SMITH

Smith: a brief biography

Founded in 1965, Smith Optics was one of the first organisations to innovate eyewear specifically for the extreme sports. Extreme sports have unique demands in terms of visuals. The treacherous terrains demand precision, whilst the environments create hazards such as glare, spray, dust, and fog. Adopting the philosophy that lenses in these conditions need to be a little bit special, Smith has spent over sixty years designing, innovating, and pushing the boundaries of optics, guaranteeing it a reputation for blending heritage, reliability, and cutting-edge experimentation. More expensive than many competitors, the price tag reflects both the expertise of the designers and the quality of the materials.

The Gear

Smith designs and manufactures eyewear for a range of extreme sports. These include snowboarding, skiing, cycling, surfing, running, rock climbing, and mountaineering. Each of these ranges is tailored to the terrain, altitude, and environmental conditions. For mountains, optics need a polarized lens that will filter the enhanced glare that results from the altitude, but a lens which still enables vivid contrast and sharp colour. Smith's ChromaPop was developed with precisely this in mind, and a range of ChromaPop lenses designed for Sun, Storm, and Everyday conditions mean that the glasses and goggles are ready for anything that Mother Nature throws at them. Combined with a scratch-proof hydrophobic lens coating that banishes water, muck, and grease, Smith glasses and goggles are a powerful ally against the great outdoors.

Revolutionary design

It is in optics shape that Smith has built a reputation. The varying thickness of the curve of the spherical and cylindrical carbonic-x lenses minimises distortion and enhancing accuracy. In ski and snowboarding goggles, this is controlled by discrete patented Porex pressure valves to prevent altitude-induced warping. This is combined with a host of anti-fogging innovations such as a Turbo Fan system and the 5X Anti-Fog inner lens. The Turbo Fan continues to work its de-fogging magic even when the goggles are stationary, a unique twist in the art of ventilation. Tapered lens (TLT) technology corrects light refraction, ramping up the clarity for crystal pure vision.

Something for everyone

Lenses are available for a VLT of 9% up to 50% to keep you covered in everything from blinding glare to gloomy shadow. The quick-change I/O technology means that these are easy to shift between. Ranges are available for men, women, and youths. Integrated snow and off-road helmets are also available, with have been developed with the aim of harmonizing the optics tech with lightweight, super-strong protective features.