Looking Good, Seeing Good: XX2i Optics Sunglasses Review | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received the XX2i Sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador, tell them I sent you), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Who doesn't love running in the sunshine? I know I do. But when you do, you need sun protection. And not just for your fair ginger skin (or all you people with non-ginger skin tones). No, you need to protect your eyes as well. But there's not need to just "see good" but you can "look good" too. I got to review just the product for both, the XX2i France1 Sunglasses.

Looking Good, Seeing Good (sorry about the grammar): XX2i Optics Sunglasses Review

Now, I'd like to start with a confession. Before these glasses, I've never owned a pair that cost me more than $30. I just couldn't see the reason for investing that kind of money on something that I'd inevitably break and then be out spending that kind of cash again. Now, with these glasses, I see what I've been missing. (Confession #2, I've even bought sunglasses at a dollar store.)

So, what did you test?

I actually got to test out a kit that included two frames and a total of five interchangeable lenses. It's a pretty beefy kit. It included a white frame as well as a demi tortoise brown frame. The five included lenses were the flash blue (my favorite), brown, yellow, orange, and clear. Now I feel like I'm about to be a tv infomercial, but wait, there's more! It also included an extra set of blue and red nose pads and temple tips. They even throw in two microfiber soft carrying cases, though for the cost of the glasses, I prefer their "tank" protector case everything comes in.

How do you use all those pieces?

Herein lies my one hangup with this kit. There are zero instructions. Not even a single "go to this site" text anywhere that I saw. If you look at everything, it seems straight forward enough, but with expensive glasses, I won't make those assumptions. Instead, you can find the directions under the FAQs on the site, so I won't fault them too much. I personally would add one line of text to packaging point them to the website though.

How did they work for running?

I chose to run with the white frame and blue flash lenses, as they were the most my style for anytime. The glasses came while I was on vacation, that put them here just in time for the Runner's World Hat Trick. You may have seen the reviews about my races on the blog. They were great on the course for the sunny days in Bethlehem. I attached the sun glass retainer (with much difficulties to squeeze it on) so I could simply wear the around my neck in the morning and pull them up in the sun. They had great clear vision, never fogged or wavered from their place on my face. And if I can be frank, I think they looked good, don't you?

What about all those lenses?

I had the same question. Sure, clear would be great for things like cycling or dark and dusty, but what is yellow best for, or orange? So I asked my friend, Google. I found a couple of good looking results. I like this post from CoachLevi.com. He talks of his own personal experiences. He tells us that he finds both yellow and orange good for less bight, hazy days and that yellow can help with clarity even in fog. All the choices of lenses make these very versatile. The only thing the dual kit doesn't include are polarized lenses, but they are available on the store separately. The coolest part to me is that you can actually get prescription lenses. They don't offer inserts but you can contact them to discuss your options based on your prescription, the frames and the lens color you want. This is something I may look into further when I get a new eye checkup, so I can wear these whether I have in my contacts or not.

The Takeaway

What is my final thought on these? They are superb sunglasses that are comfortable, look good, and offer a ton of options. I may have never owned expensive glasses before, but now I know why you would invest money in a good pair. Now, if I could only worry a little less about them breaking, and just remind myself they come with a lifetime warranty that even says if you "break them or scratch them".

Discount

Do I have you considering investing in a good pair of glasses? There really is no better time then now, because I have a heck of a code for you. Use the code XX2iRocks to save 50% off your purchase at www.xx2i.com. Heck, with that code you can get a single pair of the sunglasses I have for that $30 mark I discussed or go all out like my dual frame kit and save a bundle.

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