The Smith I/O MAG The North Face Austin Smith X goggles are Austin Smith’s pro model whose other sponsor is The North Face. Which explains why these goggles are delivered in a super TNF protective bag. Smith rarely does things by half, we also have a second lens (category 1 for bad weather conditions) and a very good fabric protective bag with a dual compartment. That said, at 270 euros they are placed in the top end market and the product should be perfect. Is it the case?
At the end of our tests out on the snow, we can say that the Smith I/O MAG The North Face Austin Smith X perfectly fulfill their mission. First, let’s just look at the only downside as far as we are concerned: the solar protection of the category 3 lens (the darkest). After a day on the snow, those with light-coloured eyes have a bit of a tough time, the index 3 is without doute a little overestimated.
For all the rest, everything is perfect. Where shall we start? The lenses’ optical quality is irreproachable: no distortion, no reflections, perfect details, management of shade to light, wide field of vision (the XL lenses are better than the Smith Squad XL. What we particularly liked was their fabulous system for changing the lens. It’s usually a nightmare to which point we never end up changing the lens: too complicated, risk breaking the goggles, etc. With Smith not at all: the combination of a clip and a magnet allow you to change the lens in the blink of an eye! (Use the soft fabric bag for the operation so you don’t smear fingerprints all over the lens). Fast, efficient and easy. The lens you aren’t using stores in the lining of the fabric bag.
During our test we didn’t notice any fogging up. The multi-density foam padding is very comfortable. The goggles hold well on the helmet thanks to the very wide anti-slip headband. The Smith I/O MAG The North Face Austin Smith X doesn’t sqeak. Be careful, the lens is domed and doesn’t have a surrounding structure to protect it from possible knocks/scratching, for example when you are carrying your skis vertically in a cable car and the skis accidentally knock against your goggles.
The Smith I/O MAG The North Face Austin Smith X are excellent top-of-the-range goggles, with a price to match. Their optical quality and system for changing the lenses are top notch. Only the sun protection is slightly missing the beat.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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