Optic Nerve Sunglasses
By James Sharp

Sports eyewear have a fairly straightforward job to do, they protect the eyes from impacts and wind and, if they are dark glasses, the sun. They also tend to come in two flavors; one being cheap and disposable, of questionable quality and the other being expensive well made and fashionable eyewear. There haven’t been very many companies that manage to put together durable, good-looking eyewear for a reasonable price. Optic Nerve is a newer company whose aim is to eliminate this gap. They recently sent us a couple of pairs from their 2003 product line, and I am nothing if not impressed with what they have to offer.

The Generator and Membrane models both feature high quality polycarbonate lenses, similar to those found on more expensive glasses, and known to be highly impact resistant. These glasses also have non-slip rubber in the temples and on the nose bridge. Also included are a carrying bag and three sets of lenses; brown, clear and orange. Both fit comfortably and block the wind well. This is where the similarities end.

The Generator has a full frame around the lenses, while the Membrane has no frame on the lower edge. It is a little easier to exchange lenses in the Membrane, but it is quick on both of them. I appreciate that the carrying bag has an individual pocket for each lens that isn’t in use. That way all of your lenses are in one spot. The Generator fits smaller faces well, and is currently my eyewear of choice. The Membrane provides a little better coverage and interferes with peripheral vision less. I don’t mind seeing the frame when I look down, but it might bother others that are used to a bare lens.

I found no optical aberrations in any of the lenses, whether looking straight ahead or peripherally. While on the subject of lenses, the orange lens included spends more time in my Generators than any other. Why? They tend to reduce glare and increase contrast in changing light conditions. This means that I can use them from early afternoon to early dusk with feeling that they are too dark or not dark enough. To put it simply, they are about perfect for anything but really bright direct sunlight and total night. I can’t think of another lens color that does that. Not red, not yellow.

Summary: At $54 for the Generator or Membrane, Optic Nerve spits the difference between cheap, low quality sunglasses and over-the-top performance eyewear. The quality is apparent in the fit and finish. Both pairs of glasses that we tested are still scratch free. The lenses never loosened up but stayed tight in the frames. Both styles reviewed are attractive and comfortable. Unless you wear prescription glasses, I heartily recommend you give Optic Nerve a closer look.

James Sharp is a Contributing Editor to GearReview.com specializing in mountain biking.

For more information:
Mountain Shades
2480 Gray Street
Edgewater, CO 80214
www.nerveusa.com
info@mountainshades.com