Smith Squad Mag Goggle Review

Let’s Talk About Smith Squad Mag Goggle

The Smith Squad Mag Goggle isn’t just another piece of eyewear; it’s a commitment to clarity, comfort, and adaptability on the slopes. Manufactured by Smith, a brand synonymous with quality optics in the outdoor world, the Squad Mag boasts their best-in-class MAG interchangeable lens system. This goggle promises to enhance your vision, protect your eyes, and keep you focused on carving those perfect turns.

I was tired of dealing with fogged-up lenses and struggling to swap them out when the light changed. My old goggles just weren’t cutting it anymore, leading to frustration and potentially dangerous situations on the mountain. I needed goggles that could adapt to changing conditions quickly and easily, providing optimal visibility in any scenario.

Upon unboxing the Smith Squad Mag Goggle, I was immediately impressed by the sleek, semi-frameless design and the quality of the materials. The goggle felt lightweight yet sturdy, with a comfortable-feeling face foam. The magnetic lens system was smooth and intuitive; it inspired confidence that lens changes would be quick and easy on the mountain.

I considered the Anon M4 and the Oakley Line Miner goggles, both known for their excellent optics and comfortable fit. I ultimately chose the Smith Squad Mag Goggle because of the perceived simplicity and effectiveness of the Smith MAG lens change system, and the positive reviews of the ChromaPop lens technology. The price point also played a role, offering a great value proposition for the features offered.

My initial impression was excitement. The Smith Squad Mag Goggle seemed to address all my concerns about fogging and lens swapping, and the build quality suggested a goggle that would withstand the rigors of winter sports. I couldn’t wait to put them to the test.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Smith Squad Mag Goggle to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Smith Squad Mag Goggle on a ski trip to Park City, Utah. The conditions varied throughout the day, from bright sunshine to overcast skies with light snow. I used both the ChromaPop Everyday Red Mirror lens (for bright light) and the included low-light lens.

The goggles performed exceptionally well in both conditions. The ChromaPop lens provided excellent clarity and contrast in bright light, while the low-light lens significantly improved visibility on overcast days. The lens swapping was remarkably easy and quick, even while wearing gloves on the chairlift. There was zero fogging, even during high-exertion runs.

The only minor issue I encountered was a slight pressure point on my nose bridge after several hours of continuous wear. This could be related to my specific facial structure, and it was easily remedied by adjusting the strap.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of skiing and snowboarding, the Smith Squad Mag Goggle has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the frame or lenses, other than some minor surface scratches on the outer lens from tree branches.

The lenses are easy to clean with the included microfiber bag, and the anti-fog coating has remained effective. I’ve cleaned them after each day of use. The strap has maintained its elasticity.

Compared to my previous goggles, the Smith Squad Mag Goggle is a significant upgrade. The improved visibility, ease of lens swapping, and anti-fog performance have made a noticeable difference in my enjoyment of winter sports. It has definitely outperformed my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith Squad Mag Goggle

Specifications

• The Smith Squad Mag Goggle features a Cylindrical Carbonic-x lens for clarity and impact resistance. This lens construction provides a wide field of view and excellent protection from impacts.
• The goggles are equipped with a 5X anti-fog inner lens for advanced fog-free performance. This ensures clear vision even in humid conditions or during intense activity.
• Smith’s ChromaPop lenses enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop. This technology significantly improves visibility and allows you to see the terrain with greater clarity.
• The Smith MAG lens change system uses magnets for quick, easy lens changes. The six magnetic contact points and two locking mechanisms make swapping lenses a breeze, even with gloves on.
• They are designed for ultimate integration with Smith helmets for maximum comfort, venting, and fog-free performance. This ensures a seamless fit and optimal airflow to prevent fogging.
• The Smith Squad Mag Goggle features a QuickFit strap adjustment system for finding the right fit fast. This allows you to easily adjust the strap for a comfortable and secure fit, even with a helmet.
• An ultra-wide, silicone-backed strap keeps the goggle in place. This provides a secure and comfortable fit, even during high-speed runs or intense activity.
• The goggle uses three-layer DriWix face foam which wicks moisture for a fog-free fit. This foam conforms to your face for a comfortable and secure seal, while also wicking away moisture to prevent fogging.
• A Responsive Fit frame adjusts to your face for a precise, comfortable fit. The flexible frame conforms to the contours of your face, providing a personalized and comfortable fit.
• The Smith Squad Mag Goggle is a Medium / Large fit; Available in Low Bridge Fit for faces with a lower nose bridge and/or a wide or high cheekbone shape. This ensures a proper and comfortable fit for a wide range of face shapes.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith Squad Mag Goggle excels at its primary function: providing clear and comfortable vision in a variety of conditions. The lenses offer excellent clarity and contrast, and the anti-fog coating is highly effective. The lens swapping system is incredibly easy and convenient.

One weakness is that the cylindrical lens can sometimes create a slight distortion at the periphery of your vision. This is common with cylindrical lenses. But I think the ease of use and vision quality far outweighs this minor drawback.

The Smith Squad Mag Goggle exceeds my expectations in terms of performance, comfort, and ease of use. It’s a well-designed and executed product that delivers on its promises.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smith Squad Mag Goggle features a sleek, semi-frameless design that is both stylish and functional. The materials used are high-quality, and the goggle feels solid and well-built. The face foam is comfortable and conforms to the contours of your face.

The goggle is very user-friendly. The Smith MAG lens change system is intuitive and easy to operate, and the QuickFit strap adjustment system allows you to find the perfect fit in seconds.

Durability & Maintenance

The Smith Squad Mag Goggle is built to last. The lenses are impact-resistant. The frame is made from durable materials, and the strap is high-quality.

Maintenance is simple. Just clean the lenses with the included microfiber bag after each use. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the anti-fog coating.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith Squad Mag Goggle comes with two interchangeable ChromaPop lenses: one for bright light conditions and one for low light conditions. It also includes a microfiber goggle bag for cleaning and storage.

While there are no official customization options for the frame, the Smith Squad Mag Goggle is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket lenses from Smith. This allows you to tailor the goggle to your specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of Smith Squad Mag Goggle

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Smith Squad Mag Goggle?

The Smith Squad Mag Goggle is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels who demand excellent visibility, comfort, and convenience. It is particularly well-suited for those who frequently encounter changing weather conditions or who value the ability to quickly and easily swap lenses. This goggle will also work well for backcountry enthusiasts, as well as resort riders.

Those who should skip this product are people on a very tight budget who don’t want to pay the premium for quick lens changes. It’s also not ideal for users who prefer a spherical lens for maximum peripheral vision with less distortion.

A must-have accessory is additional ChromaPop lens tints to fine-tune your vision for specific conditions. A hard goggle case is also recommended to protect the lenses during travel and storage.

Conclusion on Smith Squad Mag Goggle

The Smith Squad Mag Goggle is an outstanding piece of eyewear that delivers on its promises of clarity, comfort, and adaptability. The Smith MAG lens change system is a game-changer, making it incredibly easy to adapt to changing light conditions. The ChromaPop lenses provide excellent visibility. The anti-fog performance is top-notch.

The price of $116.39 is justified by the quality of the materials, the performance of the lenses, and the convenience of the Smith MAG system. It’s an investment in your enjoyment and safety on the slopes.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Smith Squad Mag Goggle to any skier or snowboarder. It’s a well-designed and executed product that will enhance your vision. The goggle will protect your eyes and keep you focused on enjoying the mountain. Upgrade your goggle game and experience the difference for yourself!