Smith Optics – Embark Sun shades | Gear Assessment

Smith Optics are famend for his or her sun shades. Starting from technical safety to on a regular basis  put on, Smith Optics has cemented themselves as a staple inside the energetic neighborhood.

I not too long ago had the chance to check drive one in every of their newer choices – The Smith Embark Sun shades – in a festive, experimental colorway.

Having spent the previous a number of months on the highway, and spending lots of time within the driver’s seat, it’s protected to say I put these shades by their paces. 

You may need to get a brand new pair of sun shades after studying this evaluate as a result of the Smith Embark sunnies actually outshine the competitors. Let’s take a look at the important thing options and get into this evaluate! 

Key Options: (Matte Purple Cinder Hello Viz + ChromaPop™ Polarized Opal Mirror Lens)

• ChromaPop™ Polarized lenses
  • *Additionally out there with ChromaPop™ Glacier Photochromic lens tint that adapts to match the sunshine situations with much less sensitivity to temperature modifications and full ChromaPop™™ distinction and colour enhancement all through the tint vary
  • Anti-fog and hydroleophobic coatings on the Glacier Photochromic lenses for clear optics and simple cleansing
• AutoLock hinges maintain frames open for straightforward one-hand on and off
• 6-base lens curvature provides a modest wraparound match
• Megol temple and nostril pads present non-slip grip so glasses keep put
• Evolve™ bio-based body materials is light-weight and sturdy
• Detachable TPU aspect shields block peripheral gentle
• Snow goggle impressed retainer strap
• Microfiber bag and laborious case

Smith Embark Sun shades Breakdown

DESIGN AND COMFORT

I particularly selected the Smith Embark sun shades due to their sensible design and go-with-anything form. Whereas Smith Optics has loads of large-frame sun shades that will supply extra face protection and fulfill the development of outsized sun shades (due to Pit Viper), the Embark sun shades make the most of a extra traditional, sq. body that’s equally comfy on the path and on the Apres bar. Nonetheless, whereas the Embark sun shades could also be smaller, they nonetheless pack a giant punch when coping with reflective daylight. The frames are barely curved and supply a wraparound match, creating a really immersive carrying expertise. It feels such as you’re on a kind of bubble ski raise chairs, particularly while you connect the aspect shields! 

I choose smaller-framed sun shades for 2 foremost causes: first, I’ve a smaller head/face and bigger frames find yourself overlaying most of it. Second, I like light-weight sun shades – I need to overlook I’m carrying them, and the Smith Embark sun shades give me that sensation or lack thereof. Utilizing a brilliant powerful and light-weight bio-plastic (Smith calls this Evolve™), the Embark sunnies float on my face and are very comfy for all-day put on. I’m additionally thrilled they got here with a retainer leash that integrates so effectively into the arms of the sun shades.

LENS TECHNOLOGY

The ChromaPop™ lens tint is a flexible lens expertise not restricted to only snowboarding and snowboarding. The lenses comprise high-quality supplies, akin to polycarbonate and Trivex, identified for his or her energy and sturdiness. These supplies are impact-resistant and may stand up to excessive temperatures and harsh climate situations, making them very best for any scenario.

For individuals who spend lengthy days on the climbing path (or within the driver’s seat), the ChromaPop™ lens tint gives clear, sharp imaginative and prescient in varied lighting situations, permitting them to navigate all terrain simply. Its photochromic properties additionally imply that hikers and climbers don’t want to change lenses because the lighting situations change, making it a handy and sensible possibility for outside actions.

I’ve pushed in varied highway situations, together with sun-showers, desert highways, and snow-covered roads the place the reflection alone is almost blinding. Suffice it to say; the ChromaPop™ lenses have been my most dependable companion, enabling me to see the clearest attainable model of the highway and terrain in entrance of me.

DURABILITY AND VALUE

Beginning at $209 and topping out at $239, the Smith Embark Sun shades are actually dearer than most. The choice I reviewed (Matte Purple Cinder Hello Viz + ChromaPop™ Polarized Opal Mirror Lens) is priced at $219.

At that value, these sun shades are actually an funding. Nonetheless, when contemplating their superior lens expertise, sturdiness, and flexibility, they provide a very good worth for his or her value, and I positively haven’t babied these frames. Touring with me from Sacramento to San Diego, these shades have seen lots of of miles of powerful, dusty roads and are not often within the, albeit, very good padded case and cleansing bag that come courtesy of Smith.

So whereas they might appear dear at first, the Smith Embark sun shades supply wonderful worth for his or her value and can present years of dependable efficiency and visible readability, making them a sensible selection for anybody who enjoys spending time within the nice open air and within the driver’s seat!

Test them out at smithoptics.com!