Goggles
Product 2021
Woman, Man
We tested the Julbo Quickshift Reactiv Photochromic mask with a protective spectrum of 1 to 3. With this lens, the price goes up to 194.90 euros, so it is a top-end product. Do you get what you pay for? And are they comparable to competing products, including Oakley and Smith?
The Julbo Quickshift Reactiv Photochromic goggles have a special feature: the Switch Air System. These are two removable pieces – drop-outs – at the bottom of the frame. Once removed, you have more air circulation in the goggles, which is useful when hiking or ski touring if you want to keep your goggles on and not take out sunglasses. The system is quite well designed, the two parts are easily removed because they are mounted on two small magnets. You can move them in the blink of an eye. Putting back them back is just as easy.
The crucial question remains: what do you do with the removed parts? Do you put them in your jacket pocket or backpack, would they get lost or not? Also, be careful not to lose them when you’re wearing the goggles, on the helmet or slipped into a pocket: the parts may unclip. On the other hand, when you grab the Julbo Quickshift Reactiv Photochromic with gloves on to take them off, to slip it onto the helmet, you don’t risk losing them or any discomfort. If we summarize, the advantage of these goggles is you can wear them in the ascent (who wears goggles usually on the way up?) And not to have to bring your sunglasses too. This option is all the more feasible as the photochromic lens covers a wide spectrum of light conditions: from 1 to 3.
The Julbo Quickshift Reactiv Photochromic has a fast reaction when it comes to adapting to different light levels. You can really say that this lens can be used anywhere (except high altitude in very harsh sunlight). It manages going from bright light to dark suddenly really well, as well as when the sun is lowdown. We didn’t like the interior reflections much though, a phenomenon that is accentuated by the lens’ red tint. The goggles fit easily under the helmet.
The Julbo Quickshift Reactiv Photochromic’s foam padding is comfortable, thick and adapts to different face shapes. The triple thickness allows you to play between flexibility and hold.
The goggles don’t squeak. The adjustment strap doesn’t slip on the helmet and the double adjustment can be done even with gloves on.
We liked the fact that under the frameless mask exterior, Julbo kept a thin layer of plastic on the top and the bottom of the lens (it doesn’t stick out): this avoids you scratching the goggles when you bang your head on your skis, or when wearing them vertically when you queue up for the cable car.
Important note: the Julbo Quickshift Reactiv Photochromic can be bought with different types of lenses. They come with a semi-rigid textile protective bag.
The Julbo Quickshift Reactiv Photochromic goggles provide great ventilation when going uphill thanks to the Switch Air System: two drop-outs allow air intake. For those who have no use for this option, the Julbo remains a great all-rounder, and protective product.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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