Smith's approach to goggle development begins with fog prevention, enhanced visual clarity, protection from the sun and a perfect fit. Smith goggles are all designed to not just meet but exceed theses expectations.
Reliable Fog-Free Vision
The most common problem goggle users have is fogging, which happens when the inner lens surface falls below the dew point. Humidity inside the goggle doesn't help the situation - the more humid the air, the more potential for fog. Smith goggles us a combination of technological advancements to help prevent fogging.
Fog-X™ Lens Treatment: A hydrophillic chemical treatment creates a micro-etched surface on the inner lens to absorb moisture before fog can form. Fog-X is scientifically proven to be the most effective anti-fog treatment available. Because Fog-X is a treatment that is actually burned into the lens, it can’t be wiped away like other anti-fog coatings.
Vaporator™ Lens Technology: Vaporator lens technology leads the industry in thermal lens barriers. Smith lenses are robotically cut and bonded together with an airtight, silicone bead to eliminate lens delamination, the number one cause of between-the-lens fogging. A revolutionary, micro porous filter called Porex™ completes the system. Its composition is structured such that air molecules may pass through the filter while water molecules cannot. By utilizing this filter, the thermal lens can adjust to varying altitudes while preventing moisture from entering the lens chamber. This is the world’s strongest thermal lens barrier.
Thermal Lens: Two single lenses bonded together with a sealed “dead air” space between them create a thermal barrier that keeps the inner lens warm and dry. Like storm windows, but much more comfortable, this process keeps cold, moist air outside where it belongs.
Breathable Foam Membrane: Every Smith Goggle uses a breathable foam membrane that allows air to circulate through the lens chamber while filtering out fog-causing moisture and snow particles.
Ventilation: Lowering the inside humidity of goggles is key to enhanced fog-free vision and is best done by exchanging moist air for dry air. Certain series of Smith goggles employ their own distinct feature for varying levels of controlled ventilation. These include a patented exhaust fan in the Turbo Fan goggles, a patented adjustable ventilation system in the Regulator series and active ventilation in the Airflow and Junior series.
Precise Optics
Two essential elements to good vision are visual acuity - the ability to pick out details, and contrast sensitivity - the ability to judge differences in color and recognize the distance between objects near and far. Understanding the differences between these elements and improving the two, and then improving each, is the key to enhanced visual clarity.
Performance Lens Tints: Smith offers a wide variety of interchangeable lens tints to enhance vision in all light and weather conditions.
Carbonic-X™ Lens: Smith has set the standard in lens performance. All Turbo Fan, Spherical and Regulator series lenses feature a Carbonic-X outer lens. Each one individually molded to offer optimum scratch and impact resistance, increased visual acuity and enhanced contrast sensitivity. The inner lens is impregnated with Smith’s Fog-X treatment for increased anti-fog performance. The Carbonic-X lens meets Class 1 optical standards. There is simply no better lens.
Tapered Lens Technology™ (TLT): When light passes through a medium, it refracts ie: changes course. This refraction can cause visual distortion and eye fatigue. Smith’s Tapered Lens Technology straightens out the incoming light rays by progressively tapering the lens from the optical center toward the peripheral view. You see with 100% accuracy and maximum comfort. Available in all Turbo Fan, Spherical and Regulator models.
Hydrophobic Lens Coating: A durable hydrophobic coating bonded to all mirrored lenses reduces smudging and increases scratch resistance. Available in all Turbo Fan, Spherical, Regulator and Airflow models
The Perfect Fit
Through decades of experience and painstaking research and development, all Smith goggles are engineered to work in unison with the wide variety of human facial features. Constructed to provide optimum comfort and seal, it’s no wonder why Smith is the number one name in goggles.
Split "V" Nose: A Smith innovation that provides a self-adjusting fit around the nose.
Extra-Wide Strap: Lock down your goggles with Smith’s ultra-wide, durable, double woven strap.
Performance Face Foam: Ultra plush for the perfect fit, the dual density DriWix compression-molded face foam seals out the elements and creates maximum comfort.
Flexible Urethane Frame: Smith uses a unique urethane compound which allows the frame to conform to individual facial features while maintaining its flexibility in extreme cold temperatures.
Articulating Outrigger Positioning System™: This is the latest innovation in goggle/helmet compatibility. The outriggers have been strategically positioned on the frame and engineered to transfer pressure evenly across the brow and nose for a complete seal around the face. When used with a helmet, the strap articulation provides a comfortable and consistent goggle fit. The Outrigger Positioning System is effective with or without a helmet for optimum performance in all conditions.
Do's and Dont's
Following a few simple guidelines will ensure a comfortable and enhanced fog-free day on the slopes:
Make sure your new goggles form a tights seal on your face - Take the time to try on different models to find the most comfortable pair that forms a complete seal around the face.
Try goggles on as if you were on the slopes - Bring your helmet and/or hat with you when you try on new goggles. You'll want to make sure your goggles will fit properly with what you actually wear.
Wearing your goggles on your forehead will cause them to fog - Your head is like the smokestack of a steam train. 30% of your body’s heat leaves through the top of your head. Placing your goggles on your forehead will trap this moisture, causing your goggles to fog. Try to leave your goggle on unless you can keep them dry when you take them off.
Wiping goggles with excess snow in them will increase fogging - Smearing the snow and ice from your last wipe-out around inside your lens will only result in increased fogging and more frustration. If your goggles become filled with snow, knock out the majority of the snow. Then use a soft cloth to mop out the majority of the moisture. Ideally, you’ll want to find a restroom automatic hand dryer to fully dry the inner and outer lenses.
