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Nike Show X2 with MAX Transitions Lens

Erinn Morgan July 2012

What It Is

The Nike MAX Transitions is an 8-base performance sunglass wrap paired with Transitions photochromic lenses, which automatically change lens tints to meet the needs of varying light conditions.

89

About The Gear Institue Rating
  • 95-100 Extremely high recommendation.
  • 90-94 Enthusiastically recommended. Exceptional.
  • 80-89 Highly recommended - few reservations.
  • 70-79 Recommended. Standard performance.
  • 60-69 Fair. Recommended for certain uses.
  • 50-59 Poor. Not recommended in general.
Click the rating number for detailed information.

The Good

The Bad

The Verdict

  • Highly convenient photochromic lens feature really does work.
  • Very comfortable for a variety of face shapes.
  • Stable on the face.
  • Fits nicely under a variety of helmets.
  • Move from a light tint indoors to bright, sunny conditions took slightly longer than preferred.
  • Classic performance shield design is noticeably conservative.

The photochromic focus is highly convenient for cyclists, particularly mountain bikers riding trails that move constantly from shaded woods to sunny, open meadows. While the change time from indoors to bright, sunny conditions was slightly longer than we’d liked, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantage.

Photochromic convenience equates to visual comfort. Not too many riders are getting off their bikes to pull out a case and swap out lenses for the simple light variations that can occur from minute to minute on the trail. So, the Nike MAX Transitions sunglass provides an entirely welcome new convenience in that regard.

While we really dig the photochromic adaptability of this unique sunglass, we did notice a lag time in lens tint changes moving from indoors to bright, sunny conditions. It took a minute or two to change from a light tint to a darker tint. It took even longer to realize a fully dark enough tint to deliver relief from the bright sun when stepping from indoors to outdoors. Once outdoors, however, the variation in tints happened much more quickly. This was a truly convenient feature.

Two lens tints are available for this sunglass, each offering different features. According to Nike Vision, the Nike MAX Transitions/Outdoor Tint has a green hue that brightens shadows, increases contrast, and enhances the visual spectrum of natural environments—like trails. The Golf Tint, for example, has a violet color designed to improve contour recognition on the green.

The Nike Show X2 also sports a fairly conservative look that might appeal to the more tech-oriented. But the design had noticeable stability, even when placed under a helmet and pointed downhill on highly technical trails. The Show X2 also has the convenience of customization; the gripping rubber temples and ventilated nose pads are adjustable.

How We Tested It

We used three testers (two male, one female) over three full days of mountain biking in Moab in sunny, blue sky light conditions and three more weeks of mountain bike rides in Durango, Colorado, in varying light conditions.

The products featured in this test have been loaned to the Gear Institute. For more on our policies regarding editorial objectivity and sample returns, see here.

 

About the Author

Erinn Morgan

Erinn Morgan

Erinn Morgan is a Durango, Colo.-based freelance journalist who has specialized in reporting on the sunglasses market since 1998, as the fashion and market editor at Eyecare Business, former editor-in-chief of 20/20 and FrameBuyer. She is currently editor of WomensMovement.com

Ratings

Lens Clarity

9
10

Helmet Compatability

5
10

Coverage / Wind Resistance

8
10

Fit / Comfort

8
10

Overall Performance

8
10

Value

  8
10

Gear Institute Rating (Total Score)

  89
100

Specs

  • Weight Verified?: Yes

Weight

25.5 grams

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