Smith IO Mag | Ski Goggle Review
The opinions expressed in this review are my own and I am not paid by the brand. If this review helps you decide that the Smith IO Mag is the goggle for you, please consider buying me a coffee here.
For a number of seasons, I have ridden with people who rave about Smith Optics. The people I know and trust have always had positive experiences and this was enough for me to jump on the bandwagon. WELL … the positivity and the chance to try Chromapop lenses. Prior to writing this review, I have ridden with the Smith IO Mag goggles in a variety of conditions in; Japan, China, France, Italy, the USA, and New Zealand. I have experienced everything from extreme whiteout and rain through to beautiful bluebird days whilst wearing this goggle. I rode these goggles with the Giro Combyn Helmet which has been a great fit.
SMITH IO MAG OVERVIEW
The Smith Optics IO Mag is a high-end goggle that comes into the Smith range to replace the IO7. Priced at £220 they are at the upper end of the goggle market in terms of price, but they do come with two Chromapop lenses. The IO Mag was introduced to make lens changes easier and utilizes a magnetic system but with the added security of a latch on either side of the goggle. The lens is spherical and the frameless design offers a great field of vision, although noticeably not as wide as on major competitor the Anon M4.
SMITH IO MAG FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Out of the box the Smith IO Mags make a good impression. I ordered the Austin Smith Collab model that comes with a North Face goggle case that is really handy. It is great that the Smith IO Mags all come with two lenses (normally a sunny and storm lens). This makes the IO great value for money. The IO Mag is a medium size but there is a larger version the XL if you prefer larger goggles. When purchasing I was worried that the clip on the rear of the goggle would be uncomfortable but this is far from the case.
HOW GOOD ARE THE SMITH IO MAG GOGGLES?
The Smith IO Mag goggle is a top performer. I have owned and tried a lot of goggles in the past and these are certainly amongst the best. I will try to break down my thoughts in the categories below.
Smith IO Mag Field of Vision
The frameless goggle gives the IO Mag a wide field of view that is not normally found with medium-fit goggles. The spherical design provides peripheral vision that is not distorted at the edges of the lens as found with cylindrical lenses. You will be able to see the foam and nose bridge when looking towards your feet so if the field of view is your primary concern then look at the IO Mag XL.
IO Mag Lenses
Smith has been at the forefront of lens technology for a few years now. The spherical shape matches the curvature of your eye meaning there is less distortion, especially towards the periphery of the lens. It’s hard to beat Chromapop and the IO Mag comes with two Chromapop lenses. Chromapop lenses are Smiths contrast lenses that filter blue light to increase clarity and definition on snow. Added to this Smith has a patented Porex filter on each lens that prevents fogging during elevation changes.
How Easy Is The Lens Change
This is my only real bugbear with the Smith IO Mag. As a goggle that is advertised with a magnetic lens change system, you would expect a really simple transition. Sadly Smith has added two latches on either side of the lens which just makes the process more fiddly than it has to be. Ok, it’s still easy but it’s not as easy as it could be. I understand the reason for the catches is to make the lenses more secure but Anon achieve this without the catch.
Smith IO Mag Fogging
The simple answer to this one.. no. I’ve been really impressed with how the Smith IO Mag has not fogged at all. The patented Porex filter works a treat and allows for fast changes in elevation. The goggle is well ventilated and has not fogged up on me whilst hiking.
Comfort
The Smith IO Mag is one of the more comfortable goggles I have worn. I would suggest that they might not be a good option if you have a larger face as you might find the frame fits tightly around the bridge of your nose. The comfort offered by the face foam is excellent and I have not found it to be irritable, even with prolonged use. The strap has a clip at the back that I thought would not work well under a helmet but it can’t be felt.
Smith IO Mag Durability
I own the Smith IO Mag and had to use my own money to buy them so I have looked after them well. That being said they have taken many a fall or been dropped on the floor accidentally but the lenses have held up really well. I have stored the lenses in the top of my backpack whilst riding and are scratch-free. The rest of the goggle is in great condition with no visible wear and tear to the face foam, frame, or straps.
Smith IO Mag Style
The IO Mag goggle from Smith Optics comes in a range of straps so you can really personalise it to your taste. If you are a fan of the frameless look you will love these goggles. Personally, I like a larger frame so would like to try the Mag XL but for most people, the IO Mag would be a good size. Smith also offers a range of lens options so there is further functional personalisation available there.
What I Love About The Smith IO Mag…
The fit is incredibly comfortable on the IO Mag
Chromapop lenses are some of the best on the market
The clip on the goggle strap makes them really easy to take on and off.
What I Dislike About The Smith IO Mag…
I think the IO Mag missed the point of magnetic lens change. The lens change system is more complicated than it needs to be.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE SMITH IO MAG
I would definitely recommend the Smith IO Mag as the only negative I could find was the addition of two latches on the lens change. The lenses are quality and the goggle super comfy, I think most people would be really happy with this purchase.
