Features
The Maestro, a slightly more expensive model than the Zektor, was selected as a winner of the 2006 "Gear of the Year" award by Outside Magazine, a periodical that caters to outdoor sports enthusiasts. The Zektor shares much of its design with the Maestro. The text of the article is presented below:
Gear of the Year 2006
Zeal Optics Maestro
$130
by Mike Steere
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| Mark Wiens |
Trick of the Light
Zeal
Optics' Maestro nails it with its new ZB-13 sepia polarized
polycarbonate lenses. The amber tint amps up depth perception,
intensifies contrast, sharpens edges, and performs masterfully in so
many light conditions that you'd think they were photochromic (the kind
that adjust to brightness). But the lenses don't change—they're just
incredibly versatile, as is the Maestro in general. Which means
whatever type of performance shade you want, you should start the hunt
right here.
Zeal Optics Maestro $130 www.zealoptics.com
1. When a bikie friend of mine put on the Maestro, he
started making porn noises: "Yeah, baby! Yessss!" And the
ecstasy-inspiring visuals have a performance upside: With the copper
tint's enhanced depth and clarity, you can go faster and harder, in and
out of glare and shadows.
2. The Maestro is bombproof where most sunglasses
are highly vulnerable to breakage: at the hinge points. The co-molded
nylon and silicon temples segue into steel on both sides of the metal
hinges, which are spring-loaded to cradle the head as securely as a
fitted helmet.
3. The big lenses follow the curvature of the eye
and reach back for good peripheral coverage. Protection from wind and
sunlight is near absolute and totally secure because of the
head-holding temples and hydrophilic silicon at the nose and ears. The
sweatier you get, the stickier the stuff becomes.
4. It's no surprise that Moab-based Zeal makes
great mountain-biking shades, but the Maestro is excellent for all
pursuits, even snow sports. Thanks to the polarized lenses, which blunt
even the most headache-inducing midday light, you'll crash and burn
long before your eyes tire out.
5. Wear them anywhere without looking like a
weenie—fashion-forward sculpting of the matte nylon frames dresses
things up, so this model is as street-worthy as sporty. But the style
is more than just for show: The sleek frame shape still keeps out rogue
photons and wind.
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