Adidas Evil Eye Evo Pro Vario 2016
Reviews / Glasses
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At A Glance
Adidas offer a mind-boggling array of sunglasses and eyewear for every type of activity and light conditions. With the Evil Eye Evo Pro, we have a very high-performance set of glasses designed specifically for mountain biking combined with the new Vario lens, which changes from fully clear to dark, meaning they could be the only pair you ever need. The list of features is impressive, with efforts to reduce fogging, and hydrophobic coating to magically stop the rain sticking to the lenses. The Tri-Fit adjustments allow for three leg positions, and the nose pads click easily into their various positions to tailor an excellent fit. The design also allows for compatibility with headwear, meaning helmet straps and cradles shouldn't interfere with the fit. The Evil Eye Pro also feature a removable sweat band on the bridge to keep any sweat out of your eyes while still allowing air to flow around the lenses. Available in a wide range of colours, and differing lens options, they also are ready to take a prescription insert for those who need them.
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On The Trail
As a glasses wearer, I spend much of my waking life in a pair of specs. Even when riding in contacts I have some form of eye protection or sunglasses on, so I felt well prepped for testing some high-end technology. First up, there is no getting away from the fact these are serious, and the look is one of a hardcore racer, rather than a lifestyle athlete, but this is precisely why they have been developed. These are not for popping down the pub garden.
The fit is excellent, the adjustment at the hinges and the nose pads allow for a snug fit, and there was no interference with any of the various helmets I wore. They have been exceptionally comfortable even when worn all day.
The biggest feature of these is the Vario lenses, which go from full dark to full clear faster than any other photochromic glasses I have used before. If you ride from full sun straight into the dark depths of the woods at high speed, then there may be trouble, but the change is so fast I rarely noticed much delay. They have been ideal for winter use, keeping dirt from my eyes, but always ready to keep the sun from my eyes if the weather improves. Racing in these has also been great, having confidence that the tint change will always keep my vision on point. If it is too bright, other lenses are available with polarising filters or blue light filters, but obviously, these are less versatile. With the range of lenses and frame colours, you can personalise your set-up.
Fogging has rarely been an issue other than warm and damp conditions with low wind. In these conditions, the sweatband was a bit much for me, and I found it increased the tendency to fog up, and once removed, the airflow improves. The hydrophobic coating is designed to make water droplets rounder on the lens, so they run off more easily, leading to clearer vision. Now while this was true for new lenses, the effect has perhaps diminished over the past months as the lenses have become more worn and scratches have occurred. Not matter how hard I try, I can never look after my glasses very well, and they end up scratched, despite the great case supplied, it's my own fault.
The Evil Eye Pro’s are ready for clip in inserts for prescription lenses, making them an ideal choice for people who wear glasses. These work best with a lower prescription than mine due to the lens curve, so I continued to use them with contact lenses, but there are also other options for prescription lenses in less curved models which is great to see. If the look is a little too race orientated, then check out the Tycane, another set of glasses, which while still sporty, give a more relaxed look.
Overall
It's hard to fault these, and they have become my go-to glasses for all my riding and racing. With a fantastic range covered with the Vario lens, they can handle every riding situation and give excellent protection. I would perhaps rather have a more relaxed shape frame for casual riding, but I would definitely want the Vario lens in for the mixed weather I ride in week in week out. These are the ultimate riding eyewear for the serious mountain biker.
This review was in Issue 43 of IMB.
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By Ewen Turner
Ewen Turner is a self-confessed bike geek from Kendal in the Lake District of England. He runs a coaching and guiding business up there and has a plethora of knowledge about bikes with an analytical approach to testing. His passion for bicycles is infectious, and he’s a ripper on the trails who prefers to fit his working life around his time on the bike.
