Beware of the dangers of low sun when driving

We’re at the time of the year (here in the UK) when the sun is lower in the sky. For drivers a lower sun means it’s closer to eye level. And at this time of the year, low sun typically coincides with the morning and evening commute to work. You can easily be dazzled by the harsh glare from a low sun: UK Government statistics indicate that low sun contributes to 3,000 car accidents a year of which over 400 will result in serious injury and 35 will be fatalities.

Here are some sensible actions you can take to mitigate against the hazards of low sun when driving:
– Keep your windscreen clean inside and out.
– Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
– If blinded, slow down immediately. It is tempting to carry on regardless to let the glare pass but by then it may be too late.
– Wear polarised sunglasses – they are designed to cut glare and are recommended by the Met Office, the AA and other high profile authorities.

Evolution and Royal Armouries collaborate to release new shooting eyewear set

Royal-Armouries-logo-black

We’re delighted to announce the release of Elite, a new 5 Lens Interchangeable shooting eyewear set, created as a joint venture with Royal Armouries (RA). With a history dating back 700 years, RA care for one of the oldest and most extensive public collections of arms and armour in the world, displayed at its historical home of the Tower of London, the purpose-built Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds and at Fort Nelson near Portsmouth. RA is a registered charity and has several collaborations with companies to create licenced merchandise – every purchase of which supports its mission to preserve its world-famous collections for future generations to enjoy.

The new Elite moRoyal Armouries - Elite 5 Lens Set montagedel features a large lens with a 10-base curve for total eye protection and is simply loaded with features you would expect in shooting eyewear costing significantly more. The frame is made from lightweight but super durable TR90 nylon that will flex for comfort and the lenses are made from Class 1 Optical Grade polycarbonate with full impact protection (complying with EN166F). All 5 lenses are UV400 rated for maximum protection from UVR. The lenses also feature hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings that repel water, dust, oil, fingerprint smudges and dirt plus an anti-scratch coating. Additional features include adjustable nose pads and cam hinges to the temples (for snap closure). Lens changing is quick and simple.

Evolution’s Commercial Director Rhian Kelly said, “It’s been a privilege to work with Royal Armouries to create the new Elite shooting set for them. We will do our best to maximise sales which will help towards funding the preservation of its renowned collection of arms and armour”.

The Royal Armouries Elite 5 lens set is supplied with grey, yellow, purple, orange & clear lenses complete with RA branded cleaning cloth, soft carry pouch & high-quality hard case, all for just £79.95. See it here.

 

Taking the lead on eye dominance correction

Participation in target sports (shotgun, rifle, handgun and archery) is undertaken with a dominant eye but this is not always the same as your dominant hand. Ideally the Master Eye (the aiming eye) should be the same as the dominant hand. If the dominant eye is not the Master Eye it is known as the Off Eye and it will interfere with vison: the shooter may see two targets, two barrels or the head may tilt over the gun, or the gun will move across the face to compensate. It’s not uncommon for a right handed shooter to be left eye dominant (and vice verse). It effects around 1 in 3 male clay target shooters and up to 1 in 2 female clay target shooters.

Eye dominance problems

To solve the problem, you have to trick or suppress the dominant eye so your master eye takes over.

We now have three dedicated products that will help overcome eye dominance problems: i-Spot, Strike EDK and our new i-Patch. And we’ve put them all together in one section – see them here.

If you have an eye dominance problem and would like advice, please do get in touch info@evolutionsunglasses.com

 

Are all polarised lenses the same?

One of the questions we have been asked many times over the years is “are all polarised lenses the same?”. The simple answer is no! But first let’s recap on why polarised lenses are different to standard sunglass lenses: they have a special film which helps eliminate glare reflected off a surface like a pavement, road, water or snow.

Lower priced polarised sunglasses (typically under £50) use a multi-layer material called TAC (Triacetate). Even though it’s multi-layer, a TAC lens is thin: usually no more than 1.2mm. Most inexpensive sunglasses with TAC lenses have the polarised film on the front so it can scratch and eventually lose some of its polarising properties. It’s important to recognise that TAC polarised lenses provide little impact protection and they can shatter, so they should not be used if impact protection is important like clay target shooting.

On higher priced polarised sunglasses (typically above £50) the lens material is likely to be polycarbonate; here the polarised film is sandwiched between two layers of the polycarbonate (or a similar material called Trivex) meaning the polarised film can never wear out. Importantly, a polarised polycarbonate lens also provides impact protection.

Most Evolution polarised sunglasses (typically under £20) use TAC lenses and they will do a perfectly good job but will eventually lose some of their polarising performance. Recently we have introduced two models with polycarbonate polarised lenses: Carmel and Novara. Their superb lenses are the type you’d find in competitors’ models costing upwards of £60 but both these models are under £30! Unbeatable value.

