Adidas Zonyk Pro Glasses

Josh Ross

A review of the Adidas Zonyk Pro Glasses.

At the end of February, I previewed the Adidas Zonyk Pro cycling glasses, and since then, I’ve been testing them. It has taken a while, but Portland has begun to see the sun on a regular basis, so I’ve finally had a chance to use them in a variety of settings.

The Adidas Zonyk Pro glasses

When I previewed them, one of the things I was most excited about was that they are photochromic lenses. These glasses are designed to overcome limitations of lesser glasses using similar tech. Namely, they were meant to transition super fast while also having a mirrored look.

Over the last two months, I have spent a considerable amount of thought energy attempting to devise ways of testing the amount to which the lenses transition. The human eye is really quite an amazing piece of equipment. The amount to which your eyes will adjust to changing conditions makes it incredibly difficult to notice small changes in lighting. If I start inside with the glasses on, then walk outside and I can still see, what does that mean? How do I get objective about it? I even considered using a photographic light meter to attempt to give exact numbers.

Adjustable arms mean you can get the fit spot on

At the end of the day, though, I realised it didn’t much matter. I don’t believe it’s important to tell you exactly how much they transition or how fast. What is important is how it affects everyday use. On that front, what I can tell you is that it’s a rather subtle change. It’s subtle enough that it’s really difficult to detect, but it’s just enough that it allows you to continue wearing them in a much wider variety of lighting than you otherwise would.

I think part of that subtlety is caused by the LST technology on the matte black, coal, frames with the purple lenses. LST stands for Light Stabilizing technology and it’s designed for “sports that takes you in and out of shaded areas.” In practice, I find it means I can better see the subtleties in the pavement. I believe it also means the lenses, even when allowing a good amount of light to pass through them, hold a fairly strong amber tint.

For the type of riding I do, this is a good thing. I really never venture out in the dark, and I’d rather have a more subtle shifting of the lenses, with increased contrast, as opposed to a less contrast enhancement but a lens that goes very clear. If you have different needs, and want a lens that goes closer to clear, I’d recommend taking a look at one of the other lens options as there are a variety of options available.

The other standout feature of the Zoynk Pro frames is the sweat bar. I’m happy to say that no long explanation is needed in this section. The bar works, and it works very well. It doesn’t stop every drop on a hot day, but it does a really good job of keeping sweat off the lenses. Not only that, but the bar is removable for cleaning. It’s not something I think you’ll need to do, just give it a rinse while still on the glasses, but it is exceedingly easy, just a few easy snaps, should you decide you need to do so.

The nose piece is also adjustable

Running into someone who is using something I’m reviewing is one of my favorite things. I always spend time interviewing them all about whatever it might be. On a recent hill climb event, there was a woman who had the Solar Red Zoynk Pro, and when I asked her about them, what she said was very telling. She had no idea that they were available in a photochromic version. Instead she went on and on about how much she loved the sweat bar.

In the end, that’s how I’d recommend looking at these. The vario feature, at least on the amber lenses I was testing, is subtle. It’s definitely there, and it seems to happen quickly, but it’s more about extending the range of usability versus being the only lens you’d ever need no matter how dark the riding conditions. If you are looking for a drastic change, it’s likely you’ll be disappointed. It is useful in the end but not dramatic.

The sweat bar can be removed for cleaning

The sweatband on the other hand, is a bit of design genius. Beyond the headline features, you’ll also find tons of adjustability with two different sizes of frames as well as the ability to tilt the position of the arms in relation to the lenses. The nose is adjustable as well. These are comfortable, easily adjustable glasses with a couple of cool design features, and they work extremely well.

At a price of around $230, and a weight of roughly 35 grams, these are into the premium level of cycling glasses that are available, but the technology and design they carry is fitting for that level product.

Adidas

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