Gear Review - Bobster Photochromic Sunglasses

Well, the quick review...  I couldn't be more dissatisfied with these glasses.  These are supposed to be the perfect sunglasses, darkening in the day and lightening at night.  So they are intended to fill the role of one pair of glasses for all occasions.  Do they darken in the sunlight, sure, but not near enough.  They are clear enough for nighttime riding, but I have quickly stopped using them when I will be daytime riding only.  Aside from the lenses they seem to be of sturdy construction yet they still feel cheap.  The frames are made of a fairly soft plastic which probably makes them more durable, but makes them feel like a cheap pair of childrens sunglasses.  They are thick frames too designed to keep the air out, however, I have not really noticed any less air than my plain aviator sunglasses.  And with them being so thick I don't like the way they look.  In the end, I will continue using these glasses for night riding but will revert to my aviator sunglasses for daytime riding.  The picture shows the maximum darkness I have observed in the lenses lookind directly towards the mid-day Arizona sun.  When not looking directly towards the sun they lighten. 

Gear Review - Bell Custom 500

     The Bell Custom 500 is a helmet designed to look and feel like the original Bell 500 helmet in an up to date safety package.  And it does just that.  It is a classic helmet shape and design that harkens back to 1954 when the original Bell 500 came out, and @ $99 for the cheapest colors it is a steal.  It comes in many sparkly colors as well as black, flat black, and custom painted models.  It also has a beautiful quilted lining.  The lining does not come out so you will have to wash it in the helmet.  I preferred the flat black and ordered one.  I was excited the second I pulled it out of the box.  The fit and finish were beautiful.  I tried it on and immediately there was a problem. 

     More with me than the helmet, but if you are like me you will notice it too.  My head appears to be longer front and rear in proportion to it's width.  A common problem for me with all hats, ballcaps, cowboy hats, etc.  This put a headache inducing pressure point right dead center on my forehead.  My first 20 mile ride I was feeling it at the end and was worried I would need to return it.  Luckily after a couple of days it started breaking in and I could feel the helmet releasing it's grip.  I have worn it daily and after the few short weeks I have had it, it seems to be breaking in nicely.

     Other than the initial break in I love how this helmet looks and feels.  It is light, doesn't fly when riding at high speeds, and doesn't get in you vision at all.  The only thing to watch out for are the 3 snaps (this is a model based on the original 500 so 3 snaps are all you get).  I noticed after installing my face shield and removing it that the snaps were loose.  So it is worth while just to tighten those up immediately out of the box. 

     This helmet really has that classic look, low price, and up to date safety standards to boot.  I believe it is a hands down winner!