SMITH Optics 2023 Gift Guide

by Brian Mullin on November 13, 2023

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We compiled a Smith Gift Guide for the season from a slew of gear we tested this past year. At the end of the post, we included some snow holiday gift ideas that Smith has suggested.

Method Mips Helmet

The SMITH Method helmet features a low profile and clean-styled in-mold construction that fuses the exterior shell and EPS for a one-piece design that’s lightweight and durable. Hidden beneath the shell are the latest safety innovations, including zonal Koroyd coverage for lightweight, energy-absorbing, and ventilated impact protection and the MIPS Brain Protection System for reducing rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head in the event of a crash.

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The minimalist helmet packs maximum features, including eight fixed vents for consistent airflow, a goggle-compatible AirEvac ventilation system for fog-free lenses, and removable ear pads for form-fitting comfort. The Method also offers SMITH’s self-adjusting Lifestyle Fit System that flexes to match the shape of the head for ultimate comfort. It is also available in Round Contour Fit to accommodate rounder head shapes.

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The Method helmet can be worn with or without a beanie and is compatible with Aleck audio systems (sold separately). It is offered in four sizes and nine colorways, including a graphic version celebrating Japanese big snow culture in collaboration with Oyuki and illustrated by artist Mike Shankster.

The new Method helmet (MSRP USD 140 with MIPS, $110 non-MIPS) will be available at select retailers worldwide and online at smithoptics.com.

Thoughts => The Method helmet is super comfy and fits like a charm, and I love the special edition Matte Oyuki X color/pattern scheme. The stretch adjustment system works well, though more considerable tweaks are required to reposition the inner head basket via their snaps. I haven’t used it yet in the depths of ski season, but it was warm on a cold bike day, and it fits a balaclava without any issues. The ear covers were soft and had zippered slots for Aleck audio pods. I can’t wait to use it for ski season.

  • Protection
    • Lightweight in-mold construction fuses the exterior shell and EPS foam for a one-piece design that’s lightweight and durable.
    • Zonal KOROYD coverage for lightweight, energy-absorbing, and ventilated impact protection
    • Mips Brain Protection System reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head.
    • Select colorways offered without the Mips system
    • Certification: ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077:2007 CLASS B
  • Fit / Integration
    • Designed for ultimate integration with Smith goggles for maximum comfort and venting
    • AirEvac ventilation system integrates with Smith goggles for fog-free lenses.
    • Self-adjusting lifestyle fit system flexes to match your head shape for maximum comfort.
    • Available in Round Contour Fit to better match rounder head shapes
  • Features
    • Eight fixed vents for consistent airflow
    • Aleck audio systems are compatible
    •  Removable Snapfit SL2 ear pads add warmth and are audio-chip compatible
    • Removable goggle strap lock for streamlined shell when goggles are worn under helmet
    • Beanie compatible

Click here to buy the Method Mips Helmet

Click here to buy the Method Mips Round Contour Fit Helmet

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4D MAG Goggles

The Smith 4D MAG offers the ultimate field of view and optical clarity for precise terrain assessment. It is complemented by quick and easy lens-changing technology, making it your go-to goggles for all-weather riding.

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Check your zippers and buckle your boots. It’s time to drop in. The Smith 4D MAG brings its most expansive field of view and sharpest optics to give you the best possible read on the terrain so you can nail your line every time. Add their quick and easy lens-change tech, and you have the only goggles you need for all-conditions riding. Thanks to ChromaPop, the 4D MAG drops you into a bigger, brighter, sharper world.

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Thoughts => The 4D MAG goggles have an amazing expansive view, and the wild BirdsEye Vision offers superb peripheral vision at the bottom of the lens. It’s like having a giant bubble window that lets you see everything. The ChromaPop lenses offer sharp colors, contrast, and beautiful optical qualities. I am still getting the hang of the MAG lens change system, which uses magnets and a snap for security. I can’t wait to use it for ski season, and try them out in the snow.

  • Vision
    • Smith MAG lens change system uses magnets for quick, easy lens changes
    • ChromaPop lenses enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop
    • BirdsEye Vision clarifies not just your line but the riders in your periphery
  • Fit / Integration
    • Designed for ultimate integration with Smith helmets for maximum comfort, venting, and fog-free performance
    • QuickFit strap adjustment system lets you find the right fit fast
    • Ultra-wide, silicone-backed strap stays put
    • Three-layer DriWix face foam wicks moisture for a fog-free fit
    • AirEvac ventilation system integrates with Smith helmets for fog-free lenses
    • Medium fit: Available in Low Bridge Fit for faces with a lower nose bridge and a wide or high cheekbone shape

Click here to buy the 4D Mag Goggles.

