The most important facts in brief

The Alpina goggles are available in three price categories, the Rocket V is the top model with photochromatic lenses. A hydrophobic coating is designed to repel water from the front and minimize dirt build-up. The inside is equipped with anti-fog protection.

First impression

With a height of 55 millimetres, the lens is large, but not so large that it sits in the face like a foreign object. The angular design may be off-putting at first. If you put it on, it only looks dominant with a light tint. The darker the lens is tinted, the more the black frame "disappears" and the Rocket blends into the face. Thanks to the flexible nose pad, they can be individually adapted to the shape of the face.

In use

The strong curvature of the lens takes some getting used to at first, as it distorts the view slightly when you look to the side. On the other hand, this shape close to the head offers the best protection from the wind. Watery eyes are history. The lens darkens at an average speed and always offers a pleasant tint with neutral colors and good contrast values. The lower edge of the goggles is slightly in the field of vision, but is not distracting when riding. Alpina's Fogstop coating, combined with the side ventilation slits, keeps the goggles absolutely fog-free even in damp conditions or when sweating heavily. Body heat often condenses on the upper edge of the goggles and drops of sweat run annoyingly over the lens. Not so with the Rocket, where you have a clear view.

Conclusion

The Alpina Rocket V has an independent design, it is visually striking, but not "spasmodically" original. Its strength lies in its very good wind and fog protection. As a result of clumsy handling, the test goggles fell to the ground several times, but only received a few very fine scratches that did not impair vision.

Recommendation

A very important point is that the glasses should only ever be cleaned with a mild detergent or hand soap. Harsh cleaners or even special eyewear cleaning agents attack the anti-fog coating and can easily tarnish it. Or they "soften" the protective coating and fine scratches remain when the glasses are subsequently dried, which impair vision. The best thing to do after cleaning is to lightly dab the glasses with the microfiber cloth provided and leave them to air dry.

Price: CHF 199.00

Manufacturer

www.alpina-sports.com