ZeroRH+ Stylus Performa sunglasses

Thanks to their photochromic lenses, the zerorh+ Stylus Performa glasses provide great winter eye protection.

With changeable conditions, glasses can be a key item of your attire. They can keep grit, rain and most other things out of your eyes. Generally the only struggle you're likely to have is they are a bit more prone to misting up when matters get a little steamy.

The zerorh+ Stylus Performa glasses are quite a revelation. On first appearance they don't look the most robust pair of classes you'll come across. The arms are quite thin and the frame looks slender but the most obvious factor is how flexible the whole package is. The frame itself and the lenses offer a fair degree of flex. The reasoning behind this is to offer greater protection in the event of any impact. The zerorh+ glasses are guaranteed to be shatterproof for life; quite a statement.

Even in the less-than-ideal conditions being served up in the UK during the winter the most impressive feature of these Italian glasses is the photochromic lenses. I haven't noticed any hindrance to my vision regardless of the light. The changing properties of the lens which allow them to automatically adapt to the conditions are impressive. At no time have I had to remove them because I was struggling to see.

Zerorh+ says they have a transmission index between 18% and 43% - that's the amount of light allowed through. There's also a version with a DayNite lens with a transmission range of 83% to 22% for gloomier conditions. Lenses for very bright conditions have transmission indices of 10-15%, but they're intended for situations like deserts and sunshine on snow, so these should be fine in a British summer.

With the current lack of daylight you wouldn't think you would have need of eyewear but they offer a lot of protection. The heavy rain of recent weeks creates additional hazards; grit as well as rain can cause you uncomfortable moments.

These glasses are comfortable and light when in place. The flexibility offered by the frame ensures there is no tension on the side of the head. The nose clip sits comfortably on the bridge of your nose and the overall lightness allows you almost forget they are there. Even indoors at low light you could forget they are in place.

The arms are slightly unusual in that they have no grips to keep them in place. The way the RH+ glasses compensate for this is the curved shape. The least flexible part is this end piece of the arms. When you're on the bike this helps to keep them in place and stop any slippage when you move your head.

The lenses offer broad coverage with no obvious blindspots. They are kept in place with two small screws which allow for plenty of movement and should minimise difficulties in making them fit. Head size shouldn't affect the fit.

Cleaning is simple. A little fluid and a microfibre cloth and any unwanted grime is soon removed. The white frame on the test pair might not be to everybody's liking but they should be won over by the fit and performance; you can also get them in black anyway.

You would expect a top quality pair of glasses for this much money and on the whole that is what you get. Some might point out that you cannot changes lenses. That's a fair point but I found the RH+ coped fine with low light levels. It will be interesting to try them again in the height of summer and see how they cope with brighter sunshine.

Conclusion

The zerorh+ Stylus Performa glasses have proved adept at keeping flying obstructions out of my eyes while allowing plenty of light through. The flexible frame makes for an easy fit. Despite their adaptability, the lack of an interchangeable lenses could hinder them in brighter light.

Verdict

Easy fit and good coverage with versatile photochromic lenses.