I have several sets of sunglasses in my gear bag. Full disclosure, all of them have been sent to me, either for review or projects I’m working on. A few of them are from more expensive brands and retail for $200-$300.
And then there are the Tifosi Moab sunglasses I have that retail for a fraction of the price. If I’m being honest, I’m not sure if I ever really notice a difference.
For friends asking me for a recommendation under $100, I usually direct them toward Tifosi. And after trying a handful of pairs, the Moabs are a top favorite of mine. Now, Tifosi offers the Moabs in a frameless, XC version, appropriately dubbed the “Moab XC.”
“Slimmer” definitely isn’t the correct word to describe the new Moab XC, as they are actually overall larger than the originals. While Tifosi ditched the frame on the new glasses, the overall size has grown, albeit by very thin margins.
From end to end, the Moab XCs are 0.6mm wider and nearly 1mm taller. However, the actual lens width has shrunk from 138mm (Moab) to 130.8mm (Moab XC).
And, of course, Tifosi ditched the full-frame design. This dropped the weight of the Moab XC sunglasses to a claimed 29g. While it is less than the Moab’s claimed 31g weight, Steve’s review actually had them closer to 34g.
So, we imagine the Moab XC weight is a bit higher than what Tifosi says. But will you notice an extra gram or two? Likely not.
Tifosi Moab XC Details
Tifosi uses a Grilamid TR-90 frame on the new Moab XC sunglasses. They feature hydrophilic rubber on the adjustable ear and nose pieces for comfort and added grip. Tifosi also uses polycarbonate lenses that are shatterproof and scratch-resistant.
Three lens options are available, with some overlap among them. First, Tifosi offers the Moab XC in their standard three-lens interchangeable setup. They also have a Clarion lens, which repels sweat and moisture, as well as a Fototec lens, Tifosi’s take on photochromic.
Clarion lenses offer different color options for high- and low-light conditions, with interchangeable clear lenses. Neither of the Fototec lens options comes with a clear lens, as they, well, are fairly clear in low light settings.
The Tifosi Fototec lens Moab XC sunglasses retail for $89.95, while all the other options retail for $79.95. See all the details and options at tifosioptics.com.
