Lens

Zeal operates a ‘good, better, best’ approach to lenses, so there’s something to suit every budget. The standard lens does a great job visually, and features a moisture-repelling treatment that drastically reduces fogging. For a bit more cash you can have a Polarized version that boosts contrast while reducing reflected glare.

There’s really only one way up from there, and that’s into photochromic lenses. Once the stuff of science fiction, these lenses automatically adjust their tint to match the available light. In short, it means no more lens changes, ever.

For those who stop short of that, the ‘Rail Lock’ lens change system on the Zeal Lookout goggles is pretty sweet. The lens slides into the frame from the top, travelling down runners on each side before being guided home by magnets with a satisfying click. It’s user-friendly and lightning-fast – plus it allows the Lookout to retain a ‘frameless’ look, which is good news if that’s your thing.

“The distance between frame and face reduces as you move down the goggles… to boost your lower peripheral field”

Frame and Straps

‘Frameless’ is of course something of a misnomer – the lens still needs somewhere to live, even if you can’t always see it from the front. Like many goggles that aim to increase your peripheral vision, the Zeal Lookout endeavours to get the frame as close to your face as possible, so that it doesn’t pop up in the corner of your eye.

What’s unique about Zeal’s method, though, is that the distance between frame and face reduces as you move down the goggles. After clocking that riders naturally observe the line as it lies below them (and taking inspiration from the windows on air traffic control towers and ship’s bridges), Zeal added this design tweak to boost your lower peripheral field. Simple, yet highly effective, and with no compromise to the venting system. Plus you still pop these over a pair of glasses without any unwanted contact.

As part of Zeal’s eco-friendly drive (it’s part of 1% For The Planet, among other ventures), the straps are made with Sorona rather than nylon, the production of which boasts a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

“They’re not cheap, but when you drill down into the detail it’s easy to see where your money’s going”

Roundup

Big, bold frameless goggles will never be for everyone – but those who love ‘em, really love ‘em. Props to Zeal for continuing to push the boundaries of lens tech and frame design, even though the Lookout would probably sell like hot cakes without all that.

For those who prefer a spherical lens and a bit more frame on show, there’s now the new Zeal Hangfire, which has much of the same tech. Given the choice, though, we can’t resist the Lookout.

Pros:

• Despite looking on the large side, the frame sits just fine on average-sized melons
• The three lens tech tiers mean you can tool up to suit your budget

Cons:

• The lenses feature some frame material on each side that clicks into the Rail Lock system; when you want a new lens, getting your colours to match up might be tricky

Buy the Zeal Lookout RLS: £180 at Blue Tomato UK 

Buy the Zeal Lookout RLS: €202 at Blue Tomato EU