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THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINE

The Montebianco 2 (and women's Monterosa) sunglasses from Julbo are Category 3 sunglasses fitted with 'spectron 3' lenses and designed to be general-purpose, mountain sports sunglasses. As a rule, Cat. 3 eye protection cuts around two-thirds of the light, but the visible light transmission (VLT) measure here is about average for European sun protection at 12%, and for me they offer a practical amount of protection without destroying shadows. I'm very keen that my sunnies don't allow light to bounce around at the sides of the glasses, and that they offer enough eye coverage to prevent light bouncing back in from behind - both of which can be intensely distracting whatever I'm doing. Here, the brand has opted for a gently wraparound frame without going full 'Bono' and equipped the outer edges with removable shields. The styling is contemporary, but, most importantly, it works to keep reflections and refractions to an absolute minimum. The lenses are not fully mirrored but have a mirrored coating called colour flash - this is not something I've noticed in practice, although it may impact on the colour temperature, which at least to my taste is 'warm' but not too yellow. The frame is equipped with assorted 'grip'
features on the temples and bridge of the nose - overall I've found them to stay exactly where they are put and not rattle around, even when biking or running. They come with a short silicone strap that works well to keep the glasses glued to your head but interfaces poorly with any kind of headgear (a longer 'wire' that allows glasses to dangle around the neck may be more useful, depending on your activity). There's also a quality, semi-soft case supplied, which packs down when not in use. Overall, the Montebianco 2 feel 'just right' to me - great coverage, low to no refractions behind the lens, non-photochromatic and designed to stay put as long as the silicone head strap is used. There's little I'd change.