Review: Cébé Wild Sunglasses



Specifications:
  • Ultra light frame (58g)
  • Anti-fog vented lenses
  • Interchangeable lenses: Cébé 1500 Grey Multilayer (Cat. 3) + Yellow + Clear (Cat. 0)
  • Adjustable and anti-slip rubber nose pads
  • Optical clip available
  • MSRP: ~$75

Sorry you have to look my ugly mug!

We were excited when we received an invitation from Bushnell Eyewear to sit down with them at the 2012 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and learn about their Cébé line of sunglasses.  The company, which was founded in 1892, has been known for its innovative winter eyewear.  In 2009 the company was acquired by Bushnell Outdoor Products and 2012 marked Cébé’s launch into the US market.  Bushnell, which also owns Bollé and Serengeti, offered us a pair of Wild sunglasses to test and we could not pass up the opportunity.  Both of us have been long-time Bollé fans, and were excited to test a new pair of sunglasses.

Cébé Wild with Clear and Yellow Lenses


Our Thoughts:
The Wild is designed around an ultralight frame, specifically made for those who bicycle and who have an active lifestyle.  The lens’ side vents help keep air flowing around the lenses ensuring you don't have to deal with ‘steamy’ lenses, often seen when hiking in humid conditions.  All Wild models, ours was the CBWILD3, include three interchangeable lenses and an optical clip can be purchased separately for those who require optically corrected sunglasses.

Adjustable nose pads

The adjustable nose pads create a custom fit and prevent the sunglasses from sliding down your nose while bicycling or just while wearing around town.  Rubber molded into the arms also provides additional grip to keep the glasses in place when looking down.

My only complaint, really just an inconvenience, is the frames are flexible.  This is a consequence of having such a light weight frame.  I guess I am just used to being able to put on a pair of sunglasses with one hand.  I take my sunglasses, and eye glasses for that matter, on and off quite a bit when reading maps, looking through the viewfinder of my camera, or tying on a fly.  I often find myself holding map, camera, or fly rod in one hand when I am putting on the sunglasses with the other.  They just require two hands, not a fault of the design really, just me not using them for what they were designed for.


Conclusion:
I really have enjoyed wearing these sunglasses.  Cébé is known for their innovative designs and they came through with the Wild.  Even though the frames are flexible, they have been great for hiking, fishing, and everyday travel.  I would recommend the Cébé Wilds to anybody looking for a stylish and lightweight pair of sunglasses for biking or hiking.  With the nose pads adjusted properly, you really don’t notice sunglasses are on; they are that light!