Transitions Gen S vs XTRActive | How To Choose The Right One For You

[@NopeVS]

Excellent video. Thank you for your help!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help.

[@jbaxter007]

I wear XTRActive lenses, i don`t find them a problem going from light to dark, i like the tint i get whilst driving. I also wear them for cycling.

[@leonardocozza3140]

@@jbaxter007 are they too dark in indoor ?

[@jbaxter007]

@@leonardocozza3140Absolutely fine indoors, very slight tint when watching tv and computer. you won`t even notice.

[@leonardocozza3140]

@@chrislee6650 thanks. So I was thinking about a pair of classic glasses + a pair of sport glasses. Both xtractive. Both to have eyeglasses +sunglasses in one. Would that be a bad idea?

[@KristineBette]

Which version of Extra active do you wear? The regular ones or the polarized ones? Thank you.

[@KristineBette]

I also hope I can get them too, but I’m not sure if there’s a limit to how high one’s prescription is. Years ago, an optician told me that they one made XtraActive up to -3 myopia, and my script was higher than that.

[@routinedrop4692]

I'm in Florida and have always had light sensitivity. I've tried non-XTRActive and it simply isn't enough to keep me from squinting. Even with XTRActive it's right on the verge of having to squint. Thanks to your other videos, I'm going with the XTRActive Brown Style Mirrors this time. Whenever it's time for a new pair I come to your channel. Thanks for all your help, great content!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Thank you! I'm so glad you are finding good and useful information on my channel. I invite you to shop my online store sometime as well at HicksBrunson.com. We also have personal stylists who can help you.

[@haroldbrown3452]

this video said all i needed to hear. XTRActive for me.. btw, first pair of prescription glasses.. gonna be a new world for me..

[@bilaltahir9978]

Are both of lenses completely clear indoors like normal non transitions classes? Or does one of them have a tint that is noticeable in a formal office environment?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

They say XTRActive has a "hint of tint" indoors, but it is so light that most people will not be able to see it. Now, if your office has numerous large windows and or skylights letting in large volumes of visible sunlight then they might darken somewhat more noticeably inside.

[@speedRacer05]

Would you consider demonstrating the difference temperature makes on the XTRActive vs the S? As a person living in the southern U.S. most of my days are pretty hot.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

I will consider it. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Mack_Dingo]

XTRActive: I'm Canada west coast, do slightly confused 'visible light' part, does LED lights(commercial interior) activate them? And since it is cooler and cloudy will they get super dark still all winter when its gloomy? I'm worried about that. But I just want one that will tint driving but not tint from indoor(electric) light. I'm fine with natural light from windows I understand that. Thanks for your help!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Thanks for the question Mack. I probably need to make a video addressing this. Only visible light from the sun coming through a window is strong enough to activate it. It is the kind of light we call High Energy Visible light. Interior lighting will have no affect on these lenses. Regarding gloomy winter days, UV and visible light is lower then so they will not get super dark, however all photochromic lenses do get darker in cooler temperatures. Those two factors will offset and they may still somewhat darker than desired, but I have never noticed this to be an issue. I have actually been thinking about making a video about the cooler temperatures affect in the coming weeks.

[@off-road-biker]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Oh yes, please! That would really be a very helpful video. And in addition 🙏🏻, show the Transitions S right next to it with a timer, so you can see how long it takes for Transitions S and Transitions XTRActive to become fully dark and fully clear again. 👍🏻

[@kelleyallen9658]

Absolutely what I needed to know! Thank you! Great job!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Thanks so much! I'm happy that you found this video useful.

[@GadgetyMV]

Excellent presentation, overview and comparison as always. You have influenced my purchasing decision. I was getting two pairs, both gen S, because of the speed to transition, particularly the speed to go from activated in the sun to deactivated indoors, as well as selection of style colors. However in the end I decided to go Xtractive for one pair. Mainly to get more variety, as in driving, but also the ability to have a flash mirror color effect as this is not possible with the Gen S. I do winter sport activities as well as often spending time by the water, so the mirror effect will come in handy. When first encountering these technologies it was a bit confusing as there are "style colors", as well colored "style flash mirrors," however, you cannot combine the two, as the mirrors can only be combined with the Xtractive brown and grey, something you covered in some of your other great presentations. Thank you!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Thank you. I'm glad you found this helpful. You are correct that Transitions official Gen S Style Colors can't be combined with XTRActive Style Mirrors. This is true. However, I can customize flash mirrors in colors Blue, Silver, and Gold on any Transitions lens colors including Gen S in all colors including the style colors.

