Article by Jeff Valliere and John Tribbia
Smith Shift MAG, Smith Arvo, and Smith Seeker Sport Sunglasses Reviews
Smith Shift MAG $275-$305 ($285 as tested plus $100 for photochromic lens)
By Jeff Valliere
White + ChromaPop Violet Mirror Lens
26 grams
VLT 15% / 100% / 20-85%
Medium Fit
Best for bike, run, snow, sunny
Introduction:
The Shift MAG sunglasses are mid sized, shield sunglasses that feature Smith’s MAG (magnetic) interchangeable lens technology. Many glasses have interchangeable lenses, but what sets Smith apart is their MAG system that makes the process especially easy and sustainable over time (vs. other brands where the process is slow and seems as though you would be causing wear and harm to the glasses).
The Shift MAG provides full coverage protection, ideal for cycling, are quite versatile and also work incredibly well for running, hiking, snow sports or just about any other outdoor activity. They are super light, the optics are superb, fit is amazing and the versatility with easy lens interchangeability is off the charts.
What’s Included:
Glasses
Bonus interchangeable clear lens
Large foam lined hard case for glasses and extra lens
Microfiber bag
Features/Details/Fit:
The MAG feature on the Shift is a highlight for me, as it is so easy and convenient to swap out the lenses quickly and without a nerve wracking wrestling match where you feel like you are doing damage to either the lens, frame or both and always smudging and smearing the lenses with fingerprints.
With the MAG system, you simply press the levers on either side of the temple that releases the lens, remove lens and then reverse the process with the replacement lens, securing the magnet on either side and clicking the side release mechanisms back into place with a low impact, but very secure fit and feel.
The Shift MAG is made from an impact resistant TR90 nylon frame that is impressively lightweight, flexible, yet sturdy and durable.
The adjustable Megol nose pads are very sticky, both when dry or wet with sweat, keeping the glasses firmly planted in place.
The ear stems are made of the same Megol sticky rubber as the nosepiece and hold the glasses in place without any slip.
Fit is described as medium size and is ideal for my small face, providing excellent coverage without feeling overly large or bulky. The glasses hold snugly without any bounce when rough terrain cycling or when fast downhill trail running.
Lens:
The Shift MAG can be purchased with a variety of different Chromapop lenses with different tints and VLT (Visible Light Transmission) to accommodate varied conditions/use conditions (along with different frame colors). The Chromapop Violet Mirror Lens has 15% VLT and is intended for partly cloudy to sunny days (but not the most brilliantly bright sunny days).
That said, I have been out in some very bright, sunny, snowy glare conditions and found the Violet Mirror Lens to be adequately dark and protective from the rays.
The wrap is minimal and is more shield style, but there is plenty of side coverage to keep out unwanted light and wind out and to minimize (eliminate) distortion. The Violet Mirror lens has a gray base and is boosted with ChromaPop color enhancement technology. It has very clear optics, enhancing clarity and detail.
Of course the lens provides 100% protection from harmful UVA/B/C rays. While the Violet Mirror lens is great for the conditions described above, I find them to be a bit dark in the shade and on heavily forested trails and the gray base is not ideal in these conditions, at least so far during the winter months when the sun is low in the sky.
The Shift MAG also comes with an additional clear lens for those very cloudy days or night time activities.
Better yet, you can buy any of the lenses separately (ChromaPop Black, Clear to Gray photochromic, Red Mirror, Green Mirror, Violet Mirror, Platinum) and Smith was kind enough to provide me with a Photochromic Clear to Gray replacement lens to review as well ($100). This lens provides the utmost in versatility with a 20-85% VLT range. Most of my running and riding is in the early morning hours, often before sunrise and it is important to me to have a pair of glasses where I can see well in the dark without compromise, yet which will darken as needed when the sun rises. When it is completely dark, the 85% might as well be 100%, as I cannot determine a difference really between wearing them and not, they essentially seem clear.
Once the sun rises, they gradually darken as needed with direct sun exposure and I am surprised that the VLT on the dark end of the ranges is only 20%, as they seem darker than that, more comparable to 14% lenses that I have and are more than adequate for all but the most blinding high altitude fresh snow conditions (even then, I think they would work OK). The photochromic lens darkens relatively fast, but like almost all similar lenses, struggles to get back to clear when no longer exposed to the sun in cold weather (~6 minutes in moderate temps 50-60 degrees and slower when colder).
A good representation of the difference between the two extremes.
Fully tinted, they are dark enough for most sunny conditions. I will note here that additional replacement lenses come with a black frame and unless you started with a full black frame, they will not match. Matching frames would be great, but I think looks good here in this combo.
When fully clear, they work well in dark or cloudy conditions.
The Smith Chomapop lenses have exceptional optical clarity which allow for enhanced definition. This an advantage when running on trails and in challenging light conditions. Additionally, the lenses are exceptionally smudge resistant and are easy to clean.
Performance/Conclusions/Recommendations:
I find performance to be the absolute best of any sport sunglasses that I have ever worn. The Shift MAGs are so very light, fit exceptionally well, are secure, maximally protective without being too big or bulky, are well vented, versatile, have incredible optical quality and clarity. Most of all I really love the MAG technology and to be able to easily change out lenses without getting them smudged with finger prints and to not feel like you are causing long term damage when changing lenses. They come in a nice range of frame colors and standard lens options, along with the flexibility of easily adding any desired lens. They for sure add a bit of style to your kit and they also pair very well with Smith cycling helmets.
