NXT

Get used to hearing those three letters if you are looking for high-end sunglasses. Turns out the government recently de-classified the material - which is harder than polycarbonate - for non-millitary use. Polycarbonate was developed over 40 years ago, and has been the de-facto standard in shatterproof lenses ever since. 40 years is a long time for a material to stand unchallenged, though. NXT is an optically clear urathane. "NXT® is a patented family of polyurethane optical polymers, transparent and unbreakable, originally developed for the military to provide superior protection and performance." This material is now being used by a number of brands, including Specialized - who jumped into the eyewear market with both feet - and Rudy Project - a veteran in the industry. Originally devolped in the U.S. in the 1990's to stop bullets, the material should be plenty strong to keep errant bugs out the wearers eyes. Intercast, based in Italy, has the worldwide exclusive license to the technology. This means that every manufacturer has to go through the middleman in this. They can't have just anyone make their lenses.

For more information on some sunglasses used in the Tour de France with NXT lenses, check out Cyclingnews.com.

Of note, both Rudy and Specialized are using the material in a photochromatic lens. This is a first for Rudy Project. I, for one, can't wait to see them!