Bolle Parole......review

G

guitarplayer

Guest
Walking around in the house with the Competivision lenses I thought...ugh these are horrible. On the court....a whole different story. It was overcast but I wanted to try them. They definitely do what they say. The lines were very sharp and the yellow balls were definitely enhanced. After playing for a while I took them off......immediately put them back on. So much better.

20130511_151036.jpg
 
beernutz

beernutz

Hall of Fame
I generally liked my Paroles but I kept getting sweat on the insert lens or worse on the back of the Competivision lens which required too much maintenance. I am a heavy sweater and when it was hot and/or humid I had to clean my glasses just about between every point.

I agree that the Competivision lens work pretty well but I had to switch to contacts to play because of sweat issues.
 
neverstopplaying

neverstopplaying

Professional
I ordered a pair from TW about a month ago. They do what they say better than any other tennis glasses I've used. The yellow color really stands out while everything else is somewhat grayish - really only good for tennis.

I don't need a script and bought the Kickback model, which is lighter than the models now listed on TW.
 
B

Bobs tennis

Semi-Pro
Bought a pair 2 yrs ago and just hated them.This past winter had eye problems(very dry right eye)after using gel drops per doc on both eyes they are almost 20/20.Tried Bolle paroles again this spring and wow what a difference.I agree outside of tennis they make the world a dull color but on the court they are outstanding...
 
P

Posture Guy

Professional
Thx, would love to hear if they work well at night, too.

I'm thinking about getting a pair, but I play 3x/week, and 2 of 'em are at night or dusk, depending on the time of year.
 
tennytive

tennytive

Hall of Fame
What about the UV protection? Do the blue lenses help with that?

I wear sunglasses to protect my eyes more than see the ball, but am interested if the blue lenses might do both.
 
P

Posture Guy

Professional
I'm not an eye expert, maybe someone who is can chime in, but my understanding is that to protect the eyes on the court we need to limit UV exposure. On the product page for the Parole's it says:

The teal green lenses are designed specifically for tennis. They increase the visibility of the tennis ball and provide 100% UV protection.
 
P

Posture Guy

Professional
Hmmm, that article strongly asserts that regardless of the performance aspect, wearing the blue lenses could actually increase eye strain and macular degeneration.

Bummer.

I've got some Maui Jims that I love while driving (they're charcoal gray) and while they absolutely do reduce glare on the court, it seems like the also reduce my ability to pick up the ball off the opponent's racquet. I prefer to play without them, but I'm concerned about UV exposure playing during the day in the summer.

Not sure where to go from here, frankly.
 
T

Torres

Banned
I have a pair of Competivision but find them too dark and the color contrast too unnatural with a strange tint to them. I prefer normal sunglasses instead.

Competivision is for people who like gimmicks rather than for any serious player.
 
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G

guitarplayer

Guest
Torres again shows he's nothing but a little troll who has no clue about anything. But he does like to follow my posts and try to crap on them. Such an insecure little boy
 
T

Torres

Banned
guitarplayer said:
Torres again shows he's nothing but a little troll who has no clue about anything. But he does like to follow my posts and try to crap on them. Such an insecure little boy
Click to expand...

Sorry that you overreacted so badly to my post, but these lenses simply aren't very good.

Don't just take my word for it (derived trying these lenses in the real world) but try reading what an opthalmologist has to say:

"spectral transmission characteristics of all of these lenses make them not only ineffective with respect to visual performance on most tennis courts (and elsewhere) but also a potential hazard to the eyes in bright sunlight."

For tennis, wear a cap and good sunglasses.....A neutral gray or amber sunglass that blocks 99% to 100% of UV-A and UV-B light will provide additional protection and may even help slightly to make the ball stand out (depending on the color of the court). However, there is no rationale for a blue lens, whether for children, tennis players, or anyone else. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the properties and the risks of blue lenses to advise parents of young children and sports-minded patients. Tennis players in particular should be aware that a blue lens commits a double fault, and does not serve well for either perception or safety."
 
G

guitarplayer

Guest
However the Competevision lenses are dark green. Sounds like a quack...I think I'll stay with them. FYI, I'm in the medical field.
 
G

guitarplayer

Guest
beernutz said:
If you don't have Torres in your Ignore List, why not?
Click to expand...

