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Reviews > Eye Protection and Binoculars > Sun Glasses > Bolle Rainier Sunglasses > Test Report by Michael Mosack

BOLLE RANIER SUNGLASSES
TEST SERIES BY MIKE MOSACK
LONG-TERM REPORT
October 30, 2012

CLICK HERE TO SKIP TO THE FIELD REPORT
CLICK HERE TO SKIP TO THE LONG-TERM REPORT

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME: Mike Mosack
EMAIL: mosack(at)earthlink(dot)net
AGE: 48
LOCATION: Lakeside, CA USA and Afghanistan
GENDER: M
HEIGHT: 6' 1" (1.85 m)
WEIGHT: 240 lb (109.00 kg)

I've been backpacking for over 30 years, doing solo and group trips, with and without kids. I do day trips, weekenders and week-long or longer trips throughout the year. I backpack in all climates and seasons, from summer desert trips to Spring/Winter camping in Michigan, California and Grand Canyon, Arizona and I've worked in Afghanistan for 4 years & rely on my equipment constantly. I prefer to go lighter when possible and am always trying new items. Quality and reliability of items are paramount to me over price and weight.


INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Bollé
Year of Manufacture: 2012
Manufacturer's Website: www.bolle.com
MSRP: US $159.99
Listed Weight: N/A
Measured Weight: 1.1 oz (31 g)
Fit: One size available which is - Medium/Large aka Universal
Prescription available - RX8 64/42/66/16/122
Measured Lens Size: 70 x 45 mm (2.75 x 1.75 in)

Other details:
Frame and lens color options available include...
Holographic Silver • Rose Blue
Satin Dark Gray • TNS (True Neutral Smoke)
Shiny White • TNS Fire
Shiny Red • Photo Rose Gun
Satin Dark Gray • Polarized TNS

I am testing the Satin Dark Gray • Polarized TNS non-prescription model.

There are differing statements about the company's warranty and they are listed here...
The website has a link in their "returns" section. It can be located from the product page, then click on "RETURNS". It states that for nonprescription sunglasses, one must "complete a RMA Request Form for all returns within 30 days of receipt for an exchange or full refund." Bollé does not accept returns of prescription sunglasses.

Elsewhere on the website, there is additional information about the warranty offerings. It can be found from the "HOME" page, to "CUSTOMER SERVICE" to "WARRANTY INFORMATION" links and that states in part, "Bollé Eyewear warrants to the consumer that for one year from the date of purchase it will replace or repair, at its option, any product that is defective in materials or workmanship. This warranty does not apply to products that have been lost, altered, broken, or damaged by misuse or failure to follow instructions provided with the product. We do not warrant against normal wear, including lens scratching or accidental frame breakage. For this warranty to apply, purchase must have been made in the United States from an authorized dealer, and you must still have the proof of purchase.

Then on the included pamphlet that comes with the product purchase, they offer a third description of their warranty which is basically the same description as can be seen from their home page link. Additionally, if the product was purchased from outside the USA and Canada, the purchaser then needs to contact their local dealer for applicable warranty information.

It is also possible to purchase a lifetime warranty through the Bollé 4ever Lifetime Warranty Program which guarantees the sunglasses against damage caused by accident or normal use including scratched lenses for as long as I own them and this is found both on the website as well as on the included pamphlet.

IMAGE 1
Actual product tested


INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

These sunglasses come in five different frame and lens combination choices. There are technologies in the lens and frame construction and features that provide me a choice in which pair of sunglasses are right for me. Included with the sunglasses are the following...
a hardened case with a zipper closure and a clip
a soft cleaning cloth
a soft storage bag

The manufacturer states, "Engineered for every mountain adventure, the Rainier is packed with technology specifically designed for these ever-changing conditions. bClear lenses deliver crystal clear vision with self-rejuvenating anti-fog technology, oleo and hydro-phobic coatings to repel dirt and water. Frames with vented temples and Thermogrip™ technology deliver a lightweight, secure fit."

