Tifosi Amok sunglasses

Tifosi's Amok sunglasses, tested here in Race Neon with Fototec Smoke lenses, offer some neat touches like lenses that adapt to the conditions and plenty of venting to reduce the possibility of fogging. There is quite a bit of frame material going on, though, and I wasn't exactly blown away by the optics.

• Pros: Fototec lenses are subtle, comfortable fit
• Cons: Frame can restrict vision

Fototec is the name that Tifosi has given its photochromic lenses, and they work by using microscopic particles embedded in the lens, which react to UV rays in bright sunshine by darkening optics.

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The lenses come in a range of colours and the Smoke that we have here changes colour very subtly. They give everything a slightly grey tint and, unlike some photochromic glasses, the Amoks don't go fully clear when it gets dark outside.

You can still wear them on overcast days without issue, and the speed at which they work means that travelling from shaded tree cover out into the sunshine is barely noticeable. I've had some glasses in the past that can struggle with the quick changeover.

The lenses offer a clear view of everything, with no distortion or anything, although the clarity isn't any sharper than using a basic pair of safety glasses in my opinion. Still, they do the job.

The frame that the lenses clip into is made from Grilamid TR-90, a thermoplastic polyamide which is tough and durable: perfect for a pair of glasses that are likely to get dropped or sat on at various point in their life.

The arms include a rubberised section that gives more flexibility to aid fit without causing undue pressure on the side of the head.

The glasses stay seated no matter how or what you are riding, even when things get sweaty, helped by the hydrophilic rubber used on the adjustable nose-piece and arms.

It's an all-round comfortable fit, sitting close to the face, and although the lenses are vented to avoid steaming up (and do a good job of it), there isn't a lot of airflow near the eyes – something I'll be thankful of when it gets to grass pollen season.

We've got the neon yellow colour here, which means that the frame is bright – especially on the inside – and it is quite noticeable all the way around when you are riding. There are other colours available: a Crystal Smoke frame (grey) with Fototec Light Night lenses, and Race Red with Fototec High Speed Red lenses.

Also, the drop of the frame from under the arms comes straight down where, if you usually just glance over your shoulder to check behind when changing lanes or turning at a junction, it can create a bit of a blind spot. I had to make sure I adapted to turning my head more to get a better view.

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Value-wise, it's good to see photochromic lenses on a pair of glasses that cost £69.99 and I'd say this is their major plus point.

Something decent like the Ekoi Perso Evo 9 glasses are £85ish but that jumps up to £110 if you want reactive lenses.

Another pair of glasses that I wear a lot are the Lazer Argon ARR with interchangeable lenses for differing conditions; effective, but not as efficient as the Tifosis.

The Lazers are very good glasses, though, and when I reviewed them I said that I would be happy to pay the £79.99 price tag – which further shows what decent value the Amoks are, average optics aside.

Verdict

Good all-round package including reactive lenses for the money, though sharper optics would be nice