[@GadgetyMV]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Thank you for the response! Wow, I didn't know that possibility existed. Will the flash mirror slow the UV response of the Gen S or make the transition less dark, even though the overall effect may still be darker? Will the mirror layer be weaker than if it were the Xtractive Style Mirrors? Any other reason that the official combination won't allow flash mirror on Gen S? Would you deliver only lenses to existing frames? I realize I may have made a mistake in getting the Xtractive with mirror. What's it like at night? I just found a comment " I can’t even use them at night while driving. The glare creates many artifacts and reflections of oncoming headlights that it’s almost dangerous to wear these while driving." Those were Silver Mirror Xtractive with clear acetate frames.

[@turtlemop8712]

when you listed the colors options at 2:50 you listed 8, but only showed 7. So I was wondering, which color is missing? I've been trying to find a good real life comparison between Graphite Green and Emerald, because all I can find are marketing photos that aren't very consistent. Is it one of those colors that is missing? Thanks!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

I left out Graphite Green from the video. I would describe it as a Grey-Green blend. It will appear mostly grey to others. If you really want to see the Green color in your lenses then Emerald is a more true green.

[@indoldnz]

Thank you, very informative, a point of view comparison would be the icing to this video someone already mentioned. But watched your XTRActive vs Drivewere and you did it there. Both of the videos gave me all the information I needed to make a decision.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Thanks so much! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@RobDaman]

How about xactive polarized? Are the transitions from light to dark n vice versa same as regular xractive?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

As far as I know the transitions times are quite similar, although some believe they have observed the XTRActive Polarized to not get as dark as the XTRActive non-polarized. I believe this may be true, but I think the polarizing affect makes up for this lack of darkness by eliminating glare.

[@PeterAlanA1234567890]

Just got GenS, I live in Las Vegas so far I can't get them to turn more than 25% dark in the 107 degree weather. The extractive worked GenS barely changed 25! Is being generous.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Wooo, Peter! 107 is hot! Yes, XTRActive is still best option in warmer weather.

[@janejaniak2019]

what about the XTRActive Polarized?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

It is nice if you prefer polarized and like the grey color.

[@criticalthinker1123]

The problem with polarized it makes hard to see phone screen ​@@HicksBrunsonEyewear

[@ShaneD90s]

Hi Daniel. I wanted to ask, is it 100% safe to have a base tint (between 40% - 50%) and flash mirror while having transitions xtraactive (2nd gen) over it? I know you do these combinations alot and i love them but want to know if its safe for the eye. Thanks

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Hello Shane, I don't recommend going darker than 30% to 35% percent on the base tint if you are pairing with an XTRActive lens especially if you also want a mirror. In my experience the net result on the outdoor mode darkness is not enough to make these combos darker than a typical set of category 3 grey sun lenses. Most of the tint pairings we do on XTRActive is in this range or lighter. If you want darker it is best to use Transitions Signature and leave off the mirror. The front and back premium anti-reflective coating we apply will provide sharp visual clarity on these combos.

[@Ryshin84]

Between the 2 lenses which one protect more the eye from the blue light of the computer screen?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

XTRActive blocks slightly more blue light because there is that indoor "hint of tint" always present.

[@CJ12176]

Does Transition S have a slight yellow tint when indoors, just like my Xtraactive? I have a Essilor Varilux, poly lense with Xtra and they have a slight tint. Kind of frustrating. The lense is getting older now and it seems they are even more yellow.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

This is probably mostly age related. I have seen non-Transitions lenses yellow over time. Sun and UV exposure particularly is the cause. In fact, even the crystalline lens inside our eyeballs starts out clear when we are young and yellows over time with UV exposure as we age.

[@RT-ol4hh]

Such wonderful content. Very useful.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Glad it was helpful!

[@irinasegovia4900]

Thanks for the video. Great review! The only thing that would have been nice to have added is about the permanent indoor tint. Can you please answer: 1) What’s the indoor (permanent) tint percent? (Is it less than 10%?) 2) Did the gen 2 (new generation) Xtractive that you mentioned also just come out in April 2024? 3) Since you have both Gen 8/S and the new generation Xtractive, do you find that the Xtractives don’t let you see as well as the Gen 8/S since they are not as clear indoors as Gen8/S? What about at night,is it harder to see well with Xtractive due to the permanent tint (so less light going through)? Thanks so much.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Thank you! These are great questions. 1.) I don't have the indoor tint percentage off hand. XTRActive is described as having a hint of tint. I would guess to say it is less than 10%. It can just barely be seen when the lens is laid down on white paper. I believe the vast majority if people will not be able to see it when you are wearing the glasses. 2.) XTRActive New Gen or Gen 2 was late 2021, which I believe was also when XTRActive Polarized released in the U.S. 3.) Again, the tint being less than 10% or just a hint of tint is hardly noticeable to anyone. Not the wearer and not the person looking at you. In my experience most people will not be aware of it at all. I say most people, not all people. For this reason is perfectly fine to wear at night. I have may pairs of glasses in my personal collection that have a 30% indoor tint thatI can wear at night. Those are definitely noticeable, but do not bother me. 30% might bother some people at night. Less than 10% will bother virtually no one.

