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Testing the Bajio 12 South Sunglasses Polarized Lens Near Water | Photo Pat Kinney Mountain Weekly News
Sunglasses

Bajío 12 South Sunglasses Review

Pat Kinney
December 25, 2024 4 Mins Read
94 Views
0 Comments

The Bajío 12 South Sunglasses are truly a revelation.  I was fortunate to receive a pair from Mike before a recent trip to the desert and they were just what the doctor ordered. The Whiskey Fade Glass frames with Silver Mirror glass lenses are pure steez. I felt like my Great Uncle Sal rocking this style from a bygone era.  Not only stylish these glasses are optically superior with an incredible clarity when it comes to the lenses.

Trail Map
1 Polarized Lenses
2 12 South vs Bright Light Conditions
3 Frame Features
4 Pros and Cons
5 Overall Impression

Polarized Lenses

Polarized Sunglass Lenses
From the Beaches to the Mountains and Everywhere in-between Polarized Lenses are a Game Changer | Photo Pat Kinney Mountain Weekly News

The BajÍo’s hold true to their surf inspired approach to go along with a large fit accentuated by polarized, color enhancing high definition lenses allowing the user unparalleled vision to spot fish, birds of prey in the sky or hone in on your line in whatever outdoor pursuit of choosing.  Being an avid mountain biker, I put these to the test on trail and they performed swimmingly.  I brought them on the trip as my casual glasses since I have a dedicated sportier pair for mountain biking.  Wearing them firstly out of necessity after forgetting my riding glasses at the car, I was blown away that at the end of the ride I realized I had been wearing the the BajÍs the entire time with no difference in optical clarity/protection.

12 South vs Bright Light Conditions

Man Wearing Sunglasses in the Desert
Sedona Arizona Approved, Pat Kinney Testing in Direct Sun | Photo Mountain Weekly News

As the trip went on in Sedona with it being so bright and sunny I found these glasses to be superior to the clear photochromic’s I typically rock as well as superior over my Smith Lowdown glass lenses which were my go to casual glass until the 12 degrees south debuted into my life.

Frame Features

Man Wearing Sunglasses Closeup
Bajio Frames are Top Notch | Photo Mountain Weekly News

The main reason being that the 12 degrees south not only offers a slightly better optical experience but the lightness in frames really makes a world of difference.

Having frame features such as narrow temples, ergo rubber nose pads, ergo rubber temple pads and pin hinges one can really see the attention to detail that was paid in the creation of this masterful sunglass.  The Lenses are truly where these glasses shine above the rest.  Utilizing patent pending Lapis Technology, lenses block 90% of harsh yellow light, blocks 100% of UV light and blocks 95% of bad blue light.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  1. Exceptional Lens Clarity and Performance: The reviewer repeatedly emphasizes the superior optical clarity provided by the lenses, particularly in bright, sunny conditions. The Lapis Technology is also highlighted for its ability to block yellow, UV, and harmful blue light, enhancing vision and reducing eye strain. They even found them to be superior to their previous go to lenses.

  2. Lightweight and Comfortable Frame: The sunglasses are praised for their lightweight feel, which makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods, even during activities like mountain biking. Features like the narrow temples, ergo rubber nose pads, and temple pads contribute to the overall comfort and secure fit.

Cons:

  1. Price: While not explicitly stated as a negative, the price point of $209.99 might be a barrier for some potential buyers. This places them in a higher-end category of sunglasses. Although not stated as a con, this is a consideration.

  2. Lack of Specific Sport Performance Design: While the reviewer was surprised that they worked well for mountain biking, the sunglasses are primarily positioned as casual/lifestyle wear. If looking for a specific sport pair, these may not be the top choice for more vigorous activities where a more secure or wraparound style might be preferred.

Overall Impression

I was thoroughly impressed by the Bajio 12 South Sunglasses ($209.99).  Having never heard of them prior to testing this specific pair, I had zero expectations,  Everything about them exceeded my generalized expectations from the fit, to the style and of course the lenses, how could I ever forget about how clear and crisp the world presents itself thru these lenses.  I would recommend this product to 10/10 people.  It’s a great lightweight glass lenses in vogue option for the discerning eye.  The charcoal made out of recycled plastic water bottles case is a fitting touch which interrelates nicely with the overall product which is light, efficient, sleek and highly functional.

  • Amazon USAmazon US
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    Amazon.com Price: $269.00 (as of 11/04/2025 01:09 MST) Details

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Last updated: 2025-11-04 01:09:25

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Follow Me Written By

Pat Kinney

Pat can be found exploring the mountains in the winter time on his snowboard and splitboards and then spends an equal amount of time riding around on his bike and moto in the Tetons during the warmer months.

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