Bolle Nevada Neo Phantom+ Goggles – Category 1-3 Optical Greatness
The new Bolle Nevada Neo Phantom+ Goggles feature a photochromic lens that will adapt to any conditions. Partially polarized lens also assure better clarity. These features really help in variable conditions from flat light to bright alpine days.
Phantom + Technology
I sat down (well Zoomed actually LOL) with Bolle back in the fall of 2020 to learn more about this lens technology. It was a really fun meeting and I learned a lot about photochromic technology and even why having 50% polarization is ideal. Then we talked about snow, and I showed them a pic of our recent snow here in Colorado. I was pretty stoked on the visual. Bolle then opened their office window and showed the Alps. Touche Bolle, touche!
In a nutshell, Phantom + takes the guesswork out of which lens you should use for the day, or the situation. No need to swap out lenses (although they do come with 2 lenses). Just stick them on your face and get skiing!
As you can see from the chart above, it covers all the things you want, and probably some things you did not know you wanted. I even learned something in this process! Heck, I am always learning. In this case, it was that you do not want 100% polarized lenses for alpine work. Having a 50% polarization will actually help see more clarity and depth. I did not know what to make of it until I took them into the alpine and then into the trees. In the same run. I am a believer now!
Photochromic lenses
Now this is something I know a bit about, and will only use for ski and splitboard goggles. What this technology does, is adapt the lighting conditions of the environment. If it is low light or flat light, it will allow more light in. When in bright light, such as above tree line, it will block more light. This makes choosing the right lens a non-issue. Just one to rule them all!
I found the transition to be very smooth and efficient. Somewhere around 25-30 seconds for full effect. I actually did not notice it changing until others mentioned it. So, it is very effective. Another bonus to Bolle’s Phantom + is that it works in all temps. On some other goggles, I found that they did not transition as fast at very cold temps. On one of the test days with the Bolle Nevada Neo goggles, it was 5F (-15C) and they did great.
How I tested the Bolle Nevada Neo Goggles
I have been using the Nevada Neo for a few months now. Not as many days on the mountain as I would like, but plenty of time using the goggles in the snow, various lighting conditions and plenty of time in the elements. The pics below are from a great day out at my favorite backcountry splitboarding spot. I used the Bolle Cobalt sunglasses on the way up (review of them here) and the Nevada Neo on the way down.
As you can see from the smiles, the last concern I had was with the optics! They just worked, and they worked superb. I did not find myself second guessing the visuals, and able to focus on the terrain and line selection. It was a very refreshing sensation!
Review of Bolle Nevada Neo Phantom+ Goggles
The Phantom + lenses are among the best we have tested. Not just my opinion, but also that of Aaron Rose, Kate Agathon (Lightshifter review) Wil and Cai Rickards (Chronoshield review), Reid Pitman and other testers. If you are looking for a lens that does it all, then Phantom + is where it is at. These are not entry level goggles, these are top of the line optical masterpieces. MSRP $280
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