[@IAmYous3f]

I have the xtra active polarized and use it as my daily glasses. It never bothered me at all at night. Its just comfortable to wear.

[@josephgaviota]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear That was a good answer: it helped me too.

[@carryeveryday910]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewearYou definitely notice the permanent tint just not to the extent where it will cause you to have trouble seeing at night or anything at least not for me. But taking them off and putting them back on you 100% see the difference.

[@АнечкаК-ц2щ]

​@@IAmYous3fTell me, how is the visibility with the computer screen and the phone?

[@treydrier3169]

Hey thanks for that explanation. I was just abut to order Oakley transition lenes and saw those 2 options. I have 2 pair of XtraActive transitions and really like them. But I had never heard of Gen S. I did a quick search and stumbled upon your video. I live up North in the summer and Florida in the winter so its over 70 degrees about 85 percent of the time. Taking a few more minutes to lighten indoors is not a big deal for me. Thus XtraActive seems to be the best choice for me for all of my glasses. Oh and one more con on the XtraActive is indoor it has an ever so slight yellowish tint. Virtually unnoticeable but when I take them off and look at them closely I can see it. It never bothers me wearing them because its so faint. Most people probably never notice.

[@0RANGOTANG]

Hmmm, just ordered some gen s transitions today and then after watching this video I'm thinking that I should've gone with the XTRActive since I'm from California where it's usually warmer lol.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Oh, darn! I hope they work out for you, or you find what works best for you in the future.

[@teofiloweller4759]

How would the Xtras Active look like at night inside the vehicle for driving?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Are asking how it will look compared to Gen S? Since it only has a hint of tint, there is hardly any noticeable difference at all at night. If you are like most people it won't look any different than wearing Gen S. Many, many people are happily driving at night wearing XTRActive lenses.

[@cgreen6369]

I've worn both and I prefer XTRActive. I live in Atlanta, where it can get hot as well as cold, and they stay very dark no matter the temperature. I do wish they worked better in cars (though it does darken somewhat which is better than not darkening at all as I am very sensitive to bright light); I keep a pair of over the counter sunglass clip-ons in the car.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

It sounds like we have similar weather to you here in Oklahoma, and I also prefer XTRActive.

[@leonardocozza3140]

Nice. Two questions sir. 1) Xtractive lenses might be the best choice for sports whick is in my case only hitting the gym and yoga (indoor) and for outdoor activities (beach sports in summer, hiking, skiing)? 2) is there a new generation of xtractive coming any soon? Thanks Cheers from italy

[@HairBilly]

​@@chrislee6650 Do you now if Gen S turn darkly even when the sun is covered by some clouds?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Hello Leonardo! I love XTRActive for all things that require spending a lot of time outdoors because they just work better in the sun, especially in warmer weather. I am not aware of a new Gen XTRActive coming soon, but it does feel like we are due for something. I think it's been about four years since XTRActive Gen 2 was released, but it may be a while yet. I think it took about ten years or more to go from Gen 1 to Gen 2.

[@ruiamaral1974]

​@@HairBillyyes.

[@HnkQ]

What are the sunglasses you are wearing at 6:45?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

That is the Waldorf by Masunaga.

[@HnkQ]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Thank you for your reply Sir.

[@wayonc]

Thank you so much for explaining

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

You are welcome!

[@trintex44]

I just purchased a pair of transition glasses @walmart I haven’t got them yet but I’m curious to what lenses they use?

[@handriantosoegianto9642]

Which is faster to fade-back to clear condition, Transitions Gen S or Photofusion X?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

I have not yet run that experiment. Perhaps in a future video...

[@estracyp1]

what is photofusion X is that another brand of photohromic

[@tara59600]

Thank you for the explanation. Do either of these lenses also deal with computer glare? Thanks!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Yes. They both block indoor blue light, but XTRActive blocks a higher percentage of it.

[@tamig.7969]

Have you done a review on the XTRActive in the red mirror color ?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

I have not done that one yet. I showed a sample of it briefly in this video here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXbMlX6AZbmboassi=riMZiSVr3F0KiWoD

[@SchwartzReports]

Hi, I heard that the XTRActive also maintain a slight tint at all times, even indoors. Is that still true? Or was that only for the first gen?

