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Adidas Supernova: $289.95 - $299.95 (right) Evil Eye Pro: $349.95 - $389.95 (above)
Adidas are a big player on the world sporting scene. With size comes variety and Adidas now offer a bunch of styles for mountain bikers. We tested the Supernova and Evil Eye Pro.
TESTING
Words by Kath Bicknell
Supernova The standout feature of the Supernovas is the one piece lens – it’s a simple design that provides clear, unobstructed vision. This gives great coverage and excellent peripheral vision and, unlike some other rimless sunglasses, the bottom of the lens is low enough so you don’t get an annoying double vision effect as your vision passes past the bottom edge. The arms have three points of vertical adjustment to optimise the fit, and are designed to sit comfortably and securely without placing too much pressure on the side of your head. The nose piece is also adjustable. The lens we tested (LST Trail Silver) features Adidas’ “Light Stabilising Technology” which has a high light-absorbency rating but also keeps things looking bright. What this means for the wearer is you can still pick out definition on dusty single track on a glaringly sunny day. Likewise in the shade, you can see everything you need to right up until sunset. Weighing just 23 grams in the large size, this model is an impressive package and it comes as no surprise that so many of our top riders choose them to race in. Evil Eye Pro Some readers might remember Aussie mountain bike Olympian Mary Grigson in advertisements for the Evil Eye shades almost ten years ago. While the colours have been updated, the concept remains unchanged. Like the Supernovas, the Evil Eyes feature the adjustable arms and nose piece, although with this model, the nose piece can be removed altogether for a closer fit. The Evil Eyes are also available with the LST Trail Silver lens and come in small and large sizes. In the smaller size, the frame sits close to the face, but is cleverly shaped to
avoid contact with the eyebrows which can leave greasy sweat marks – a disadvantage of the Supernova model. We tested the more expensive Evil Eye Pro version which also features a set of orange lenses and a “Sweat Blocker” which attaches to the top of the frame. Orange lenses are great for hazy days or on shady singletrack rides, but can make things too glary when you’re in full sun. Not so with these lenses. I found them comfortable and squint-free in bright conditions. This means you won’t be spewing about taking the wrong lenses out for the day. Being a contact lens wearer, I was concerned about the effects of air passing through the frames while riding. I have a lot of trouble with most sunglasses as my contacts can easily dry out meaning an uncomfortable, blurry ride. The close fitting frame of the Evil Eyes eliminated this problem, and I was surprised to learn that the adjustability of the Supernovas did the same – which is a personal first for an outing in rimless sunnies. They were also comfortable in dusty situations. Both models offer the option of a prescription frame that attaches to the nose piece if contacts aren’t for you. With its thick frames, the Evil Eyes don’t offer as much peripheral vision as the Supernova, something that’s particularly noticeable when riding in traffic. It’s a personal thing though; I didn’t mind the slightly obstructed vision and found the close fit offered good protection. Give them a good test in the shop with a helmet on to see if they work for you. The Supernovas and the Evil Eyes come in a variety of frame and lens colour options, and replacement parts are available should you do something silly like break them – somewhat of a relief given the initial cost. I was pleased to discover that the adjustable
arm was the weakest point of my pair of Evil Eyes and when I did the unforgivable “pop them in your jersey pocket, forget, and lean back against a couch post-ride”, the arm simply detached. I don’t imagine this is reliable enough to include in product advertising, but it is certainly comforting to know! Summing up Both models represent the quality and engineering you would expect from a company as large as Adidas. The Evil Eye Pros are a well thought out option for riders demanding a close fit, a high level of eye protection and versatility to suit all riding conditions. For a faultless, unobstructed field of vision, which doesn’t make you look too sporty off the bike, the Supernovas are a great alternative. The lens quality in both models is well matched to rides on the road or in the bush, and the materials used to make these shades means a comfortable, lightweight fit. The biggest downside of these glasses, and quite a formidable one, is the price. With the Evil Eye Pros retailing for close to $400, it’s a fair amount of cash to swap for a set of plastic frames with windows and hinges. If you’re the sort of person to leave your glasses on top of the car, or throw them in your hydration pack with your multi-tool, I’d suggest to look elsewhere – you can get glasses that perform well for far less money. If you’re one to take good care of your gear, the price is justifiable. They are a premium product that will last and, with a variety of lens options, offer good versatility. The research and customisability that has gone into these designs makes me think it’s no accident that I found them to really hit the mark. www.mimo.com.au