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These innovative sunglasses are a first for Maui Jim in their 30-year year history, as they incorporate a completely new frame technology which allows sunglass wearers to switch out their lenses for various light conditions during outdoor activities including skiing and boarding.
The proprietary quick-release lens mechanism with five options for lens colours means skiers and boarders can quickly and easily adapt their glasses to cope with flat light, bright sun and other light conditions as quickly as the weather changes in the mountains.
By pressing a button at the top of the frame, the one-piece lens is released from its hold and can be easily swapped for a lens of a different colour. The replacement lens then snaps into the frame with the push of a button that securely locks the lens into place.
“It’s frustrating when you’re out on the slopes and the light conditions change, making it too bright or too dark,” said Richard Walker, Maui Jim’s Director of Product Development. “Our new technology offers a real advantage over other switchable options in that we have a one-piece lens that eliminates fumbling with lenses for each eye. The distinct snap of our locking mechanisms lets you know that your lenses aren’t going to pop out. And we offer five different lens options for varying light conditions.”
Switchbacks’ shield design screams to be used during the most active outdoor activities. This full-wrap frame has anti-corrosive pin hinges attached to wide temples with holes for straps. The oversized rubber temple grips offer the ultimate in hold and stability. A benefit of this frame is its adjustable Rabalon nose bridge for a custom-feel fit. These aggressively styled frames are available in Matte Black Rubber or Matte Rootbeer.
“Another first for Maui Jim is the fact that we are offering a clear lens with Switchbacks,” added Walker. “For some outdoor activities in the lowest of lights, it’s beneficial to have anti-reflective eye protection from wind, water and debris. So, each lens package comes with one clear lens.”
Each frame comes with two lightweight, flexible, scratch- and impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses. Matte Black Rubber comes with a PolarizedPlus2® Neutral Grey lens plus an anti-reflective clear lens. The Neutral Grey lens cuts 100 percent of UV rays and 99.9 percent of glare while enhancing colour on bright sunny days.
Matte Rootbeer comes with the clear lens plus an HCL® Bronze lens for variable light conditions that’s packed with patented PolarizedPlus2 lens technology. Other available PolarizedPlus2 lenses can be purchased separately and come in Maui Rose™, a soft rosy tint that provides the highest contrast for fast-moving sports and in Maui HT™, a palm green tint that balances contrast and depth of field for crisper details during varying light conditions.
Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2 lenses also have patented bi-gradient mirror technology adds protection from light through the top and bottom of each lens – basically, Maui Jim sunglasses squint for you to reduce eye fatigue.
All Switchbacks lenses have waterproof and oleophobic coatings to shed water and repel smudges, as well as proprietary CLEARSHELL® scratch-resistant coating to reduce scratches. Each lens has an 8 base curvature offering the ultimate in lightweight aerodynamic design for small to mid-size faces. Switchbacks has an eye size of 68 mm, bridge size of 16 mm, temple length of 115 mm
