Glade Adapt 2 Review

You no longer have to shell out hundreds of dollars for a high-end photochromatic goggle. Glade is a brand that has positioned itself to provide high-quality products at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. We have tested the Adapt 2 in whiteout conditions to full bluebird days, and the quality of these goggles is undeniable. This goggle provides impressive performance at an accessible price for most skiers and riders. The Adapt 2 is one of the most affordable photochromatic goggles on the market, and the ability to adapt to different conditions rivaled that of goggles that are twice the price.

Performance Comparison

Lens Quality

The Adapt 2 delivered a high-quality visual experience throughout various conditions. Our test team was impressed with the color accuracy, enhanced contrast, and ability to fit a variety of conditions, making this lens one of the best in our lineup.

The Italian-made photochromatic dual lens on the Adapt 2 provides impressive optical quality and is available in 6 tints designed to cover various conditions. A problem with some photochromatic goggles is that they offer a narrow range making the lens obsolete in lower light conditions. Glade's offerings cover 16% to 65% VLT. We tested the photochromatic blue mirror lens, which offers a range of 14% to 54%, in all conditions and found they stood up to the challenge. Our eyes were protected and happy in full sun, and we could see textures on the snow in whiteout/blowing snow conditions. No photochromatic lens can transition fast enough to respond to traveling in and out of trees, but this lens was able to transition to fit changing weather conditions easily.

Colors remained accurate for the Adapt 2, as there was little to no color shifting, but they enhanced the vibrancy of colors. White and earth tone colors received a slight blue and brown highlight which helped accentuate the contrast and define the textures on the snow surface. This goggle offers great color accuracy, contrast, and detail on the snow surface. However, we did notice that the detail on the snow surface was reduced compared to a top-tier low-light specific lens. Overall, this nearly frameless goggle offers a standard field of view for the average skier and snowboarder.

Comfort

The Adapt 2 uses a soft, flexible TPU frame and triple-density foam to provide a secure and comfortable fit that conforms well to multiple face shapes. The triple-density foam is finished with a soft microfleece, giving a comfortable next-to-skin feel to help provide long-lasting comfort and reduce frame movement. Triple-density foams are commonly found on high-priced goggles, yet Glade integrated this into the Adapt to increase overall comfort.

We found these goggles to be comfortable for long periods, whether with a beanie or a helmet. Silicone beads are used to ensure the frame stays in place throughout the day. This is a medium to large frame goggle suited for medium to large face shapes. For those looking for a smaller footprint, Glade also offers an Adapt S, which features a reduced frame size.

Ventilation and Breathablity

Glade is confident in its ventilation system and the ability of the anti-fog coating to minimize and reduce fogging — to the extent they guarantee it. True to their statement, the Adapt 2 never fogged throughout our testing process, whether it be on a powder day or walking uphill. We found the ventilation system and breathability of the goggle better than standard goggles.

The Adapt 2 maximizes available vent space on the top and bottom parts of the goggle. There is a full-length top vent, two full-length bottom vents, and two vents adjacent to the goggle strap on the sides of the frame. The circumferential ventilation of this model helped reduce fogging and condensation on inclement weather days and during our uphill tests. Despite offering higher surface area vents, this model remained draft free no matter the weather and when high-speed riding.

Ease of Changing Lenses

Before photochromatic goggle technology, the competitive front for goggles was primarily focused on the lens-changing system. The need for an advanced lens-changing system is reduced in photochromatic goggles as one lens is suited for multiple conditions. The wide range of usable conditions makes the Adapt 2 a versatile goggle and ensures you no longer have to change lenses.

The only reason to change a lens is to replace a damaged or scratched one. If this happens, changing the lens uses a standard notched system that averages 3 to 5 minutes. While it is not difficult, it's not necessarily easy either. That said, it's appropriate, given the frequency that one will be doing this. It's akin to standard goggles that do not use a magnetic system.

Durabiltiy

The Adapt 2 has proven to be quite durable throughout our testing. The flexible TPU frame has been stuffed in our backcountry pack multiple times and resisted any cracking, deformation, or otherwise notable impacts. Using general care, this lens will resist most scratching.

The strap and silicone beads maintained their integrity with little to no signs of wear, and the foam remained securely attached to the goggle frame with no peeling or detachment. These goggles share the same build quality as premier brands on the market, and with good care, they should last users multiple seasons.

Style

The Adapt 2 is a stylish goggle that strives to produce a nearly frameless look. Its modern take provides a larger field of view and leverages the popular frameless style. They fit well with numerous helmets, whether brimmed or not.

Style is naturally subjective, but the Adapt 2 uses versatile and modern styling, which appealed to numerous people within our test pool. This was commonly rated as one of the more stylish goggles in our lineup. Glade company offers several colorways to help fine-tune your kit; however, each one is available with only a specific lens option.

Should You Buy the Glade Adapt 2?

The Adapt 2 is a highly recommendable product based on its performance and price. If you find yourself riding in various conditions throughout a season or given ski day and want a high-performance adaptable optical experience, these are a great choice. The photochromatic technology lends itself to alleviating the pains of backcountry skiers and changing light throughout the day or aspect. It's also advantageous to resort skiers looking for a lens solution.

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