Smith Shift MAG, Smith Arvo, and Smith Seeker Sport Sun shades Opinions
Smith Shift MAG $275-$305 ($285 as examined plus $100 for photochromic lens)
By Jeff Valliere
White + ChromaPop Violet Mirror Lens
26 grams
VLT 15% / 100% / 20-85%
Medium Match
Finest for bike, run, snow, sunny
Introduction:
The Shift MAG sun shades are mid sized, defend sun shades that characteristic Smith’s MAG (magnetic) interchangeable lens know-how. Many glasses have interchangeable lenses, however what units Smith aside is their MAG system that makes the method particularly straightforward and sustainable over time (vs. different manufacturers the place the method is sluggish and appears as if you’ll be inflicting put on and hurt to the glasses).
The Shift MAG offers full protection safety, superb for biking, are fairly versatile and likewise work extremely properly for operating, climbing, snow sports activities or simply about some other outside exercise. They’re tremendous gentle, the optics are excellent, match is wonderful and the flexibility with straightforward lens interchangeability is off the charts.
What’s Included:
Glasses
Bonus interchangeable clear lens
Massive foam lined arduous case for glasses and further lens
Microfiber bag
Options/Particulars/Match:
The MAG characteristic on the Shift is a spotlight for me, as it’s so straightforward and handy to swap out the lenses shortly and with no nerve wracking wrestling match the place you’re feeling like you might be doing injury to both the lens, body or each and all the time smudging and smearing the lenses with fingerprints.
With the MAG system, you merely press the levers on both aspect of the temple that releases the lens, take away lens after which reverse the method with the substitute lens, securing the magnet on both aspect and clicking the aspect launch mechanisms again into place with a low influence, however very safe match and really feel.
The Shift MAG is constructed from an influence resistant TR90 nylon body that’s impressively light-weight, versatile, but sturdy and sturdy.
The adjustable Megol nostril pads are very sticky, each when dry or moist with sweat, maintaining the glasses firmly planted in place.
The ear stems are manufactured from the identical Megol sticky rubber because the nosepiece and maintain the glasses in place with none slip.
Match is described as medium dimension and is right for my small face, offering glorious protection with out feeling overly giant or cumbersome. The glasses maintain snugly with none bounce when tough terrain biking or when quick downhill path operating.
Lens:
The Shift MAG might be bought with a wide range of totally different Chromapop lenses with totally different tints and VLT (Seen Gentle Transmission) to accommodate different situations/use situations (together with totally different body colours). The Chromapop Violet Mirror Lens has 15% VLT and is meant for partly cloudy to sunny days (however not probably the most brilliantly brilliant sunny days).
That mentioned, I’ve been out in some very brilliant, sunny, snowy glare situations and located the Violet Mirror Lens to be adequately darkish and protecting from the rays.
The wrap is minimal and is extra defend type, however there’s loads of aspect protection to maintain out undesirable gentle and wind out and to attenuate (remove) distortion. The Violet Mirror lens has a grey base and is boosted with ChromaPop shade enhancement know-how. It has very clear optics, enhancing readability and element.
After all the lens offers 100% safety from dangerous UVA/B/C rays. Whereas the Violet Mirror lens is nice for the situations described above, I discover them to be a bit darkish within the shade and on closely forested trails and the grey base is just not superb in these situations, a minimum of thus far throughout the winter months when the solar is low within the sky.
The Shift MAG additionally comes with a further clear lens for these very cloudy days or night time time actions.
Higher but, you should buy any of the lenses individually (ChromaPop Black, Clear to Grey photochromic, Pink Mirror, Inexperienced Mirror, Violet Mirror, Platinum) and Smith was variety sufficient to offer me with a Photochromic Clear to Grey substitute lens to evaluate as properly ($100). This lens offers the utmost in versatility with a 20-85% VLT vary. Most of my operating and driving is within the early morning hours, typically earlier than dawn and it is very important me to have a pair of glasses the place I can see properly at the hours of darkness with out compromise, but which can darken as wanted when the solar rises. When it’s utterly darkish, the 85% would possibly as properly be 100%, as I can not decide a distinction actually between carrying them and never, they basically appear clear.
