Boulder, CO – Zeal Optics, the company that introduced the world’s first ski and snowboard goggle with GPS technology last fall, will expand its GPS goggle category in 201112. The Zeal Transcend GPS, featuring a Head Mounted Display by Recon Instruments, will be available in several levels of technology and performance lens options ranging from $399 to $549.n“We launched this new category in snow goggles because we believe the consumer wants the most technologically innovative high quality goggle products,” says Michael Jackson, co-founder of Zeal Optics. “Response to the Transcend GPS has been an astounding success with demand exceeding supply. We are excited to offer consumers more great options this next upcoming year that will take GPS enabled goggles to the next level.”
All of Zeal’s Transcend GPS models feature vertical odometer technologies and provide real-time access to performance statistics including speed, altitude, temperature, and time. Sleek graphics are viewed in the bottom right side of the goggle, and are completely non-obtrusive for front and peripheral vision. All styles come with a downloadable software application provided via Recon Instruments, which allows users to transfer all data from their goggle to their computer. The PC- and Mac-friendly software allows users to manage and “playback” ski runs overlaid on Google Earth. Users can see their fastest and slowest speeds, review individual runs, and see vertical distance covered. All data can also easily be shared on popular social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter.
Zeal will offer three Transcend GPS models in 2011-12. New to the line-up in the Transcend GPS 1.0 series is the Spherical Photochromic (PX) model, featuring a UV-activated lens which changes from a clear tint in low light, to a dark rose/brown tint in brighter light (MSRP $399). A complementary product to this new Photochromic lens option is the original Spherical Polarized (SPX) model. The polarized lens effectively cuts glare and has a VLT of 18% (MSRP $399). These two Transcend GPS 1.0 models come in a sleek Carbon Matte Black frame and are available now on a limited basis.
Zeal’s best-selling Transcend GPS and most advanced snow goggle, the Spherical Polarized & Photochromic model (SPPX), headlines the new Transcend GPS 2.0 series. The SPPX lens, exclusive to Zeal Optics, cuts the glare that fatigues the eyes and auto light adjusts when exposed to the sun’s rays for an all-in-one-lens. Having all the same features as the original 1.0 model, the Transcend GPS 2.0 SPPX model features a wider and adjustable vision screen for a complete custom face fit. It also includes enhanced performance statistics, including a patented real-time Jump Feature. Zeal’s Transcend GPS SPPX 2.0 retails for MSRP $549 and is available in three frame colors for fall and winter: Carbon Matte Black, Carbon Matte White, and Carbon Matte Gold.
Additional in-season offerings in the Transcend GPS 2.0 series will be announced by Zeal in the coming months. This includes a new GPS goggle style, and another upper-level GPS unit designed to pair with the new Android platform being developed by Zeal partner Recon Instruments, the GPS and software developers. Such goggles were announced by other goggle manufacturers Briko, Uvex and Alpina in January.
Zeal’s 2011-12 Transcend GPS goggles will be available at specialty retailers and online stores through out the world, including www.zealoptics.com. Click here to read our review of Zeal’s Transcend GPS goggle.