A while back, we had the chance to review Bollé’s The One helmet. The verisitile helmet can cover many areas for the privateer cyclist, yet has a performance pedigree for use in pro cycling. Bollé also has a solid line of sunglasses to go with. We’ll tell you more below about the 5th Element Pro, and will also have a review coming on the 6th Sense.
Back in the day, Bollé was my first pair of nice sunglasses. I don’t remember where I got them, but I do remember that I thought they were the greatest things ever. Styles have changed, and technology has improved, and Bollé continues to push the limits in sport and casual sunglasses.
The 5th Element is targeted as a cycling sunglass, but I’ve used it for running and casual as well. Yes, it screams sports, but the shield style photochomatic lens performs well in many areas of life. Fit is in my opinion, more for a larger face, though Bollé says more medium. Regardless though, they feel solid on your face.
Pardon the pun, but where these sunglasses shine are on all day rides and changing conditions. The Modulator clear grey oleo AF lens does a great job transitioning from clear in lower light conditions to grey in brighter conditions. Along with being photochromatic, the lens is oleo/hydrophobic and has an anti-fog treatment. What that all boils down to for you is that water, dust, dirt, and oils should not stick to the lens. Other than some sweat residue on the inside of the lens after a hard ride, they remained pretty clean, and were very easy to clean mid ride.
For the photochromatic lens, on rides through open to shaded areas along a local greenway, they transitioned well between the longer stretches of sun and shade. There were times I was left wishing that they were maybe a touch darker, but the sun was never blinding. Bollé does offer multiple replacement lenses that are easy to swap in and out if you want something more specific.
The B-Clear lens is lighter than traditional polycarbonate, but offers great clarity and remains protective. At 30g, they are not the absolute lightest, but they are still pretty light. As for the anti-fog treatment, they only fogged up on the slowest of climbs after I was already overheating, but they cleared up fast. Beyond that, they AF treatment and a little bit of air flow around the lens does a great job at keeping things clear.
Overall fit is very comfortable. The nose piece is adjustable to fit the contour of your nose. Same with the temples, which has a nice, almost two piece connection with your head. There is a band that connects to the inner side of the rubber piece that helps grip without clamping down on your head. When in the drops, the 5th Element Pro extends high enough that you are not looking over the top of the glasses, and your peripheral vision is clear for you to see everything.
Thought they might not be quite as light as Oakey’s EVZero, the coverage is there and the quality of the lens gives the Big O a run for their money. The 5th Element Pro definitely feels more solid on your face than the EVZeros, due to the larger temples. Some might not like the look of the extra bit of temple that hangs down behind the lens, but Bollé claims this adds to the aerodynamics of the sunglasses, which I can understand. It does help to keep some of the wind out, which is appreciated at times.
Overall, if you are looking for a high end sunglass that is on par in many ways with other big players in the industry, the Bollé 5th Element Pro is a great alternative to other shield sunglasses out there and provides a solid fit. At $199.99 for the photochromatic version, $189.99 for regular lens, they are inline with other options many would consider in this range. With nine colors combos to choose from, you’ll definitely find one to match your kit, bike, helmet, or just completely stand out from the crowd.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year