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TESTER INFORMATION  

I've been hiking and backpacking in and around Central and Southern Indiana for the past 20+ years either solo or with my wife and daughters. In recent years, I've become an avid long distance hiker with sections of the Appalachian Trail (AT) under my belt, as well as other long distance hiking. In 2000 I started to lighten my backpack in order to have a more enjoyable hike. I continue with this process today and have managed to bring my solo base Summer pack weight down to the range of 10 to 15 lb (4.5 - 6.8 kg)

SUMMARY

     The FACTOR'S Polarized interchangeable lens system creates a sleek and subtle design allowing unobstructed peripheral view perfect for the running trail, golf course, or weekend ride. Smith's Interchangeable lens system utilizes distortion-free, 9 base lenses to provide precise optical clarity and maximize coverage while minimizing peripheral exposure to sun, wind, and glare.

     The Factor frames are arced to conform to the rounded shape of (my) face.  The frames form an almost circular shape.  This allows the frames to only contact my face at the bridge of my nose, and along the sides of my head at the top of my ears.  Additionally, if I push them back all the way, the entire top of the frame contacts my eyebrows.  This has been an issue in previous pairs of sunglasses I have owned.  The heat of my exertion in exercise sometimes caused condensation on the lenses due to lack of ventilation at the top of the sunglasses. 

~ and ~

     The one thing that makes them imperfect may very well be me.  Regardless of who's at fault, the frames or my face; cold weather + my head getting hot and sweaty = fogged up glasses = irritation for me :-( 

     The Factor frames and lenses are an exceptionally well thought out combination and work quite well together.  In other pairs of glasses I've had with interchangeable lenses, the fames and lenses became worn over time and the lenses fit less firmly.  This has not been the case with the Factors up to this point.

     As the previous section indicates, I have been concerned about the 'fog factor' of the Factors.  It seems that my concerns may have been greater than the actual problem.  Put another way, the fogging seems to be more of a feature of colder weather than of a year round nature.  Since the temperatures here reached above 70° F  (21° C) the fogging has virtually disappeared.

LONG TERM TEST RESULTS

     After examining and testing the Factors for the past six months, I am confident that I have had the opportunity to use them in as wide a range of conditions as Indiana has to offer.  They have out performed virtually every pair of sunglasses I've ever had the opportunity to own.  I am highly pleased with their performance, and even the fogging is something that I can easily overcome with the minor adjustment of sliding them a few centimeters away from my brows.

     I have found no real, practical uses for the Yellow and Clear lenses.  They aren't suitable to replace shop glasses, shooting glasses, ski goggles, or any other alternative eye wear that I use with any regularity so I have ceased attempting to use them.  Additionally, the Polarized True Color Gray are too dark for me to use regularly.  At first I thought this was mainly to do with the darkness of the inside of my car which is fully tinted, but I have taken the Factors with the Gray lenses with me on two outings near water where I expected the polarization to be of use in cutting glare and modifying the bright direct sunlight.  My findings on those two occasions as well as a handful of urban excursions are that the level of tint with those particular lenses is so great as to be distracting, and, when I encounter shade or dim conditions the amount of tint is too great and I feel blinded.

     That leaves me the Ignitor and RC36 lenses.  I alternate between them every few days depending upon conditions and my whim.  The functionality and durability of these two lens tints are impressive.  They are suitable for driving, running, cycling, skiing, kayaking, and playing Frisbee with your dog.  The frames are light weight enough, as I mentioned in an earlier report, that I frequently forget that I'm wearing them.  I have lost track of the number of reached up and bumped my hand into my sunglasses.

I would like to thank Backpack Gear Test and Smith Optics for the opportunity to participate in this test.

Rami Benhameda