The Julbo Frequency sunglasses combine the brand’s bold styling into a slightly smaller semi-frameless design. These are a more conservative variation of the Julbo Density sunglasses and offer medium coverage with similar modern features for optimal performance on or off the bike. Retail price ranges from $129.95 with Spectron lens and as much as $229.95 with the photochromic REACTIV lens. The Julbo Frequency has a semi-frameless design which offers a wide field of view and cylindrical lens shape. Julbo has also incorporated their lightweight bio-sourced Rilsan frame and Grip Tech temples for additional comfort.
The Julbo Frequency cycling sunglasses combine sleek and bold styling into a smaller form factor that looks good on or off the bike
| Retail Price | $129.95 – $229.95 |
| Rating | Design: A Optics: A Comfort: A Value: A– |
| Measured weight (in g) | 16 |
| Likes | + Crisp optics with photochromic REACTIV lens options + Smaller form factor looks great on or off the bike + Sleek styling with various color options |
| Dislikes | – Premium price |
| Where to Buy (US) | Julbo |
UNBOXING
The Julbo Frequency sunglasses come in a Julbo branded cardboard box with simple graphics printed on them. Inside the box you’ll find
- Julbo branded zippered case
- Fabric carrying bag
- Lens information pamphlet
Note, the zippered case uses a collapsing design rather than a hardshell one which is easier to pack and travel with when empty.
FIT & FINISH
Visually, the Julbo Frequency has Julbo’s bold yet refined styling that uses smooth curves and sharp creases. These are a semi-frameless design with an interchangeable single lens that eliminates the bottom half of the frame to achieve a wide field of view. The Frequency utilizes a shield style which means the lens has a cylindrical shape with high curvature that wraps around your face. Julbo currently offers the sunglasses in seven different variations with standard Spectron lenses as well as the photochromic REACTIV lens options. The frame colors vary from matte black and pastel pink to more interesting translucent options and color shifting versions.
We have the burgundy and light gray version for this review which has a subtle metallic like finish that shifts colors slightly in the sun. The burgundy color is paired with light gray accents on the Grip Tech temples and nose pad. Branding is limited to small Julbo logos on the temple arms and REACTIV printed on the lens. The frame on the Frequency sunglasses is constructed from bio-sourced Rilsan which is more durable than standard plastic lenses. Julbo has used a semi-frameless design with only a thin frame along the top of the lens and a nose bridge to connect the nose piece to the frame. The frame has smooth contours with a few interesting styling details like the slightly dropped temple arms and indentations on the temple arms.
For a comfortable fit, the temple arms are quite thin and have a horizontal design that curves inward. Julbo has utilized their Grip Tech material which is a non-slip rubber material along the temple arms that helps hold the sunglasses in place without creating pressure points. There are also auto-lock hinges that snap open or shut which make it easy to take the sunglasses on or off with one hand. The nose pads on the sunglasses are an integrated design with wide rubber material that can adapt to different nose shapes. While the design is quite a bit simpler than other sunglasses, which utilize ratcheting mechanisms or removable designs, the sunglasses may not fit as wide of range of nose shapes.
The one piece lens can easily be removed from the frame by pulling up on the corners to release the hooks and then sliding it off the nose piece. Julbo doesn’t list replacement lenses for sale yet, but we expect they’ll offer them in the near future. The lens on our sunglasses are the photochromic REACTIV 1-3 Light Amplifier which offers an impressive 17-75% VLT range. That means these lenses can go from a dark Cat 3 to block out harsh sun all the way up to a Cat 1 for overcast days. Although it’s quite expensive, the REACTIV lens means you can use the Frequency sunglasses in almost any condition without the need for swapping in lenses.
RIDING IMPRESSIONS
With the wide range of micro climates we often can start overcast fog, climb a hill range and experience full sun all within a few hours. That’s why Julbo’s REACTIV photochromic lenses are one of our favorite lenses. Julbo has one of the widest VLT ranges we’ve seen with the lenses on our REACTIVE 1-3 Light Amplifer ranging from 17-75% allowing them to adjust to any condition. We were impressed with out quickly the lenses could adjust to the environment and the crisp optics. Even with the smaller size of the Frequency sunglasses compared to the Julbo Density or Julbo Edge, the sunglasses still have a wide field of view that makes you forget you are wearing them. The smaller size and slightly different curvature actually improves the experience as we didn’t experience the side reflections that the Density sunglasses had.
At only 16 grams, the Frequency are also one of the lightest sunglasses we’ve reviewed. The lightweight combined with the flexible temples and Grip Tech material make the Frequency comfortable for short or all-day rides. We didn’t experience any pressure points or discomfort with the sunglasses. The Grip Tech material also does a great job holding the sunglasses in place which meant we didn’t have to worry about the Frequency sunglasses falling or moving while doing high-effort sprints or climbing. The semi-frameless design and vented lens also help minimize fogging and make it easy to keep the sunglasses clean.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Julbo Frequency sunglasses to be lightweight and comfortable. Julbo has taken their successful combination of performance material and crisp optics to create the more compact Frequency sunglasses. The sunglasses have a smooth design and thin frames that allow them to blend in on the bike or off the bike. We were impressed with the photochromic REACTIV lens that quickly adapted to everything from overcast days to bright sunny days. The unique color combinations and different lens finishes also let you choose between bright and wild to more subtle designs. If there was one thing we would call a negative it would be the premium price which is inline with other higher-end sunglasses on the market. That said, if you’re looking for crisp optics and a wide field of view without being overstyled or having oversized lens then the Julbo Frequency is a great choice.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Julbo. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.