Kind of fun to watch him search for my posts, then comment that I'm a 2.0 or something. He tries but continues to make himself look stupid. He's been banned numerous times. Fun to watch him go up in flames at times. Feel bad for him sometimes.
 
neverstopplaying

neverstopplaying

Professional
A definitely don't agree with any of the negative comments on these glasses:

some of the features from a reseller website:
- Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating
- Meet ANSI Standards
- Carbo Glass Coating
- Ultra-lightweight Polycarbonate (PC) Lenses
- Virtually 100% UVA/UVB Protection, up to 400 nanometers

Antireflective coating and UV protection protect eyes more than no sunglasses. Most tennis players I see wear no sunglasses. I won't argue that protection may not be as complete as glasses designed for maximum eye protection, but they certainly don't increase eye risk damage vs. no sunglasses, as they are filtering out damaging rays. Most of the studies show importance of UV and anti-reflective coating.

For those interested, I've included some links below to the Health Canada site and a sunglass color filter information page. Yes blue light can cause damage to people with macular degeneration, and HC recommends specific lens colors for those exposing their eyes to reflections from snow or water.

http://www.aumedgroup.com/a/blog/198.html
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/prod/glasses-lunettes-eng.php

As for 'do they work' , an independent published study showed no difference in performance (easy to find the study on the net). Depending on lighting conditions, the results may have been different. There is no doubt that the yellow is highlighted and for me with Competevision; it makes it easier to see the ball. This is consistent with almost 100% of the product reviews on several web sites.
 
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bigserving

bigserving

Hall of Fame
Posture Guy said:
Thx, would love to hear if they work well at night, too.

I'm thinking about getting a pair, but I play 3x/week, and 2 of 'em are at night or dusk, depending on the time of year.
Click to expand...

They have changeable lenses. The yellow lenses work very good on overcast days and playing under the lights.

There are also dark lenses that work nicely on sunny days while you are not playing tennis.
 
T

Torres

Banned
neverstopplaying said:
some of the features from a reseller website:
- Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating
- Meet ANSI Standards
- Carbo Glass Coating
- Ultra-lightweight Polycarbonate (PC) Lenses
- Virtually 100% UVA/UVB Protection, up to 400 nanometers
Click to expand...

Practically all decent sunglasses offer those feature and more. Apart from 'carbo glass coating' which is pure marketing speak, none of those features are unique to Competivision lenses.

Also see: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1444-0938.2000.tb05006.x/pdf
 
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Avles

Avles

Hall of Fame
Regardless of past behavior or whatever, I appreciate the info Torres is bringing to the thread--it's valid and relevant and might help some people make an informed decision on this product.

By the way, this is the first article Torres cited:
http://archopht.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=267261

And this is the doctor about whom guitarplayer said "sounds like a quack":

http://stanfordhospital.org/profile...=printerprofile&&fid=4485&profileversion=full

He's the former chairman of the ophthamology department at Stanford.
 
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neverstopplaying

neverstopplaying

Professional
Torres:

Yes this was the article I was referring to that stated no increase in performance from Competevision. That doesn't mean that it's not easier for the player to see the ball, though. In the "eye" of the beholder.

Also, regarding my post on the Competevision features, I was only stating that they conform to the safety points outlined by Health Canada - that glasses should offer 100% UVS-UVB and anti-glare. Yes all good sunglasses do this and Completevision is no better.

Alves:

Thanks for posting the article Torres refers to - interesting reading (and thanks to Torres for bringing it up).

The author's concern with Competevision:
" and the wearer might spend extra time in the sun or have a relatively dilated pupil. If either of these occurs, the eyes could be exposed to more short wavelength light than without any lenses."

That the lens will make someone spend more time in the sun - weak argument. That dilating the pupils is causing increased damage - could be a valid point, but is not supported with any proof - and probably impossible to prove anyway. Health Canada's position is that there should be not need for concern with a blue lens unless the wearer is exposed to extremely bright conditions, such as water reflection or snow reflection.

If anyone is really concerned about this, they should probably not wear Competevision, as there are many good sunglasses available that don't offer the performance benefits that Competevision can't prove anyway.
 
Chotobaka

Chotobaka

Hall of Fame
Competevision definitely makes the ball pop visually. Also, the Parole does this more dramatically to my eye than the Kickback, which has a darker overall look. I also happen to have the polarized Kickback which, while lacking Competevision, also does a good job on and off the court.

I am getting old -- I can use all the help I can get in tracking the ball, so I have no beefs with Bolle's marketing. They deliver as promised so far as I am concerned.
 
G

guitarplayer

Guest
Ok, played twice today. 2pm till 3:30. Bright sun. After the first hour I realized my eyes were not fatiguing at all. No squinting, I feel I was more focused and the sun and heat seemed to be a non issue. Loved it.

