For a while now, the Sanctum has been one of the most popular sunglasses in Tifosi’s lineup. While they are a solid offering for cycling, the Sanctum easily crosses over to other sports or casual wear. They can be found on the trails just as easily as they are on the golf course.
Currently, Tifosi offers two versions of its popular sunglasses: the Sanctum and Sanctum XL. The Sanctum is a full-frame, one-piece lens sunglasses offered in a variety of frame colors and lens options. The Sanctum XL matches the original, just in a larger version.
But now there is a third option: the Sanctum SL. These are the same popular Sanctum sunglasses, just in a slimmer, half-rim offering.
And, damn, they’re pretty affordable!
Tifosi Sanctum SL Details
Like the other Sanctum sunglasses, the new Sanctum SL glasses do not have interchangeable lenses. However, with a starting price of $39.95, one could easily buy two pairs–low and high light levels–and still save money over some competitors.
Tifosi dropped about 4g off the frame’s weight with the new Sanctum SL compared to the Sanctum XL. However, they are somehow a gram heavier than the regular Sanctums. Regardless, you likely won’t notice 4 grams, let alone one.
Like the other Sanctum sunglasses, the Sanctum SLs feature hydrophilic nose pads and Glide arm technology. This keeps them in place and comfortable for the long hauls. The frames are a half-rim design with a medium-to-large fit and offered in seven colors.
While there are seven frame options, Tifosi has eight lens options, ranging from full sun to low-light. They also have one polarized and seven non-polarized lens offerings, with a $20 difference between the two. Currently, Tifosi doesn’t offer the Sanctum SLs with its Fototec lenses, as it does with some of its other cycling sunglasses. But perhaps that will change in the future.
That said, the lenses are polycarbonate and offer 100% UVA/UVB protection. Plus, the lack of higher-tech lens offerings likely helps keep the Sanctum SL’s price lower. Tifosi priced the polarized lens Sanctum SLs at $59.95 and the non-polarized lenses at $39.95.
