Review: Tifosi Vogel XC

Designed for smaller face profiles, the Vogel XC weighs only 24 grams and now includes bottom lens vents to enhance airflow and prevent fogging during intense rides. Lightweight, comfortable, and protective, these sunglasses are perfect for tackling long climbs, breezy descents, or any ride in between.

• New bottom lens vents for increased airflow

• Grilamid TR-90 frame is lightweight and durable for all day comfort

• Hydrophilic rubber nose pieces provide an anti-bounce and no-slip grip – the more you perspire, the more they grip

• Polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof, scratch resistant, and optically decentered for optimal clarity

• Available in 6 lens combinations, including AC Red, designed to improve contrast in overcast conditions

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Chuck Peña PEZ sez: PEZ readers will know that I’m a fan of Tifosi’s range of sunglasses — both for on and off the bike. I’m a Tifosi tifosi. I have a couple pairs of Vogel SL sunglasses that I wear for cycling, golf, and just about anything else when I’m out and about in bright sunlight. So I was happy to have an opportunity to try out the new Vogel XC, which comes in six frame/lens combinations:

• Blackout/Smoke
• Blackout/AC (all conditions) Red
• Crystal Clear/Clear
• Crystal Pink/Pink Mirror
• Matte Black/Violet Mirror
• Satin Clear/Sky Blue Mirror

PEZ got the Matte Black/Violet Mirror and the Blackout/AC Red.

The Vogel XC and the Vogel SL are both the same in that they are a single-lens design. At $39.95, you could buy a tinted lens XC and a clear lens XC for different light conditions for less than a lot of other sunglasses. This would actually suit one of my riding pals who likes to ride with tinted lenses but keeps a second pair with clear lenses in his jersey pocket, just in case he needs them.

The Vogel XC and Vogel SL share the same lens shape but the SL is a smaller lens. By way of comparison, the Vogel XC lens measures 127.5 mm wide x 51 mm tall versus the SL’s 130 mm wide x 58.6 mm tall.

Side by side, the difference in lens size between the Vogel SL (left) and Vogel XC (right) is apparent

The other difference is that the Vogel XC lens is vented but not the Vogel SL’s

As with any pair of sunglasses, what matters most is the optics. In that department, the Vogel XC lens is crystal clear and undistorted to my lasik-corrected eyes. The Violet Mirror lens is a smoke tint that — for me — is perfect for riding in bright sunlight, but not too dark if light clouds roll in. For me, the AC Red lens is better for riding in cloudy/overcast conditions because it increases contrast with the effect of “brightening up” the picture a bit.

To mirror … (what looks like a frame below the lens is actually laser etching)

Or not to mirror … that is the question

Everyone’s eyes are different, but my eyes were OK the AC Red lens when the sun occasionally popped out from behind clouds. But it’s not a lens I would choose to wear riding in extended sunlight. If you’re riding in and out of shade a lot, the higher contrast of the AC Red lens might be a good choice to be able to see better in the shade. But again … everyone’s eyes are different so YMMV.

Spot on spec weight

Style-wise, I would describe the Vogel XC as a slightly slimmed down version of the Vogel SL with some Rail Race DNA (laser etching and venting). If you’re a fan of the current EuroPro fashion trend of shield-style sunglasses but aren’t sure if you want to go totally oversize, then the new Tifosi Vogel XC may be the ‘droids you’re looking for. If you have a smaller face, they might be a better fit — and look, keeping in mind Ed Hood’s admonition:  If you have a small head and wear huge shades you could stray into ‘Dame Edna’ or ‘Fearless Fly’ territory – neither is icy.

If the Tifosi Vogel XC is the Vogel XC’s big brother, then the Rail Race is an even bigger brother

Speaking of Ed …

“I’m never happier than when I’m writing.”
~ Ed Hood, as spoken to Martin Williamson from the passenger seat, driving along a stage route at the Tour de France.

Dear Readers – Our beloved colleague and friend Ed Hood suffered a serious stroke in February.  We don’t expect Ed will make it back into our bunch, so we’ve started a GoFundMe page to help Ed with his future.  Read the full post here – and please consider donating.

** Click this link to donate to the GoFundMe page to help Ed **

We’ll be posting a selection of Ed’s work from the past 16 years, because great story-telling never gets old.

Fit-wise, the Vogel XC fit me (average-ish size face) well right out of the box. But the nose piece and ear pieces are adjustable if you need to fine the fit. They’re also hydrophilic rubber to help keep them from slipping when they get wet from sweat.

AC Red

Violet Mirror

It’s always a good idea to try on sunglasses with your helmet to make sure they fit well together

Buy any TIFOSI sunglasses with this link and PEZ receives a small commission.