Disclaimer: I received the XX2i Optics Polarized Sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews.
As a BibRave Pro, I get the chance to test out a bunch of gear. I hope you’ll enjoy seeing some product reviews on my blog occasionally. Even though I receive the gear at no cost, I still promise to give you my honest opinion, no matter what.
A few weeks ago I received the XX2i Optics Polarized Sunglasses! This was definitely an item I was excited to receive! I’m someone who (obviously) spends a lot of time out in the sun in summer and after losing a parent to skin cancer, I tend to be really cognizant of the harmful effects that sun can cause to our bodies. People tend to immediately think of sunscreen, but often forget about their eyes. When I run, I tend to wear cheap sunglasses that I picked up for free at a race expo or something of the sort. My attitude has always been that I wanted something that did the job of blocking the sun, but I wouldn’t be upset if I lost or broke them. I’ve tried on a couple pairs of running sunglasses in the past year or so and still unsure if I wanted to make the investment. The XX2i Optics Polarized Sunglasses ended up proving to me that this is a gear item I’ve needed more than I realized!
As a BibRave Pro, I get the chance to test out a bunch of gear. I hope you’ll enjoy seeing some product reviews on my blog occasionally. Even though I receive the gear at no cost, I still promise to give you my honest opinion, no matter what.
A few weeks ago I received the XX2i Optics Polarized Sunglasses! This was definitely an item I was excited to receive! I’m someone who (obviously) spends a lot of time out in the sun in summer and after losing a parent to skin cancer, I tend to be really cognizant of the harmful effects that sun can cause to our bodies. People tend to immediately think of sunscreen, but often forget about their eyes. When I run, I tend to wear cheap sunglasses that I picked up for free at a race expo or something of the sort. My attitude has always been that I wanted something that did the job of blocking the sun, but I wouldn’t be upset if I lost or broke them. I’ve tried on a couple pairs of running sunglasses in the past year or so and still unsure if I wanted to make the investment. The XX2i Optics Polarized Sunglasses ended up proving to me that this is a gear item I’ve needed more than I realized!
The benefits of ‘nice’ sunglasses like XX2i’s are endless. The polarized lenses help you see sharper and clearer. I found this to be helpful during the dusk time when I was running on Chicago’s Lakefront Trail and there are many hazards and other runners to be aware of. I felt like my eyes picked up on them quicker and without me having to focus too hard. The lenses are also fog-resistant, which comes in handy when going outside to inside and when your breath is coming back in your face. These glasses’ lenses are also much more resistant to the sun’s harmful UV rays—much better than my cheap sunglasses were.
Something else I noticed was how well they stayed on and in place. They hugged my face snuggly, but not too tight. They didn’t move at all during my runs, which is important. There are few things more irritating then having to constantly adjust your sunglasses when they slide down your nose! A personal issue I came across was that I run with Powerbeats2 Wireless headphones, which hook over the ear. The sunglasses interfered with the headphones until I figured out a way to have them sit perfectly.
The sunglasses come with a really durable carrying case along with interchangeable nose pieces and the tools to change them out easily. Some of my fellow BibRave Pros did note they had a few difficulties changing this out, but I didn’t attempt it myself.
The bottom line: I would recommend these sunglasses. They are an affordable alternative to some of the other name-brand pairs I’ve seen at running stores. They’re perfect for any sport you are moving around a lot and need protection from the sun. I ran a marathon with these sunglasses and even forgot they were on my face most of the time! Get yourself a pair here.
The bottom line: I would recommend these sunglasses. They are an affordable alternative to some of the other name-brand pairs I’ve seen at running stores. They’re perfect for any sport you are moving around a lot and need protection from the sun. I ran a marathon with these sunglasses and even forgot they were on my face most of the time! Get yourself a pair here.