Why The Switch Axo Is My Favourite Pair Of Sunglasses

Two years ago I wrote a review for this website about the Switch Axo sunglasses. At the time the new company, Switch Vision from New Jersey, was promoting its latest technology for swapping lenses in the same frame that involved magnets. I was dubious. There had been a lot of gimmicks related to sunglass tech over the years and most of them revolved around interchangeable lenses. But I took the Axos out in the field and promptly fell in love with them.



Having a pair of sunglasses that allows you to swap lenses makes sense because different coloured lenses work well in different light conditions. Take your dark shades on a ski tour in flat light and you’ll understand. And it’s a pain carrying multiple shades around. Until a few years ago, however, sunglass frames sported flimsy plastic catches or “twist and pop” systems to allow for interchanging lenses. Most were unwieldy, especially when wearing gloves, and they didn’t stand up well in the cold. Switch Vision changed all that. By embedding two magnets in each frame socket of the sunglasses (one near the nose piece and one near where the arm meets the frame) and two magnets on each side of every lens, they had a system that was super strong and easy to use. To remove a lens, it’s a simple matter of pushing them out. No snapping, twisting, pulling or prodding. Then you just pop the other one in and the magnets snap it into place.



Like most people I wondered at first whether the lenses would pop out accidentally but the magnets are too powerful for that to happen. I know this because I’ve face-planted skiing and mountain biking with them on and the lenses never jumped out of the frames. That said, they’re easy to remove with your fingers, even while wearing ski gloves. Since my first review, I’ve taken the Switch Axos to the top of mountain peaks (they were a crucial piece of equipment during our 24-hour circumnavigation of the Mulvey Basin mountains in the Valhallas last year) and they’ve been with me in the deepest canyons, specifically the Grand Canyon on a 21-day rafting trip. I would regularly swap out the lenses while on mountain biking excursions, preferring the darker polarized ones on the sunny ride up and the bright amber ones for the the heavily-forested sections on the way down.

Features of the Switch Axo Sunglasses Kit

• Injected nylon frame
• TPR overmolded temple tips and nose pad for increased grip
• Magnetic interchange chassis
• TriGuard Coating on the lenses that resists scratches and smudges
• 1 pair of polarized lenses
• 1 pair of low-light rose amber lenses
• 1 hard case
• 1 lens pod
• 1 microfiber cleaning cloth

I particularly like the company’s Axo style because it features a partial wrap-around frame with wide sides that do an excellent job blocking reflected rays from the snow and water. The polarized lenses also help cut glare. But the frame has just enough air flow under the bridge and sides to prevent fogging. The only time the lenses really fogged up for me was when I stopped while skinning up a slope. Most of the time it was my toque that trapped the heat though. The padded nose piece is comfortable and the frames are lightweight so I never experience soreness. Plus the black frames are well-suited for the city and the backcountry. One thing I did notice over the two years I had them is that the magnets attracted a small amount of rust but this was easily removed with a soft Brillo pad. The thermoplastic nylon of the frame is strong and the lenses are very scratch resistant as I proved time and again when I dropped them at the base of a climb or on a sandy beach. Unfortunately no amount of strength can prevent losing them. I left my pair of Swtich Axos on a rock climb in southern Utah this past winter and was already driving north before I realized it. I said goodbye to them and started wearing other pairs that I had been given to review for various publications.


I soon learned that none of them were as good as the Switch Axo. Sure, they all had their strengths (one pair in particular had some of the clearest lenses I had ever looked through) but they weren’t the full package. I wanted a strong pair of sunglasses with interchangeable lenses that were equally useful at the top of mountains and on the fastest rivers. I wanted my Axos.

Since the company first launched, the price of their kits has increased substantially but in my opinion they’re worth the money. You’re esentially getting two sunglasses. And they’re useful in every season and for every type of sport. At the time of this writing Switch offered 21 different styles of frames, including full rim, partial rim and rimless. The Axos are considered full rim and the kit, which comes with frames, polarized lenses, amber lenses, lens carry case, sunglasses case and cleaning cloth cost US$224.95. Not cheap, but again, after a decade of reviewing sunglasses, I can confidently say these are the best I’ve ever worn.

Switch Axo Sunglasses Pros
Everything. The magnetic interchange system is easy to use yet strong. The frames are rugged, yet light. The full rim and partial wrap-around style effectively block out reflected light from snow slopes and rivers making them an excellent choice for all types of outdoor endavours.

Switch Axo Sunglasses Cons
In the 2.5 years I’ve owned them, I noticed a small amount of rust build up on the magnets but that was easily removed with a soft Brillo pad.

Swtich Vision Axo Sunglasses Specs

• Price: US$224.95
• Includes 1 pair of polarized lenses & 1 pair of rose amber lenses
• Also includes frame case, carry case and cleaning cloth
• Colours: Crystal Cool Grey, Matte Black, Shiny Black, Polar White, Smoke