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Vert PivLOCK

You can count on the Smith Vert PivLock sunglasses for a distraction-free feel and a widescreen view that lets you get in the zone, whether letting it rip downhill or measuring your effort on a climb.

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Their cylindrical shield lens and rimless design create an ultralight, low-profile fit and unobstructed vision. The PivLock design lets you easily swap between the ChromaPop and bonus clear lenses to match the light conditions. Nonslip nose and temple pads keep the Vert right where you need them down high-speed descents and across rough terrain.

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Impressions => The Vert PivLOCK is lightweight, comfortable, and offers fantastic optics and a wide field of view. It features their superb ChromaPop lens, which enhances colors and contrast, offering a vibrant “pop” of color when viewing things. The wraparound fit frame and curved one-piece large lens offer great coverage, side protection, and wind resistance. The sticky Megol temple and nose pads provide a nonslip grip, so they stay securely in place, even on bumpy singletrack. Their AutoLock hinges hold the frames securely open, and the PivLock interchangeable lens system makes changing lenses simple.

The Vert PivLOCK goggle-like lenses offer an expansive view with wraparound protection and coverage.

  • Vision
    • ChromaPop lenses enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop
    • Smudge and moisture-resistant coating for easy cleaning and clear optics
    • Medium to large fit, ample coverage
  • Fit / Integration
    • 6-base cylindrical shield lens curvature
    • Slight wraparound fit
    • Megol temple and nose pads provide a nonslip grip, so glasses stay put
    • Two-position, adjustable Megol nose pads
    • AutoLock hinges hold frames open for easy one-hand on-and-off
  • Frame
    • High-impact resistant TR90 nylon frame
    • The PivLock interchangeable lens system makes lens changes easy

Click here to purchase the Vert PivLock

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Pursuit

Featuring interchangeable ChromaPop lens technology, the Pursuit was designed originally as glacier-style sunglasses. Still, it was quickly adopted for winter cycling since it has full coverage and removable side shields, which can help protect against wind and snow. With design influence from Smith athlete Cody Townsend, the oversized silhouette of the Pursuit blends goggle-like coverage with the airflow and easy-to-wear feel of a sunglass that performs while you’re climbing and descending across a variety of alpine and backcountry adventures.

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The super lightweight Evolve bio-based frame features adjustable QuickFit temple arms for customized adjustability and provides ample coverage through the cylindrical lens curve with a slight wraparound fit. The Pursuit is offered exclusively with interchangeable ChromaPop lens technology to enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop. Available in five lens tints, including Smith’s ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic lens that adapts to changing light conditions – from category 1 to category 4 – and delivers color and contrast-boosting performance throughout the full range of the lens. Each pair of the Pursuit also includes a secondary clear bonus lens for low-light conditions, and all lenses feature anti-fog and hydroleophobic coatings for clear optics and easy cleaning.

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The removable, magnetic TPU side shields and removable nose guard provide added sun and snow glare coverage. The temples and two-position nose pads are comprised of Megol, which reacts to sweat and moisture by gently adhering to the face for a no-slip grip. The Pursuit is constructed with a pack-friendly, screwless hinge, creating a fail-safe backcountry design, and a low-profile case ensures minimal storage in your pack.

Impressions => The Pursuit is a unique beast and is a hybrid of sunglasses and goggles. The glacier-style sunglasses feature removable side shields, a nose guard, and an adjustable elastic rear strap. The wraparound fit frame and massive one-piece curved lens offer great coverage, side/sun protection, and wind resistance. It features its superb ChromaPop lens, which enhances colors and contrast, plus the ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic provides light transmission from Category 1 to Category 4. The sticky Megol temple and nose pads offer a nonslip grip, so they stay securely in place, while their AutoLock hinges hold the frames securely open.

They are perfect for bike riding (excellent in the winter), skiing, mountaineering, and various outdoor sports requiring maximum protection and coverage. I liked the side shields for protection and the elastic rear strap to keep the sunglasses securely in place.

