PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 20, 2005) – Already established in the motorcycle, outdoor and wintersports industries, Panoptx will introduce the most technically advanced eyewear designed for fishing and boating this month at ICAST, the world’s largest sport fishing expo, beginning July 20 in Las Vegas. The new marine line features the first PureTec™ lens, crafted in ultra-strong NXT® to combine the anti-glare properties of polarization with light-sensitive photochromic properties. A slick waterproof coating helps keep the lenses clean and clear in all conditions. By blending these technologies with its proprietary eyecup designs, Panoptx has created a collection of performance sunglasses that meets the specialized requirements of the active watersport enthusiast. The Panoptx patented Orbital Seal™ not only provides 100% UV protection while blocking out wind, sun, water and sand, but also completely eliminates the back glare that causes eye fatigue. The new line is available in three lens choices, PureTec™ Polarized Photochromic Gray and ColorTec Polarized in Copper or Gray.

“For years, enthusiasts from our other channels asked us to build a marine-specific product,” noted Lance Meller, sales manager for the marine channel. “For the fishing and boating diehards, Panoptx now combines its patented windless technologies with the next generation in photochromic polarized technology. The Panoptx frame, lens and eyecup system manages both direct and peripheral glare, improving sight while greatly enhancing clarity of objects underwater for fishing. In addition, the waterproof coating on all our lenses enables users to clean them more quickly.”

“The key to the success of these new PureTec™ photochromic lenses is the use of NXT, a polymer that enables light-sensitive photochromic cells to react swiftly and across a broader range,” says Jackson Hogen, director of Panoptx R&D efforts. “The lens readily darkens in bright sun and lightens in overcast conditions or when fishing in shadows.”

Also featured in the line are color-boosting polarized ColorTec lenses that intensify primary hues and increase contrast, improving underwater definition. The Polarized ColorTec lenses are available in either Copper, which is preferable in variable light, or Gray for the open water in full sun.

Scott R. Martin, a top-ranked tournament angler and co-owner of the celebrated Roland Martin Marina in Lake Okeechobee, Fla., will be working on behalf of Panoptx at tournaments and retailer events throughout the country to support the product launch. Known for his skill and expertise in the bass fishing category, he will provide feedback during the product design process. “I chose Panoptx as my first eyewear sponsor because it is the first sunglass that actually improved my fishing,” says Martin. “I spend over 250 days a year chasing fish all over the world and Panoptx is the best pair of polarized glasses I’ve ever put on, and believe me I’ve tried them all.”

There are four models offered in the flagship Velocity CV Series, featuring the removable Orbital Seal™ eyecup: Raptor, Sirocco, Diablo and Kona, with MSRPs of $250 in PureTec™ Polarized Photochromic Gray and $195 in ColorTec Polarized Gray or Copper. Completing the line are five Speed models with an air dam that helps reduce the impact of the wind and glare: the Sprint, Zip, Rush, Dart and Streak, with MSRPs of $175 in PureTec™ Polarized Photochromic Gray and $125 in ColorTec Polarized Gray or Copper.

Established in 1997, Panoptx developed the technology that combines the protection and performance benefits of goggles with the style of sunglasses. Today, the company designs and manufactures superior eyewear that offers the highest level of protection and comfort, especially during outdoor and high-speed activities. Complete with filtered vents and waterproof lenses, Panoptx products are especially engineered for water sports, snow sports and motorcycle cruising. Panoptx full lineup of lenses provides 100% UV protection and most are available in prescription. Panoptx are sold through sunglass stores, ski and sport shops, and authorized Harley Davidson dealers. For more information, please visit the Panoptx Web site at www.panoptx.com.