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PERFORMANCE EYEWEAR The lowdown in high-tech sun protection Text: Derek Loosvelt gear • • • • RUDY PROJECT KEROSENE PREMIUM ::ADVENTURE RACES The engineering behind the Kerosene Premium, Spy SCOOP HS ::MOUNTAIN BIKING Virtually no light, wind, water or city debris wil l stream into your sockets. The Grylamid plastic frames make these specs resilient to serious tum- bles, and the gripping Hytrel rubber stems, angled upward and around your sku ll instead of just around it, resu lt in unbelievably good holding power despite the absence of nose grips. But, best of all , with the anti- fog holes, you' ll never have to wipe them clean during changing weather patterns. For an additional $34, you can get a Commando Kit with two sets of replacement ARC Prismatic Polycarbonate lenses, a lens storage sleeve and a SPY "Clamshell" storage case. Rock on. SPY, 760-734-6779, WWW.SPYEYES.COM. $80-$100 OAKLEY TWENTY ::RIVER KAYAKING Remember the Oakley Frogskins-classic 1980s sun protection? Well , Oakley has morphed that style into the Twenty, which comes with a slight- ly squared-off lens shape and increases lower peripheral protection. Equipped with patented lens clarity and coating, hydrophilic nose and stem grips, a choice of polarized and prescription lenses, the Twenty per- forms in all cond itions. You won't find a clearer view except maybe through a prescription-ground shatter-prone glass lens. OAKLEY, 800-336-3994, WWW.OAKLEY.COM. $85-$155 CARRERA C.S ::ROAD BIKING At first glance, the C.8 looks as if it belongs in the next Star Trek spin· off. When you put them on, you feel ready for inter space. And when you actually use them for their intended purpose-on the road- you know you've strapped into the future of sunglass protection. With sturdy con- , f ull eye coverage, adjustable temple ends, a glasslike anti -fog inner coated clear lens, as well as minute lens slits for further fog pro- tection, the C.8 shines in dryland pursuits. It's obvious Carrera's R&D division worked some serious OT. CARRERA, 800-659-3527, WWW.CARRERASPORT.COM. $85 Rudy's premier piece, is truly out of sight. The adjustable hydrophilic nosepiece and stems bend to custom fit to your face. A vent-controlling system allows you to place the lenses in two different positions, varying the amount of airflow. And anti·fog holes, interchange- able lenses for varying light, a sturdy, featherweight hybrid frame construc- tion, and a polarized lens choice complete the picture. The only thing miss- ing is a talking on-frame computer. RUDY PROJECT, 888-860-7597, WWW.RUDYPROJECTUSA.COM. $115-$180 (DEPENDING ON LENS) SMITH PIVOT ::SNOWBOARDING The Pivot contains everything you'd expect from Smith: first-rate tech features such as standard interchangeable lenses for low light, ultra- light, durable frames, patented lens shaping for increased vision clairty, and sweat-gripping pads at the nose and temples. SMITH SPORT OPTICS, 800-635-4401, WWW.SMITHSPORT.COM. $99 UVEX AIRFIGHTER ::MOUNTAINEERING Known mainly for its goggles, UVEX also puts out a slick line of sports glasses. The Airfighter battles shifting weather patterns with tiny anti- fog holes, comes with nose and temple grips, strong frames and thoughtful shaping-the lenses come nearly to a point at the cheekbone giving greater lower line of sight coverage than most glasses. UVEX SPORTS, 888-616-UVEX, WWW.UVEXSPORTS.COM. $80 BOLLE HABU ::BEACH GAMES They're green. No, they're purple. Wait, they're green again . Depending on how light hits the Habu's scarab-colored frame, it' ll change colors. But no matter how light hits the Habu's lenses, nothing changes on the inside. Bolle's polarized lens technology, a full socket coverage design and the Habu's thick stems near the lenses fully protect you from harmful rays and eye gouging materials. With the smart spring hinges, the Habu nearly snaps onto your head giving you a tight fit, resulting in good staying power. And the tips of the sexy flexible stems are so comfortable, they give headache-ideal for deciding in mid-air whether to spike or lob. BOLLE, 800-22-BOLLE, WWW.BOLLE.COM. $80-$85 65