We’ve written a lot about Switch Eyewear and their crazy good idea to use magnets to make an interchangeable lens system easier than ever. Well, at the Outdoor Retailer 2014 Winter Market, they’re revolutionizing sunglasses again. New this year, you can expect to see the Pathfinder and Stormrider sunglasses in stores. But what makes these shades truly awesome is the Switch Multisport Interchangeable Magnetic Eyecups.
Here’s how it works: They’ve taken typical sunglasses and made them to you can transform the frames to go with a specific type of activity by adding or removing the magnetic eyecups. There are two different eyecups – Activity Guard and Climate Guard.
Activity Guard screens out mild debris and wind while a soft, closed-cell cushion offers light weight comfort and allows airflow with integrated venting.
Climate Guard provides a goggle-like fit with an ultra thin, flexible TPR rim for maximum blockage of debris, wind and water. It’s made from soft, thermoplastic rubber, is hypoallergenic, and also has integrated vent slots for airflow and to prevent fogging.
I can see a real market for sunglasses like this. Personally, I avoid wearing sunglasses when I ski because the cold air hitting my eyeballs makes me tear up. The same thing happens when I mountain bke on a cold day. But with the Switch magnetic eyecups, I can block out the wind… it’s sort of like turning your sunglasses into goggles. And if you feel you don’t need the inserts, take them out and your sunglasses are totally normal again.
I can imagine using these not only for skiing, but to better protect my eyes from the sun, especially when skinning in the snow on a bright, cloudless day. Or imagine you’re riding your bike and it’s real windy to the point that a bunch of dust is kicking up and getting into your eyes. Simply snap on your inserts and viola! You’ve got instant eye protection.
Switch tells me you can expect to find the Pathfinder and Stormrider sunglasses at REI this spring and everywhere else by summer.