goods on the goods

Smith Sport Optics has been in business for 40 years. They were founded in 1965 in Sun Valley solely as a goggle manufacturer. At this point Smith and Scott were the same companies. Smith entered the sunglass market about 15 years ago. Early on smith was known primarily for there Slider glasses, a sunglass coming with three interchangeable lenses. The focus at this point was on sport oriented eyewear. For three seasons now Smith has shifted energy toward more street/fashion oriented glasses.

Smith sunglasses are divided into three categories the first being Interchangeable, (used to be slider). These glasses have interchangeable lenses are often more sport oriented especially cycling. Interchangeable series glasses use nylon injected frames. These frames are super lightweight, maintain their shape well and have good memory. This series uses are poly-carbonate lenses. Polychromic lenses are lightweight and shatter resistant. Basic interchangeable series glasses come with; dark, rose, and clear mirror lenses, totaling 3. Polarized edition comes with; polarized dark, rose, clear mirror, and yellow, totaling 4 lenses.
 
Street series glasses are much more fashion oriented, many of the new models are oversized, and available in either wire or shield styles. Styles change fast and stay current in this category. Street series glasses come with either nylon or handmade frames. Handmade frames are slightly heavier and are distinguishable by wire core in the arm. They do not have as much memory as nylon, but can be slightly modified to fit better (heated and bent). Polycarbonate and CR39 (gradient) lenses are both used in this category. Both are lightweight and shatter resistant. Polycarbonate has historically been the standard. The CR39 was introduced solely to allow for a gradient in the lens, (the top is darker than the bottom allowing for better performance in differing amounts of light to enter).
 
 
Polarized (used to be lifestyle) series glasses use basic and classic styles. Just like street series glasses polarized series glasses are available with either nylon or handmade constructions. Both polycarbonate and glass lenses are used in this series. Glass provides the most optical correctness of any lens material, however they are more shatter prone and slightly heavier so they are not recommended for sport usage. Polycarbonate lens are much more versatile but have a higher tendency to scratch than glass.

Technology:

100% UV Protection from all lenses (including clear interchangeable lenses).
 
Tapered lens creates less optical distortion (glass tapers depending on distance from the eye)
 
Polarization is in a film inside the lens. It will never scratch or wear off. All polarization is not equal with smith it is Inherent to lens. Polarization is like Venetian blinds; blocks glare, keeps eyes from becoming fatigued. CON: blocks glare off ice- can be bad for snowsports/driving.

Photochromic lenses are UV light sensitive and darken dependant on amount of light, (they will not darken with your lights inside your house.

RX. Smith can create prescription lenses to fit their frames. More information is available at the smith website. (http://www.smithsport.com/technology/sunglasstechnology_rxtech.html) The consumer should print out the needed forms and correspond with Smith directly. Smith cannot bill through insurance, $225 is the base price.