[@213ninja]

That's still true. I have gen2 XTRActive and they maintain a slight tint indoors, which I actually prefer. I think that's another point that could have been hit here in terms of differences in use cases. Some folks who are more sensitive to indoor lighting or work behind a computer screen all day stand to benefit from that indoor tint. The faster return to clear in the new genS signature is appealing, but maintaining an indoor tint is higher priority for me personally.

[@zomgitsmax]

There’s a slight tint, but unless they’re a trained optician, it’s very unlikely anyone will notice in normally lit rooms, and nothing similar to the first gen indoor tint. I have Gen S, 8, and XTRActive NG (new generation aka 2ed gen released in 2022) and would honestly only consider the XTRActives for any new pairs, aside from if i wanted a certain style color (like the Gen S Ruby I got). They get significantly darker out of the car than Gen 8 or S’s do, which is the most important thing for me. I don’t mind the fade back when going inside personally, but like mentioned in the video, they all have their place, especially if you have an “eyewear wardrobe” with different glasses for different purposes.

[@QuantumEntanglement369]

Just combine a 10% indoor base tint of your choice with either gen S or xtractive or gen 8 choice of color and there ya go! I personally have a 10% rose base indoor tint combined with gen S rose (outdoors sunny day) installed on my M1028 Matsuda Frames (crystal clear with gold) with an exterior coat of Zeiss HD bluish color pretty sick!

[@QuantumEntanglement369]

In other words my lenses change back to 10% rose tint instead of 100% clear. (When indoors)

[@libertyisparamount1443]

@@QuantumEntanglement369 that's how I ended up on this video, I want to do the same! Can you give me anymore information on how you did that? Some opticians (most importantly - mine) say it can't be done, other say no problem. Did they easily strip the coatings in order to tint them and then reapplied AR?

[@barbarospil]

i have ray ban meta transitions. theres a gen 8 on it. and it sux in the cockpit and inside car.

[@HashanGayasri]

I ordered XTRActive replacements for them. Hope they are better than the Zeiss PhotoFusion X I have. They are pretty disappointing.

[@JoseVasquez-dc9th]

​@@HashanGayasriwhere did you order the xtractive replacements from?

[@HashanGayasri]

@@JoseVasquez-dc9th I used LensesRX. Had to ask a friend IN US to forward them since they don't ship internationally.

[@HashanGayasri]

@@JoseVasquez-dc9th got them from lensesrx. Had to ask a friend in US to collect since they don't ship internationally

[@vroooom]

@@HashanGayasrihow are you liking them now?

[@charruaporelmundo]

But I understand that the Xtractive do not go full clear inside? but instead they keep a tint indoors?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

They keep a 'hint of tint' indoors. The density of color indoors is so light that most people not see it while wearing the glasses. If you lay the lenses flat on white paper you will see it, but just barely.

[@libertyisparamount1443]

yes it is not noticeable at all

[@francescat5582]

Hi! How many minutes approx. does XTRActive take to become “clear”?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

It always depends on how dark it got, and the temperature of the backside of the lens. Those variables will change the fade back time by several minutes, but I would say it's about 5 to 8 minutes on average.

[@AnesthesiaDan]

Very informative, Daniel! My experience with Transitions XTRActive lenses is that they don’t provide adequate filtration while driving, even on a very sunny day, and I still need to have a pair of (polarized) sunglasses. To be honest, even Transitions Drivewear lenses don’t get deeply dark behind a car’s windshield. There really isn’t a single “Swiss Army Knife” Transitions lens which functions well in all applications.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Thank you! I agree with you that the need to have a good set of polarized lenses for driving is a must. Transitions lenses are the best technology we have now for a single lens solution to all situations, but as you said some tools are better at some things. For driving, I do like my Drivewear lenses among other polarized lenses that I have for myself.

[@triniphotofan5142]

Thank you for this!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

My pleasure!

[@richdiorio3650]

Great video! How do the XtraActive lenses work when it's cloudy/overcast? Do they still get a tint to them, if yes how much?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

I find that they still darken up nicely on cloudy days. Since they activate with UV and visible light, they have an advantage over Transitions Gen S in their ability to darken. Temperature is also a factor. If it is warmer than about 60 degrees, they will not get as dark as if it is below 60 degrees. This applies to all photochromic lenses.

[@АнечкаК-ц2щ]

​@@HicksBrunsonEyewear👍🏻

[@HairBilly]

Mi chiedo una cosa sulla generazione S: quando di giorno sono all'aperto ma c'è un pó nuvoloso ed il sole è coperto da qualche nuvola, si attivano lo stesso risultando piú scure?

