JULBO VENTURI – SLEEK PERFORMANCE!
Julbo have been making optical sports wear since 1888. I tested the Julbo Venturi whilst recently in Portugal. A pair of sunglasses might seem like a simple object but Julbo listen to their athletes and design sleek looking glasses that not only look good but also provide unbeatable performance.
Out of the box statistics
- Colours – Blue/Green, Matt Black/Grey, White/Green, Matt Black/Red, Matt Black/Blue, Shiny Black/Grey
- Weight – 30grms
- Grip Tech – inserts at stem end for comfort
- Curved Wrapping Temples – shaped for hold
- Panoramic – wide lens surface for broad vision
- 3D Fit Nose – adjustable in every direction to ensure perfect fit
Price
£80
Field test
I have just returned from a vacation in Portugal where I did a fair bit of running, sightseeing and relaxing on the beach. I know… its a tough life! I took a pair of Venturi’s as my go to pair of sunglasses having just been given them by Julbo. Now I am torn between the Julbo Trail and these cracking pair of sunglasses.
As you would expect in late summer early autumn in Portugal there is still fair bit of sun and the Venturi’s performed excellently whether I was out for my morning run or on the beach with the family.
Let’s start with the fit. Julbo have this nailed. On the Venturi you have the ability to flex the nose grip to get a perfect fit with their 3D Fit Nose technology. The arms can be adjusted to make sure that they sit properly and have the best hold.
Now for what I think is the best feature, Julbo have got the best lens around. They call it Zebra Light it adjusts the lens brightness instantly. So you know when you are running in bright sunlight and then suddenly drop into shade, its usually takes a few seconds to adjust but the Venturi crack on with it instantly.
Also, with their anti-fog ability there is none of that awful misting up that means you have to wipe them or wait for them to clear. The little side vents on the lens help with this – a neat little feature that aids ventilation but does nothing to the overall panoramic vision which by the way is superb.
At 30grms these glasses are lightweight and after having worn them for long runs of 2 – 3 hours and then most of the day they were a delight to wear.
These glasses come in a range of cool colours but also have degrees of photochromic categories to tailor towards the sports and activities i.e. trail running, mountain biking, climbing, cross country skiing (cat 2 to 4) or all purpose (Cat 1 to 3).
The glasses also come in a protective case and sleeve, great for when you are travelling. At around £80 they are not necessarily cheap but you wouldn’t expect them to be if you know the heritage and investment that goes into developing them.
All images copyright – Ian Campbell – Photography