As soon as the solar rises, they regularly darken as wanted with direct solar publicity and I’m shocked that the VLT on the darkish finish of the ranges is just 20%, as they appear darker than that, extra corresponding to 14% lenses that I’ve and are greater than ample for all however probably the most blinding excessive altitude contemporary snow situations (even then, I believe they might work OK). The photochromic lens darkens comparatively quick, however like nearly all comparable lenses, struggles to get again to clear when not uncovered to the solar in chilly climate (~6 minutes in reasonable temps 50-60 levels and slower when colder).
A very good illustration of the distinction between the 2 extremes.
Absolutely tinted, they’re darkish sufficient for many sunny situations. I’ll be aware right here that further substitute lenses include a black body and except you began with a full black body, they won’t match. Matching frames can be nice, however I believe seems good right here on this combo.
When absolutely clear, they work properly in darkish or cloudy situations.
The Smith Chomapop lenses have distinctive optical readability which permit for enhanced definition. This a bonus when operating on trails and in difficult gentle situations. Moreover, the lenses are exceptionally smudge resistant and are straightforward to scrub.
Efficiency/Conclusions/Suggestions:
I discover efficiency to be the best possible of any sport sun shades that I’ve ever worn. The Shift MAGs are so very gentle, match exceptionally properly, are safe, maximally protecting with out being too huge or cumbersome, are properly vented, versatile, have unimaginable optical high quality and readability. Most of all I actually love the MAG know-how and to have the ability to simply change out lenses with out getting them smudged with finger prints and to not really feel like you might be inflicting long run injury when altering lenses. They arrive in a pleasant vary of body colours and normal lens choices, together with the pliability of simply including any desired lens. They for certain add a bit of fashion to your package and so they additionally pair very properly with Smith biking helmets.
Smith Arvo ($195-$255, $205 as examined)
By Jeff Valliere
Finest for on a regular basis sunny situations
Introduction:
The Smith Arvo sun shades are greatest suited to extra informal day by day use and do it with most type, match, consolation and lens high quality. Out there in a variety of body colours and lenses, the Arvo is a high decide for a day by day driver.
What’s Included:
Glasses
Microfiber bag
Options/Particulars/Match:
The Arvo options Smith’s Evolve bio-based body materials that’s each light-weight (29 grams) and durable/sturdy. The Arvo is available in 10 totally different body/lens combos to fit your type choice and use case and have a pleasant wrap-around design for max safety from the solar and wind. The Megol nostril piece and temple lining is safe and the spring loaded hinges assist with consolation and match. Described as medium match, they match completely on my small face and I admire the quantity of protection with out the glasses feeling or wanting too giant on me.
Whereas they’re supposed for day by day informal use, I’ve taken them on some runs and rides and so they provided ample safety and stayed put properly. That mentioned, for extended hardcore endurance sports activities, I might counsel wanting on the Shift Magazine above or some other of Smith’s big selection of sport devoted sun shades.
Lens: The Polarized Bronze Chromapop lens offers 14% VLT. Whereas I’ve delicate eyes within the brilliant solar, particularly as I frequent excessive altitudes and sometimes blinding alpine situations, my focus right here was extra alongside the traces of versatility and the flexibility to bike or run on intermittently shaded trails, however since these are informal glasses, they’re possibility for driving and day by day use.
The Bronze Chromapop lens has confirmed to be the proper selection for these purposes, as they improve distinction and pure shade making path particulars very outlined. They’re darkish sufficient for my eyes to be relaxed in brilliant sunshine, but gentle sufficient in order that I don’t wrestle on cloudy days or within the shade.