[@a.k.9425]

Are the Xtra active fully clear indoors?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

They are what some call virtually clear. You can see a very subtle color on white paper, but most will to see this color when you are wearing the glasses. When combined with a premium anti-reflective coating they will not appear to be tinted while you are wearing them indoors.

[@zorkblat3858]

Great video as always. I am currently using Zeiss PhotoFusion X Extra Grey. So XtrActive equivalent. And I LOVE them. Just out of curiosity, do the regular Transition lenses really not tint AT ALL behind a windshield? I'll be getting myself a Ruby pair -regardless- but figured I'd ask from a reputable source.

[@IAmYous3f]

I have the xtra active and they barely tint behind windshield

[@hawaiian-cerveza]

Transitions don't really darken in the vehicle because most wondows have some tint that blocks UV. If your vehicle doesn't have that it should turn darker.

[@zomgitsmax]

Not at all if you have a newer car with all windows coated. But neither does regular PhotoFusion X, I have Blue and Pioneer, as well as Gen S and xTraActive. Don’t have Extra Grey yet tho.

[@zorkblat3858]

@@zomgitsmax My ExtrActives get dark some no matter what. Could have to do with my local weather too! This more answers my question though. Thank you.

[@zomgitsmax]

@@zorkblat3858 my xtrActives do too. My Gen S and Photofusion X that’s not extra grey don’t tho, but I also usually put static tints over them anyways.

[@pramod_wickramathilaka]

Can you advise me how to check authentication of the lens ??

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

You might ask the place you bought them from if they can provide a Transitions certificate of authenticity for your lenses.

[@pramod_wickramathilaka]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear there is certificate card. but generally that card is general plastic card. no any seriel or any ID on it. there is no FOG ID to. do you have any essilor customer care email ...

[@jannjaffe6027]

Thank you for this excellent clarification. Which transition lenses are polarized and how do they compare to the other transition lenses in terms of darkening ability, etc.? Thank you!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Only one is polarized. It is called XTRActive Polarized Grey. Some have said that it appears to get slightly less dark than XTRActive Non-Polarized Grey. I have not verified this scientifically, but I believe I have noticed this effect as well. Even if true, I don't see it as an big issue myself when it comes to comfort in bright sun when I am in places that I like polarized lenses. For example, I have worn XTRActive Polarized at the beach, and the polarized effect is real. It does quite well at reducing the brightness of the disabling glare reflecting off of the ocean surface.

[@jannjaffe6027]

Thank you!

[@tsuyoshinyc2]

So, New GEN S is still activated by the amount of UV Rays like GEN 8, while XTRActive is activated by the amount of brightness? Can GEN S be perfectly translucent with no tint indoors where room lights are present?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

The short answer is yes. Since Gen S is UV activated indoor lighting has no effect. Is it crystal clear? Perhaps not if you lay it flat on white paper and compare it to a non-photochromic lens, but it is so close to clear no one should ever be able to see any color with the naked eye while it is worn on the face indoors. It should also be said that even XTRActive will not darken under indoor lighting. Even though it is both UV and visible light responsive, the visible light required to make it turn dark has to be High Energy like sunlight coming through a window. And the lenses would have to be pretty close to the window. Artificial interior lighting is typically not enough. XTRActive has a 'hint of tint' present even in its 'clear' state, but even this 'hint of tint' is barely visible if at all to others when worn on the face indoors.

[@tsuyoshinyc2]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Thank you for the concrete answer.

[@HairBilly]

Does Gen S turn darkly even when the sun is covered by some clouds?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

It all depends on UV intensity, and a little on temperature. Even with clouds you still have some UV. On cooler cloudy days they can still get pretty dark, but on warmer cloudier days they may not get as dark.

[@HairBilly]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Thank you! 😎👍

[@ruiamaral1974]

My gen 8 turns dark in a cloudy day even in sumner so dont worry.

[@HairBilly]

@@ruiamaral1974 Well, for me it's not so good because i only use sunglasses with sun and not when the sky Is overcast

[@garymoore3446]

Thank you...

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

You're welcome! I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@WyzrdCat]

Hmmm. Thanks for the info. It seems even the best option is not that dark in a car. Is the only other option either prescription sunglasses or clip ons?

