After months of engineering and product development, Zeal Optics, Inc. will complete the transformation of its brand with the launch of an entirely new goggle collection for 2013. Launching at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City and Snow Sports Industries America Snow Show in Denver, Zeal Optics will unveil 10 new goggles offered in 68 SKUs, plus three new tech-specific goggles with GPS systems.
“For the past three years we have led the charge to innovate with technology; and we’re excited to see growth in the industry,” said Joe Prebich, director of marketing at Zeal Optics. “We’ve gained a lot of understanding as to what customers want, because we’ve been working with them to refine technology longer than anyone else. So at the highest end of the game, our new offerings will once again turn heads.”
All-around performance is the key ingredient to the re-launch of the Zeal brand. The company evaluated the needs of active lifestyle consumers and developed products that perform in all outdoor conditions while blending unique style elements into each piece. The collection is exemplary for its high quality, performance, style and comfort. Zeal also added revolutionary innovation in the areas of lenses, frames, venting, colors, and first-ever technology to change what consumers can come to expect from manufacturers.
“Zeal is a leader in goggle-based technology,” added Prebich. “As technology becomes a bigger part of everyday life, Zeal continues to create products that enhance consumers’ day on the mountain.”
With the re-launch of Zeal’s goggle line, the company has created products segmented by the conditions under which consumers wear their goggles: Tech, Summit and Select Series. Most Zeal goggles now features a version of the company’s new, proprietary anti-fog, high-density, impact-resistant lens that results in clear views, edge to edge.
Visitors to Outdoor Retailer will get the first glimpse of the three new Tech Series goggles that showcase the best in Z3 GPS technology. All Z3 Goggles have an enlarged, polarized, in-molded anti-fog lens set into a flexible, medium-to-large frame that retains its malleability in cold temperatures. Additionally, with the entire new Z3 line, data is downloadable from the goggles to PC or Mac computers where riders can map their runs on 3D Google maps and digitally share their experiences with friends through Facebook, Twitter and Instagr.am.
Making its debut at Outdoor Retailer is Z3 LIVE. The model comes with the Recon MOD LIVE GPS system for real-time tracking of speed, altitude, GPS, jump stats, temperature all packaged for premium functionality. As a result of new smartphone integration, Z3 LIVE enables caller ID, text messages, buddy tracking and mountain navigation all from the integrated widescreen display. Additionally, Z3 LIVE uses the Automatic Optimum Lens that is photochromic and automatically adjusts as light conditions change, completely eliminating the need for lens changes. “The lens industry continues to try and catch up to us,” says Prebich. “Lots of people are competing for the fastest lens change in the business, but really our Automatic Lens has set the bar high. You don’t have to do anything. The lens automatically and immediately adjusts to any light conditions. This is the definition of what premium consumers look for in a goggle.”
Z3 GPS with MOD in the Tech Series has been stylishly updated in strong, primary colors. This goggle allows real-time tracking of speed, altitude, jump stats, GPS, temperature and more, from an integrated 16:9 widescreen display inside the goggle.
Zeal also will introduce the Z3 Ready Goggle with the Automatic Optimum lens for riders who demand the most comfortable, high-tech frames and ultra-premium lenses without GPS technology. “Z3 Ready is made to be flexible,” added Prebich. “These goggles come without any electronics, but can be paired with either MOD or MOD LIVE from Recon Instruments. So, riders get the premium goggle experience that can handle anything they can throw at it, and have the versatility of adding GPS later.”
The Summit Series is made for all mountain performance. Outpost is the new anchor of this line, while other models in the series include the Voyageur, Level, and Slate.
“Over the past year, we’ve been in the process of renovating our entire brand,” added Prebich. “This is the culmination of a lot of work to bring something unique to the marketplace. We are a collective of innovative people who have great ideas to produce the best products in the world that enhance your time outdoors. Sun, snow, or surf, Zeal is committed to producing the best products in the industry. With this line launch, we are placing our mark on the industry and our commitment to be innovators in the future.”
Goggles in the Zeal Optics line will range in price from $69 to $699.
