That's funny - Foothill Park is my goto spot for a lot of the product shots. Just did repeats up the observatory road this morning, I'm usually on my chameleon Tarmac if you see me out there.
Interested in your thoughts on the photochromic lens. How does it do in very sunny conditions - does it get dark enough? How long does it take to transition from a lighter tint to dark and vice versa? Either going with the photochromic or the black chromopop. Thanks for your review and feedback!
Thanks and great question. The Smith Shift MAG is only offered with the Clear/Gray (20-85% VLT, Cat 0-2) and although we found that they adjust quickly to the environment they aren't dark enough for very sunny riding. At it's darkest its only a Cat 2 with VLT of 20%. You'll want something that is a Cat 3 so the Black Chromapop (VLT 10% - Cat 3) is probably a better choice. The Shift MAG also comes with clear lenses so if you ride in low light conditions you can quickly swap the lens out.
@@Erikforehand If you're in very sunny conditions, I think any of the ChromaPop lenses are a better choice than the photochromic lens. The Black ChromaPop is a VLT of 10% which is very dark though, so if you ride in overcast or mixed conditions that one might be too dark.
Great question. It really depends on what you're looking for. The POC Devour has more coverage and protection from the sun / debris with it's larger size. However, the POC doesn't offer a photochromic lens or the easy magnetic lens swap system though. For me, I think I prefer the Smith as it comes with a clear lens and feels more premium for same price.
@@TheSweetCyclists Thank you for taking the time. I’m getting back into mtb and I sold all my gear so now I have to go and buy an entire kit. I’ll place my order for these and a smith session helmet then ! Thanks again !
To be honest, it's hard to tell the difference between the premium brands. Unless you're buying gas station sunglasses, most modern sunglasses have clear and crisp optics. Photochromic lenses like the Smith / Bolle we've reviewed seem to perform equally well and are definitely worth the extra price over standard lenses.
@@TheSweetCyclists thank you for your reply, I very much thought so i.e. brands that focus on eyewear/started out as eyewear companies being very good performers. I also think photochromic is the way to go, spend a little more on one pair and be set for change of weather rather than having four different pairs offering different VLT. Keep up the good work.
Your sunglasses reviews are your best I think. Thanks as always
Glad you liked it! Happy you like our product-centric style. Can't tell you how many reviews I've come across where you barely see the product.
That's funny, I recognize foothills park in the background at 6:22!
That's funny - Foothill Park is my goto spot for a lot of the product shots. Just did repeats up the observatory road this morning, I'm usually on my chameleon Tarmac if you see me out there.
Interested in your thoughts on the photochromic lens. How does it do in very sunny conditions - does it get dark enough? How long does it take to transition from a lighter tint to dark and vice versa? Either going with the photochromic or the black chromopop. Thanks for your review and feedback!
Thanks and great question. The Smith Shift MAG is only offered with the Clear/Gray (20-85% VLT, Cat 0-2) and although we found that they adjust quickly to the environment they aren't dark enough for very sunny riding. At it's darkest its only a Cat 2 with VLT of 20%. You'll want something that is a Cat 3 so the Black Chromapop (VLT 10% - Cat 3) is probably a better choice. The Shift MAG also comes with clear lenses so if you ride in low light conditions you can quickly swap the lens out.
@@TheSweetCyclists Thanks! So you would recommend the black and the clear frames?
@@Erikforehand If you're in very sunny conditions, I think any of the ChromaPop lenses are a better choice than the photochromic lens. The Black ChromaPop is a VLT of 10% which is very dark though, so if you ride in overcast or mixed conditions that one might be too dark.
@@TheSweetCyclists thanks again!
Great in depth reviews !!! Subbed!!! 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼 one question though, which would you choose for mtb these or the POC Devour?
Great question. It really depends on what you're looking for. The POC Devour has more coverage and protection from the sun / debris with it's larger size. However, the POC doesn't offer a photochromic lens or the easy magnetic lens swap system though. For me, I think I prefer the Smith as it comes with a clear lens and feels more premium for same price.
@@TheSweetCyclists Thank you for taking the time. I’m getting back into mtb and I sold all my gear so now I have to go and buy an entire kit. I’ll place my order for these and a smith session helmet then ! Thanks again !
No worries. Glad your getting back into it, cycling is a great hobby to have.
Where do you rank Smith's optical performance/lens technology compared to Bollé, Oakley?
To be honest, it's hard to tell the difference between the premium brands. Unless you're buying gas station sunglasses, most modern sunglasses have clear and crisp optics. Photochromic lenses like the Smith / Bolle we've reviewed seem to perform equally well and are definitely worth the extra price over standard lenses.
@@TheSweetCyclists thank you for your reply, I very much thought so i.e. brands that focus on eyewear/started out as eyewear companies being very good performers.
I also think photochromic is the way to go, spend a little more on one pair and be set for change of weather rather than having four different pairs offering different VLT.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the review. BTW it's photochromic not photochromatic.
Yes, you're correct. I realized I was using the wrong term after this video and hopefully have been consistent in our newer sunglass reviews.