However, for truly socked-in and dark days, we’d prefer a little more VLT (their Everyday Rose has 36% VLT that has worked well for us in the Pacific Northwest). Additionally, the natural color rendition gives it an HD-like feel that we’ve enjoyed in a number of other Smith goggles, including the I/O Mag and 4D Mag. Clarity was great on mixed cloudy and sunny days and blocked just enough light to work well even in bluebird conditions. I’m not sure if this was a defect in my particular model, but it did have a noticeable impact on visibility.Īll that said, we also tested the Skyline with a standard ChromaPop lens (Everyday Green Mirror with a 23% VLT) and found it to be a strong performer. That said, I did notice on several occasions that half of the lens was tinted slightly darker than the rest, almost as if the lens “paused” during adjustment and didn’t fully transition. The adjustment isn’t immediate-I found it took longer than expected-but it worked well in these ideal conditions. And when moving out of the shade and into full sun, the lens adjusted well and darkened to compensate for the brighter light. On bluebird days, however, the Skyline did a nice job highlighting bumps and other obstacles. In fact, on several dreamy power days in Nozawa, Japan, I needed up switching ski goggles completely so that I didn’t have to navigate the terrain semi-blindly (I recommend sticking with one of the standard ChromaPop lenses, which I detail below). In the end, I had a lot of trouble with clarity, especially when snow was falling. Overall, I found it to be a great match for partly cloudy to moderately bright conditions, but on darker socked-in or overcast days, the photochromic lens didn’t adjust well to the low light. This combines their Rose Flash outer lens with a photochromic inner lens, which is designed to adjust to changing light conditions throughout the day. Like many sub-$200 goggles, the Skyline only comes with one ChromaPop lens, and I chose the Photochromic Rose Flash (30-50% visible light transmission, or VLT). Those who want to truly maximize field of vision can step up to a larger model like Oakley’s Airbrake XL, the XL version of the Skyline, or Smith’s I/O Mag XL or 4D Mag, but the standard Skyline strikes us as an accommodating, manageable shape that offers good visibility. In fact, all-around visibility is very similar to Smith’s popular and pricier I/O Mag (although that goggle includes a second lens and easier lens-change system). Comparing it with popular alternatives, the Skyline handily beats out the Oakley Fall Line XM, particularly in the bottom corners-here, the slimmer shape helps a lot, as it sits much closer to your face. The low-profile padding, spherical lens shape, and rimless design do a lot to boost overall field of view, especially at the periphery. Medium-fit goggles often sacrifice field of vision for a smaller and trimmed-down shape, but Smith’s Skyline offers good all-around visibility. ![]() To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best ski goggles. Below we detail our experiences with the Skyline. In short, many of the more premium models on the market, including Smith’s own I/O Mag, include two lenses, have easier-to-use quick-change systems, and offer better ventilation, but the Skyline nevertheless is a well-made and comfortable option for resort use. We tested the Skyline in British Columbia and while on a ski trip in Japan and came away with mixed impressions. Levers are located on bottom corners for 4D family, and Squad MAG family, with levers behind the lens on each side of the IO MAG family.Smith’s Skyline slots in as one of their mid-range goggle offerings, combining an accommodating medium fit with good all-around visibility and a single ChromaPop lens. A simple push of one lever at either side of the lens releases the lens for easy swapping as the light and conditions change. ![]() With Smith MAG’s double locking mechanisms, the lens stays secure for whatever the hill throws at you. Once in position, the lens carrier within the goggle frame provides a patented dual locking mechanical engagement to secure the lens.Outriggers, lens rings and dedicated touch points are carefully considered and designed at the edges of the frame and lens for easy handling during interchange, while protecting the surface of the lens.The magnetic function speeds up lens interchange to get you back out riding faster. Strong and weatherproof magnets automatically guide the lens into the anchored position.
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