SMITH evolves its best selling Clear to Grey performance lenses to now incorporate the unmatched color and contrast enhancement of ChromaPop to create a lens hyper-tuned for changing light conditions that amplifies details with optical clarity. The PhotoChromic adaptability suits any light condition β from sunrise to sunset, dark skies to radiating sunshine β and is available in 5 performance frames designed to tackle any terrain on two wheels with greater visual confidence.
Chuck PeΓ±a PEZ sez: Both Al and I got a pair of the Smith Shift Split MAG sunglasses so weβll give you each of our opinions. For the record, we didnβt talk to each other or otherwise coordinate our elegant prose.
Inside the very sturdy had case youβll find a pair of Smith Shift Split MAG sunglasses with ChromoPop Photochromatic lens, a second clear lens, and soft case that doubles as a lens cleaner
As is the case with pretty much all cycling sunglasses these days, the Smith Shift Split MAG is a BIG shield style. The lens width is 139mm and height is 60mm. Style/fashion is in the eye of the beholder, but definitely a lot of lens real estate for sun and wind protection. Smith calls the Shift Split MAG a βmediumβ size frame. I have to wonder how big βlargeβ is. Just remember what our PEZ compardre, Ed Hood, said: βbe careful of sizing, if you have a small head and wear huge shades you could stray into βDame Ednaβ or βFearless Flyβ territory β neither is icy.β
You can decide if this is medium or large
Speaking of Ed β¦
As many PEZ readers probably know, Ed suffered a serious stroke some 18 months ago.Β We miss him a lot. Unfortunately, Ed probably wonβt make it back into our bunch, so we started a GoFundMe page to help Ed with his future.Β Read the full post here β and please consider donating.
** Click this link to donate to the GoFundMe page to help Ed **
The nose pad has two positions for fit, but the Shift Split MAG was comfortable for me right out of the box.
NOTE: The Shift Split MAG comes in seven color combinations with mirrored ChromoPop lens. The Photochromatic lens version that Al and I got can only be had with a glossy black frame. And the lens isnβt mirrored.
27 grams is pretty svelte
Of course, what sets the Smith Shift Split Mag ChromoPop Photochromatic apart from most other cycling sunglasses is the lens. Smith claims their ChromoPop lenses βenhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop.β I have no way to measure this but can say that to my eye the view looked a little bit sharper. YMMV.
TheΒ Photochromatic tech means that as light conditions change, the lens tint changes β Smith claims βfrom clear to gray.β However, to my eye, the lightest tint isnβt clear, but a very light gray.
The difference between the Photochromatic lens at its lightest tint (left) and the clear lens (right) is apparent
I canβt say exactly how much tint is provided and Smith doesnβt make any claims. What I can say is that my eyes were comfortable riding in full, bright sunlight conditions as well as cloudy, overcast conditions.
Youβll have to decide for yourself if the Shift Split MAG can do double-duty as a pair of βregularβ sunglasses
If your fashion sense can live without mirrored lenses, the Smith Shift Split MAG ChromaPop Photochromatic (yes, thatβs a mouthful!) are a pair of βdo it allβ sunglasses. If you know youβre going to be riding in bright sunlight all day, you might prefer a pair of sunglasses with a single, dark tint (like the Smith Shift Split MAG with mirrored ChromaPop lenses). But if youβre go to be riding in changing light conditions, e.g., sun and clouds, the Smith Shift Split MAG ChromaPop Photochromatic should provide enough tint in full sun but be light enough (with contrast) when clouds roll in. Ditto for if youβre riding in and out of shaded, e.g., tree lined/forested, areas. I also found I could ride with the Photochromatic lens at night with a good headlight (mine is 1000 lumens) with ambient street lighting, but not if it was completely dark.
Always a good idea to try on cycling sunglasses with your helmet to make sure they fit well together
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Chuck wrote his review before me, and to be honest he has said it all. I would agree the best thing about the Smith Shift Split Mag ChromoPop Photochromatic glasses are the lens. They do seem to make everything clearer and sharper. The fact that they are photochromatic is also a bonus, it means you donβt have to think about the light before you go out. If it goes dull or the sun comes out, you still have the right glasses.
Dark when you need them
You always have the option of the clear lens, good for evening training. Swapping the lenses is easy, there is great clip system on the legs that allows you to swap lenses in a matter of seconds. The clear lens also seems sharpen the vision.
The clear lens for very dull days or evening rides
The legs and nose pice are easy to adjust to your head and nose. You can get the fit just right and they stay in place. I lent them to a runner friend who likes a bit of mountain and trail running. He was impressed by how they handled the rough stuff. I was lucky to get them back.
Not too big for casual wear
The Smith Shift Split Magβs are big, but when you have them on you donβt notice much of a difference on your face, this is probably helped by not having a frame at the bottom of the lens. Also no chance of steaming up as there are gaps at the top of the lens for ventilation.
Overall I like the Smith glasses, they are comfortable, fairly light and fit well and the best thing is the Photochromatic lens. Glasses for all light conditions.
The Smith description:
Put it into high gear with the Smith Shift Split MAG sunglasses. Their split-frame design provides an obstruction-free view of the road and trail with a lightweight feel that stays put through technical trails and full-gas descents. With ChromaPop lens tech, they ensure crisp visuals to keep you on track and charging. Interchangeable lenses let you choose the right tint, and the Smith MAG system makes for quick, fingerprint-free lens changes thanks to its simple magnetic-clip design.
Fine tune your kit with additional or replacement lenses for sunny conditions, variable conditions, and cloudy conditions. Expand your view here.
Product Details
Vision
ChromaPop lenses enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop
Light-sensitive, photochromic lenses adapt to changing light conditions
Smith MAG lets you change lenses quickly
Smudge and moisture-resistant coatings for easy cleaning and clear optics
Fit / Integration
Medium to large fit, large coverage
5-base cylindrical shield lens curvature
Slight wraparound fit
Megol temples and nose pads provide non-slip grip so glasses stay put
Two-position, adjustable Megol nose pads
Frame
High impact resistant TR90 nylon frame
AutoLock hinges hold frames open for easy one-hand on and off
More info at: www.smithoptics.com.
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