses offer great filtration and indisputable optical quality. Lightweight, strong, kitted with removable side pieces, a very well-designed lanyard and case, these Julbo win the Test4outside FIRST Award.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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