Carmel

carmel blue brown amber polarised
Carmel (Blue Mirror), Carmel (Brown), Carmel (Amber)

 

Novara

Novara

 

Why lenses mist up

Anti Fog - eyewear and sunglassesFogged up lenses are the result of condensation, the simple chemical process that occurs when water vapour cools down enough to turn from a gas back into its liquid state. This can happen quite suddenly when there is a drastic difference between the temperature of the lens and the surrounding air. It often occurs when a cold lens is near to your warm face. Close fitting wrap-around sports eyewear is more prone to misting up because the warm air heated from your face gets trapped behind the lens.

Typical scenarios for fogging up are:

  • Walking into a warm shop from a cold outdoor (cold lens/warm air). The reverse applies if you step from a cool air conditioned indoors to a warm outdoors (cold lens/warm air).
  • Putting on a pair of sunglasses left in the car overnight (cold lens/warm face)
  • Putting on a pair of sunglasses left in a kit bag (cold lens/warm face)
  • Anytime you’re outdoors and the surrounding air is colder than the heat from your face (cold lens/warm face)

If your sports eyewear has adjustable nose pads (and many Evolution models do!) a useful tip is to pull the nose pads away from the lens. This allows more air to circulate around the lens so there is less difference between the temperate of the lens and the surrounding air – so no misting occurs. Some sports eyewear models come with a factory applied anti-fog lens coating – these can be very effective. Safety Eyewear typically has an anti-fog coating applied as fogging up at the wrong moment could be safety critical. There are also some highly effective anti-fog products available to apply to lenses. We have two options and our Pocket Anti-Fog Spray is very effective and it’s currently on offer!

And more new models!

We’ve had a very busy year so far introducing new models – another three have just arrived, all manufactured exclusively for us.

Carmel Amber

Already available in Brown & Blue Mirror, the new Amber colour is Category 2 – this colour adds lots of contrast and is perfect for overcast conditions. It has the same polarised polycarbonate lens material meaning it’s not just glare blocking but can be used where impact protection is required. Just £29.95 including hard case.

 

Novara

A fab looking, true unisex polycarbonate polarised sunglass like Carmel, Novara is a cross over sport-leisure style that can be used for any sport whilst looking terrific when you’re just out and about. Only £29.95 including hard case.

 

Polo

White frame with Red Mirror lens
Black frame with Blue Mirror lens

 

A small-medium fit sports sunglass ideal for several different sports e.g. running, tennis, cycling, golf, skiing and more. Lenses are Class 1 optical grade and the frame is made from lightweight but super strong TR90. Available in two colour options: Red Mirror or Blue Mirror at just £16.95 each with soft carry pouch.

And more new models!

We’ve just taken delivery of another two brand new models manufactured exclusively for us, including our first ever photochromic model – this is called Match.

The photochromic lenses automatically adjust to changing light conditions (Cat. 0 – 3) with the lenses becoming dark grey in strong sun. Match has a full wrap fit to keep out wind, glare & UVR. The frame is made from lightweight but super strong TR90. The lenses are made from impact resistant, shatterproof polycarbonate and are UV 400 rated. Supplied with cleaning cloth, soft carry pouch & hard case all for the great value price of £34.95.

 

The other new model is called Windward

Windward features UV400 rated polarised, glare blocking Smoke (Category 3) lens with a blue revo mirror finish. The full wrap fit will keep out UVR, wind & glare. The frame is also made from lightweight but super strong TR90 frame. It is also available as an RX version with optical insert for prescription wearers. It’s available at just £19.95 or £24.95 for the RX version – fantastic value!

 

New in cycling sunglasses

Just in and newly manufactured for us: 3 brand new, dedicated cycling models – all in ‘on trend’ cycling styles. All 3 are packed with features you’d expect in models costing at least 3 times the price including  lightweight but super strong TR90 frames and Class 1 optical grade, UV400 rated lenses. At just £24.95 they’re amazing value for money. The 3 are:

ROADIE

Lime Green & Matte Black frame – Smoke (Category 3) lens with Blue-Green mirror
Red & White frame – Smoke (Category 3) lens with Sunburst mirror

 

 

 

 

 

INVADER

Matte Dark Green frame – Smoke (Category 3) lens with Yellow-Gold mirror
Petrol Blue frame with White & Black temples – Smoke (Category 3) lens with Sky Blue mirror

STRIDE

Matte Black frame – Grey (Category 3) lens with Gold flash mirror
White frame (Blue & Grey temples) – Smoke (Category 3) lens with Blue mirror

New In! Three superb looking polarised sunglasses

Newly manufactured for us: 3 terrific looking sports style polarized models each with 2 colour options. Each has a lightweight but super strong TR90 frame and high quality, glare blocking, UV400 rated lenses. A nice feature is cam hinges to the temples for snap closure of the arms. They are:

FADE

FADE – Crystal Grey frame & Smoke polarized lenses with ice-blue mirror finish
FADE – Tortoise frame & Brown polarized lenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHORELINE

SHORELINE – Dark Tortoise frame & Grey polarized lenses
SHORELINE – Frosted Grey frame & Grey polarised lenses with silver mirror finish

 

 

 

 

 

 

VENETO

VENETO – Matte Grey frame & Smoke polarized lenses with blue-green revo mirror finish
VENETO – Matte Black frame & Smoke polarized lenses with red revo mirror finish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone is priced at just £19.95 – fantastic value for money. See them all here.

