Smith Hookset Sunglasses Review

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In the arms race for top fishing sunglasses, Smith Optics has brought out the all-new Hookset Sunglasses. Smith has always been a top manufacturer of high-end eyewear. Since 1965, when Dr. Bob Smith created the first pair of ski goggles, Smith Optics has been a center for outdoor gear innovation. Now, Smith Optics has expanded from ski goggles to include sunglasses and bike helmets. With their innovation and quality products, Smith is a worldwide leader in outdoor eyewear.

This summer, I’ve had the chance to try out Smith Optics’ newest fishing eyewear, the Hookset Sunglasses. Ever since I was a child, I’ve had a fascination with eyewear, spending many hours in my father’s optometric office. My love of sunglasses has stayed with me, and I’ve taken these sunglasses on countless fishing trips this summer to see how they live up to the hype.

About the Smith Hookset Sunglasses

Frames

The Smith Hookset Sunglasses boast a medium-sized frame available in an array of five stylish colors: matte black, matte tortoise, matte slate, Mississippi mud, and matte Pacific. Designed to accommodate medium to large faces, these frames offer substantial coverage with their 8-base wrap-around lens curvature, ensuring a snug fit that contours comfortably to the face. Smith Optics provides sunglasses with varying curvatures, ranging from 4 for flatter styles to 8 for robust wraps suitable for sports like mountain biking and fishing, where blocking out stray light is crucial. The frames are equipped with Megol temple and nose pads for enhanced grip, while spring hinges secure the temples firmly against the head. Notably, integrated chamfers or grooves facilitate effective drainage of sweat and moisture away from the lenses.

Nosepads

Chamfer For Moisture

Crafted from Evolve, a bioplastic akin to nylon but predominantly derived from castor oil, these frames combine the durability and lightweight properties of traditional oil-based plastics with a sustainable edge.

Lenses

The Hookset Sunglasses are available with lenses in both glass and polycarbonate options, each featuring Smith’s renowned ChomaPop technology. This advanced technology enhances visual clarity by reducing color overlap, thereby emphasizing distinct colors and enhancing overall image clarity. Additionally, the glass lenses incorporate PhotoChromic technology, which automatically adjusts to varying light conditions. In bright sunlight, the lenses darken to reduce glare and enhance visibility, while in lower light conditions, they allow more light to pass through for optimal clarity. The PhotoChromic compound within the lenses undergoes a molecular change when exposed to UV light, efficiently altering light transmission and ensuring versatile performance across changing environments.

Accessories

Included with the Hookset Sunglasses are essential accessories to enhance convenience and protection. These include a PivLock leash retainer for secure attachment, a durable hard case for safe storage, and a microfiber bag for cleaning and maintenance.

PivLock Leash Retainer

This detailed overview underscores the thoughtful design, innovative materials, and advanced technologies that distinguish the Smith Hookset Sunglasses as an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both performance and sustainability in their eyewear.

Thoughts on the Smith Hookset Sunglasses

Throughout this summer, I’ve had the pleasure of testing the Smith Hookset sunglasses in diverse fishing environments from the mountain rivers of Colorado to the many lakes of Northern Michigan. These sunglasses have accompanied me on rivers, streams, small ponds, and large bodies of water alike.

Standout Glass

One of the standout features of the Smith Hookset Sunglasses is undoubtedly its lenses. Having previously enjoyed the clarity of Smith’s ChromaPop polycarbonate lenses, I have a personal preference for glass lenses due to their exceptional durability and scratch resistance. While glass lenses may not offer the shatterproof qualities of polycarbonate, their overall robustness and optical clarity have made them often my preferred choice in sunglasses.

The introduction of PhotoChromic Lenses in the Hookset Sunglasses has far exceeded my expectations. Combining the renowned clarity of ChromaPop with the benefits of glass has been a game-changer. In scenarios like sight fishing, spotting subtle movements beneath the water’s surface demands utmost visual acuity. The PhotoChromic technology seamlessly adjusts to changing light conditions, allowing me to keep the sunglasses on from dawn till dusk without compromise. This versatility has proven invaluable during early morning and late evening fishing sessions, where the ability to adapt to low-light conditions enhances visibility and extends fishing hours.

Low Light Salmon

My preference leans towards the PhotoChromic brown lens with a green tint, which I find ideal for my varied fishing pursuits excelling from freshwater lakes to brackish inshore waters. These lenses effectively reduce glare, enabling me to spot fish hiding in the shadows of riverbanks or prowling shallow flats with confidence.

Bright Sunny Day Trout

In terms of safety, particularly in fly fishing, sunglasses are essential not just for Ultraviolet light eye protection but also to shield against unforeseen fly casts. However, as daylight fades, I often face the dilemma of removing my glasses for clearer vision, a risky move that underscores the importance of adaptable eyewear like the Hookset Sunglasses.

Well Designed Frames

The medium-sized frame of the Hookset sunglasses fits comfortably on most faces, thanks to its 8-base curvature that contours snugly and minimizes peripheral light intrusion. While the coverage is adequate for most conditions, I personally favor larger lenses for maximum protection against stray light. This is a minor preference amidst an otherwise stellar design.

Crafted with sustainability in mind, the Smith Evolve biobased frames exemplify durable construction that withstands the demands of rigorous angling. The sturdy hinges and effective nose and temple pads ensure the sunglasses stay securely in place, even during extended wear in humid conditions. The integrated sweat chamfers have proven their worth on scorching days, preventing fogging and allowing me to maintain clear vision during extended battles with trophy fish.

In addition to the exceptional lenses, I appreciate the thoughtful design of the PivLock leash retainer, which secures without adding bulk or discomfort to the temples. This is a notable improvement over traditional retainers.

Smith’s commitment to quality is further evident in their sunglasses cases, which provide reliable protection ideal for travel and ensuring my eyewear remains safe and scratch-free, whether packed in carry-on luggage or stowed in a tackle box.

Specs on the Smith Hookset Sunglasses Taken Directly From the Smith Website

• Medium to large fit, medium coverage
• 8-base lens curvature offers a wraparound fit
• Megol temple and nose pads provide non-slip grip so glasses stay put
• Spring hinges self-adjust to your face for a snug, comfortable fit
• The included PivLock™ leash retainer seamlessly attaches to your frames to keep them safe
• Evolve™ bio-based frame material is lightweight and durable
• Strategic frame chamfers to allow moisture to exit off of the lens and away from the groove
• PivLock™ leash retainer
• Hard case
• Microfiber bag

Final Thoughts on the Smith Hookset Sunglasses

The Smith Hookset Sunglasses have been essential during my fishing trips in Colorado and Northern Michigan this summer. Switching to durable glass lenses with PhotoChromic technology has greatly improved visibility and comfort throughout the day. The medium-sized frame fits snugly with minimal light interference. Crafted sustainably with Smith’s Evolve biobased frames, they offer durability and reliable performance, making them a top choice for all fishing conditions. If you are looking for high end sunglasses that can be functional in all light conditions then the Smith Hookset Sunglasses should be on your short list. For more info or to check out a pair for yourself visit www.smithoptics.com.

Evening on the Water