So tonight we hit for an hour under the lights. Hum, at first it seemed a little dark, after a few minutes the ball and lines we're nicely visible. The court did seem dark, but that only helped to clarify and contrast the ball and lines! I liked it.
 
PBODY99

PBODY99

Legend
Lon time user................

I have used Bolle's for ten years. Yellow for indoor and night,CompVision only on the court, grey lens for cycling.
 
G

guitarplayer

Guest
Torres said:
That's what ALL sunglasses are supposed to do.
Click to expand...

The additional plus of the Competivision, is the way it hi lights the lines and ball. Thus, the whole point of this thread and review.
 
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T

Torres

Banned
guitarplayer said:
The additional plus of the Competivision, is the way it hi lights the lines and ball.
Click to expand...

And the studies show that these blue lenses make absolutely no difference to player performance, and under certain conditions may increase the risk of long term macular degeneration.

Did you not read any of the research, or do you just like sticking your head in the sand?

"...near-UV and visible blue light may contribute to macular aging and degeneration. Blue lenses do exactly the opposite: they block long wavelengths and admit the violet-blue end of the light spectrum. They are not only substandard as sunglasses but could, under some circumstances, be more hazardous than wearing no glasses at all.

Because so much of the bright(yellow) end of the light spectrum is blocked, the world appears subjectively dark through blue glasses, and the wearer might spend extra time in the sun or have a relatively dilated pupil. If either of these occurs, the eyes could be exposed to more short wavelength light than without any lenses. Blue lenses for children may have additional risks because of the higher transmission of short wavelength light through the lens of a young eye.
 
P

Posture Guy

Professional
Torres.....thank you for posting that article. It DOES raise concerns. But as I read it a few times, here is what I come away with:

- the concern isn't with UV light as that is blocked. It's with "near-UV and visible blue light". What's the concern here? These apparently are not known to contribute to macular issues, they "may contribute". So the concern is speculative. Honestly, I'm not qualified to interpret just how real or speculative this concern is. But this sentence is clearly saying they don't know this to be fact.

- assuming that it IS fact, there are two issues that could contribute to problems. One is spending more time on the court than one would if they weren't wearing the glasses. Perhaps that's an issue for some, it's no issue for me. When I'm done, I'm done. My eye comfort has never led me to stay or leave a court at a time other than when I normally would.

- that leaves pupil dilation as the remaining POTENTIAL issue, and that to me is where my concern is. IF these light forms actually do contribute to macular issues, and IF these glasses dilate my pupil relative to what it would be on the court without any sunglass protection at all (and I assume that is the case), THEN I could plausibly see how these glasses could be a health hazard.

Just a lot of "IFs" to get there, though.
 
T

Torres

Banned
Posture Guy said:
"near-UV and visible blue light". What's the concern here?....they "may contribute". So the concern is speculative.
Click to expand...

The problem here is that the only way to definitely test this is to get 100 test subjects, and under control or laboratory conditions subject their eyes to repeated and prolonged exposure to near-UV and violent blue light, and then try and measure the subsequent amount of retinal damage, macular degeneration etc. You'd also have to have a control group where there's exposure to the full specrum of UV light, and then another group with no exposure. Repeat the study multiple times across different scenarios, with different people, in different parts of the country, and then do a meta analysis of all of the results from all of the studies.

It just isn't feasible. The one major hurdle being that I doubt that there will be many, if any, volunteers who will be willing to having their eyes repeatedly blasted with UV light across the frequency spectrum to see the amount of damage is caused, when its already known that direct retinal exposure to the full UV spectrum damages the eyes. There would also be an ethical issue as to whether you should subject people such tests given the potential risk.

So here, we have an opinion from an opthamoligst with a study giving his opinion or hinting at what may happen following opinions from bodies like American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association, and Prevent Blindness America that repeated or excessive retinal exposure to the full UV spectrum is damaging for the eyes.

At the end of the day, I take a similar position to that adopted by Alves at post #25 - its about allowing people to make an informed decision. Some people - like the OP for instance - will bury their heads in the sand and get defensive when anything negative is presented about the shiny new product they've just bought. Other people will be more considered.
 
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G

guitarplayer

Guest
So don't buy them. They work for me. That's all that matters. Just sharing my experience with them. Don't like it? Then move along.
 
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T

Torres

Banned
guitarplayer said:
So don't buy them. They work for me. That's all that matters. Just sharing my experience with them. Don't like it? Then move along.
Click to expand...

The lenses make no difference to performance and due to the tint used may cause or contribute to macular degeneration.

That's a very relevant consideration for anyone considering buying these.
 
T

Torres

Banned
guitarplayer said:
the lines we're nicely visible. The court did seem dark, but that only helped to clarify and contrast...lines! I liked it.
Click to expand...