“New” Rapide is here!

Steve Scott wearing Evolution Rapide-2Our Rapide shooting eyewear has sold well since we launched it about 2 years ago but the lens would flex when worn meaning it could be loose fitting especially for anyone with a smaller face. So we have changed lens manufacturer and strengthened the frame ‘architecture’. It’s now a more firm but still comfortable fit and will now suit anyone including women shooters. And the really good news is we’ve reduced the price (not something you hear very often!).

The 6 individual colours (grey, clear, yellow, rose, purple & orange) will retail at just £19.95 with a 4 Colour Bundle at £64.95. Probably the best value shooting eyewear available. The Rapide model is worn and endorsed by Steve Scott – Olympic Bronze medal winner; European, Commonwealth and World Championships multiple Gold medal winner.

New prescription shooting eyewear

Connect X is one our best-shooting shooting models – worn and endorsed by clay target multi-time sporting champion Chris Childerhouse. Now we have a new prescription optical insert available for it. The insert is large, covering most of the lens and it’s easy to move the optical insert from one lens colour to another. All you need do is take the optical insert to your usual opticians to have prescriptions lenses put in it. We also provide a prescription service.

It is available now as a 4 Lens Prescription Set (Connect X RX4). Plus any customer that already has Connect X will be able to buy the insert on its own to convert their Connect X for prescription use.

New! Storm Ballistic Eyewear

We have just taken delivery of our brand new Storm safety eyewear; this new model (EV035A) is fully certified high specification, technically advanced ballistic eyewear available as individual Grey, Yellow & Clear colours and a 3 Lens Interchangeable Set (Grey, Yellow & Clear lenses).

Tested & Certified to EN166FT by SATRA Technology Europe Ltd (European Notified Body number: 2777). All options come with a detachable, adjustable strap that can replace the arms with an optional RX prescription insert available.

 

Frame features
Matte Black Nylon frame is lightweight, flexible and super durable – Adjustable nose pads – Waterproof foam shock absorbing/sweat strip – Inlaid high-grip temple tips – Slim profile temples suited to wearing with helmet or cap – 10 base curve frame provides full-wrap fit to keep out wind, glare & UVR from coming in over the top or side of the frame – Arms can be replaced with adjustable strap (supplied) for a more secure fit and ideal for use with ear defenders/comms headgear.

Lens features (all 3 lenses)
2.2mm polycarbonate, shatterproof & impact resistant – Grey (Cat. 3), Yellow (Cat.1) & Clear (Cat.0) interchangeable lenses – Class 1, decentred and optically correct – Anti-Fog lens coating – Anti-Scratch lens coating – UV400 rated (maximum UVR protection)

Evolution Storm (EV035A) complies with EN166: 2001, EN170: 2002, EN172: 1994 + A1: 2000 & A2: 2001, ANSI Z87.1

See them here!

Just in! Carmel Blue Mirror – True multi-sport sunglass

We’ve just taken delivery of a new colourway for our superb looking Carmel polycarbonate polarised sunglass. This has a matte black frame with grey detail and smoke lenses with a blue mirror finish. As the lenses are made from polycarbonate the polarising film can never wear out and it also means the lenses are fully shatterproof and impact resistant. The glare blocking lenses are Class 1 optical quality and UV400 rated. The full wrap fit keeps out wind, glare & UVR. The frame is made from super strong TR90 nylon that’s lightweight for all-day wear.

This is a true multi-sport sunglass – use for shooting, fishing, skiing, tennis, watersports, cycling and more! Carmel (Blue Mirror) is supplied with a soft carry pouch, cleaning cloth & hard case plus free polarised test card, all for just £29.95.

New Evolution Vintage Cap – get one free!

We have a new vintage style cap made for us by cap specialists Beechfield. It has an embroidered Evolution ‘e’ logo mark made in 100% cotton twill in Stone colour. It features a 6-panel design, stitched ventilation eyelets and a pre-curved peak. The brass buckle size adjuster makes it universal fitting.

Worth £9.95 you can have one free! All you need to do is spend at least £25 on the website and use the code FREECAP at check out and we’ll send one out with your order.

Offer ends 30.11.23

Just in! Another fab looking polarised model

Just arrived and manufactured exclusively for us, the brand new fab looking Coast polarised model. Available in two colour options:

The glare blocking lenses are UV400 and the frame is made from super strong TR90 nylon. Coast features large lenses and a full wrap frame to keep out wind, glare & UVR along with non-slip nose pads & temple tips. And it’s ultra lightweight for all day wear. Supplied with a soft carry pouch for just £19.95! Find it on our polarised sunglasses page.