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June, 2025

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Does Smith/ Oakley goggle technology actually make a difference?

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gfanuckaa
Posts: 538 - Karma: 292
I usually don't care and am not sold on the latest and greatest always being worth it but to those who are rocking Smith 4D mag w/ chromapop or Oakley Flight deck with plutonite - do you actually clearly see benefits to wearing them/ feel like it improves your experience riding in general and with low light/ flat light days their geared towards? Curious if they have been worth it for you
4 years ago
4 0
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5100 - Karma: 18,714
The Oakley Prism lenses are pretty amazing for providing definition in flat light conditions and otherwise. Chromapop is similar but definitely not as effective in my experience. I have Smith goggles and Oakley sunglasses.
4 years ago
5 0
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Biffbarf
Posts: 7536 - Karma: 80,503
My Oakley (prism I think?) lenses are significantly better in flat light than my older smith lenses. Def worth it imo.
4 years ago
1 0
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Kaidenpeterson
Posts: 28 - Karma: 99
I recently got the smith squad mag , and they make a significant difference compared to all the other old/ scratched goggles I’ve had. Seeing clear on the mountain makes a big difference especially in low light and variable conditions
4 years ago
3 0
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fezz
Posts: 542 - Karma: 28
I use smith chromapop lenses in my riding glasses and they are so much better than other off brand glasses / goggles that I've had. One really big benefit I've seen is that I don't see the change in light tones when rotating my head like I've come to expect with other polarized lenses.
4 years ago
0 0
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JohnJonsz
Posts: 317 - Karma: 873
I wish oakley would bring back the prism snow lenses for sunglasses and goggs. The low light prisms are the best for snow.

smith are generally cheaper and the frames are more durable. Ive also had more luck with smith warrantees. Anyway choose a model with interchangeable lenses like io XLs and just stock up on extra lenses. For oakley I like the airbrakes not the XL which are too big.

The magnetic models are cool too especially if you have to mask up and like to rock goggle straps under helmets
4 years ago
1 0
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Anotherandrew
Posts: 52 - Karma: 191
I have last years smith 4D mags.

My experience with them has been great. Chromapop definitely helps with definition in flat light but it doesn't make flat light days into bluebirds. I have always been happy with chromapop, coming from smith squads before. If the technology you are talking about includes the curved lenses (4D), those are amazing. If the slight distortion at the bottom doesn't bother its so useful. Especially when fumbling with things on your coat. I also find it allows me to keep my head up more on rails a little more while still looking at the end.
4 years ago
0 0
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animator
Posts: 4576 - Karma: 26,429
Short explanation for anyone wondering

Oakley Prizm lens have filters in the lens that will filter out every wavelength of light except for orange and blue which are the highest contrasting. This is why they are significantly better in flat light than most other products.

Smith Chromapop, Giro Vivid, whatever the fuck else there is, have filters that enhance EVERY wavelength of visible light, which enhances ALL color. There is no increase in contrast which is what makes all of the difference in flat light when things are blending together.
4 years ago
3 0
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gfanuckaa
Posts: 538 - Karma: 292
animatorShort explanation for anyone wondering

Oakley Prizm lens have filters in the lens that will filter out every wavelength of light except for orange and blue which are the highest contrasting. This is why they are significantly better in flat light than most other products.

Smith Chromapop, Giro Vivid, whatever the fuck else there is, have filters that enhance EVERY wavelength of visible light, which enhances ALL color. There is no increase in contrast which is what makes all of the difference in flat light when things are blending together.


is that specific only to the hi pink lense that are made for overcast?
4 years ago
0 0
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HypeBeast
Posts: 10097 - Karma: 76,790
Prizm 100% makes a difference. That's all imma say
4 years ago
0 0
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animator
Posts: 4576 - Karma: 26,429
gfanuckaais that specific only to the hi pink lense that are made for overcast?


No it’s for every Prizm lens. The tint of each lens will dictate what light conditions to use them in but each one boosts contrast.
4 years ago
3 1
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9771 - Karma: 66,072
i don't know shit about the actual tech involved but seeing the world through my prism goggles motivated me to get prism sunglasses and now i'm working on a plan to get prism contact lenses cause i'm over seeing the world prism-less like some kind of peasant
4 years ago
7 0
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albinoboy
Posts: 377 - Karma: 2,151
I’ve used one of the darker Oakley prizm lenses for the last couple years and never even felt the need for a low light lens in pretty low light conditions. I had a pair of spy aces before and had to change the lens every powder day. Now I have a “low light” prizm lens and don’t feel the need for something darker. Pretty crazy tech
4 years ago
1 0
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