Review: Tifosi Optics Moab Sunglasses

Tifosi Optics reached out to see what we would think of their new Moab shield sunglasses released on October 4th. We had just the tester in mind, a rider who knows a thing or two about needing reliable eye protection, so we handed over the Moab glasses right before the tester’s night ride and said, “Let us know what you think.”

Tifosi’s new Moab frames add the popular shield glasses category to their inventory. The first test was switching the dark lenses out for clear in preparation for a night ride. Timer set, the Clarion Gold shield came out quickly and the clear polycarbonate lens snapped into place in under two minutes. Impressed by the quick and ease of a lens change, I rolled out into the darkness with faith in the Tifosi Moab glasses.

Over the next two night rides, the route navigated high humidity as well as precipitation. The humidity would be the first test for the Moab glasses and its touted ventilation. In places where glasses would typically fog, the Moab stayed clear, aided by two longitudinal vents along the  bottom and two smaller vents in the upper side corners. Even during the rainy night ride, the Moab easily managed the precipitation by beading water and letting it trickle from eyesight, thanks to Tifosi’s water-repellent coating. To pass the test for night time rain rides already had me happy for Tifosi’s product research. 

One of the aspects noted over several rides was how often I forgot I had the glasses on. While the frames took a moment to get used to, eventually the lightweight glasses combined with the wide frame of view left me taking clear vision for granted. Tifosi advertises the ability to custom fit the Moabs, but truthfully they felt phenomenal out of the box. Maybe I got lucky, or maybe the 149 mm width was the sweet spot for me. Either way, the fit was remarkable and shockingly comfortable. Meanwhile I wondered if the next test would break the Moab’s grip.

The Tifosi Moab with clear lenses for nighttime riding.

Enter the local cyclocross race series. Here was another night test where clear lenses are necessary. With regular bouncing and buffing, any shortcoming in the Moab would be exposed. Plus, the lens weaknesses would be exposed by way of oncoming handlebar lights combined with field detail, all thanks to Tifosi’s Glare Guard. After several heavy knocks on course, it was quite forgotten that the Moabs were worn. No amount of shaking would reckon me to have concern for the Moab’s placement on my face. Chattery small bumps up to heavy rooted knocks were no match for the hydrophilic rubber nose piece and arm wraps. The glasses simply did not move, allowing me to keep my hands on the bars to focus on the task. Meanwhile the lenses stayed crystal clear throughout the night cyclocross race. I may not have placed high in the standings, but it certainly wasn’t on account of the Tifosi glasses.

Having swapped out the clear back to Clarion Gold, I took the glasses into the Pennsylvania woods where the foliage was beginning to turn. Here again the Moab exceeded expectations. Not only did the glasses protect against sun rays, but they also made leaf-peeping feel as nature intended to be viewed. The red sugar maple leaves were accentuated against the unchanged green parts of the tree. The bright yellow early walnut changers blazed true through the Tifosi lens. Sometimes the human eye needs a little help to admire nature and the Tifosi Moab stepped up to allow the autumnal color to be experienced in its splendor.

Tifosi has traditionally prioritized functionality in their product. The Moab glasses comes with three lenses total, increasing the chances of having the right lens for the conditions. The price, too, is smartly set at $79.95 (USD) coming in at an affordable price point. On top of the three lenses, the kit comes with a hard case complete with lens pockets, a microfiber cleaning bag, as well as a lifetime warranty. Select glasses come with Tifosi’s Fototec lenses that automatically adjust to the surrounding light. Finally, the scant 31 grams of Tifosi’s Grilamid TR-90 frame is hardly noticeable when wearing them on a ride.

I thought I threw everything at Tifosi’s Moab sunglasses. Even if I literally threw something at them, the polycarbonate lenses are rated as shatterproof and scratch resistant. The glasses performed in night rides, night cyclocross rides, night rain rides, and a sunny autumn foliage outing. The Tifosi Moab glasses handled each challenge admirably, living up to the goal of creating the ultimate eyewear with uncompromising performance. The Tifosi Moab proved functionality and durability could combine to create comfort in riding eyewear.

Tifosi Optics offers the Moab in four colors: Blackout, Plum Passion, Sahara, and Satin Vapor.