Article by Jeff Valliere
Koo Demo Sunglasses Review
$200 as tested in Redbull - Bora hansgrohe with Blue mirror lens
(Also tested interchangeable Pink Photochromic lens $90 shown above)
Introduction:
Features:
Turquoise mirror Zeiss Polycarbonate lens with 11% VLT
Innovative single-lens frame design for maximum panoramic vision
4 ventilation ports to minimise the risk of fogging
Anti-slip MEGOL elastomer temple inserts provide added grip and comfort
Lens interchangeability
The Koo Demo is not the lightest model in the line at 35 grams, but instead has a very robust, full frame design with a robust structure, while maintaining great visibility. As mentioned above, the Demos are best suited for cycling, but are also versatile enough for running, backcountry/XC skiing, mountaineering, snowshoeing, etc….
The full frame design provides a sturdy feel and feels reasonably lightweight, offering a very good field of vision.
The earstems are secure, durable and have a very positive open/close action.
The ear stems have a rubber lining on the inside and the glasses fit snuggly. This combination provides excellent security whether you are mountain biking or running down steep mountain trails.
The nose bridge is made of an adjustable hydrophobic rubber that is comfortable and well vented.
The Turquoise Zeiss lens provides exceptionally premium optical definition, clarity and protection. The 11% VLT is leaning towards a dark lens that is perfect for those bright sunny days in the open, above treeline, in fresh snow, providing very good clarity and trail definition. I do find them a bit too dark for running or cycling in lower light conditions and in the trees.
The lens is a great size, large enough to provide plenty of protection from the wind and sun, yet is not overwhelmingly massive.
The Photochromic Zeiss lens also provides exceptionally premium optical definition, clarity and protection. The 69% to 12.5% VLT of the pink lens (as tested) covers a wide range of lighting conditions, from early morning pre-sunrise running, all the way to very bright sunny days.
The photochromic lens performed really well on shady, mixed lighting trails, out in the open and on semi cloudy days, providing very good clarity and trail definition. Lens transition between different lighting conditions is not instant, changes a little more gradual, so subtle it is hardly noticeable.
At 69% VLT, I find that I can easily run in lower light conditions with good visibility. 12.5% VLT is perfect for bright sunny conditions.
While the lenses are full coverage, I find them to be very well vented when cycling, running or skiing, with no fogging issues, in part due to the 4 venting ports. For cycling, they fit well under or over your helmet straps and stay put even when the trails get bumpy and when trail running, no matter how fast I am running downhill, I get no bounce.
I have a small face and the glasses look a little big, but they do not feel large and I appreciate the added protection.
Conclusions
I would highly recommend the Demo for cycling, running or just about any other outdoor endurance sport, as they are reasonably light, protective, fit well and are secure, but most of all the lens quality and versatility of being able to change them out is amazing. While I do really appreciate the ability to change out lenses, I am not sure I would want to do it too often for fear of wearing out the notched interface while the change out is not super fast and easy like the Smith Mag glasses, but is great for occasional changes.
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
Koo Demo at Koo
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