That sounds like a figment of your imagination. Even Bolle themselves say,

"the lenses are designed to mute every color in the spectrum except optic yellow"

http://www.bolle.com/technology/sunglass/lens/simulator/competivision

Competivision does not contrast the lines at all.



Are the lines on the tennis court that you play at, optic yellow?
 
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P

Posture Guy

Professional
Torres......yep. It's information well worth considering. And your points about what would be required to be able to offer definitive information are on point, I agree.

At this point, I'll probably just wear my Maui Jims during the brightest times on court, but even then I don't like wearing sunglasses unless conditions are extreme. I sweat like a pig so I'm always tending to them. But I also kinda like my eyes and being able to see and would like to be able to keep them as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Being an adult is sometimes distressingly confusing.
 
J

JPW

Rookie
Having owned Bolle Vigilante sunglasses for about 5 years now I can offer my own 2 cents. I still own the pair I purchased from Tennis Warehouse and I've since then bought another pair to have around as a backup. I have a huge head (orange on top of a toothpick huge) and the Bolle Vigilantes are the only sunglasses I've found that are proportionate to my head, are incredibly comfortable, and the lens design is great (really keeps the sun out from all angles). So, first, I LOVE these sunglasses and enjoy even mixing and matching different lenses with different frames.

That being said, when I initially bought these sunglasses I was very excited to see what a difference the Competivision lenses might make. I hated them and I tried to like them for a very long time. At times I thought the ball might pop out a little more and at other times it felt simply muted like everything else. Ultimately, I found them more of a distraction than a help and prefer using numerous other lenses when I play tennis over the Competivision lenses. Eventually I just sold the Competivision lenses with another pair of Vigilantes I had to a tennis buddy. Ironically, I've noticed he never uses them either and prefers the TNS Gun Metal (I think that is what it is called). Again, just my own experience. YMMV
 
T

Torres

Banned
JPW said:
Ultimately, I found them more of a distraction than a help and prefer using numerous other lenses when I play tennis over the Competivision lenses.
Click to expand...

Same view here. To me, they made everything look too unnatural, like looking through night vision goggles.

The other thing which I don't think anyone has mentioned is that if you wear them for a short period normally eg. whilst driving, then take them off, your 'world view' is tinged with a red/pinkish hue which can take a minute or so to clear so whatever filter they use in the Competivision lens is doing something odd to your eyes.
 
P

Posture Guy

Professional
Yeah, one of my hitting partners has a pair. We've hit together for about a year. She's a female 5.0, equivalent to like a weak men's 4.5. Hits the hell out of the ball, good player. One day she pulls her glasses out and I remark I'd never seen her wear them before. She said she reserves them for super bright days and when her eyes feel tired. Her comment was they do seem to make the ball pop a bit more, but everything looks kinda weird and she just avoids using them.
 
S

sundaypunch

Hall of Fame
Chotobaka said:
Competevision definitely makes the ball pop visually. Also, the Parole does this more dramatically to my eye than the Kickback, which has a darker overall look. I also happen to have the polarized Kickback which, while lacking Competevision, also does a good job on and off the court.

I am getting old -- I can use all the help I can get in tracking the ball, so I have no beefs with Bolle's marketing. They deliver as promised so far as I am concerned.
Click to expand...

Agree 100%.

I love these lenses. They dull most everything except the ball which really pops. I'm not particularly interested in studies or the spectral characteristics. They work for me on the court.
 
P

Posture Guy

Professional
Ok, I was playing with the hitting partner I referenced above. Asked her about the glasses and she said she wore them every time she played a daylight match. We always play at the end of the day, so in the summer there's maybe an hour of light before the lights come on so she never wears them with me.

She let me try them on and what I really liked about them was that they are really light, and they fit REALLY well. My Maui Jims kind of bounce around on the tennis court. These, they don't even feel like they're there. So I said wtf, just ordered a pair. If I don't feel comfortable with the blue lenses for either health or performance reasons, I'll just pop the grey ones in and use those. I think either way will be better for my eyes than wearing nothing on a tennis court in the middle of an Austin summer day.
 
G

guitarplayer

Guest
I bought another pair. One with my prescription lens snapped in with the Competivision, for tennis only as indicated, the other with the Gunmetal for normal wear. As Torres was completely wrong......it says with a warning label "for tennis only, do not drive with the Competivision lenses!" Duh! Looks like he's the one who can't read.

So, wearing them for a few hours on the tennis court isn't going to hurt anything!

20130523_234912.jpg
 
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