POC Do Half Blade AVIP Sunglasses Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Hot!

• Zeiss lens provides superior optics and clarity
• Treated with anti-fog and Ripel to help keep lens clear and clean
• Frameless bottom improves lower and peripheral vision
• Light weight, barely know they are on
• Hydrophilic rubber nose piece keeps sunglasses in place
• Adjustable nose piece for added comfort
• Includes spare clear lens which is easily changed out

Not!

• Lens is not dark enough when sun is low in horizon
• Pricey

POC Sports

Cost: MSRP $ 260.00
How obtained: review sample from company
Available: online, retail
AVID Colors: Hydrogen White/Zink Orange, Hydrogen White/Fluo Pink,
Non-AVID Colors: 6 colors
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 40+ hours

Testing the POC Do Half Blade sunglasses was my first venture into any of the POC line of products. I’ve heard good things about their helmets and hope to get a test sample sometime in the future.

My first impression of these sunglasses was quite positive right out of the box. They were lightweight and stylish. I slipped them on and hardly knew they were on. Having a narrow face, the fit was good, and no adjustments needed. However, there’s enough flexibility in the temples to accommodate a wider face.

The Lens – Zeiss Optics and Ripel Treated

These sunglasses come with an extra clear lens which is easily swapped out for low light conditions. Both lenses are Zeiss so the optics are great and no distortion. POC treats the lenses with Ripel to help prevent fogging and keep dirt and grime off. Even water beads up and rolls off the lens. In addition, two vents cut into the top of the lens provides added air circulation.

I really liked the Ripel treatment as I rarely had to clean my glasses after a hot sweaty ride. Normally my sunglasses are spotted with sweat and dirt, needing to be wiped clean by the end of a ride. Not with these sunglasses.

The only issue I had was with the tint of the lens. They were fine the majority of the time and provided good contrast. But on late afternoon rides when the sun was low in the horizon, it was difficult to see. For those conditions I’d have preferred a slightly darker tint.

The Frame – Comfort and Excellent Field of Vision

The frame design is called Half Blade because the lower half of the frame is gone. As a result, your field of vision Is not interrupted. In fact, the whole frame was designed to increase your field of vision. Be it in the drops (top part of the frame does not obstruct your vision) or when looking down there’s nothing to obstruct your view. I had no issues with the frame size or it hitting my helmet either in the front or sides. Basically, it was put on the sunglasses and forget about them.

The frames are extremely light weight. Per the POC marketing material it is injected with Grilamid for lightweight and durability. Personally, I never heard of Grilamid so I Googled it. It’s a transparent polyamide that is processed using thermoplastic methods. Exceptional properties of Grilamid include lightness, high flex fatigue strength, impact resistant and weather resistant. These are all features the Do Half Blade sunglasses possess.

The adjustable nose piece is made of hydrophic rubber and keeps the glasses in place even on a hot sweaty day.

I normally ride with a mirror on my glasses and the temple on the Do Half Blade is narrow enough to easily fit one.

AVIP Designed Frames

The specific color of my test frames is considered AVIP (Attention, Visibility, Interaction and Protection). POC believes these are the four most critical elements for improving safety and performance for every training session, anywhere. They developed a color palette specifically for the AVIP range and have worked with contrast paneling purely to make riders more visible. They have a full line of AVIP apparel and gear.

Bottom Line

The POC Do Half Blade AVIP sunglasses have Zeiss Optics and Ripel treatment for excellent visibility even on hot sweaty rides. They are a bit pricey, but the quality lens and durable frame should provide you many seasons of wear. Even the Cannondale Pro Cycling Team uses the Do Half Blade AVIP model. Look good, ride fast, be safe.

Sheri Rosenbaum

Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women's cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri's full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.