Review: PIVLOCK V90 Sunglasses from Smith Optics

I have been a huge fan of sunglasses with interchangeable lenses because I wear glasses for 2 reasons. First, is to protect my eyes for the bright sun shine which the tinted lenses work great for. The second and most important reason is to protect my eyes from flying bugs or debris. For years I have been riding with a pair of AXIS Smith glasses with interchangeable lenses and I have loved them. I have 3 different lenses: a clear for riding at night, rose for overcast and brown for sunny days. The lens colors do not distort the natural colors; they just moderate the light with their tint. The lenses are fairly easy to change out and have never fallen out on a ride.  I really like the light weight of the frames and lenses and the comfortable way they grip my head. Once I put them on they never have to be adjusted during a ride.

I recently tried a new pair of Smith glasses; the PIVLOCK V90’s and I love them. There are a number of things that I like about them. First and foremost is that there are no blind spots. I didn’t realize this until I started riding with them. My AXIS glasses have got a thin frame across the top of the glasses to hold the lenses but I noticed that when I am down in the drop position on my handle bars I have a blind spot where the frame is and I do not have a full field of view. When I put on the PIVLOCK glasses all blind spots are gone. The new PIVLOCK glasses fit higher and protected my eyes more from the top with no blind spots. Alternatively, my AXIS glasses nearly touch my cheek and stop light from reflecting up from the ground. I love both of these glasses but these subtle differences made a big difference when I am on my bike and I prefer the PIVLOCK glasses.

The nosepiece and ear/temple piece snap on and off to change the lenses.

The PIVLOCK glasses offer a unique lens changing system as the lens is an integral part of the frame. The Temple and ear portion of the lens simply rotates up to capture or release the lens when changing the lens. The nose piece is simple as well. I had a little trouble removing it the first time as I was not sure if it should just pinch or pinch and rotate the noise piece. I found both methods work just fine. Replacing the noise piece is simple as it just snaps in. I would have to say that it is easier to change these lenses out than my AXIS lenses. They just snap neatly into place.

Both of these glasses are very light weight, but the PIVLOCK are lighter and more comfortable. They are definitely an upgrade for me and for the type of riding I do. They are very comfortable and stylish and extremely functional and best of all: they come in an awesome case.

Another Recommendation: I just met endurance mountain biking champion, Rebecca Rusch last night. She wears these particular glasses for training and racing and she loves them!

To see Smith Optics website–go here.