On your mark, lens set, go!

Which Julbo lenses are right for you?

Wearing lenses that can perform under different conditions is critical in outdoor
environments, or when you’re driving through those environments. You need the right
lens for the situation, or, at the very least, a lens set that allows you to be covered under
variable conditions.
Julbo NXT® lenses offer the best optical quality, are light and unbreakable, and
provide enduring strength and resistance to solvents. These lenses costs a bit more than
Julbo’s Spectron lenses, but they may be what you need if you want one bomber pair that
can adjust to changing light and survive the crazy conditions you encounter in your sport.
NXT Technology was developed in the 1990’s when the U.S. Army required
a lightweight transparent material that would provide ballistic protection without
compromising optical performance. I am not even sure what “ballistic” means, but it
sounds super tough. Check out http://www.nxt-vision.com/ to learn more about this
amazing technology.
The following Julbo NXT lenses are all photochromatic, meaning, they have
sunglass superpowers that allow them to adjust to the appropriate protection level for the
amount of light present. Any of these would be awesome for those who play/explore in
constantly varying light conditions.

Zebra: The anti-fog coating is a huge plus for intense, high-sweat activities;
recommended for mountain biking, hiking, trail running and climbing.

Zebra Light: New in 2011, the Zebra Light goes one step further: ultra-clear when
inactivated, it darkens quickly when the eye is exposed to strong light levels.

Falcon: Developed for the Julbo Travel category, this lens is great for driving because
it adjusts to light and will darken behind a windshield. The Falcon is also polarizing,
eliminating glare from all reflective surfaces such as water, tarmac, or glass. Its anti-
reflective coating reduces eye strain and eliminates interference glare. The copper color
means contrast is enhanced – much easier on the eyes when all that bright stimuli is
zooming past.

Camel: These offer double-whammy protection out there. Polarized as well as
photochromatic, the Camel comes with an anti-fog coating that is ideal for active sports.

Octopus: This is what you need for water sports. Not only is it double-whammy
protection as well, but the Octopus has a water-shedding hydrophobic coating that will
keep them clear when you’re splashed in the face.

Also made with NXT technology, the Polar HD (High Definition) has anti-glare,
anti-dazzle superpowers and come with an anti-reflective coating that removes any visual
disturbance or fatigue when driving, skiing, boating, or near water.
The Spectron lenses, made of a polycarbonate material, are multipurpose and
suitable for all sports. Many Julbo models come with a Spectron lens set or one NXT

lens, so you have some pricing options.
For a go-to reference when you read about the lens options on the model
descriptions, check out http://www.julbousa.com/lenses/. This succinct yet thorough page
is complete with a chart that shows recommended use for each type, and when you click
on the more-detailed lens description(s), you also see photos of the Julbo models offered
with that lens.

By Christine Rasmussen

Julbo in the Media: Elevation Outdoors and RunningTimes.com

Elevation Outdoors mom editor, Rachel Walker, put the Julbo Alagna to the test and found the sunglasses to be a mother's helper.

RunningTimes.com rounded up 10 new sunglasses designed for changing light conditions. The Julbo Ultras with the quick-changing Zebra lens are ideal for running trails in and out of the shade.

What’s your summer activity of choice? Get covered with these Julbo models

Have you been wondering which Julbo performance glasses are best suited to the sport of your obsession? With so many stylish frames – all offering maximum eye protection under variable, intense, dirty conditions – it can be hard to choose. This rundown may help:

Mountain Biking – The Runand the Dirt were developed with input from professional mountain bikers. Light and aerodynamic, these models are helmet-friendly and have shock-absorbent temples and nose pads that can handle the technicalities of any trail (i.e., it would take a MAJOR endo to knock them off your head). Their wide and curved lenses provide maximum visiblity.

If you have a petite face and usually have a hard time finding the right pair of technical sunglasses, look no further than the Whoops, which is designed for smaller faces.

Trail Running – The Trail sunglasses were intended solely for trail running. Incredibly lightweight with flexible frames, The Trail’s light-sensitive Zebra lens mean shaded trail sections are no problem at all. The curved, wrapping temples hold well during sharp and repeated movements, and the aerated structure prevents fogging when you are dripping with sweat.