The box and included items reflect quality, which is consistent with the Bollé name. The box is attractive and clean. The sunglasses, while lightweight, give a feeling that they are well made. I appreciate that the sunglasses come with an included hardened storage case as so many other manufacturers do not include a case like this. The frames completely surround the edges of the lenses and the hinges seem sturdy enough to last. The ear and nose pieces have a green trim that are designed to provide a nonslip and comfortable surface.

IMAGE 2
Side vent



BolleRx

Bollé Prescription Eyewear
According to the website, "Bollé prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses are now available to buy direct." They are offering their entire collection of designer eyeglasses and frames whether you are looking for prescription sunglasses that can withstand the extreme, or reading glasses with a future-driven design, Bollé says they have the pair that's right for everyone.

IMAGE 3
Thermogrip on ear piece


TRYING IT OUT

I put on the sunglasses and they fit and feel great. I appreciate the clarity in the lenses and the knowledge that the lenses are polarized thereby protecting and enhancing my vision at the same time. I wore the sunglasses around the yard and during a drive to the local store and they feel terrific.

IMAGE 4
Thermogrip on nose piece


SUMMARY

I like the light weight and that these sunglasses have polarized lenses.
I like that the entire line of Bollé designer sunglasses are available for prescriptions as well, even though I don't yet need them.

I am finding that the side vents seem to work, but I lose some of my peripheral vision as a result of a large amount of plastic used in the ear pieces where they connect to the lens frame. I get it that this is a style thing and that I am pretty "old-school" on this, but I like my peripheral vision.


LONG-TERM REPORT

LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS

Two trips, 2 and 3 days (and nights) to the Pacific Crest Trail section in Laguna Mountain region of Southern California, USA
Conditions: Ungroomed foot trails and forest access dirt roads. Temperatures ranging from 55 to 90 F (13 to 32 C)

A three day trip to the Sierra Nevadas in California and Nevada, USA. The dry terrain consisted of grassy fields, to rocky mountainous areas. The weather there consisted of sunny and clear to partly cloudy skies and temperatures from 68 F (20 C) to 80 F (27 C). Elevations I have traveled during this test period have ranged from approximately 4000 ft (1200 m) to over 6500 ft (1980 m).

Numerous miscellaneous day hikes ranging from 2 - 5 miles (3 - 8 km) in the area of Eastern San Diego County, California, USA.
Conditions: Maintained trails, grassy areas, some concrete sidewalks and maintained roadway shoulders. Temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 F (21 to 27 C).
Duration: Day hikes and I also wore these sunglasses regularly on my day to day travels around town.

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

The sunglasses performed splendidly throughout this test period. They are comfortable to wear and are lightweight. During times when I have perspired while wearing them, the frames still grip well and do not slip down my nose or face. The polarized lenses make it easier for my vision to cut through the glare of the bright sunshine.

Cleaning the lenses has been pretty straightforward. The included lens cloth is easy on the lens leaving it streak-free. The hinges connecting the frames to the ear pieces continue to hold securely and operate smoothly.

IMAGE 5
My son watering our dog


My 16 year old son has been found wearing my sunglasses on many occasions. He likes the style and clarity they offer. I like the included case that has protected my sunglasses and kept them from being damaged when stored or packed away.

SUMMARY

The sunglasses have seen many uses throughout this testing period. They have performed well and have held up without showing any obvious wear.
Some of the highlights are as follows...

Pros -
The sunglasses are lightweight yet also sturdy
I like that they have polarized lenses
They come with an included case and lens cloth

Cons -
I would prefer a narrower ear piece to improve my peripheral vision


I would like to thank Bollé and BackpackGearTest.org for allowing me to participate in testing this product.

This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
Read more gear reviews by Michael Mosack

Reviews > Eye Protection and Binoculars > Sun Glasses > Bolle Rainier Sunglasses > Test Report by Michael Mosack



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