Price: $79.95
Weight: 34 g
Colors and interchangeable lenses: Blackout Stash (Smoke, AC Red, and Clear lenses), Race Pink (Clarion Pink, AC Red, and Clear lenses), Matte Smoke (Clarion Blue Fototec lens), and Matte Gunmetal (Clarion Red Fototec lens)
Lens material: Shatterproof polycarbonate and scratch-resistant
Lens Style: Half frame
Fit: Medium to large faces
Case: Zippered Hardshell Case & Microfiber Cleaning Bag
How obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online, Retail
RBR advertiser: No
Tifosi’s New Stash for Cycling and Running
On March 18, 2024, Tifosi Optics launched its latest sunglass style, the Stash, perfect for cycling and running. Last month, I scored a media sample from the company for testing. The half-frame, open-top design has the dimensions of 127mm x 53mm, thus recommended for medium to large faces. But the Stash fits comfortably on my narrow face, at only 34 grams. The adjustable hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pieces provide a no-slip grip even when I start to sweat.
One of the notable features of the Stash is its open top design, which allows for increased airflow and reduces fogging. The lightweight Grilamid TR-90 lower lens bar ensures a stable fit, even on rugged terrain like gravel roads. However, the wider arms of the Stash made it slightly challenging to attach a rearview mirror, although it is still possible.
Lenses for Every Light Condition
Three interchangeable lenses come with the Race Pink sunglasses ― Clarion Pink, AC Red, and Clear ― to accommodate various light conditions. The three lenses take you from no light to bright light. These polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof and scratch-resistant, while the clarion lens repels moisture and sweat.
In addition to Race Pink, the Stash is also available in three frame and lens combinations ― Blackout with smoke, AC red and clear lenses, Matte Smoke with a Clarion Blue Fototec lens, and Matte Gunmetal with a Clarion Red Fototec lens. I have a couple of Tifosi sunglasses with a Fototec lens, which is particularly useful for riding when the ambient light changes. The lenses automatically adjust to provide optimal visibility. For example, when the sun sets on evening rides, the lens automatically adjusts, becoming clear by the end of the ride.
What’s in the box?
My Race Pink Stash comes in a hard zipper case with three lenses and a microfiber bag.
Tifosi’s new Stash comes in a hard zipper case with a microfiber carrying case that doubles as a lens cleaner. Then, depending on which model Stash, the interchangeable lens version comes with multiple lenses. Tifosi has recently switched to a microfiber fabric with its logo printed repeatably over the bag. However, I found the repeated logo hindered its ability to glide smoothly over the lens, making cleaning a bit more challenging. It would be beneficial if Tifosi could consider printing the logo only once to allow more room for just the unprinted microfiber.
Bottom Line
Overall, Tifosi’s newest sunglass model, the Stash, combines style and high performance. Priced at $79.95, it offers excellent value. Whether you’re cycling or running, the Stash is a reliable choice.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
One reason I’m interested in glasses with such a large lens is to protect my eyes from the wind. For instance, it would be useful to know whether your eyes tear when you wear these in the winter…
Hi Jeff
I wear contacts and had no issues with wind causing eyes to tear or being bothered by debris. You can test lens coverage at your LBS that carries Tifosi products.
I own Tifosi Podium XC sunglasses, and for the price they’re great. But, their photochromatic lenses, because they’re plastic I guess, make very little change in darkening or lightening, those lenses not worth the money. So I just swap lenses. But the Tifosi, because of the price of their lenses at around $15 to $25 for the non-photo lenses, makes it very cheap to replace scratched up lenses, you can also replace the nose bridges and the ear pads when they wear out.
Word of caution, whatever model of Tifosi you’re thinking of buying, make sure it has replacement lenses, a lot of models they sell do not have replacement lenses for them, which might mean also there are no replacement nose bridges and ear pads?
I have ridden the Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 sunglasses with photochromic lenses for a few years now and I’m very happy with the amount of darkening so your mileage may vary. I love photochromic lenses because I often start rides in the early morning and can leave my glasses on all day. I recommend Tifosi photochromics, they have been great for me.
If you will properly refer to them as goggles, perhaps that would go some ways toward stopping people looking like idiots, walking around with goggles on their faces when they’re not engaged in a sport on account of mistakenly thinking what they have on their heads is sunglasses. Oh, well.