Coming from the makers of the world’s clearest non-glass sunglass lens is a new frame technology that produces some of the lightest sunglasses in the world.
Today, Maui Jim introduces the first styles in the PureAir™ series of sunglasses that combine the company’s ultra-light MauiPure™ lens technology with an ultra-light frame technology that makes these sunglasses feel like “pure air.”
“When you’re in the sun for a long time, the weight of your sunglasses can become a big factor,” said Richard Walker, Maui Jim’s Director of Product Development. “Until this point, the only way to lighten a frame was to remove material from its construction. This had the potential to weaken the frame. We now have the ability to produce a thin, yet tough, frame that is extremely lightweight and flexible.”
PureAir frames use Grilamid TR90LX, a thermo-plastic that is known for its durability and ability to retain its shape, even when the material is thin or flexed. This material also has the ability to be clear and transparent and to be coloured in transparent or opaque applications, allowing for a wide range of creativity in eye wear design.
All PureAir frames will feature Maui Jim’s proprietary MauiPure™ lenses which are the world’s clearest non-glass lenses that are ultra-lightweight, scratch- and impact-resistant. The hybrid, injection-molded, de-centered lenses are the lightest lens material in the Maui Jim portfolio and are optically clear (ABBE value of 50). These lenses are packed with up to nine layers of patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technology that cuts 99.9 percent of glare and eliminates 100 percent of all UV rays to reduce eye strain. A distinguishing feature of all Maui Jim lenses is the rich and vibrant colour that you see. This is the result of using three rare earth elements and other treatments to white-balance Maui Jim’s lenses, so the colors you see are pure and true. MauiPure lenses also are protected with waterproof and oleophobic coatings to shed water and snow and to repel grease and smudges.
The first PureAir style to arrive in stores is Bamboo Forest (Style #415, AED 972), a sunglass inspired by long hikes in the lush bamboo forests of East Maui, Hawaii. This rectangular frame is ultra-light and offers full coverage for midsize to large faces with round, oval or heart/triangle-shaped features. Taking full advantage of the transparency of the frame material, these sunglasses are distinguished by their see-through details, especially on the temples and in the fading color on the frame front. Bamboo Forest is an 
ultra-comfortable frame because of its lightness and flexibility. However, there is nothing flimsy about its stability as a result of strategically positioned rubber temple inserts and adjustable Rabalon nose pads.
Bamboo Forest is a 6-base style with an eye size of 60 mm, bridge size of 18 mm, and temple length of 125 mm. This style comes in Gloss Black Fade with Neutral Grey lenses for bright sunny days. For variable light conditions, Bamboo Forest comes in Rootbeer Fade with increase contrast on overcast days. For low light conditions where you want brighter vision, this style comes in Olive Fade with Maui HT™ lenses that are a light palm green colour. The PureAir Collection is covered by the company’s standard warranty. MauiPure lenses are not available in prescription; however, consumers who wish to have Maui Jim’s authentic prescription lenses in a pair of Bamboo Forest frames may do so with one of Maui Jim’s other outstanding lens materials: Maui Evolution® or polycarbonate.
Additional colourful styles in the PureAir Collection will come on the market later this fall, including (left to right) Pipiwai Trail (Style #416), Seven Pools (Style #417) and Twin Falls (Style #418).
