Lens

Props to Spy for ditching the overly tech talk when it comes to touting the benefits of its proprietary high-contrast lens system. The wonderfully Ronseal ‘Happy’ lenses are designed not just to sharpen up your visuals, but also brighten your mood.

The layman’s version of the process is ‘bad light out, good light in’; the rays that actually give you a pick-me-up are allowed to pass through the lens, while 100% UV protection is still very much on offer. The Marauder Elite is also one of only two models (the other being the standard Marauder) to have the option of Spy’s new ‘HappyBoost’ lens, which is a further step up in clarity.

Unlike the standard Marauder, which has a cylindrical lens, the Marauder Elite has a subtle toric shaping to it. The combination of cylindrical and spherical is hard to spot from any kind of distance, but is designed to be even more optically correct.

“The ‘Happy’ lenses are designed not just to sharpen up your visuals, but also brighten your mood”

Frame and Straps

The lenses of the Spy Marauder Elite attach magnetically to the frame, clicking into position at six anchor points with that oh-so-satisfying ‘thunk’. Spy has gone full belt ‘n’ braces by also having a small, user-friendly latch on each side, a system known as ‘Deadbolt’. It’s really no extra hassle to use, but may save you a trip to your nearest Spy retailer after a particularly spirited ragdoll in the pow.

The frame itself is standard, reliable polyurethane; lightweight and malleable, whilst also being robust enough to never need any maintenance. Incorporated into the frame is the ‘RISE’ ventilation system, which uses clever-clever pressure management to actively draw warm air (the fog-causing kind) out of the vents on the top of the goggles, rather than just allowing it to happen of its own accord at a slower pace.

As with any ‘premium’ goggles, the Marauder Elite features triple-layer face foam, with a crucial slice of moisture-wicking fleece material sitting right on your skin.

“The ventilation system uses clever-clever pressure management to actively draw warm air (the fog-causing kind) out of the vents”

Roundup

Flying high at the top of Spy’s range, the Marauder Elite ticks every conceivable box for comfort, performance, durability and style. That right there is enough to put a spring in your step, before even considering the aforementioned effects of the ‘Happy’ lens.

The ‘Colourblock 2.0’ strap designs complete the package nicely, and are considerably more understated than most of the classic Marauder’s options – although if you want something a little jazzier, be sure to check out Erick Jackson’s signature design.

Pros:

• The quick-change convenience of a magnetic lens, backed up with the old-school reassurance of the Deadbolt latches
• A lot of thought has gone into keeping these fog-free at all times

Cons:

• Fans of the true cylindrical lens look will want to stick with the original Maraurder, rather than the toric-lensed Elite version

“I had these out on a cloudy day after several days of bluebird and the low light lens was great. It offered great visibility in the less than perfect weather which is exactly what you want.

The fit was really comfortable if perhaps a little snug on my face, but I have an enormous head so that comes with the territory to be honest.

I had a great field of view in these and they did me well for a few days of fog, cloud and flat light which I think is the most impressive part for me. Obviously the goggles can’t perform miracles to let me see through the fog, but everything I could see was crystal clear and that definitely helped me dodge some variable terrain that could have otherwise tripped me up.”