Sailing/Water Sports – The Race Nautical can discern every bright wave with its polarized lenses, and the wide design keeps the spray at bay. The nautically oriented Octopus lens has a water-shedding hydrophobic coating that is ideal for water sports.


Triathlon/Endurance/Multi-Sport – With a sleek, innovative frame design and breathable, open temples, the Pipeline has you covered on road, trail or water.

The Reflex/Instinct provides extra-wide field of vision with its teardrop-shaped, panoramic lenses, and the elastomer end tips mean improved hold.

If you’re into endurance training/racing, mountain biking or a variety of outdoor pursuits, the Contest will do you right because of its well-ventilated frame and wide-vision spectrum.

Super lightweight with an adjustable nosepiece, the Race is so comfortable you will barely notice you’re wearing them but be glad you are, as the shape offers great side venting, and the sculpted inserts at the stem ends ensure bomber hold with sharp movements.

Stay tuned next week for “Julbo Lenses 101”

A Thank you for Julbo's support of the Breast Cancer Fund's Climb Against the Odds Expedition

"Thank you so much for the continued support from Julbo for the Breast Cancer Fund’s Climb Against the Odds expedition. Your support is crucial to the success of the organization as well as the climb. We are all so very grateful for Julbo’s support with incredible glacier glasses. They are the BEST protection on the mountain!"

You can follow the Climb Against the Odds Expedition climber's progress as they climb Northern California's 14,179-foot Mount Shasta on the Breast Cancer Fund's Blog, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

Tips from pro ultra runners Aliza Lapierre and Kami Semick on choosing endurance-sport sunglasses

Julbo athletes Aliza Lapierre and Kami Semick don’t have time to fuss over eyewear issues. They run races over 100 miles in challenging conditions, so clear vision and eye protection are just plain mandatory.
Here is the scoop on what to look for in sunglasses if you are doing triathlons, ultra marathons, and adventure races. Aliza and Kami also share how they arrive at their Jedi states of fitness.

Aliza Lapierre
What qualities make a great pair of glasses for endurance events, and why are these qualities important?
Sunglasses are an essential piece of equipment for me, to help protect my eyes from the sun, the elements and from sticks and such when trail running. When choosing glasses I look for fit, comfort, ventilation and durability. There is nothing worse than worrying about durability or performance of a pair of glasses when you are focusing on training or competing.

Which Julbo glasses do you wear while competing and why?
When training and competing I have two pairs of glasses that I repeated rely on, those being The Whoops and The Trail. During the warmer months I typically wear The Trail glasses because of the unbeatable ventilation, and the photochromic lenses transition beautifully when I am trail running. In the colder temperatures I like to wear The Whoops because they provide more coverage from the elements, yet still live up to my performance expectations. An added bonus is they are super stylish as well.

What is your main discipline and how long have you been doing that?
My main focus is ultra running but I will mountain bike, ski and hike for cross training. Currently my favorite distance to race is 50 miles, although I have no started to dabble in 100 milers as well. I started ultra running around seven years ago, but had to really step away from training and competing for over two years after an injury. Running has just become a huge part of my lifestyle and has provided a positive outlet for me to explore the outdoors and also within myself.

When is your next event?
My next event is the Western States 100, which is held on June 25th in California and runs from Squaw Valley Ski Resort to Auburn.

What is the biggest race you prepare for the most?
This year I will really focus solely on two major races, the first being Western States 100 and the second being the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) in France. I take it one race at a time and see Western States as a stepping stone for the UTMB and the races that I choose to fill in the rest of my season.

How do you train?
For about nine months a year I run six days a week and cross train one day a week. Early in the season as I am building my base I am sure to incorporate a lot of core and plyometrics. My running weeks range in mileage and include uphill and downhill repeats, speed work and long runs. I am blessed to have several training partners and a dog who loves to join me.

Kami Semick
What qualities make a great pair of endurance-sport sunglasses and why?
1. Anti fog
2. Lenses that adjust to the light levels for two reasons: often races start in the dark and run until mid day or evening, so I need lenses that adjust to the light. AND in trail races, I am running in and out of tree cover – so I need lenses that will adjust quickly to new light levels.
3. Lenses that cover the full eye, because when the sun is at different angles, I don’t want it creeping over the top of the sunglasses or around the sides. I need a full-coverage lens that prevents the sun from creeping in.
4. Comfort!