[@war_razr]

Pretty much. Best option to date. I would go with polarized sunglasses for driving.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Most people will find prescription sunglasses are needed for certain situations. I made a video a while back asking which is better: Transitions or Sunglasses? It can be viewed here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2TdqaCJl9dqgbMsi=Lg3yxOhxRTQWbdpX

[@vinaymieux]

Is the Xtractive NG darker than the Gen S. Mainly only talking about Brown color. And I mean in natural light exposure, not under a UV lamp. In simple words - which one of them gets darker easier and which one gets darkest in direct UV (from sun) or are the new Gen S equally dark than Xtractive NG? Talking about Brown color.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

In bright sunlight and under temperatures below about 60 degrees, they both get pretty dark and it may not be that one gets noticeably darker than the other. Once it starts to warm up above 60 degrees, the XTRActive is able to get noticeably darker. The warmer it gets the more noticeable the difference.

[@Elsa.qxhz7]

So if you need it with prescription for distance for driving (and for use inside sometimes)then the regular Xtractive would be best for day / night ? Do the gen S not have a tint in the car? I heard that they do have a tint .. does it depend on the color?

[@zomgitsmax]

Gen S, or any (‘Gen #’ series) will only activate by direct UV light, which is filtered out by modern car windows. Thereby no color of Gen S will activate at all in a car. XtraActive is also activated by visible light, so it does work in the car, but only to around 30-50% tint vs the 85% they get to outside the car, which is the same as dedicated sunglasses. Overall it’s best to use a dedicated pair of single vision sunglasses when driving, and use your transitions for night time driving and when walking around outside. When driving there really isn’t a replacement to real sunglasses, aside from a clip on or something similar.

[@Elsa.qxhz7]

@@zomgitsmax thanks. I got some ( gen s )and they have a tint in the car but its very light

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Some say they have seen their Gen S tint in the car. I have never seen my Gen 8 or Gen S tint in the car. If they did it was not enough for me to be able to see it so it might as well not have ever happened. XTRActive is my personal favorite for all times of day.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

I agree with you. A pair of dedicated sunglasses are best for driving, especially long drives. I made a video comparing Transitions vs Sunglasses exploring this topic a little deeper. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2TdqaCJl9dqgbMsi=rZ4x0oYWGoNQ3uCj

[@RobG-j6j]

I wear a few months GEN S lenses but on very very cloudy day's the turn very dark , i wish they where an little bit more tranparant on cloudy day,s but maybe this lenses are not good.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

What was the temperature where you were on this cloudy day? They tend to get darker when it gets colder outside.

[@RobG-j6j]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear the temperature was 15 degrees celsius of 59 F

[@KristineBette]

Hi! Thanks for this info. I’m getting new glasses soon. I’ve had transitions before, not Gen X, but they were always really good. I’ve gotten more photosensitive and, especially after a partially botched eye surgery, I often get really bothered by light when most people aren’t. So, I would like to get the ExtraActive lenses. I was wondering, however, is there a limit to how high one’s prescription is for wearing the extra active? Years ago I asked an optician and he told me that they were only available up to -3 myopia. I was -7 and before surgery I was at - 10.75. I hope I’m not at -3 in one eye now, but I might as well be. I actually can’t wait to have my eyesight evaluated. What if my prescription is higher than -3? Can I still get ExtraActive lenses?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

I do not know the maximum limit, but I've recently made them for a set of -8.00 lenses.

[@KristineBette]

@ Thanks

[@SpyderWebbX]

I'm just curious, would it be possible to put that lime green tint on a ruby red Gen S and add mirror flash? Thanks so much.😊

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Yes you can! You are welcome to email me [e-mail] if you are interested in having this done.

[@SpyderWebbX]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Thanks so much!

[@Kyle-cb8xv]

why cant we just apply a slight tint to our regular glasses ?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Your existing lenses have scratch coatings and probably anti-reflective coatings. Lenses that are to be tinted have to be treated first so that the hot dye does not damage them in the tinting process. Once anti-reflective coatings have been added then tinting is not possible. Tinting older lenses either won't work at best or will damage them at worst.

[@Catherine-rh9bs]

Love your videos. They’re very informative and helpful. I haven’t found any video on Xtra active’s and Drivewear’s different colors specifically for colors visibility (how well you can see the reds, yellows and greens of stoplights and street signs when the glasses tint kicks in). Can you please make a video on that? I know everyone says grey is best but I’d like to see an actual comparison video please. Especially if you can include how easy or difficult it is to see those skinny arrows some green lights have instead of a whole green lenses (when driving into the sun they’re hard to see without sunglasses and even with depending on the tints).

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Thank you Catherine! That sounds like a great idea for a video. I'll consider it.

