Tifosi loaded us up this year with review glasses, and so far, they haven’t disappointed. We recently reviewed the Rail, which went a long way to elevate the budget brand to the same level of performance as the premium brands. We still have the Sledge Lite to review, but for now, let’s focus on the Swank XL RX.
Tifosi launched the Swank XL earlier this year as well, adding a larger casual pair of glasses to the mix. Like the Rail, the Swank XL frame is made from Grilamid TR-90 with hydrophilic rubber nose pads that get grippier as you sweat. The frame also uses Tifosi’s Glide technology, which is a textured coating on the frame that helps them slide on easily, yet stay in place when you are active. They are designed for a medium to XL fit, with the original Swank fitting smaller faces. Lenses are the same shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that block 100% UVA and UVB, similar to the Rail. Each pair comes with a microfiber cleaning and storage bag, and a hard, flip-top case.
For the Swank XL, we had the chance to try out Tifosi’s RX line. Just like the Roka Lockhart I previously reviewed and continue to wear, I was able to get my progressive prescription lenses. I have another pair of prescription sunglasses from a few years back, so I’ll have something to compare them to.
Not Just For Style
While the Swank XL is targeted as a casual pair of glasses, they are so much more. One of the first times I wore them was to go for a run. I usually run with a hat on, but since it helps to hold the glasses in place, I left it at home. I’ve run in Oakley Frogskins and Bolle 527, and while they were okay, they wouldn’t have been my first choice. They usually bounced a little, and just aren’t exactly made for sports.
The Swank XL, on the other hand, is made to do more. The Tifosi Glide Technology is more than just a marketing gimmick, they really stay put. The Swank XL also has the rubber nose pads that the other two models I mentioned don’t, which also helped keep them locked in.
Coverage-wise, the Tifosi works well. They aren’t too oversized that they look out of place, but just the right balance of coverage and classic shape that never goes out of style. They fit in at the office or a weekend on the town, but can also mix it up on a ride if you prefer something more casual and traditional looking.
RX vs non-RX
Whether you need prescription lenses or not, the frames are all the same. The only difference is the lens. For the RX version, you simply click on the option to go RX, and follow the custom process.
First, select your frame. Options include Blackout which keeps things stealthy with black logos, while others have contrasting logos against the frames. Other options are Satin Vapor, Frost Blue, and Pink or Blue Tortoise.
Next up, select if you need single vision or progressive. As much as I hate to admit it, my eyes aren’t as good as they once were, so progressive it is.
Now is where you get to really customize your lenses. Every option below isn’t offered in every combination, but as you are going through, the custom builder process will guide you along. You can add the option of polarized lenses or Tifosi’s Fototec photochromatic lenses. Next is tint, which you can go clear, grey, brown, grey gradient, or brown gradient. You can also add a mirror in gold, ruby, cobalt, emerald, or silver. Finally, there’s there are the coatings, blue light blocking, anti-reflective, anti-fog, or the combo anti-reflective/anti-fog.
Cost Breakdown
- Frames – $29.95
- RX Lenses – Single Vision – $75, Progressive $125
- Optional Add On – Polarized or Fototec – $75
- Optional Tint – Regular – $20, Gradient – $30
- Optional Mirror – $80
- Optional Coating – Blue Light Blocking, Anti-Reflective, Anti-Fog – $50 each, Anti-Reflective and Anti-Fog – $75
The last part is actually submitting your prescription. You’ll need a digital copy of a current prescription from your eye doctor that includes pupillary distance and within a +4.50 to -8.00. Once uploaded, if there are any issues, Tifosi customer service will reach out to you. After a short 2-3 week wait, my glasses arrived and I was ready to go.
My Swank XL’s are the Blackout frame, progressive polarized lenses, with a brown tint, gold mirror, and anti-fog treatment. The cool thing is, the original smoke lenses from the Swank XL also came with them, just not in RX form. This is nice in case I wanted to wear them and didn’t need a prescription lens in them. I can’t think of many times I’d need this, but it’s still nice.
Focusing on the lenses, I have absolutely no complaints. They are crystal clear, the prescription is spot on, and they were flawless when they arrived. I generally take care of my glasses but will say that they have held up well and resisted any blemishes from use. Whether I’m wearing them around, driving, running, or riding, they just work and look good, which is all I can ask of them. The brown tint and gold mirror not only look great but also provide great color contrast and definition for a variety of activities.
I can’t say that I have many prescription sunglasses at home, but the Swank XL’s have become staples in my day-to-day rotation. Even taking the prescription aspect out, these are solid glasses that perform and feel like a premium pair of glasses. At $29.99 for a non-prescription pair, you truly can’t beat the quality of these glasses for the price. As I mentioned in the Rail review, Tifosi has upped their game with the release of their latest glasses.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year