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Patrick Bardelli
Opinion
5834

Are these the sports glasses the world’s been waiting for?

Patrick Bardelli
3/7/2026
Translation: Eva Francis
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli

Water-repellent and antistatic coating, temples adjustable to three positions, flexible temple tips, nose pads for various nose sizes and proven ShadeTronic technology. Sounds impressive, but who actually needs React’s new Ervo model and who doesn’t?

Swiss cross-country skier Nadine Fähndrich won a silver medal at the Olympic Games in February – equipped with sports glasses made in Wattwil, Switzerland. Four-time Olympic champion and SRF TV pundit Dario Cologna also trusts in React glasses. European champion Lars Forster will wear them in the MTB World Cup and so will the entire Pinarello Q36.5 cycling team in the Tour de France from 4 to 26 July.

I’ve been relying on these sports glasses for a good three years now and have been criticised many times for my boundless enthusiasm for the products of the Swiss brand. Why? Some people find their glasses too expensive, others don’t like the rapid switch between light and dark on the street, and still others call it «yet another marketing hype».

What can I say, I love them. And I have ever since spring 2023 when I first had the chance to test a model from the subsidiary of the protective equipment specialist Optrel. After that, I tested them extensively and also put their ski goggles through their paces. None of its products disappointed.

You don’t have to be an Olympic medalist, analyse cross-country skiing races on TV or ride in the Tour de France to appreciate a good pair of sports glasses.

Me on a hot summer day in 2026 wearing React’s new Ervo glasses on a MTB tour.
Me on a hot summer day in 2026 wearing React’s new Ervo glasses on a MTB tour.

New wine in old wineskins?

Yes, I know the modern saying goes «old wine in new wineskins». But first things first. At the end of June, the manufacturer launched the Ervo, its next generation of sports glasses. Just like the Optray, these glasses don’t feature a full-rim frame, making the two look similar. In terms of comfort, however, the new model is like the Rev.

The Ervo combines the semi-rimless design of the Optray with the individually adjustable components – such as the temples, including the temple tips and nose pads – of the Rev. So, is it old wine in new wineskins or the other way around? Good question. I’ll try to answer it.

Three pairs of sports glasses, all the same yet different. From back to front: the Rev model, the optray model and the new Ervo model by React.
Three pairs of sports glasses, all the same yet different. From back to front: the Rev model, the optray model and the new Ervo model by React.

You don’t need these glasses, if...

… you have years of experience with sports glasses – be it for biking, trail running, water sports or other outdoor activities – and have found a brand that works for you. If that’s you, thanks for reading this far. Go on and enjoy many more wonderful hours doing outdoor sports.

Similarly, if you’re already the proud owner of React’s Optray and/or Revand are familiar with ShadeTronic technology, which allows the lenses to adapt to changing light conditions in a fraction of a second, you don’t need the Ervo either. Also, if the React sports glasses you have fit you well, regardless of whether they’re the half-frame or full-frame model, you don’t really need the new Ervo.

You need these glasses, if...

… this is the first time you’re looking to buy sports glasses or you want an alternative to your current pair. In that case, I’d definitely recommend the Ervo glasses. Of course, at first glance, 339 francs seems like a hefty investment for 37 grammes of polyamide and polycarbonate.

If you look closer, though, you’ll see the strength of these glasses: they clear your vision thanks to their 0.1-second darkening or lightening – whether you’re in blinding sunlight or a shady forest. Like all React models, they’re particularly great in sunny conditions. Thanks to filter categories 2 to 4, the Ervo is even suitable for days on the water or on a glacier.

I also wear the new Ervo when I cycle my gravel bike through the forest. But I find them a little too dark in this situation. Just a tiny bit.
I also wear the new Ervo when I cycle my gravel bike through the forest. But I find them a little too dark in this situation. Just a tiny bit.

The only minor drawback I can think of is that React sunglasses tend to be (too) dark when you’re biking through a shady forest for a long time. But in my opinion, that’s really the only tiny flaw.

Header image: Patrick Bardelli

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Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

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