Smith Chromapop Photochromatic Lens Review

New Photocromatic lenses to enhance your ride

Smith is in the business of protection our eyes, and head, when on the bike. We have always enjoyed the Chromapop technology option they have in a lot of there lenses. Chromapop lenses help enhance contrast and natural color to make details pop. Now combining that technology with Photocromic technology, you get a lens that you can use in a variety of situations. For this review, we have the lenses in the Shift Split Mag frames.

The Lab

A new addition to the lens choices for performance line of sunglasses is the Chromapop Photocromic Lens. These lenses automatically adjust to the sun’s UV rays whether you are fully exposed to the sun or in the shade of the trees. These lenses are made to deliver the perfect lens for any light condition. The visible light transmission ranges between 12-67%, depending on the lighting condition.

The Shift Split Mag provides a lightweight, obstruction free view of the road or trail in front of you. They utilize the Smith MAG system for quick, fingerprint free lens changes using a simple magnetic-clip design. They feature a two-position, adjustable Megol Gip nose pad along with Megol temple pads. Included is a very nice sunglass case, with a microfiber bag as well as a full clear lens.

What We Think of the Smith Chromapop Photochromic Lens

We are a fan of Chromapop lenses and have been for quite some time. The Chromapop technology really does enhance your view of the natural world. Making the greens greener and the blues bluer. My only other experience with a lens that transitions from light to dark is with a motorcycle helmet shield, and I do enjoy those functions.

When first putting on Shift Split Mags frames with these new lenses, they were clear as day. Usually I don’t start with sunglasses on when prepping a bike in my garage, but since the lenses were clear, I went for it. There was no issue with the lenses feeling too dark to wear inside, it did dim the brightness a little, but nothing to impair my vision. As you transition outside, it isn’t like the lenses immediately switch the dark. They gradually start to “dim”.

In fact, this gradual shift is actually a nice transition. It allows the eyes to get used to the new lighting situation you are getting in to. You don’t notice this transition at all, only when taking the glasses off to fully expose your eyes. Additionally, when getting into the shade or some cloud cover, you don’t notice the lenses change.

These lenses definitely give you a solid range of visibility in a variety of different lighting conditions. The photochromic properties are great for those days where you will be encountering variable lighting conditions. Also helpful if you will be racing the sun at the end of a day and getting back when it’s darker out. You’ve got one lens to keep you covered.

What We Think of the Smith Shift Split MAG

Off the bat, you can feel the Shift Split MAG frame is very light weight. Being frameless on the bottom cuts out some of the extra material to lighten the load. The lens/frame have very good coverage of your face, which I am a fan of. This minimal weight and frameless bottom of the lens do help you forget you are wearing them after a while. Pair that with a Smith helmet that utilizes their AirEvac system (like the Smith Trace), and you get solid airflow with no fogging on the lenses.

For the fit of the Shift Split MAGs, they are a bit looser on the head than its full frame counterpart. When holding them one after the other, you can feel the Shift Split MAGS have more flex then the regular Shift MAGs. This does lead to a looser fit on me. On one occurrence on a windy day while going fast down a hill, I looked back to check traffic and the wind caught them and they flew off. I pedaled back up the hill to find the glasses survived unscathed, a testament to build quality.

Final Thoughts

Even tho the main lens that came on these frames is the Chromapop Photochrimic lens, it does come with a standalone clear lens. Switching lenses is very simple, with just a pinch of the side, the magnetic clasps release and you can get the arm off. This makes it easy to switch between lenses with less little to no fingerprints on the lens. Lastly, this all comes in a nice case for your glasses and extra lens, as well as a microfiber bag.

The Chromapop Photocromic Lens is an awesome addition to the Smith Lens lineup. We’ve definitely enjoyed the versatility and clarity that these lenses provide. The weight, quality and style of the Shift Split Mags is top notch and the price reflects that. If you are serious about a quality pair of sunglasses then these are definitely a pair to consider, especially with the versatility of the the Chromapop Photocromic Lens option.