As a motorcycle rider, you frequently choose between clear or tinted faceshields when prepping for a ride. Bright summer days call for darker shields, while extended winter rides require a clear shield if you are riding home after dark. Alternatively, you could don a pair of Bollé sunglasses with Phantom photochromic lenses and have the best of both worlds. That’s what I did recently with a pair of Bollé Fenix sunglasses.
Bollé has been making sunglasses since 1936, so they are impressively experienced. The 130-year-old French company encompasses additional sunglasses brands, including Serengeti (previously reviewed and raved about at Robb Report MotorCycling), while also manufacturing goggles and helmets for bicycle and ski athletes and active lifestyle enthusiasts. Although they don’t specifically target the motorcycle market, Bollé’s focus on performance and protection satisfies our needs as riders.
I tested the Bollé Fenix glasses with the Phantom photochromic lenses from SmartBuyGlasses.com, thus enjoying the benefits of the lens tint adapting to changing light conditions. Because Bollé embeds the photochromic material into the lens, rather than applying it as a coating, the darkening/lightening transition happens exceptionally quickly. Depending on the tint base, the Phantom lenses transmit between five and 62 percent of visible light as they respond to ambient brightness.
The medium-level Brown Gun tint base has 13 to 29 percent transmittance. This makes a significant difference on a favored canyon road as I wind in and out of dark, shady corners into the low-angle late afternoon sunlight. In addition to giving my eyes a break from the full onslaught of the sun, the Phantom lenses have a high-contrast filter, making it easier to perceive critical details such as gravel on asphalt.
The Fenix sunglasses easily slide into place inside my Arai XD-5 adventure helmet and the closer-fitting Arai Signet-X sport helmet so comfortably that they are forgettable on extended rides. The 0.9-ounce nylon glasses sit lightly on the bridge of my nose and fit well within the helmet’s eyeport—no floating annoyingly above the helmet’s cheek pads. The temples have caused no headache-inducing hot spots, which I’m sensitive to. However, my peripheral vision is slightly restricted by the frames.
Bollé claims the Phantom lenses have “high-impact resistance.” However, they don’t boast ANSI Z87.1 certification, so you shouldn’t rely on them as your only eye protection when riding. I tested them behind a faceshield. Also, they aren’t sealed, so air gets through to your eyes.
Importantly for motorcycle riders, the Bollé Phantom lens can be ordered without polarization. Polarization can cause issues when looking at electronic screens—LCD, TFT, or LED—so I opted for non-polarized lenses. These non-polarized lenses caused no problems when looking at dashes, screens, or through faceshields.
The Phantom lenses are lightweight, have optical clarity similar to glass, and block UVA and UVB rays. Temple tips and nose pads are rubberized for stability; while not an issue when worn with a helmet, the non-slip feature is welcome when off-bike.
If you’re riding in changing light conditions and don’t have a helmet with a drop-down sunshield, then a pair of Bollé Fenix sunglasses with a Phantom lens installed might just be your ticket for rides in changing conditions. The adaptive lenses take care of the brightness, protect your eyes, and enhance contrast, while the Bollé Fenix frames keep you looking stylish on and off your motorcycle.
Bollé Fenix Sunglasses Fast Facts
- Frame material: Nylon
- Lens material:
- Weight: 0.9 ounces
- Certification: EN ISO 12312-1:2022
- UV protection: Over 99 percent
Dimensions
- Hinge to hinge: 143mm
- Bridge width: 15mm
- Temple length: 125mm
- Lens width x height: 61 x 45mm
Bollé Fenix Sunglasses Price: from $100 ($200, as tested with Phantom Brown Gun Photochromic lenses)
