QUICK HITS
• Phantom photochromic lenses
• Polarized
• Thermogrip® Ergo Pad temples
• Adjustable nose
WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE BOLLE SPEEDCHASER SUNGLASSES
Bolle offers the SPEEDCHASER sport sunglasses in three lens options — classic, Volt+, and Phantom. These lens options are then paired with different color frames, allowing you to customize the style you’re looking for. Within that Phantom lens lineup, Bolle offers a clear green (62–9% visible light transmitted) and a clear red or “lava” lens (82–12% visible light trans.). Bolle sent its Phantom Lava lens for us to test.
Phantom is Bolle’s latest photochromic lens. Photochromic lenses transition from light to dark depending on the environment, in an attempt to give the optimal tint. for varying light conditions. The Clear Lava lens we tested transitions from CAT 0 (low light) to CAT 3 (full light) in seconds. Bolle claims that their Phantom lens combines all the features from other lens technologies, with the addition of polarization and photochromic change.
The Phantom lenses are also impact-resistant and have Platinum Anti-Fog technology incorporated.
At least 20% recycled or bio-based materials are used in the production of the SPEEDCHASER, a change Bolle made to all of their products in 2023. This is also true of the lenses, but at a higher 60%. The pads on the frames and adjustable nose piece that come into contact with skin are made from Bolle’s Thermogrip® material, which is designed to get grippier when water or sweat contacts it. This is combined with Ergo Pads at the temples, which are designed to help distribute pressure, preventing the SPEEDCHASERs from squeezing the head uncomfortably.
The SPEEDCHASER sunglasses also range in price, depending on the lens option chosen. Bolle’s classic lens is $160, Volt is $210, and the Phantom is $260.
THE DIRT
This would be one of my first chances to spend time with photochromic lenses. I am a contact lens wearer, and glasses (or goggles) are on for every ride to keep dirt and wind out of my eyes. Until now, I’ve always used an interchangeable lens option — dark for sunny rides, clear for overcast days, or forest missions.
Changing lenses can be annoying, especially when the clouds burn off and I try to do it trailside. Inevitably, I end up with smudged, dirty lenses, wishing I had just left them be. I hoped a photochromic lens would take care of the lens swap issue, which, in some instances, it did.
The Phantom lenses on the SPEEDCHASER glasses worked well in both high and low lighting. I never had to squint on sunny days, and could see well on particularly overcast days. It was the in-between, when the sun might peak out briefly, then go back behind the clouds, where they seemed to struggle.
For example, I went with a buddy to ride a trail in a relatively densely forested area. The day was overcast with a slight rain as we started in the morning. The first lap was dark, and I had no issues with the SPEEDCHASERs. After climbing back to the top of our second lap, the sun poked out from behind the clouds, making the lenses darker. As I dropped back into the forest for our second descent, I struggled to see with the photochromic Phantom lenses.
Even on completely sunny days, I wear clear lenses while riding through our dense PNW forests.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Bolle’s SPEEDCHASER Sunglasses fit my face well, stayed put (even in a crash), and were comfortable every time I wore them. And while I like the idea of photochromic lenses, the Phantom lenses struggled to transition back to the low light levels I wanted them at. For densely forested rides, I’ll keep using a clear lens. 
Price: $260
Website: Bolle.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
The local boy — Travis was born and raised in Bend, OR. Skateboarding consumed his life until his high school years (yes, he can still kickflip), but was replaced by mountain biking…then rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and finally back to mountain biking. After a stint in the big city, Travis returned home, trading a teaching career to be an okay mountain biker and above-average journalist. He is an outspoken 90s grunge fan, cornering poor souls in conversations about the meaning behind the lyrics of Alice In Chains’ “Would.” Most days, Travis hopes to be outside, whether that is on an early morning ride or a hike with his family (the best days include both).
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’8” / 172cm | 195lbs / 88kg
Social: @travis_reill_writes
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