Smith Vice Goggles Review

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With ski and snowboard season in full swing, now is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the fresh white stuff, snow that is. Over the last 6 weeks, I’ve been testing out the Smith Vice Goggles in both resort and backcountry excursions. As with any goggle, the frame technology and lens technology are equally important and I’ll be going into both in this review.

Lens technology in the Smith Vice Goggles

Depending on when and where you ski, choosing a lighter or darker lens can sometimes make or break a day out skiing. I personally like the look of the darker lenses because they block out your eyes, but for visibility and versatility, I like lighter tinted snow goggle lens. The Smith Vice Goggles which are part of the Vaporator series has a number of different lens types, so whether you’re in the market for a lighter or darker tinted lens, you should be covered.

The technology used in the Smith Vice Goggle Line is Smith TLT technology. This lens technology takes fragmented light beams and directs them into one spot on the eye which provides a clear picture of what you’re looking at. Having used this technology for both sunglasses and goggles, I am confident in this technology and the clarity this lens technology provides is great.

Another piece of technology integrated into this lens is the patented Vaporator seal and Portex filter. The Vaporator seal keeps out any moisture from getting in between the outer and inner lens. This is a tight seal that ensures nothing gets in. And while no moisture can get in from the outside, it doesn’t mean that moisture can’t build up in fast changing temps. To allow venting between the lens in case this happens, the Porex filter allows moisture to get out while not allowing it to get in. The filter is in the front of the goggle, so this means that if you’re skiing, you’ll get the most ventilation through this section.

Frame Technology

As mentioned above, frame technology is something that shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing a pair of snow goggles. The frame in the Smith Vice Goggles are made from a mix of harder plastic and rubber that helps the frame conform to each individual face. This also makes it super easy to switch out lenses if you have different lenses for this goggle.

Attached to the frame is a 3 layer foam where the close layer to the face is soft and velvety, the second layer and 3rd layers are more dense with different levels of breathability that allows for the complete goggle package to vent.

The Smith website says the Smith Vice Goggles fit a medium to large face in it’s online description, but I have found it to be closer to a solid medium fit.

Helmet Compatibility

I tested the Smith Vice Goggles with the Smith Vantage Helmet with the new Air Evac 2 Ventilation. Like many companies that make helmets and goggles, you get a great fit with both smith goggles and helmets, meaning no gaper gap. In addition to no gaper gap, the Smith Vice Goggles have a nice silicone lining on the strap that provides a great grip on the helmet, meaning you’re goggles aren’t going to be moving around while you’re skiing or snowboarding.

Final Thoughts

The Smith Vice Goggle is a great option for the skier and snowboarder looking for an everyday snow goggle that they can depend on day and and day out. For more info on the Vice Goggles and other Smith products, visit www.smithoptics.com or www.amazon.com/smith.