ProView – Julbo Intensity Sunglasses Review
As someone who skis and snowboards as long as there’s snow on the ground, bikes on road, mountain, and gravel, and dabbles in climbing, I’m always drawn to gear that can cover multiple sports. I took them on a few PNW classic ski tours that I knew I’d be in for variable lighting conditions and they performed remarkably.
Unsurprisingly, the Intensity is perfect for cycling—they’re lightweight, durable, and the fast-changing photochromatic lens feels amazing on the road. But what genuinely surprised me was how well they performed while trail running and backcountry skiing. The Reactiv lens transitions so smoothly and gets dark enough that I’d forget I was even wearing them indoors.
Fit
The fit is simple yet effective. The textured arms grip securely without slipping, even over a buff or hood. Combined with their lightweight design, it’s nearly impossible for them to slide off, whether I’m looking down or trying to shake them free. The smooth ends of the arms make them easy to slide on without snagging hair or other headwear.
The Intensity scored major points for accommodating every head accessory I threw at them. Wearing headphones? No problem. A buff under a helmet? Easy. A buff over a hat under a helmet and headphones? Weird flex, but okay!
Look & Style
Let’s be honest—white-framed sunglasses make anyone look fast, even on a sidewalk or patio. The Intensity is no exception. They don’t whisper “casual” but rather shout, “I’m an outdoor enthusiast!” I have a fairly wide face, a broad bridge, and a generally large head, so the Intensity looks a bit small on me—but they don’t feel that way when worn.
Performance
The anti-fog performance is incredible. During high exertion in cold, humid weather, most sunglasses fog up, but the Intensity keeps just enough airflow behind the lens to prevent foggy spots. I only noticed any wind distortion at very high speeds (30+ mph, according to Strava) where I’d tear up a bit. Speeds I don’t often reach on a bike in cold weather anyway.
The REACTIV 0-3 High Contrast lens is incredible for how quick the lens darken when getting into the sun. Within seconds they begin to darken and after about 30 seconds they’re fully tinted. While a bit slower to clear, they’re still the quickest photochromatic glasses I’ve used. Perfect for putting them on and staying on through variable weather on going in and out of treed terrain
The SPECTRON 3 HD lens is ideal for slightly overcast conditions and quick transitions between shade and sun, like trail running through trees. They’re also perfect for road riding—never too dark, yet they enhance definition and contrast almost like a vision correction.
Weight, Durability & Construction:
The Intensity feels weightless—so much so that I’ve misplaced them on my head or in a pocket without noticing. The frames have a nice flex, making them resistant to breaking yet with enough spring in them to feel very secure on my head.
Julbo’s glasses case is one of the best I’ve used, offering solid protection in a bag or pack.
Sustainability
While Julbo may not be a leader in sustainability, they’re making progress with European manufacturing (fair wages) and recycled materials. What really stands out is their repair/replacement policy—years ago, I broke an arm and cracked a lens on a pair of Explorers, and they replaced both. Impressive.
The Final Word
The Intensity is a fantastic all-in-one option for cycling and running. The Reactive lens handles varying conditions effortlessly—just set it and forget it. If you’re after glacier-style glasses, the Reactive lens is still a great choice. Overall, the Intensity’s versatility justifies its price.
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About the Gear Tester
Reid Pitman
- Reid Pitman#molongui-disabled-link
- Reid Pitman#molongui-disabled-link
- Reid Pitman#molongui-disabled-link
