Sweet Protections Shinobi RIG Reflect Wrap Sport Performance Sunglasses

No matter the sport or the season, eye protection should always be a top priority in any gear kit.  Good visibility makes mountain pursuits more enjoyable and safer, and that begins and ends with sunglasses.  Based on my experience field testing Sweet Protection’s goggles, I was eager to give their sunglasses a try.  It should come as no surprise that the Sweet Protection Shinobi RIG Reflect shades proved to be equally impressive.

First Impressions

I’ve never been drawn to the larger wrap around-style sunglasses, so I’ll admit I was initially skeptical when I unboxed the Sweet Protection Shinobi RIG Reflect Sunglasses.  However, it didn’t take long for these shades to win me over completely.  The design is sleek, even with the larger lens, and the minimalistic look stands out compared to some of their more “flashy” competitors.  Ultimately, though, all it took was one glance through Sweet Protection’s RIG Bixbite VLT lens to realize these sunglasses were the real deal.

Field Testing

I would like to say this review is based on a couple of ski tours in the Tetons but, the truth is, after two days out in the mountains they immediately became my go-to uphill shades for the remainder of the winter season. The Sweet Protection Shinobi RIG Reflect Sunglasses deliver everything you want from a high-performance pair of active glasses.

My first outing with these shades was climbing Mt. Glory on Teton Pass on a partly sunny to cloudy day—exactly the conditions that the RIG Bixbite VLT 25% lens is designed for. This lens, sitting in the middle of Sweet Protection’s offerings, performed flawlessly in both low-light and brighter conditions. While trucking up the 1,600+ ft. Mt. Glory bootpack, I was particularly impressed by the breathability of the lenses. Fogging was never an issue, even with the thermal output from intense exercise.

Next up was storm skiing on the south side of Teton Pass, where I tested the limits of these shades in low light, heavy snowfall, and cold temperatures. This was the day I knew that Sweet Protection’s Shinobi RIG Reflect glasses earned a permanent place in my pack.  They proved their worth in all conditions, and that’s more than you can ask from most sunglasses.

As the month went on I continued skiing with these glasses, even giving them an honest shake on some downhill riding.  The wide field of vision, combined with exceptional clarity, continued to impress.  I also tested the interchangeable lens system, which was quick, easy, and intuitive.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ultra clear lenses with a wide field of vision, ideal for both the uphill and downhill athlete
• Simple and efficient lens swapping and installation
• Excellent breathability, with no fogging issues to note
• Comes with multiple nose pieces for customizable fit

Cons

• On the pricier side, with additional lenses sold separately

Overall Impression

The Shinobi RIG Reflect Glasses ($180.00) are priced similarly to many competitors but outshine their sunglasses performance.  Sweet Protection’s RIG technology in the lens continues to impress with its clarity and UV protection, and the wide field of vision is a welcome asset for all action sports.  These glasses are now my go-to choice for ski touring and mountaineering and, as the seasons change, I’m excited to get on the mountain bike and put these to the test under the summer sun as well.

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