evil eye e-sense next with LST eVARiO filter

There are things no one needs – and then there are gadgets that make you wonder how you ever managed without them. The evil eye e-sense is exactly one of those: an electronic cycling glasses that, thanks to an integrated LCD module, adjusts the tint of the LST eVARiO filter to the current light conditions within just 0.6 seconds – without pressing, sliding, or recharging.
Full visibility ahead, total control on the bike. Even at high speeds and in unpredictable weather, both hands stay where they belong: on the handlebars.

While the first release by the Linz-based company in 2023 was limited to 500 pieces and only available in black, they are now following up with the evil eye e-sense next, an unlimited version in two fresh colors plus technical refinements.
We put it to the test.

Apart from the photovoltaic cells that shimmer through the center of the filter and a slightly wider shading inside the frame, the electronic Made in Austria sports glasses are still hardly distinguishable from the regular evil eye roadsense.
They use the same cylindrical polycarbonate filter, which not only provides excellent peripheral vision but also offers 100% protection against UVA, UVB, and UVC rays – all while keeping insects, wind, & co. at bay. Additionally, there is the fully shielding frame made of lightweight, robust, and flexible PPX material.

The technology behind this electronic innovation is called LST eVARiO and combines an LCD module with a photovoltaic cell – both directly integrated into the filter lens. The photovoltaic cell powers the LCD module and determines the level of tinting based on light intensity.
When light hits the PV cell, the filter lens darkens automatically and seamlessly – within just 0.6 seconds. This time span was deliberately chosen to enable flicker-free, gentle adjustment, which is perceived by the eye as optimal and pleasant.

For the new e-sense next, the proven LST eVARiO technology has been consistently further developed. Thanks to an enlarged LCD module and a more powerful photovoltaic cell, it now covers an even broader tint spectrum ranging from protection category C1 to C3 (10% to 46% transmission).
Compared to its predecessor (C2 to C3; 10% to 28%), the glasses become noticeably brighter in low light conditions. This makes them ready for use at any time – from early morning to late evening, from summer to winter.

The proven base filter "LST bright blue mirror" remains unchanged. It enhances contrasts in diffuse light and ensures better visibility in challenging conditions such as fog, overcast skies, or shaded areas. Naturally, it provides 100 percent protection for the eyes against harmful UV radiation.

Furthermore, the e-sense next, which is only available in Large, comes with everything typically appreciated in sports glasses manufactured at the Silhouette factory in Linz: Double-adjustable nose pads (double-snap nose pad), triple-adjustable temples (tri.fit temples), as well as non-slip Traction Grip temple ends (traction grip) for a secure fit and perfect, individual adjustment.
In addition to the mounted nose pads, a second pair of "nose pads" is included as a slightly lower-sitting alternative. Great for crash pilots or clumsy fingers: Under high stress, the temple detaches from the frame thanks to the quick-release hinge and can be reattached afterward.

The e-sense next is available in two frame colors: dark grey matt and forest green matt. With the clip-in feature, the e-sense can also be used with optical lenses (RX lenses) in the wearer's prescription strength, making it the first choice for anyone who can no longer read street signs without prescription glasses.
Manufactured in the Silhouette Vision Sensation Lab in Austria, the highest quality and precision are guaranteed.

e-sense "new" vs. "old

* Using the QR code in the box, each buyer can have a free Ortlieb bike bag in the evil eye design sent to them.

Regarding design, comfort, and features, nothing has changed compared to our previous review: "Unpack the glasses, put them on, done. If the analog roadsense in Large fits, the e-sense next will fit as well - because apart from a few extra grams, its external values in terms of style, design, and adjustment features are largely identical."

The 1-2 grams less weight compared to the first e-sense are nice, but not really noticeable - and perhaps more due to production variance or the calibration of our scale.