Which Julbo’s do you like to wear when you are competing and why?
Right now my favorite is the Reflex/Instinct– it has all the qualities I need. I love the Zebra lens, and I love how the Instinct gives me full coverage.

What is your main discipline? How long have you been doing that?
Endurance running - road and trail (a marathon up to 100 miles). I have been running competitively for about six years.

When is your next event?
Just returned from South Africa where I ran the Comrades Marathon (54 mile road race). Next up is Western States 100 miles, a trail race in the Sierra Nevadas, in June.

Which race do you prepare for the most?
My key races in the spring are Comrades (May) and Western States (June). In the fall, World Cup 100k (September) and winter is The North Face Endurance Championship (December).

How do you train?
I train on both trail and road. Trail running gives me strength; road running gives me leg speed. I try to match my training terrain to my upcoming race. Right now, since I’m preparing for Western States, I’m running a lot of trail with an emphasis on fast downhill running to simulate running the canyons of the American River – which is a key part of running Western States.

– By Christine Rasmussen

Pushing the limits: Summer 2011 Endurance Competitions and Races

Endurance athletes are in a class by themselves, as are big-wave surfers, extreme downhill mountain bikers, and free climbers. The latter excel at activities with elevated consequences, the former excel at moving for a Very. Long. Time. Both require strength of body and mind that I can only imagine.

Endurance running in particular is growing in popularity across the world. New races are being added almost monthly, with the list of event superlatives growing: the toughest, the hottest, the wettest, the oldest, the lowest, the highest, the longest.

Check out http://www.ultramarathonrunning.com/ for a comprehensive listing of endurance races across the world (589 to be exact) and other great sources, definitions, and references. One perusal of the site reveals event names like “Self Transcendence,” “Labor of Love,” “Running with the Devil,” “Hallucination 100 Mile,” “Hurt 100,” and my personal favorite, “Mountain Masochist,” providing a peek into the psyche of the endurance runner.

Here are some of the more notorious races coming up this summer that would be fun to follow, or, if you’re curious about your limits


The Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run http://hardrock100.com/on July 8 takes off from Silverton, Colorado, where athletes begin a beautiful scenic loop in the San Juan Mountains. One-hundred-miles later, plus 33,992 feet of climbing and 33,992 feet of descending (for a total elevation change of 67,984 feet), they arrive back in Silverton, probably ready to sleep for a week (well, I would at least). They run at an average elevation of 11,186 feet, with the low point at 7,680 feet in Ouray and high point at 14,048 feet on Handies Peak.



The Badwater http://www.badwater.com/ is undoubtedly the hottest, as it happens smack in the middle of the summer (July 11 to 13) in one of the hottest places on Earth. Covering 135 miles non-stop from Death Valley, California to Mt. Whitney, the course goes from the lowest to highest points in the Lower 48. Ninety of the world’s toughest athletes – runners, triathletes, adventure racers, and mountaineers – go against one another and the elements, in temperatures upwards of 130F.



The Beast of Burden Summer 100 http://summer100.com/ in Lockport, New York was originally just a winter race that grew so popular race directors added a summer race, set for August 20. This event may not be as extreme as other ultras, as the web site describes “
you would be hard pressed to find a flatter, friendlier course in which to run an ultra.” But, runners have one obstacle to overcome – they must beat the bridge. The course crosses the Erie Canal eight times during the race. When racers hear the bell signaling that the bridge is going up, they can try and beat it across, or take a little 5 minute break while the boats are let through.

Stay tuned for next week's post on what to look for in endurance comp sunglasses


-By Christine Rasmussen

The Julbo Ultra goes the distance in Trail Runner Magazine's 2011 Gear Guide

The flexible, lightweight Julbo Ultra sunglasses adapt to varying light conditions and were deemed "almost unbreakable" by our friends at Trail Runner Magazine in this year's Gear Guide. Check it out...

You can check out the entire 2011 Trail Runner Gear Guide in the June Issue on newsstands now.