[@Brazil894]

Thanks for the detailed comparison! In very sunny conditions, I use clip-on polarized with my Essilor transparent lens for driving and outdoor activities in daylight. They are equivalent to prescription sunglasses and much darker than XtraActive and Gen 8 Transitions. When I a go inside, I take off the clip-on. Outside, I also prefer wearing XTRActive vs. traditional transparent lenses. Indoors, I prefer wearing Gen 8 or traditional lenses. I have a pair of Essilor Varilux Lens with Transitions XTRActive and a Fire Red Mirror Coating. I also have Transistions Gen 8 and XTRAactive with Mirror Styles and without Mirror Styles. XTRActive Grey with Fire Red Mirror Coating Pros + All visible light wavelengths activate the XTRAactive vs. UV activates the Transitions Gen8 + Great for outdoor sports and driving, use them everyday for walking and running outside + Become much darker than Transitions Gen8, even more so when below 70 F outside + Better than Transitions Gen8 for outdoor activities and driving + Quick to darken and lighten, still work great after 1 year of daily use Cons - Prefer not to use indoors, too much light attenuation and too many internal reflections from indoor light sources - Try not to use these outside at night because of internal reflections from vehicle lights, street lights, etc. - Still usable after dusk, but prefer to wear Transitions Gen8 or non-Transitions lenses

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

I agree with all of your points. I would just add that in my experience of fitting the XTRActive Style Mirrors across many different sets of people, I have found that some are bothered by the indoor and nighttime reflections while others are not bothered by it at all. It depends on the individual.

[@AlessandroArnulfo]

How do they compare as LED blue light reduction?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

The do block 15 to 30 percent of Blue Light. Don't quote me, but I believe Gen S is closer to 15% and XTRActive is closer to 30%. That is when they are at their clear or mostly clear indoor state. That percentage would be higher if they have darkened.

[@excruciatorFOUR]

What kind of transitions do you wear in this video?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

I wear both the XTRActive New Gen and the Signature Gen S

[@kevinthorn9672]

Xtra come in red?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

XTRActive only come in Grey, Brown, and Graphite Green.

[@nicholasgarratt5646]

I have Graphite Green Xtractive and Amber/Emerald Gen8 glasses. After a year, I have found the Gen8 does not get as dark as they used to. The Xtractive is my favourite but wished they have a ruby lens.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Interesting. I haven't noticed that about any of my Gen 8's. The XTRActive is my favorite too! I wish they had all the colors in XTRActive.

[@kengoetz4567]

I have both a pair of progressives with Xtractive New Generation Gray and Transitions Gen 8 Brown. I wear the Xtractive pair much more than the Gen 8 but I also have a pair of single vision sunglasses with a mirror coating. What are your thoughts on Transitions Drivewear lenses as a replacement for prescription sunglasses?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Drivewear lenses are a fantastic replacement for Rx sunglasses! I wear them myself. My coworkers wears a Drivewear lens with a custom Flash Gold Mirror in her gold American Optical frame. I should have done a video on Drivewear by now. It may be one of the more underrated lenses out right now.

[@kengoetz4567]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Thanks for the reply Daniel.

[@1825OREO]

Which one works better under a hat?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

XTRActive without doubt. It works better under hats, under the covered porch, in warmer weather, and it even works to a certain degree behind the windshield.

[@billevans8766]

Had both and highly recommend xtra active

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

XTRActive is my personal favorite!

[@christianlamb]

Thx ❤

[@IAmYous3f]

I wondered about that few months ago but ended up taking the xtra active polarized ones. It gets pretty hot in here around like 50 cslcius in Summer so I think i made the right decision. I'm just wondering though, is it true that the polarized xtraactive are less darker than the regular xtraactive?

[@zomgitsmax]

Yes they’re definitely not as dark as xtrActive NG, they also activate more easily indoors for some reason in my experience.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

I have noticed this too. My XTRActive Polarized darken pretty well in my car. I think just as much as my XTRActive NG, but possibly they do not get as dark overall in direct sunlight. However, since they become polarized as they darken they feel just as if not more comfortable in bright sun.

[@poisonedchalice]

Is Gen S ok to wear when driving please. Thanks.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Gen S is fine to wear driving, it just will not darken behind the windshield the way that XTRActive will.

[@jefferybeck256]

Show me the damn difference don't just tell me about it

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Your comment inspired one of my more recent videos. I show the POV while driving in the car. I hope you'll check it out.

[@HonestFred]

Amen

[@hershilparekh8654]

Maybe link the video in your comment

[@karlamccormick2194]

Transxtractive (sp?) don't get as clear inside, either.

