Smith Pursuit Sunglasses Eyewear Review

The Pursuit killed it on my most recent snowmobile trip, providing great sun, wind and snow protection for the top half of my face. I never had to switch from bulky goggles to vented sunglasses or vice versa. But while it works on snowmobiles, it’s designed for backcountry skiing and high-intensity mountain adventures. Glacier-style glasses, as Smith dubbed them, work just as well on long climbs as they do on steep, deep descents.

Smith and a backcountry skier Cody Townsend – Needs no introduction – Helped design the PursuitThis makes sense given the fact that Townsend made Smith’s Wildcat sunglasses a backcountry staple among skiers years ago.

The Pursuit is based on Wildcat’s oversized windshield coverage, combining goggle-like coverage with the feel of sunglasses. Includes nose cover adapter, goggle-style strap attachment, extra clear lenses, and carrying case.

in short: of Pursuit ($269-299) are 1 quiver eyewear ideal for backcountry adventures. Ample coverage, sun protection and airflow allow skiers to modify the frame to suit nearly any alpine condition. In our sunny days on the snow testing these glasses, we were able to ditch our goggles and wildcat sunglasses and use the Pursuit for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and skiing. A tall frame covered everything. That said, unless you really want it on a big mountain ski tour, these sunglasses may be more than you need.

smith pursuit sunglasses review

Sun and snow protection, ChromaPop technology

Smith’s signature ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic lenses are the heart of these sunglasses. Lenses change for different light conditions on the mountain.

These lenses are less sensitive to temperature changes compared to other adaptive lenses. ChromaPop also offers a variety of interchangeable lenses for excellent contrast and color enhancement across the tint range.

Smith offers five different colored lens options (various VLTs) to accommodate different lighting conditions. Plus, each pair of sunglasses comes with a clear lens that lets you pop in even in low-light conditions.

ChromaPop lenses enhance contrast and natural color to enhance detail, but unlike standard polarized sunglasses. Polarized lenses block horizontal reflected light and prevent water and snow reflections. ChromaPop lenses feature color filters that combine color technology with polarization.

We tested the Matte Slate + ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic Copper Red Mirror lens. It has a variable light transmission (VLT) from 7% to 45%. VLT is the percentage of sunlight that passes through the lens and hits the eye. A standard sunglass lens has a VLT of about 15% to 25%.

This means my copper red mirror lens works well in the strong sun conditions commonly encountered in the Rocky Mountains. Use clear lenses for cloudy or low light conditions and matte black + chromapop black lenses (VLT 10%) for very sunny days.

north and west test

I’ve spent a lot of time this winter playing in the snow in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and skiing in Banff, Canada. Whether you’re in the backcountry, side or front, Pursuit You gave a great performance.

Snowmobiling isn’t really what you’re going for, but it works well for sledding around the backcountry, especially if you’re going to the ski slopes. They provided protection from the sun, wind and flying snow kicked up by snowmobiles in the deep powder of Togwote Pass.

On the other hand, we used these on a ski and snowshoe trip in Banff and they endured the bright high altitude sun and snow.

comfort and fit

The sunglasses fit my face comfortably while providing full wraparound protection. Large frames fit well, but I have a large head. Male and female friends who tried them on said that they were “good fit” and “comfortable to wear.”

Overall feedback from myself and others on the arm, nose and goggle straps is that the fit is very good and the already secure fit is even more secure. Everyone responded positively. Side shields are comfortable. Sometimes it put pressure on my temples, but I adjusted my arms to customize the fit.

Removable extras: goggle straps, etc.

The Megol Nose Pads nosepiece is made of malleable rubber and is removable but not adjustable. It attaches easily to the frame and provides additional sun protection on very sunny days. The goggle-inspired strap attaches easily to the arms of your pursuit and stays firmly in place on bumpier rides down the mountain. There were no problems with

I especially like the magnetic side shields that provide extra sun and snow protection for the eyes and sides of the face. At the same time, it is very comfortable and light and provides good airflow to prevent fogging.

final point

The only downside here is that the lenses you already own for your Wildcat sunglasses won’t work with the Pursuit. The same goes for anyone else who currently owns Smiths sunglasses. The Pursuit has a specific fit, which is why I need to start my collection of different shades of ChromaPop lenses again.

The attached case is a solid hard case, but it is a little difficult to put in sunglasses, nose pad adapters, and goggle straps.

Lastly is the price. For some people, these sunglasses are overkill and not worth the price if you don’t want all the sun/snow protection. It’s fairly competitively priced in comparison and is competitive with some, but not all, other glacier glasses (ROKA, Revo, Julbo, etc.). , is only added to the transaction.

i have these snow sports I think it will also work well this winter (what I use it for), climbing, mountain biking (goggle straps come in handy!), and even fishing for glare protection. is set to be