Tifosi Davos Sunglasses Review

Frame and Quality

When I unpacked the sunglasses, I immediately noticed that they are made with high precision and utilize high-quality materials. The sunglasses are designed as hybrid shield sunglasses. The lens is continuous (rather than two separate lenses as on conventional sunglasses) but there is a narrow (about 4mm wide) mid piece, which connects the upper rim with the nose bridge behind the lens. The field of vision is thus technically still divided into two, but much fuller than on traditional sunglasses. Another benefit of the Tifosi Davos is that they provide full protection from the sun at all angles as the sunglasses wrap around your face with a base curve number of 8 (read more about the meaning of the base curve number in our article How to Choose Sunglasses for Hiking).

I’m very satisfied with the coverage and sun protection of Davos sunglasses. The only thing that bothered me a bit in the beginning was that I could see the nosepieces when I turned my eyes left or right. I felt like my view was slightly limited around the middle because of the relatively big nose pieces. Nevertheless, I got used to that quickly and now I hardly notice it anymore. I’m also very happy with the quality of the sunglasses. Both the frame and the lenses are very sturdy and so far, I haven’t encountered any problems with them. The hinges move smoothly, and the frame offers just the right level of flexibility. One thing that worried me in the beginning is that the frame is a bit squeaky when you press on it. Nevertheless, this hasn’t been a problem while I was wearing the sunglasses.

Lenses and Vents

The Tifosi Davos sunglasses in Matte Black come with no less than three different lenses, and there are even more options you can buy separately if you are looking for lenses for specific activities. You can, however, also buy the Davos sunglasses with just one lens, which can be more or less expensive depending on the quality and characteristics of the lens, such as being photochromic or water-repelling. If you choose, the Tifosi Davos sunglasses in Matte Black like me, the category 3 (15 % light transmission) Smoke lens is in place when you receive it. This lens is good for full-sun conditions (also at high altitudes), and the grey tint provides the most natural rendition of the colors around you. You can, however, easily replace it with the category 2 (39 % light transmission) All Conditions/AC lens, where the light red tint makes the colors pop as it increases contrast.

The last lens included is meant for low-light situations like dark and gloomy weather or activities after sunset, as it is completely clear and allows as much as 90 % of the visible light to enter, making it a category 0 lens. I myself have mostly been using the Smoke lens. However, I did also use the AC Red and Clear lens several times for cycling. I really like the AC Red lens because it increases contrast and is thus perfect for cycling in cloudy or partially sunny weather. None of the lenses are polarized which is a bit inconvenient. I noticed that sometimes I get a lot of glare from reflective surfaces (water, windows, sand etc.) into my eyes. Nevertheless, the polarized lens would probably make the sunglasses significantly more expensive.

All lenses feature the same vent pattern with one long flat vent at the top rim close to the nose, and two shorter vents placed close to the corner of the lens on the bottom rim on each side to ensure maximum ventilation and optimal clarity. I haven’t experienced any problems with sunglasses fogging so far. So, I guess the vents fulfill their purpose without letting any sun enter directly to the eye itself. The lenses are all made of shatterproof polycarbonate, which is durable in terms of breaking but not all that scratch resistant. It’s therefore very convenient that the Tifosi Davos sunglasses come with a zippered hard case, where there is also room for the other lenses, as well as a microfiber cleaning bag.

Changing the Lens

Changing the lens is relatively simple, although it requires a bit of practice. You can find various videos on how to change them or just read the instructions. The first time I was doing it I was sure I’ll break something but that of course didn’t happen because the lens provides quite some flexibility so it can be put in and out of the frame. The easiest way for me to change the lens was to stretch the frame at the bottom of each side and push the lens out there. After the lens is out at the bottom, push it outwards at the nose piece and the lens will quickly pop out. To insert a new lens first put it in place at the top and at the temples. Then stretch the frame at the bottom on each side and put the lens in place there. After that, just push the lens inwards at the nose piece and it’ll quickly jump into its place. The whole process can be done in under a minute when you have some practice.

Comfort and Fit

The Tifosi sunglasses fit me perfectly. At first, I was a bit worried that they’ll be too big for me because I have a quite narrow and oblong head. Nevertheless, I think the Davos sunglasses would provide a good fit for various head sizes because they have a very flexible frame. They will also suit different noses, because the nose piece is fully adjustable.  The nose piece and temples are coated with rubber material which provides good grip and thus prevent the sunglasses from slipping off. I’ve been using them a lot for running and I can confirm that they stay firmly on the head while you’re running. Another thing which makes the sunglasses comfortable to wear is the incredible light weight. All in all, I’m very happy with the level of comfort. I haven’t experienced any chafing or other discomfort so far.

Verdict

The Tifosi Davos sunglasses are a great option for just about any activity. I’m wearing them a lot for running, cycling and everyday use, and I’m loving it. They are lightweight, very comfortable and provide good coverage. Since they come with three lenses, wearing them is not limited to sunny weather. With a bit of practice, you can easily change the lens in under a minute. The only thing that bothered me about these sunglasses is the relatively bulky nose bridge which slightly limits the view. Nevertheless, I only noticed that in the beginning when I started wearing them. So, I guess that can’t be classified as a major problem. I do wish the sunglasses would have polarized lenses, but that would also push the price up significantly. So, if you are looking for relatively inexpensive sunglasses which perform great, do consider the Tifosi Davos sunglasses.

If you have any questions about this product, drop me a line in the comments below.