Smith Photochromic Clear to Grey Lens Review
Hot
- Lens auto-adjusts to varying light conditions
- Perfect for dawn or dusk rides when light conditions change
- Hydroleophobic lens coating repels moisture, grease and grime
- Quality lens with no distortions
- Fits a variety of Smith sunglass models with interchangeable lenses
- Ideal for a variety of uses besides cycling
Not
- Does not change quick enough when riding in/out of shade/sun
- Lens will not transition inside a car
https://www.smithoptics.com/us/
Replacement Lens Price: $ 80.00 MSRP
Available with Smith Models: Pathway, Caravan MAG, Attack MAG and Attack MAG Max, Attack MAG MTB, Trackstand, Ruckus, Reverb
Replacement Lens Availability: Lens available for all Smith models except Pathway
Color Shift: From clear (85% VLT) to grey (20% VLT) when exposed to sunlight
Lens Coating: Hydroleophobic
Availability: Online, retail
How Obtained: Company Sample
RBR Sponsor: No
One Lens for Virtually Any Light Exposure
Ever go out on a ride after work and come home in almost pure darkness with your sunglasses perched at the end of your nose or shoved in a jersey pocket? Ideally, you’d have sunglasses for the start of your ride and a clear lens at the end. But no one wants to carry two pairs of glasses or swap out lenses mid ride. That’s where photochromic lenses come into play.
Recently Smith launched a UV-sensitive lens across their line of interchangeable performance eyewear. These photochromic lenses changed from clear (85% VLT) to grey (20% VLT) when exposed to sunlight. VLT stands for visual light transmission with the percentage reflecting the amount of light that shows through the lens. When the lens is clear it is ideal for low light or even night riding to protect your eyes from debris. Then when the lens is grey it works for sunny days. When I was testing them with bright blue skies, I didn’t find myself squinting. Note that the photochromic lens will not work inside a car since the UV protection on the windshield prevents them from transitioning.
The new lens has the same hydroleophobic coating as other Smith lenses. This coating is designed to repel moisture, grease and grime. If sweat or rain hits the lens, it will bead up and disperse without leaving marks or streaks.
Available on Many Models or Retrofit your Current Smith Sunglasses
The new lens is available on several Smith models including, Pathway, Caravan MAG, Attack MAG and Attack MAG Max, Attack MAG MTB, Trackstand, Ruckus, and Reverb. If you already have a compatible pair of Smith sunglasses you can order the photochromic clear to grey lens for $80 directly from Smith’s web site here. If you own the Pathway model, you unfortunately are out of luck and would need to buy a new pair since this style uses a fixed lens.
Quality Eyewear
Over the years I’ve reviewed a number of Smith models including the Trackstand and Attack. The light weight design and high-quality optics make them a great choice not only for cyclists, but also for hiking and a variety of outdoor sports.
Bottom Line
Smith’s line of high-quality sunglasses just got a great addition. Their new photochromic lens takes you from dawn to dusk by changing from clear to grey. Already have a pair of Smith sunglasses with interchangeable lens(es)? Save money by retrofitting to your existing model with the new lens for just $80.
