Big lenses on sunglasses are the best. They offer better protection from light and sharp things flying around. But there’s something better then big lenses.
Big, photochromic lenses.
Big lenses than protect your eyes from the sun and sharp things. AND they tint with the light so you can wear them longer, during cloudy days or into dusk.
And, wait for it. there’s something better than big photochromic lenses.
Big, photochromic, impact-tested lenses.
The Rebar from Spy check all those boxes. We tested them in the Pacific Northwest riding, fishing, hiking, driving, and working in the workshop.
Pros
- Photochromic lenses tint with the light
- ANSI Z87-2+ certified
- Happy lenses reduce eye strain
- Very durable frames
- Large lenses
Cons
- High price
- Not polarized
Specs
- 85%-13% Visible Light Transmission
- Category 0-3
- Gray tint
- Large – Extra Large Fit
- Grilamid NZ frame material (G850 Bio-plastic)
- Anti-scratch coating
- Scoop ventilation
- 62-18-130
- 43g
Photochromic
I can’t say it enough. Photochromic lenses are amazing. Some are darker going Category 2 to 4. These are great for open water or glacier travel. Really bright days.
Others go from Category 1 to 3, starting with a little bit of tint and getting darker for a bright day.
The Rebar’s are Category 0 to 3. They go perfectly clear for working inside, in the workshop or dark, shady areas. As soon as the UV hits, they darken to Category 3, enough for bright sun. They are the perfect do-everything tint.
The lenses tint automatically. No need to do anything on your part. It starts to darken instantly in the sun and takes less than a minute to darken all the way. It’s a smooth change and I don’t even notice them tinting.
One spot every photochromic lens I’ve tested falls down, including this, is riding through trees with harsh, flickering side-light. They don’t change fast enough. It’s a big ask though. I haven’t found any that do in the dozens that I’ve tested.
ANSI Z87-2+ Certified
I do a lot of work around the house, the cabin and my favourite trails. The safety glasses I have are garbage, scratching easily, and fogging quickly.
The Rebar frames and lenses have are impact tested and certified under the ANSI Z87-2+ rating. This means they get are built and tested to withstand a 1/4 inch steel ball fired at 150 feet per second and a 1.1 pound weight dropped from 50 inches.
I hope I never I have steel ball flying at my face at 150 feet per second. Hitting rock with a pick, shards of wood from the saw, and big metal fishing lures probably don’t reach that speed but I feel better that they’re not going straight into my eyeballs.
The bigger lenses and tall temples give even more protection from crap flying around and light coming in.
Happy Lens
The photochromic lenses on the Rebar are ‘Happy’ too.
Happy lenses filter the wavelengths of light that cause eye strain. They let through the light that that boosts your mood and increases the definition of things you see. It’s hard to tell a difference looking through them that they mood-boosting wavelengths are coming through but I’m good with it. They are very clear and pleasant to look through.
The Happy Boost on some of the other lenses actually filters colors and makes things brighter. There is a bit of color different with these ones.
Comfort
The Rebar’s are on the large size. Sizing is large to extra large which seems accurate.
Spy says they’re for those with ‘big dome energy.’ I’ll take it.
I have got a big, but not huge, head and they fit well. Staying in place. They’re snug but not tight. I can easily wear them for hours on end.
The frames are thick. The end of the arms don’t fit under hats as well as thinner arms do but I didn’t find it a problem. If you wear your hats tight, they might not fit.
Spy’s ‘Scoop’ ventilation keeps air moving through to prevent fogging. I never had an issue with fogging unless I was sweating hard and breathing hard, and not moving. A bit of air coming through and it was gone.
Other Lenses
Include prices of other lenses.
- Clear – $180 CAD
- Happy – $180 CAD
- Happy Polarized – $240 CAD
- Happy Boost – $260 CAD
- Happy Photochromic – $260 CAD
The prices are from SpyOptic.com in CAD. There are often sales around. Be careful to get the right lens. The base versions are less expensive but are different lenses.
The Rebar SE is very similar to the Rebar but slightly different measurements. The Rebar is 62-18-130 compared to 60-18-125 on the SE. Slightly narrower lens and slightly shorter temples.
The Spy Logan is similar as well, just with a bit shorter lens. Same ANSI certification.
Final Thoughts
The Rebar is now my go-to for any work outside. Digging, building, or otherwise questionable work is much nicer when you can see what you’re doing and keep your eyeballs intact while you do.
The photochromic lenses tint with the light so you can wear them all day long. They tint just the right amount, all the way from clear to dark for bright days. Big lenses protect more from the sun and impact.
They cost a bit more than the cheapo safety glasses but you don’t ever have to take off (and lose) the Rebar’s. When you’re done work, you’re read to fish, ride, and hike.
Price: $260 CAD
More Photos from Testing
