It’s been quite a while since I had to get myself a new pair of sunglasses so I fronted up large for this striking new pair of Explorers from Julbo.

I wanted something in the mountains without necessarily having to look like a stunt double for Sir Ed.

Thankfully, the Julbo folk have not succumbed to the whims of Hollywood and the Explorers are extremely well made and thought out; exhibiting substance as well as style.

JULBO offer a variety of quality lenses for just about any purpose; with polarized, photochromic and antifog treatment some of the options. With my model, the EXPLORER I have an alti spectron lens set which is anti flash and anti reflective. The clarity was simply unbelievably good. For my next pair - the multi sport variety I will run with an anti-fog coating with true photochromatic functionality to boot in the zebra lens.

The lens quality is augmented by the superb wrap around shape; there are no nooks and crannies for any glare. Airflow around the Explorers was good and the flexibility of adjusting the temple cover is eminently practical - with the added bonus of no hair stick! For those who are prone to leaving expensive sunglasses everywhere other than on their head, the cord supplied is a godsend.

The JULBO are Made in France and the attention to detail and quality of the product is outstanding. Once I save my pennies I will have no hesitation in forking out for the INSTINCT multi-sport model.

For information on pricing and stockists talk to the SNOWORLD folk in NZ on 03 366 1122