Gear: Panoptx becomes 7eye

We got a email from the folks at Panoptx letting us know that they are now complete with their re-branding under the name 7eye. We have been sporting a pair of their spectacles for about a year now. Their integrated / removable foam eye cups designed for motorcycle riders and boaters have been keeping our contact lens laden eyes moist and warm while fishing mountain trout streams in sub freezing temperatures.

Check out their newly designed site.

Friday: Gone Fishing

Credit crunch and housing crisis be darned, I am taking a vacation day and going fishing. With any luck as you read this I will be de-stressed and standing at least knee deep in an icy Carolina trout stream.

In my absence be sure to check out today's additions to our exclusive 2007 Holiday Gift Guide. Today's lucky gear purveyors include Panoptx polarized fishing glasses, ExOfficio boxer shorts, and gear from the anglers at Reel Pure.

PANOPTX to Launch New Logo / Brand

From a recent press release from Flip Pallot and the folks at PANOPTX:

PLEASANTON, Calif. (October 31, 2007) -- Panoptx, a leader in high performance eyewear for outdoor, boating, fishing, general sports and snowsports enthusiasts announced today that, effective January 2008, it will launch a new logo, a stylized numeral 7 tied to a new brand 7EYE. Along with the new name comes an emphasis on targeting the next generation of consumers looking for performance combined with style that easily transitions from the rigors of outdoor activity to stylish everyday use. Products bearing the new logo will be available at retail beginning this January.








Explaining the rationale behind the new name, Panoptx President and CEO Bob Hall noted, “We wanted a name with instant recognition, a logo that would stand out, a domain name that people could spell, a name with youthful energy and attitude. We found that combination with the logo and brand.” To the question, “Why 7?,” Hall replied , “At 7EYE, we create eyewear that helps consumers see all seven colors in the spectrum of visible light. By helping people see the world in all its colors, we give them the freedom to do whatever they want to do better and in greater comfort. We loved the 7EYE logo the moment we saw it,” Hall added.

I am currently in the process of field testing a pair of their sunglasses and have so far been very impressed with their quality, comfort, and performance (a review is in the works).


PANOPTX first started making high quality sunglasses for motorcycle enthusiasts. Their glasses are designed with integrated eye cups and air dams that help prevent dry eyes and limit light leakage from the sides. This unique technology is something that easily translated into the world of the boater and fly fisher.


I can imagine that the spelling of their name without the assumed "i" in Optix has caused them substantial issues in the internet age in which we live.


Additional Info from the release:


The first Panoptx frames bearing the 7EYE logo are already being introduced as Seven Eye by Panoptx Limited Edition III series to the motorcycle market, where Panoptx is a leading brand. “The reception by dealers and consumers in this market has been exceptional, indicating that the future looks bright for 7EYE,” continued Hall.

“The introduction of 7EYE is the beginning of a new platform for product development,” notes Hall. “We have new eyecup technology and new frame designs due to roll out in 2008 that will clearly separate us in a very competitive market from the wanna-bes. We are creating a solid foundation for brand expansion and sales growth, and with new styles and new technology in the pipeline, 7EYE by Panoptx will fuel that growth.”


Link to the PANOPTX website.


Link to our previous coverage of this brand.

South Florida Ditch Fishing

On my recent business trip to South Florida I finally got to make use of the 5 weight travel rod by spending a few minutes at a super secret South Florida urban fishing hole.



It took a few minutes and several missed fish before I got the retrieve just right, but finally I managed a hook up.


My first Peacock bass on the fly.


Me catching hell from some locals who couldn't understand why I was getting my picture made with a such a small fish in front of a drug store. Being dressed business casual while wearing my Reel Pure hat and field testing Panoptx polarized glasses only made matters worse.


Due to a tight schedule I was only able fish for about 20 minutes before it was off to the airport for the flight back to the Carolinas. During that time I caught my first three peacock bass on the fly. I was pretty amazed at how hard they hit the clouser I was fishing. If I wouldn't have had a hard time explaining missing my plane, I would have loved to try some top water poppers on these super aggressive little fish.

Photos: Mark Whitaker
Local Knowledge: The blogger who shall remain nameless.

How to SELL sunglasses...

Lance Miller of Panoptx demonstrates his product's durability. He is a master of the hard sale.