Gear Review: Spyder Alpha H Performance Shades

Spyder Alpha H 9S052 PCM

Spyder Philippines unveiled their latest in performance shades a few weeks ago -- the Spyder Alpha H. This model comes in three frame colors, all of which has two (2) extra pairs of interchangeable lenses. Mine came in yellow-sky-blue frame with blue, yellow, and black colored pair of spare lenses.

To be honest, I have only used this shades twice -- during the 2014 SBR.ph Duaman, and in one of our family's beach outing in La Union. The reason was not because of its functionality nor usability, but it just happens that I got the wrong frame color-combination. My skin's brown to dark-brown color cannot complement the yellow-sky-blue frame model. It was also unfortunate for me that there were no other color choices available when I asked it to be swapped with another color model.

The yellow-sky-blue frame actually complemented my blue-neon-green Reebok Z Fury shoes

In contrast, I still like its style and design, it would have been one of my favorite among the four pairs of Spyder shades I have, second from the Spyder Corsair. I actually saw other runners and bikers who have the same skin-tone as mine wearing other brand of sunglasses in yellow-colored frame, and it looks okay with them. Well, maybe it just comes in wearing it with confidence.

The frame is made from a durable and flexible plastic-like material like most of the other Spyder sportswear sunglasses. This material actually gives the shades its lightweight property, and despite its lightweightness, it still snugs comfortably and does not bounce during an activity (like running). Adding to its comfort is the frame's arm that does not cause any irritation to my ears even when worn with sweating head. It was also surprising that the frames did not get any "irritation from my sweat"! Kidding aside, what I meant is the frame is resistant to breakdowns caused by sweat or natural body acids.

Front of the frame without the lens

It is also claimed that the lenses are high-impact resistant, although I did not dare to challenge this claim as I don't know to what kind and extent of impact it was made to resist. Maybe one of these days I'll try it on the dark-colored lens (the lens that is my least favorite from the three). In one occasion though when the lens got accidentally dropped while interchanging it, it did not get any scratches from the floor contrary to my first Spyder Razor which has now obtained many battle marks.

My favorite lens that comes with the Alpha H is the yellow one. It has a night-vision effect, improving the contrast in the dark or in not so bright environment. I first noticed this when our bus was travelling along one of the tree-lined areas of Naguilian road from La Union to Baguio. The vision on my surroundings brightened when I wore it to supposedly just protect my eyes from the wind gust of the speeding bus.

Spyder Alpha H lenses

Alpha H in dark/black lens

Alpha H in yellow lens (w/night-vision effect)

The nose pad of Alpha H is also flexible. This becomes useful when you want to adjust the fit of the eyeglass. Just a word of advice, since the pads are made from rubber, do not store or leave your sunglass in hot temperature or exposed to sun, else it will soften or melt after continuous exposure to heat. I also recommend cleaning the nose pads specially when it has been exposed to your sweat or other chemicals like your energy drinks (if you accidentally poured it on you) because it will cause slow breakdown to the rubber compound.

Adjustable rubber nose bridge/pads

All in all, I am still satisfied with this sunglass despite the frame color. The dark gray-blue frame (4S052 PCM model) would have better suited my skin-tone.

Spyder Alpha H is already available at SM Department Stores and is retailed at Php 1,500.00. Also included upon purchase is a spare lens pouch, a hardcase, and soft pouch made from micro-fabric material that doubles as your cleaning cloth for the lenses.