I’ve used the Arvo in a wide range of situations to check the lens: brilliant solar, cloudy days, within the timber, and above treeline. I’m able to actually interpret the path forward with such good distinction and definition thus I really feel extra assured shifting quick over technical terrain.
Conclusions: The Arvo is a high decide if you’re searching for the best high quality sun shades with most type, body shade/lens selections, optical readability and only a little bit of versatility for gentle sport exercise. The consolation, high quality, match and really feel of the Arvo is tough to beat and I extremely advocate them!
Smith Seeker ($205)
By John Tribbia
Matte Black + ChromaPop Polarized Black Lens
VLT 12% / 100% / 20-85%
Medium Match
Finest for snow, bike operating, sunny, informal
Introduction:
The Smith Seeker sun shades are a strong selection for anybody who’s severe about their outside adventures. They’re constructed for efficiency, however with a delicate type that does not scream “athlete.” Consider them because the sun shades that may deal with your gnarliest path run and nonetheless look good grabbing espresso afterward.
The nylon carrying case comes with an built-in fabric, a safe enclosure, and a handy buckle to connect to a backpack
Options/Particulars/Match: Proper off the bat, I used to be impressed with the ChromaPop™ lenses. They really make a distinction. Colours actually do pop – the greens of the pine timber appeared extra vibrant, and the blues of the sky had been extremely clear. I might even spot delicate modifications within the path floor extra simply, which is all the time an enormous plus in decrease gentle situations in tree shade. The body itself feels actually strong. It is light-weight, nevertheless it would not really feel flimsy in any respect. I put these by their paces on some fairly tough trails, and so they held up completely.
The match is spot-on. They match snugly with out feeling too tight, and the Megol nostril pads and temple suggestions stored them securely in place, even after I was sweating like loopy.
I particularly appreciated the AutoLock hinges – they make it tremendous straightforward to place them on and take them off with one hand, which is a must have for any exercise. And the included paracord leash is a superb contact – it retains them helpful after I’m not carrying them, and I haven’t got to fret about shedding them.
Now, here is the factor concerning the included paracord leash although. Whereas it is a good contact for safety, I discovered it a bit too tough on the temples. It felt a bit abrasive and actually, it was just a little uncomfortable after some time. I nonetheless use it, however am actively searching for a substitute that’s softer on the pores and skin.
Product Particulars
Imaginative and prescient
ChromaPop™ lenses improve distinction and pure shade to make the small print pop
ChromaPop™ polarized lenses lower glare and improve shade and distinction
Gentle-sensitive photochromic lenses with ChromaPop™ know-how adapt to altering gentle situations whereas enhancing distinction and pure shade
Smudge and moisture-resistant coatings for straightforward cleansing and clear optics
Match/Integration
Medium match, medium protection
6-base lens curvature provides a modest wraparound match
Straightforward-adjust, QuickFit temples for a personalized match
Megol temple and nostril pads present non-slip grip so glasses keep put
Body
Evolve™ bio-based body materials is light-weight and sturdy
Delicate, built-in aspect shields for peripheral gentle safety and bottom glare discount
AutoLock hinges maintain frames open for straightforward one-hand on and off
Efficiency: The Seekers actually delivered on the path. The ChromaPop™ lenses make a noticeable distinction, particularly when the sunshine is altering. As I discussed above, the colours had been extra vibrant, and I might spot delicate path obstacles extra simply. The match for my medium sized head and face was improbable – no stress factors or discomfort, even after hours of damage. And I’ll be sincere, I actually just like the cross-over to informal put on and assume they give the impression of being fairly sharp too.
Conclusions/Suggestions: The Smith Seeker sun shades are an amazing possibility for anybody who desires a pair of shades that may sustain with an lively life-style – bike trip to the espresso store? You wager. They’re comfy, sturdy, and the ChromaPop™ lenses are a game-changer. For my part, when you’re severe about your outside adventures and need one thing that may cross-over to informal put on, these Seekers are price a severe look.
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