Review: AMO Transformer Customisable Sunglasses
Last month, I was approached by AMO Sunglasses; a Hong-Kong based brand, which is making the leap into high-end sports eyewear. After selecting and receiving a custom pair of their glasses, I have been wear-testing them for the last few weeks. They have proven to be an interesting new option...
Custom Sunglasses
AMO stands for Advance Multi-sport Optics. Their idea, is that through customer customisation, they are able to provide sunglasses that are tailored to the kind of sports that you partake in, and even to the kind of riding that you do. Whether it is lens design, colour, frame shape or even the glasses case; you have the option to pick and choose.I chose the AMO Transformer model, with photochromic lenses and custom orange arms (to match my Team Wiggle kit). For optimal protection, I went for the James Bond style Bullet case.
Look, Fit and Feel
Straight from the shiny bullet-shaped case, these have a great look and feel to them, as well as a really personalised fit.The glasses' frames are made from Grilamid TR-90, which is a light and strong composite, and should withstand plenty of use and abuse. To add personalisation, you can choose the colour of your temple arms, and interchange them with a simple click-and-fit mechanism; giving your model a very personal feel.
To personalise the fit, the arms are made of a flexible material called Hytrel, which allows you to 'mould' them to your head shape and avoid any uncomfortable rubbing. The Transformer glasses also have a thermoplastic nose piece, which allows you to tailored its position in terms of height, width and depth on your nose. I have worn these mountain biking, commuting and running, and I have yet to dislodge them or experience any discomfort. Impressive.
Lens Quality
The lenses are another highlight of the AMO Transformer, coming from the well reputed NXT factory. They comply with all European lens safety standards for protection, as well as holding a Class 1 rating for optical clarity. There is little doubt that they are a high-quality optic, and when you have used high-end lenses like these, you realise why it is worth spending a bit on riding glasses.To add to their clarity, the lenses are also hydrophobic and anti-scratch; making them ideal for UK weather conditions, when road spray and grit will bombard them for a significant portion of the year. I have previously used these hydrophobic lenses on glasses from adidas and POC, and there is a noticeable difference on how well water runs off the lens, rather than beading on the surface.
I opted to test the photochromic lenses in the Transformer glasses, which I believe are the optimal type of lens for UK riding; particularly in the winter, when you often get a mix of low sunlight, followed by darkness. AMO do allow you to switch-out the lenses too, with their 'click-lock’ lens system; this means you could use clear or fully darkened lenses in the same frames. More options for personalisation.
Overall
Overall, these are an interesting new option, from an interesting new brand. The composite used on the frames gives them a slightly different appearance from most high-end sunglasses, but they still look and feel very good quality. The fit is superb, thanks to the lens shape, customisable arm shape and moldable nose piece. The lenses are equally as impressive, with their high-end clarity and photochromic technology. Coming in at a price-point that is very competitive in the high-end category, these could well be worth considering, especially if you are after something a bit different.View the AMO Sunglasses range at amosunglasses.com (Link)
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