  • Vision
    • The ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic lens adapts to match the light conditions with less sensitivity to temperature changes, plus ChromaPop provides contrast and color enhancement throughout the tint range
    • ChromaPop lenses enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop
    • The ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic light transmission ranges from Category 1 to Category 4
    • Interchangeable lenses
    • Anti-fog and hydroleophobic coatings for clear optics and easy cleaning
  • Fit / Integration
    • Large fit, XL coverage
    • 5-base cylindrical shield lens curvature
    • Slight wraparound fit
    • Megol temples and nose pads provide a nonslip grip, so glasses stay put
    • Two-position, adjustable Megol nose pads
    • Easy-adjust QuickFit temples for a customized fit
    • Removable, magnetic TPU side shields for added light protection
  • Frame
    • Evolve bio-based frame material is lightweight and durable
    • AutoLock hinges hold frames open for easy one-hand on-and-off
    • Special screwless hinge for added safety and durability

Click here to buy the Pursuit sunglasses.

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Lineup

Go big or go home. The Smith Lineup sunglasses strike a balance between timeless classic and modern, chunky style you can wear anywhere. The bio-based frames have soft rubber and nonslip nose pads, so they don’t slide down your face on a hot summer day. Color- and contrast-boosting ChromaPop lenses clearly read life from sidewalk to surf break and park to patio.

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Impressions => The casual Lineup offers a simple yet classic-styled pair of sunglasses. Perfect for driving, poking around town, and hanging out. The ChromaPop polarized lenses offer excellent clarity, glare protection, contrast, and enhanced colors.  

  • Vision
    • ChromaPop polarized lenses cut glare and enhance color and contrast
    • Carbonic polarized lenses cut glare, offer impact resistance and clear optics
    • Smudge and moisture-resistant coatings for easy cleaning and clear optics
  • Fit / Integration
    • Large fit, large coverage
    • 4-base lens curvature
    • Flatter frame for an everyday, casual fit
    • Megol nose pads provide a nonslip grip so glasses stay put
    • Adjustable corewire for a customized fit
  • Frame
    • Evolve bio-based frame material is lightweight and durable
    • Custom Smith logo hinges

Click here to buy the Lineup

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Momentum

Winding descents. Technical climbs. Wide-open straightaways. It’s all sharper with the Smith Momentum sunglasses. The performance takes on a new level of clarity thanks to the dual curvature of the toric lens. With a half-frame design, they provide maximum peripheral vision and the crisp visuals of contrast and color-boosting ChromaPop for a terrain-defining view. Whether blasting through the trees or rolling in the open, the two-position nose pad and adjustable corewire temples keep them secure at any pace. Interchangeable lenses let you pick the right tint for the day.

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Impressions => The smaller Momentum sunglasses are lightweight, comfortable, and offer impressive optics and a functional field of view. It features their superb ChromaPop photochromic lens, which enhances colors and contrast. Its innovative toric-shield lens curvature for sharp peripheral vision provides excellent side-to-side and up-and-down coverage. The sticky Megol temple and nose pads offer a nonslip grip, so they stay securely in place. Their AutoLock hinges hold the frames securely open, and the frame-on-top snap-on interchangeable lens system makes changing lenses simple.

  • Vision
    • ChromaPop lenses enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop
    • The light-sensitive, photochromic lens option adapts to changing light conditions
    • Interchangeable lenses
    • Smudge and moisture-resistant coatings for easy cleaning and clear optics
  • Fit / Integration
    • Medium fit, large coverage
    • 7×4 toric-shield lens curvature for sharp peripheral vision
    • Wraparound fit
    • Megol temples and nose pads provide a nonslip grip, so glasses stay put
    • Two-position, adjustable Megol nose pads
    • Easy-adjust QuickFit temples for a customized fit
    • Compatible with our optical docking system (ODS4) prescription lens insert
  • Frame
    • Evolve™ bio-based frame material is lightweight and durable
    • AutoLock hinges hold frames open for easy one-hand on-and-off

Click here to buy the Momentum

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Snow Flow State Collection

The Smith Flow State Collection celebrates the moments we all seek on our favorite form of frozen waves when everything is tuned out, the concept of time disappears completely, and the only thing that matters is the turns ahead of you.

Products include:

Bike

Holiday Gift Guide

Not sure what to get the adventurer in your life this holiday season? Check out this Holiday Gift Guide from SMITH to give the gift of outdoor adventure!

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