Going Tactical
with Numa’s Durable X-Frame Optics
Date: |
5/26/11 |
Tackle type: |
Optics |
Manufacturer: |
Numa |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.58 -
GREAT
Introduction:
Numa Sport Optics is
probably best known for their optics designed for extreme sports. The company’s
offerings focus on delivering high performing lightweight sunglasses that are
also extremely durable. The popular X-Frame model features an interchangeable
lens design and is endorsed by adventure racers, tri athletes, and even numerous
members of the US Special Forces. We put the X-Frame through the paces to see
just how good these sunglasses are for some “tactical” bassing.
Numa
X-Frame
Sunglass
Specifications |
Frame Style |
X-Frame |
Frame Material |
MemFibr™ |
Available Lens Options |
Interchangeable |
Frame Color Tested |
Black
|
Case |
Neoprene &
Nylon |
Included Accessories |
Micro Fiber Lens Cleaning Cloth |
Origin |
Taiwan
(built with
Swiss
materials) |
MSRP |
$119.99 |
The Numa
X-Frame is endorsed by the US Bobsled team and numerous members of the U.S.
Special Forces
Impressions:
Numa
Sport Optics is not a name most anglers have yet heard of but if you cross over
into
extreme sports there are many outdoor enthusiasts that already utilize the
company’s products. Numa was founded in the summer of 2007 by a nature loving
sniper-scout named JB who wanted to fill a gap that he saw in the outdoor
market.
The X-Frame is made out of MemFibr, a Swiss material which is designed to be
very durable
What JB
believed was missing was high performance eyewear that was resilient enough to
withstand the rigors of the field. He wanted to build optics that are both
lightweight and durable and tried many different types of materials before he
discovered MemFibr™, a smash proof frame material made in Switzerland. This
material is what is used for the construction of the frames throughout the
company’s lineup.
The X-Frame
comes with a neoprene/nylon case that floats
The actual
lenses used in the X-Frame are made out of polycarbonate and are designed to be
impact and scratch resistant. The main Smoke colored lens is polarized and
offers 100% UV400 protection while the other interchangeable lenses include
brown tint, high contrast mandarin orange, and clear. All of these lenses exceed
ANSI z87 for impact protection and have an anti reflective coating on the outer
surface to further reduce glint.
Inside are
slots for all the interchangeable lenses
In terms of
styling the X-Frame features a compact profile and aggressive lines that slope
outwards. The lenses lock into the frame in the center and there is a gap on top
between the lens and the frame to provide extra ventilation to combat fogging.
Each pair of X-Frame sunglasses comes with a neoprene/nylon case that floats and
has built in spare lens sleeves so you can carry all those extra lenses with you
at all times.
Even the ends
of the frame are durable and we could bend them without snapping the material
Real World Tests:
Testing of the X-Frame started in the lab where we examined the sunglasses and
the interchangeable lens functionality. We applied varying amounts of pressure
to the hinges and frame to see just how durable the frame was.
The nose has
non-slip rubber inserts to keep the X-Frame firmly in place
What we found was a
construction and material that is not only very resistant to crushing but also
is surprisingly malleable and offers a significant amount of flex while still
having the ability to return to its original profile quickly.
U.S. Design,
Swiss material, and made in Taiwan