Smith Arvo ($195-$255, $205 as tested)
By Jeff Valliere
Matte Dark Tortoise + ChromaPop Polarized Bronze Mirror Lens
29 grams
VLT 14%
Medium Fit
Best for everyday sunny conditions
Introduction:
The Smith Arvo sunglasses are best suited for more casual daily use and do it with maximum style, fit, comfort and lens quality. Available in a wide range of frame colors and lenses, the Arvo is a top pick for a daily driver.
What’s Included:
Glasses
Microfiber bag
Features/Details/Fit:
The Arvo features Smith’s Evolve bio-based frame material that is both lightweight (29 grams) and sturdy/durable. The Arvo comes in 10 different frame/lens combos to suit your style preference and use case and have a nice wrap-around design for maximum protection from the sun and wind. The Megol nose piece and temple lining is secure and the spring loaded hinges help with comfort and fit. Described as medium fit, they fit perfectly on my small face and I appreciate the amount of coverage without the glasses feeling or looking too large on me.
While they are intended for daily casual use, I have taken them on some runs and rides and they offered adequate protection and stayed put well. That said, for prolonged hardcore endurance sports, I would suggest looking at the Shift Mag above or any other of Smith’s wide range of sport dedicated sunglasses.
Lens: The Polarized Bronze Chromapop lens provides 14% VLT. While I have sensitive eyes in the bright sun, especially as I frequent high altitudes and often blinding alpine conditions, my focus here was more along the lines of versatility and the ability to bike or run on intermittently shaded trails, but since these are casual glasses, they are a good option for driving and daily use.
The Bronze Chromapop lens has proven to be the perfect choice for these applications, as they enhance contrast and natural color making trail details very defined. They are dark enough for my eyes to be relaxed in bright sunshine, yet light enough so that I do not struggle on cloudy days or in the shade.
I have used the Arvo in a variety of conditions to test the lens: bright sun, cloudy days, in the trees, and above treeline. I am able to really interpret the trail ahead with such good contrast and definition thus I feel more confident moving fast over technical terrain.
Conclusions: The Arvo is a top pick if you are looking for the highest quality sunglasses with maximum style, frame color/lens choices, optical clarity and just a bit of versatility for light sport activity. The comfort, quality, fit and feel of the Arvo is hard to beat and I highly recommend them!
Smith Seeker ($205)
By John Tribbia
Matte Black + ChromaPop Polarized Black Lens
VLT 12% / 100% / 20-85%
Medium Fit
Best for snow, bike running, sunny, casual
Introduction:
The Smith Seeker sunglasses are a solid choice for anyone who’s serious about their outdoor adventures. They're built for performance, but with a subtle style that doesn't scream "athlete." Think of them as the sunglasses that can handle your gnarliest trail run and still look good grabbing coffee afterward.
The nylon carrying case comes with an integrated cloth, a secure enclosure, and a convenient buckle to attach to a backpack
Features/Details/Fit: Right off the bat, I was impressed with the ChromaPop™ lenses. They truly make a difference. Colors really do pop – the greens of the pine trees seemed more vibrant, and the blues of the sky were incredibly clear. I could even spot subtle changes in the trail surface more easily, which is always a huge plus in lower light scenarios in tree shade. The frame itself feels really solid. It's lightweight, but it doesn't feel flimsy at all. I put these through their paces on some pretty rough trails, and they held up perfectly.
The fit is spot-on. They fit snugly without feeling too tight, and the Megol nose pads and temple tips kept them securely in place, even when I was sweating like crazy.
I especially appreciated the AutoLock hinges – they make it super easy to put them on and take them off with one hand, which is a must-have for any activity. And the included paracord leash is a great touch – it keeps them handy when I'm not wearing them, and I don't have to worry about losing them.
Now, here's the thing about the included paracord leash though. While it's a nice touch for security, I found it a bit too rough on the temples. It felt a bit abrasive and honestly, it was a little uncomfortable after a while. I still use it, but am actively looking for a replacement that is softer on the skin.
Product Details
Vision
ChromaPop™ lenses enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop
ChromaPop™ polarized lenses cut glare and enhance color and contrast
Light-sensitive photochromic lenses with ChromaPop™ technology adapt to changing light conditions while enhancing contrast and natural color
Smudge and moisture-resistant coatings for easy cleaning and clear optics
Fit/Integration
Medium fit, medium coverage
6-base lens curvature offers a modest wraparound fit
Easy-adjust, QuickFit temples for a customized fit
Megol temple and nose pads provide non-slip grip so glasses stay put
Frame
Evolve™ bio-based frame material is lightweight and durable
Subtle, integrated side shields for peripheral light protection and backside glare reduction
AutoLock hinges hold frames open for easy one-hand on and off
Performance: The Seekers really delivered on the trail. The ChromaPop™ lenses make a noticeable difference, especially when the light is changing. As I mentioned above, the colors were more vibrant, and I could spot subtle trail obstacles more easily. The fit for my medium sized head and face was fantastic – no pressure points or discomfort, even after hours of wear. And I’ll be honest, I really like the cross-over to casual wear and think they look pretty sharp too.
Conclusions/Recommendations: The Smith Seeker sunglasses are a great option for anyone who wants a pair of shades that can keep up with an active lifestyle - bike ride to the coffee shop? You bet. They're comfortable, durable, and the ChromaPop™ lenses are a game-changer. In my opinion, if you're serious about your outdoor adventures and want something that can cross-over to casual wear, these Seekers are worth a serious look.
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