Performance-Enhancing VISION

What makes today's sports eyewear tick? In a word—technology. High-tech features packed into frames and lenses offer sports participants the performance-enhancing edge they crave. ECPs can wow their clientele with everything from groundbreaking, new lens-swapping systems to the fastest-changing photochromics. And while technology reigns supreme, sports eyewear consumers still demand a modicum of style, and manufacturers deliver on this passion for fashion. Here, a roundup of the hottest tech trends (all wrapped in stylish packages) that are brand new to the sports eyewear market.

Losing Weight

Every gram counts for some sports enthusiasts, and new options such as Smith Optics' PivLock V90 Max are supremely lightweight. This rimless shield also boasts a removable nosepiece and hinges for seamless lens swapping. Also looking to shave weight, Maui Jim recently Introduced the MauiFlex™ collection. It breaks new ground with an ultra-light titanium-nickel memory metal that bounces back to its original shape, even with aggressive performance wear.

Pure Protection

For those looking to add a protective sports goggle to their gear cache, Hilco® offers the Metrix™, perfect for basketball, tennis, racquetball, squash, and soccer. Available in junior and adult sizes, Metrix's unique standard Rx lens design gives the illusion of an 8-base wraparound sports goggle. Its patented SprinGuard™ lens retention system also outperforms standard “V” safety bevels and its patented LENS-LOK™ center-opening eye rim simplifies lens insertion.

Lens Swapping

The ease of the swap is key with interchangeable lenses, and several manufacturers have debuted innovative systems. At Oakley, Switchlock™ is a new quick-release-operated system that eliminates lens stress and, thus, optical distortion. Switchlock is featured in Oakley's new FastJacket, which also delivers a Three-Point Fit.

Winner of the 2011 RedDot Design Award, the adidas Eyewear Evil Eye Halfrim Pro has a patented lens swapping system that works by simply pushing back a side retaining clip on the frame front. The lightweight SPX™ Evil Eye also features Light Stabilizing Technology, which compensates for light variations.

Lens Love

With newer, fast-changing technology in play, photochromic lenses are being scooped up by sports participants for everything from skiing to cycling. Rudy Project meets this demand with its new ImpactX™ Photochromic Laser Racing Red lens, which employs latest-generation, more temperature-stable photochromic pigments.

At Kaenon, high-tech polarization is evident in its lineup of patented SR-91 lenses, including Grey, Copper, and Yellow tints plus four levels of light transmission (12, 28, 35, and 50). SR-91® is an innovative, proprietary lens material that combines the optical clarity of glass and the light weight, strength, and impact resistance of polycarbonate.

To the Max: (from top) Oakley Fastjacket with Switchlock lens swapping, Hilco's Metrix protective sports goggle, and Rudy Project's ImpactX Photochromic Laser Racing Red Lens