Designed to adapt to intense light environments, ICE 01s were tested on board in summer conditions.
Designed for extreme lighting conditions
The ICE 01 is made from injection-molded nylon. This material offers good flexibility without sacrificing the rigidity needed to hold the frame to the face in sporty conditions. They are fitted with removable side shields (red on our test model, but different colors are available) which, when sailing, effectively block side rays.
The temples are adjustable, with a malleable tip for a secure fit, even under a cap or beanie.
Grey Bluelynx lenses: targeted protection for water sports
Grey Bluelynx lenses are made of category 3 mineral glass (less easily scratched than plexi lenses) (approved for driving, category 3 protects against 100% of UV rays, 90% of infrared rays and 93% of harmful blue light). Grey Bluelynx lenses feature a grey base for neutral tinting and perfect color rendition. The Bluelynx treatment, a slightly bluish bi-gradient mirror, enhances protection against the sun, making it ideal for mountain and seaside environments.
Remarkable visual comfort, at the price of significant weight
The mineral glass ensures excellent color reproduction and visual clarity, much appreciated at sea. However, the thickness of the glass means that the extra weight is very slightly noticeable when worn for long periods. During our test, this weight was offset by a good fit on the face, with no slippage or marked pressure points, even during repeated movements on board.
Modularity: a boating asset
Modular side shells and temples enable the frame to be adapted to a variety of environments, from a sojourn at sea to a return to land. But these features are more incidental than essential. The risk of losing removable hulls is also a factor in marine environments.
While ICE 01s are effective on a sailboat or powerboat when cruising, they lack the ability to attach a lanyard to the end of the stems, which are not drilled for this purpose (although adaptable lanyard models are available).
It's also worth noting that the side protection flaps need to be opened each time the glasses are used. They are not attached to the temples.
Price: an investment in optical quality
Priced at ?290 direct from Vuarnet, the ICE 01 is positioned at the top end of the market. This price is mainly due to the use of mineral lenses, less common in sports eyewear. It will suit those who prefer optical quality to lightness. We appreciate the packaging and the high-quality white case, which protects the glasses well when not in use.
The "Vuarnet vision", with its 3 horizontal stripes in the lens that modify the light according to the area being looked at, is still a must since the creation of these lenses. Sailing with Vuarnet will always be a plus for those who wear these glasses on their nose!
