Tifosi Podium XC with Clarion lens review

As some of you may know, I did a review back in February 2012 and fell in love with the Tifosi brand sunglasses.  I had never been a big fan of running with sunglasses, which was a bad thing.  You need them to protect your eyes from the damaging UV rays.  I was never able to find anything comfortable enough to run in until I found Tifosi.  This is my third pair to review and I've been very happy with every pair that I've run in including these.  You can read my other reviews HERE and HERE.

Taken from Tifosi website

Tifosi came out with some new technology for their lens called the Clarion Mirror lens.  The lens are not only are mirrored, which is my favorite look, but they also have technology, which they call Hydrophobic, which repels water(including sweat) and helps prevent smudges.  This is especially nice when running since it keeps your view clear.

Every pair of Tifosi sunglasses comes with a very nice case as you can see below.  No worries of your glasses breaking with this sturdy, well made case and it's perfect for when traveling.

High quality product

As you open up the case, not only does this hold the glasses safely but it also holds two other lens that come with the glasses including an amber(called AC Red) and clear lens.  It also includes a microfiber carrying case that doubles as a wipe to keep your glasses clean.  As you can see, the interior holds the lens separately so they don't get scratched in the case.

Convenient travel case

Here's a close up view of the glasses.  There are basically four parts to the glasses.  The two removable arms, the lens and the nose bridge.  The mirrors are really attractive and effective considering you can see me in the top picture taking a photo of them - hah!  You also have the option to get an prescription adapter for those of you with that need.

Crystal Purple color or blue and red options too.

You can see these are a purple color called Crystal Purple.  Also shown is the microfiber case that you can use to clean the lens.  I love the color of these!

The glasses come with three lens as can be seen below.  The amber color aka AC Red, for all conditions, is good for near sunset or sunrise because it lets more light through.  The clear are great for when the sun comes down and you don't need the darkening of sunglasses but still need eye protection. I especially like the clear lens for running while its raining or snowing but they are also helpful on the trails when biking/running and the sun is getting low.  Because it only takes seconds to change, you can easily take the lens with you when you know the light will become less during your activity.

The clear with the purple looks fantastic and is a very practical option.

In order to change the lens, it's quite simple and take seconds to do.  All you do is lift up the arm near the lens and the arm lifts off.  The design is an ingenious one which comes off easily but also remains on tightly.  I never had any issue with them coming apart on these or the previous sunglasses I've reviewed for Tifosi.

Here you can see the arm off of the lens. The design is really an excellent one.

Once you have the new lens on, the nose bridge pops off and goes onto the new lens very easy. Again, a very simple and great design.

In regards to the fit, they are quite comfortable - and the style is one of the best they've come out with.  The new Clarion lens feature is a perfect fit for any activity but especially while running.  The single most important thing to me while running with sunglasses is that they don't bounce around while running.  As with previous Tifosi sunglasses I've reviewed, these pass with flying colors.  In fact, only after three or four runs, I was so comfortable with the glasses that I ran with them for my last half marathon and they worked out great.  I never noticed them one time during the race and that, my friends, is my definition of a successful pair of sunglasses for runners.

After my last half marathon

Interested in learning more?

Go to their website, HERE

Go to their Facebook page, HERE

Go to their Twitter page, HERE

For a retail price of $79.95, these are easily worth the money and comparable to sunglasses that are three times this cost.  Available at various online and local retailers.  See their ad in the July Running Times magazine.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

* Note - I received a pair of Tifosi Podium XC sunglasses in exchange for this review.  All opinions on this blog post are my own and I was not paid or required to give a particular opinion on the product.