Transcend GPS goggles

I recently had the opportunity to try a pair of Recon Instruments’ new Transcend GPS goggles, developed in partnership with Zeal Optics. Touted as the “world’s first GPS-enabled goggle,” I was both curious and a little skeptical of these techno-specs, but quickly learned there could be some powerful and useful applications for this perceivably over-the-top ski accessory.

I demoed the SPX model of the Recon-Zeal Transcend goggle, featuring a standard polarized lens, compared to the SPPX, which has transition lenses. But before I get to the fit and feel, the real meat and potatoes of these goggles is the GPS functionality. The current model provides real time statistics such as speed, altitude, vertical odometer, latitude/longitude location and a stopwatch/chronos mode, all viewable via a small LCD display mounted inside the bottom right hand corner of the goggles.

It was a little distracting to have the small screen in the bottom corner, tempting you to take your eyes off the ski line and sneak a peak at your speed. However, a little self-control and fear fixes this problem. When you get home, you can upload the day’s data on Recon’s useful and user-friendly software to manipulate the information in different ways, including syncing with Google Maps for the full meal 3-D deal. Recon also offers HQ Online, which allows people to share their data and trips with other users.

While all of this was nifty, I just couldn’t justify the goggles’ hefty price tag of $399. However, I learned that Recon is in the process of developing universal “Android operating system” to enable 3rd party developers to create applications, based on the GPS data, for various purposes. Once the power of the GPS is unlocked, I can see many practical ways to use these goggles – be it race training, backcountry exploring, search and rescue or developing routes for guidebooks – which could launch them into a new realm of usefulness.

Three control buttons are located on the right side of the goggles, allowing fairly user-friendly functionality as long as you take your gloves off. It would have been nice if there were some brail-type features to ensure you’re fingers are pressing the correct buttons. However, I learned the next generation of the Transcend will come with a wireless remote you can place anywhere on your body, greatly increasing the ease of use. Overall, the quality of the goggles was good and the stated 7-hour battery life via an internal lithium-ion battery was just shy of its claim.

Now for the fit – honestly, these goggles just didn’t fit my face. Not all goggles are the same, admittedly, and different brands fit differently, but typically I can make most goggles work. There is a noticeable girth to the Transcend and I found them pressing on my Giro helmet somewhat annoyingly, something I haven’t experienced with most other brands. Additionally, I found the optical quality not up to snuff compared to some other high-end brands, especially for a goggle of this price. There were noticeable – albeit slight – distortions in the lenses themselves. All that said, Recon told me they are partnering with several other goggle manufacturers – in addition to Zeal Optics - next year, so it’s likely next year’s generation will have models to fit most faces and additional lens options.

Another gripe I have is the screen itself. I could barely see it without pushing the goggles to one side. Though the goggles were designed so 99 percent of humans can see the screen, I had a hard time seeing the screen as did others that tried them on. I thought this curious and mentioned it to Recon, and they indicated this is also rectified in the next generation of goggles by utilizing a widescreen display on a pivoting arm.

All in all, I think there is definitely a future for GPS goggles and it’s great to see a British Columbia-based company such as Recon leading the charge. With the ability to create 3rd party applications, there’s no doubt these could be useful beyond the techno gadgetry appeal. But I’d wait on dropping the coin until we see some different models and different applications hitting the market.

Specifications:

• Real time statistics: speed, altitude, vertical, and total distance odometers, run-counter, temperature, stopwatch/chrono mode, clock
• Logs averages, maximums and minimums for each run and over your entire day
• Full GPS and onboard sensor technology
• Head-mounted, full-color micro LCD display
• Several days of memory storage
• Micro USB port for charging and data transfer
• Google maps overlay
• Total weight: 257 grams
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with 6-8 hour run time based on operating environment
• English/French Language
• Imperial/Metric Units

Includes:

• Protective hard case
• Lens cleaning bag
• Micro-USB charger with European and North American adapters
• Recon HQ software for tracking your trips and sharing online

The Verdict:

All in all, I think there is definitely a future for GPS goggles and it’s great to see a British Columbia-based company such as Recon leading the charge. With the ability to create 3rd party applications, there’s no doubt these could be useful beyond the techno gadgetry appeal. But I’d wait on dropping the coin until we see some different models and different applications hitting the market.

SPECS:

Price: SPX model $399 SPPX model $499 CAN

PROS:

World's first GPS enabled goggle.
Fun to calculate total vert, speed, number of laps, etc.
Good software and Google map interface.
Android application development in the 2nd generation will enable many potential uses and greater functionality.
Additional Goggle versions by other manufacturers in the next generation will offer more fit options.

CONS:

Heavier than a regular goggle.
Bulky design didn't fit helmet/face very well.
LCD screen difficult to see.
Expensive.

Rating: 6/10

Ease of use       1/2
Features           1.5/2
Quality             2/2
Size / Weight    1/2
Price                 .5/2

This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

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