Glasses Have Looks, Comfort And Function

Sun., May 7, 1995

Michael Hodgson Special To Outdoors

Product: CEBE Swingo Sunglasses

Description: Sunglasses for active use with polycarbonate lenses available in clear, grey, brown or green tint (amber available soon). Frames are available in blue, red, crystal, black or tortoise. Comes with one lens set installed and a soft cloth glasses case. Other lenses available as accessory orders.

Pro: Lenses snap in and out quickly using a secure clip-lock system, allowing the user to change the lenses according to activity and weather needs. Nose pads are soft and made of a hypo-allergenic material that resists slipping. Temples are flexible and can be bent to accommodate a wide variety of skull shapes. The temples are covered with a hypo-allergenic, anti-slip elastomer for excellent grip. A spring-loaded bridge in the nose-piece maintains slight pressure on the temples improving fit and helps to keep the glasses securely in place, even during rigorous use. The flexible bridge also helps to prevent frame breakage when twisted, bent or impacted. No metal or hard plastic against the skin makes these sunglasses a pleasure to wear when the outside temperature dips below freezing.

Con: I was having trouble coming up with anything I would want to improve - until I executed a picture-perfect face plant. The nose-piece is so flexible that it is easily pushed out of the way allowing the inside edges of the lenses to grind into the nose - ouch! I would suggest redesigning the outside edge of the nose piece so it wraps slightly around and cups the edges of each lens. Oh - and lose the logo on the lower right of the lens. This is nit-picky, but come on! I know I’m wearing CEBE glasses and I’m really tired of being a walking advertisement and feeling as if there is a smudge that needs cleaning every time I glance to the right.

Comments: COOL! I’ve worn a lot of glasses in my time, but these certainly sit at the top of the list when considering looks, comfort and function as one package. Worth every penny… now, where did I leave them?

Suggested retail: $99.95; extra lenses are $31 for mirrored and $22 for non-mirrored.

Company: CEBE / Suunto USA, 2151 Las Palmas Dr., Suite G, Carlsbad, CA 92009; (619) 931-6788.

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