Adaptor vs Infinity Lenses: What's the Difference?

Both Adaptor and Infinity are photochromic lenses. They darken in bright light and lighten when conditions fade. They both block UV400, and they both fit across the full Re. frame range. The difference comes down to how far the lens transitions, and what extras Infinity stacks on top.

If you have been looking into photochromic running sunglasses, this is the breakdown that shows you exactly which lens suits your running.

Quick Comparison

Adaptor: Two Versions, One Job

Every Adaptor lens is photochromic. It reacts to UV exposure and darkens the lens automatically, so you never need to swap lenses mid-run. Where things get interesting is the two versions Re. offers.

Adaptor (Light)

This is the standard Adaptor lens. It transitions from a VLT of 70% (nearly clear, letting most light through) down to 15% (dark, suitable for full sun). The "Light" in the name refers to where the lens starts: a light tint, not fully transparent.

For most daytime runners who deal with changing cloud cover or move between shaded and open sections, this is the lens that handles it. Available on every Re. frame:

• Re.flex Adaptor (21.5g)
• Re.balance Adaptor (20g)
• Re.glide Adaptor (Light) (27g)
• Re.silience Adaptor (Light) (24g)

Adaptor (Clear)

The Clear version starts at 83% VLT, which means the lens goes completely transparent indoors or in very low light. It still darkens to 15% in full sun, just like the Light version.

This wider VLT range makes it the better pick if you regularly start runs before sunrise, finish after dark, or train under artificial lighting. It also works well for runners who want to wear their sunglasses all day without feeling like they have a tint on when they step inside.

Adaptor (Clear) is only available on Re.glide and Re.silience.

When Does the Difference Matter?

In bright daylight, both versions perform the same. They darken to 15% VLT and block the same amount of UV. The difference only shows up at the light end of the range.

If you mostly run during the day and take your sunglasses off when you go inside, Adaptor (Light) is all you need. If you want a lens that doubles as indoor-ready eyewear or you run across dawn and dusk, Adaptor (Clear) gives you that extra range.

Infinity: Everything Adaptor Does, Plus Three Extras

Infinity is photochromic too, with a VLT range of 69% to 20%. Similar to Adaptor (Light) in its transition range, but with three technologies layered on top.

Polarisation

Polarisation cuts reflected glare from wet roads, puddles, car bonnets, and water surfaces. If you run near traffic, along the coast, or on roads after rain, you will notice a real difference in visual comfort compared to a non-polarised lens.

This is not something you can add later. It is built into the lens structure.

Permanent Anti-Fog

Infinity lenses have a permanent anti-fog coating. Not a spray, not a wipe-on treatment. It is part of the lens and does not wear off.

This matters when you slow down at traffic lights, stop for a water break, or run in humid conditions. Adaptor lenses rely on the frame's anti-fog ventilation (which helps), but Infinity adds lens-level fog resistance on top of that.

Enhanced Night Contrast

This is the feature that sets Infinity apart for runners who train outside daylight hours. The lens reduces harsh glare from car headlights while still letting enough light through for clear vision. If you run on roads in the early morning or evening and deal with oncoming traffic, this makes a meaningful difference to comfort and safety.

Which Frames Offer Which Lenses?

Not sure which frame suits you? Check out Re.flex vs Re.balance for a side-by-side comparison.

Which One Should You Pick?

Go Adaptor (Light) if you run mostly during the day, conditions are generally dry, and you want a reliable photochromic lens at the lowest price. It does one job well and costs $60 less than Infinity. Available on all four frames.

Go Adaptor (Clear) if you run across dawn, dusk, or even indoors and want a lens that goes completely transparent when the light drops. Same price as Adaptor (Light), but only available on Re.glide and Re.silience.

Go Infinity if you run across different times of day, deal with wet or humid conditions, or train near roads where headlight glare is a factor. The polarisation, permanent anti-fog, and night contrast genuinely earn the $60 price gap for runners who need all-conditions coverage. Available on all four frames.

For a full overview of all Re. lens options including fixed-tint Protector and polarised Purity lenses, see the Lens Tint and Colour Guide.

FAQ

Is the Infinity lens worth the extra $60?

If you only run in daylight and dry conditions, probably not. Adaptor handles changing light well on its own. But if you run in the early morning, evening, or humid weather, the anti-fog, polarisation, and night contrast in Infinity make a real difference to comfort and clarity.

What is the difference between Adaptor (Light) and Adaptor (Clear)?

Adaptor (Light) starts at 70% VLT, a near-clear tint. Adaptor (Clear) starts at 83% VLT, which is completely transparent. Both darken to 15% in full sun. The Clear version is only available on Re.glide and Re.silience frames.

Can I use Adaptor lenses at night?

Adaptor (Light) transitions to 70% VLT in low light, which lets most light through but keeps a slight tint. Adaptor (Clear) goes to 83% VLT, fully transparent, making it usable in very low light. Neither version has the enhanced night contrast that Infinity offers for reducing headlight glare.

Do both lenses fit all Re. frames?

Infinity and Adaptor (Light) are available on all four frames: Re.flex, Re.balance, Re.glide, and Re.silience. Adaptor (Clear) is only available on Re.glide and Re.silience.

Can I use Infinity lenses for night running?

Yes. Infinity transitions to 69% VLT in low light and includes enhanced night contrast that specifically reduces the harsh glare from car headlights. It is designed for runners who train across all hours, including early morning and evening sessions on roads.