[@zomgitsmax]

The New Generation (NG released in 2022) will get nearly as clear when in room that’s not overly bright, but because they react to visible light, they can react in a bright room. They’re nothing like the old generation with that constant cast of digital grey tho.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

They don't get as clear, but we're talking about a hint of tint. Less than 10% so most people will not notice or be bothered by this. For visible light to make the tint darken it has to be quite strong. Sunlight coming through a window will do it if you are very close to a large window. Interior lighting will not make them darken.

[@Brazil894]

For very sunny conditions I use clip-on polarized with my Essilor transparent lens for driving and some outdoor activities in daylight. They are equivalent to prescription sunglasses and much darker than XtraActive and Gen 8 Transitions. When I a go inside, I take off the clip-on. For most outside activies, I wear XTRActive vs. traditional transparent lenses. Indoors, I usually wear my Gen 8 or traditional lenses. I have a pair of Essilor Varilux Lens with Transitions XTRActive and a Fire Red Mirror Coating. I also have Transistions Gen 8 and XTRAactive with Mirror Styles and without Mirror Styles.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

You have a well rounded collection of glasses for all areas of your life. Well done my friend!

[@southsidesantino1981]

Just got a pair of Oakley exchange clear frames from Lenscrafters with the XtrActive transitions and went with the clear to silver mirror color. They look amazing not only from my point of visuals but people commenting on how cool they look.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Sounds awesome, enjoy them!

[@Mickey_Bauer]

I had Xtractive for more than 3 years and loved them, other than night driving. I'd prefer clear lenses for night driving. I do have a problem with them now. Some kind of coating on the lenses (inside) failed miserably and it shows like hundreds of lines/cracks, it's peeling too. I think they are Essilor polycarbonate. It's possibly the anti glare coating that's now causing all kinds of insane glare and lines when driving at night. Can't use them at night anymore. I may try Gen S this time.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

What you are describing sounds like what we call crazing. This is damage to the anti-reflective coating. The cause is typically exposure to extreme heat. One way that this can happen if the glasses were ever left inside a parked car that was parked outside under the sun in the summer heat. Even in short periods of time the inside of the car can heat up like an oven, and sometimes the coating can be damaged by this heat. If the glasses were even set on the dashboard of the car with the sun shining in, they can be damaged here quite quickly. These are some common ways this can happen, but there are others.

[@Mickey_Bauer]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Thank You! I do live in Arizona so there's lots of extreme heat for 6 months. Is there anything i can do to remove this failed anti-glare coating or do i have to throw these lenses away?

[@Enemji]

Is it possible to tint half & half - Top half is Xtractive Grey. Bottom Half Xtractive Brown?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Only possible if you are a wizard... Cool idea though!

[@Enemji]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear We have gradients in tints. Can we not do the same with photochromic dyes?

[@mats0o350]

This video was terrible, You didn't even explain what the new announcement from Transitions was? All you did was explain the difference from Gen vs XTRActive, which is how is been for a decade. What is difference between Gen S and XTRActive 2nd Gen vs the previous versions (Gen 7/Gen8/Xtractive 1st Gen) and with XTRActive, it doesn't just work behind a windshield, it also gets significantly darker, that's an important details you didn't mention.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

The scope of this video was to help my viewers choose between Gen S and XTRActive. The scope was not to compare both of these technologies with all of their respective previous generations. I would need a whole separate video for that. Even still, I did say that XTRActive is currently in Gen 2 and at 5:46 I said that XTRAcive is capable of Category 2 darkness behind the windshield. I did not specifically mention that was an advancement from XTRActive Gen 1 to Gen 2, but again, that really was not my reason for making this particular video. Furthermore, XTRActive Gen 2 was released back in Oct of 2021, which was almost 3 years before I made this video so that was pretty old news by then anyway. Regarding the new announcement at the time of this video, you must be referring to Gen S. I had already recently made a video before this showcasing the announcement from Gen 8 to Gen S where I went into detail regarding the technological improvements there.

[@anniedarkhorse6791]

Hint: You waste my time asking me to like and subscribe at the beginning - I will do neither.

[@Rob-lu2ns]

Cool story

[@jeffn2723]

Gangster. You tell him internet stranger

[@stevec5375]

What a waste of screen real estate.

[@sankaRocka]

My man, you could’ve liked and subscribed 10 different channels by the time you typed in this comment. Way to waste your own time 😂

[@theoverunderthinker]

but at least you left a comment for the algorithm. thanks!

[@0Linerider0forever0]

Audio is so quiet and poor quality Jesus Christ did you try watching your own video? Or just inflict it on us?

[@hypersonic6649]

Sounds fine for me. Maybe you need to get a device with better speakers.

[@dj_kurayami]

4K on my phone and there’s this thing called subtitles.

[@pthomas776]

Do you ever take Mohamed’s name vain?