Test long-lasting Demetz SUIT glasses

Choosing sunglasses for cycling is more complicated than you might think. Between eye protection from high brightness and a clearer lens for better vision when the sun is scarce, photochromic lenses seem at first glance to combine the best of both worlds with permanent and supposedly rapid adaptability. But test Demetz SUIT glasses showed that "traditional" screens still have their say, as shown by this test long duration extending over nearly 8000 km.

Text: Olivier Dulaurent – ​​Photos: 3bikes.fr, DEMETZ

Demetz is a long-standing brand, founded in 1950 by Roger Demetz, a seasoned diver and inventor of the first optical diving mask. At Demetz, the idea of ​​athletic performance is closely linked to optimal visual acuity.
Thanks to specific tints and selected treatments, Demetz lenses aim to guarantee clear vision and optimized comfort, allowing athletes to concentrate on their practice.

From design to laboratory, the Demetz teams' motto is to design equipment that combines lightness, versatility and resistance.
With a selection of more than 170 models of masks and goggles, the range covers all sports disciplines, from swimming to cycling, including running, diving, skiing, golf, basketball, and much more. The collection is designed to suit athletes, whether novices or experts, and includes a line specially dedicated to the youngest, "Little Demetz," ranging from babies to teenagers.

The Demetz range adopts an eco-responsible approach by integrating G850, a bio-sourced material composed of 45% castor oil, in its Outdoor and children's models. This initiative underlines the brand's commitment to contributing positively to the environment, by offering sustainable and planet-friendly alternatives.

Among all the products offered, The SUIT model was selected. These are glasses equipped with a category 3 screen, indicated by the brand as filtering 83 to 92% of solar brightness. According to Demetz, this category of protection is ideal for most situations of strong sunlight, providing adequate protection against solar radiation and glare in most outdoor activities, including cycling.

The selected screen is thus named “Bora” and benefits from anti-fog and oleophobic treatments, which by definition repels all fats. But in use and as will be demonstrated by the test, it works wonders to allow water droplets not to stick, like a tree leaf. These glasses are thus developed in such a way as to let liquids flow instead of making themtagdown. The drops, rather than being separated, will concentrate and slide along the glasses so that the liquid does not evaporate on the surface and therefore leaves no trace.

On route

Here the screen is therefore not photochromic and yet, in the case of low light such as we can encounter during winter outings without sun – a widespread case “north of the Loire” – The SUIT never gives the impression of hiding the details of the route. Contrast is well managed and there is no noticeable distortion related to the screen curvature. Almost surprisingly, These qualities are found even when night begins to show its face and/or when we are moving through the undergrowth in the middle of January in overcast weather. So much so that after two or three outings in these conditions, I looked again at the product data sheet to check if the screen was not photochromic.

Conversely, and very recently with the arrival of fine weather, the glasses have been confronted with bright sunshine and temperatures exceeding 25°C in the shade, all while maintaining the ability to see details whether on sun-drenched asphalt or in the middle of the forest. In these conditions and even in the event of a rapid descent where the speedometer was around 80 km/h, no air protection concerns, with a screen that surrounds the eyes enough to avoid tears, as sometimes happens at these speeds. In addition, the bottom of the screen is not extended by plastic, which avoids having this part visible in your field of vision.

In addition to all these advantages, there is the most remarkable: I've never ridden with sunglasses that handle rain so well. : no fogging observed on the lenses even in the event of prolonged rain (thanks to the anti-fog and oleophobic treatments), very precise vision and above all, no desire to take off glasses which would have become too "bulky" because they prevent you from clearly seeing the route due to the rain.

I've never ridden with sunglasses that handle wet weather so well.

Furthermore, the adjustment of the nasal support both in width (significantly) and in depth (weakly) made it possible first of all to adapt the frame to the shape of the nose for individualized comfort and on the other side of the "weather spectrum", to be able to move the upper arm of the glasses away from the face. This has proven particularly useful when outing in temperatures above 25°C, to prevent perspiration from dripping onto the lenses.

Another very appreciable aspect of the Demetz SUIT lies in their excellent longevity. In fact, the 8000 km traveled have absolutely not affected the original characteristics. The fog management has remained the same and there are no scratches to report, despite some slight friction with external elements.

Review of

In the end, the Demetz SUIT is an excellent surprise. Not only are the services up to standard but as mentioned during the test and despite the presence of a screen that is not photochromic, the ability to handle dark or rainy weather, as well as sunny and hot, was astonishing. Moreover, the price of €114,90 is rather in the lower range of what is offered on the market and even more so when compared to the performance and versatility. In short, a real success at a great price.

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