Product Review: XX2i France2 Pro Racing Sunglasses

Disclaimer: I received a pair of XX2i Optics France2 Sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

This is my 2nd pair of XX2i Optics sunglasses. My other pair, the Australia1, I won during a twitter giveaway, and I have worn them during several training runs and races; so, I was pumped to get an opportunity to review a different style for BibRave!

bibrave xx2i glasses review blog

These are the France2 HYPER PINK (yes, all caps) with the Blue Flash lenses and blue temple tips. The France2 is made from flexible and strong Grilamid, which makes for a feather light pair of glasses. Included with my shipment was a protective case, a soft carrying bag, and extra bits for fit — they also included a mini screwdriver in the kit. XX2i claims these sunglasses are perfect for running, cycling, golfing or any activity that requires your sunglasses stay put.

First impression: The France2 are SUPER lightweight — weighing in at only 26g. I LOVE the color and design. These glasses are light but durable (I’m terrible about tossing my sunglasses around my car and stuffing in workout bags). XX2i GUARANTEES the lenses — even against scratches!

Runners problems. AMIRITE?!

Trial Run: During runs, I barely noticed them on; there was zero bounce, they didn’t fall off, didn’t hurt my ears (even pairing with my Aftershokz headphones), and they didn’t steam up even on cold mornings.

What I didn’t like: I found the blue glare reflection off my face to be bothersome in direct sun and on super sunny trail days. I’ve never experienced that issue wearing my XX2i Australia1s — maybe the full frame around the lenses helps to block that glare at the bottom? Which… is a bummer because I like the France2 style more. I’m uncertain if they have the same lenses, which is something I plan to ask XX2i.

bibrave xx2i review run blogger

30-Something Approved: Protecting my eyes from the damage of the sun is really important. Despite the annoyance with the blue glare, I prefer the France2 because of the color options and that they are so durable-yet-lightweight. I also love the price-point. Because I seem to be missing at least 3 pairs of sunglasses right now. And those items pretty much sum up this 30-Something’s needs for a pair of running sunglasses.

The France2 sells for $59.99 and features interchangeable lenses configurations (Polarized, Sport Reader & full RX), adjustable temple tips, and adjustable nose pads. There are multiple styles and colors. XX2i Optics has a “no questions asked” LIFETIME WARRANTY against breaks and scratches — AND offers a 365-day return policy to make sure they are the right glasses for you. XX2i does charge a nominal fee for shipping and handling a replacement or return.

bibrave xx2i discount sunglasses review

Join us for #bibchat on Twitter this Tuesday, March 21 at 8pm CST for a chance to win a pair of your own XX2i Optics sunglasses. BONUS: Save 50% on all XX2i Optics purchases with discount code: “marchbibrave” through March 28.

Every 30-something needs… to protect your eyes from sun damage!

Recently I sat in on a webinar hosted by The Vision Council to raise awareness and educate about harmful UV exposure and its damage to our eyes. Protecting our eyes is an “out of sight, out of mind” thought for many of us 30-somethings — but the same UV exposure that causes sunburns, wrinkles and skin cancer also damages our ocular health.

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Dr. Justin Bazan, an ophthalmologist in New York and medical adviser to The Vision Council, told us is the session how to protect our eyes this summer, which was a reminder for those of us who are active outdoors in all seasons. I thought it was good info to pass along to you, as many of us (including myself) choose sunglasses based on style rather than function — AND it just so happens to be National Sunglasses Day today.

An adult’s use of eye protection depends on the activity — most often, we wear sunglasses for driving, at the beach or at the pool; and least often, when running, biking, gardening, or playing team sports. It’s just like sunscreen, for which I advocate relentlessly… and here, I’m a statistic and completely guilty of not protecting my eyes during my runs.

Here are some scary stats:

  • 1 in 4 of Americans rarely or never use sunglasses
  • 2 in 3 leave eyes unguarded on cloudy or rainy days
  • 3 in 10 don’t protect in Winter, when UV rays still present

The short-term problems of UV damage include: photokeratitis (sunburn of eyes), irritation, redness, swelling, hypersensitivity to light; and long-term eye damage includes: premature aging of skin, wrinkles and sunspots, abnormal growths on eye and eyelid, cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer of eye (and surrounding area).

Some other staggering statistics — the top 5 cities with highest UV index levels (based on sunny days):
1. San Juan with 320 total days of extreme and very high risk
2. Honolulu
3. Miami
4. Tampa
5. Mobile, AL

#18 Denver, I was completely not expecting, but because of its higher elevation, it ranks up there with a total of 128 days of high risk.

Here was some other important info noted from this session:

  • Reflected UV light is just as damaging as direct
  • Research shows the eye receives nearly double the amount of UV radiation during peak running times in the summer (early morning 8am-10am) and late afternoon (2pm-4pm) — nearly double the level than midday (10am-2pm) other times of the year
  • The color of eyes means different UV sensitivity. Meaning: blue eyes are more at risk of UV damage than brown.

So, how can we protect our eyes? Consider your lens options. There are anti-reflective, impact resistant, mirror-coated, photochromic, polarized, wrap-around, and scratch resistant lenses — all have some level of eye protection. There are some myths about sunglasses too: that all have UVA/UVB protection (they don’t), or sunglasses with UV protection are expensive (I have a free pair that I picked up at a convention that have UV protection stamped on the inside), or that darker sunglasses have UV protection (nope).

This session was enough to make the case for multiple pairs for different activities, so I was super-excited when The Vision Council sent me a “thank you” participation gift that included a pair of Columbia sunglasses that will be PERFECT for my outdoor runs.

Sun Safe Swag Bag!
Sun Safe Swag Bag — and my new sunnies!

Check out #sunglassselfie and #nationalsunglassesday on social media for more about National Sunglasses Day. You can read more about UV eye protection from clicking through and visiting The Vision Council website and download their sun safe infographic here.

Disclosure: I was gifted a Sun Safe Swag Bag from The Vision Council for logging into the webinar and agreeing to write a post about the session content. Columbia graciously gifted me a pair of sunglasses for my participation.