Smith Optics has added numerous products to its 2015 offerings, all with mil-spec impact protection.
The Gray Man Tactical aviator-style glasses ($159) have spring hinges and updated silicon nosepads.
The Drop Tactical ($119) redesigns the straight lines of other models into a more contemporary and curved look.
The Pivlock Echo Elite and Pivlock V2 Elite feature Smith's Freefloat Lens Technology, which isolates the lens from the twisting and turning of the frame. Smith has ramped up the line for hard use from its origins as a cycling piece, and the arms can be completely removed for lens swaps. A more malleable temple fits comfortably against the ear, especially under helmets. Another feature: adjustable silicon nosepads. Prescription lens options are available without sacrificing comfort.
Smith's newest lens technology is called ChromaPop, which the company calls "the world's most advanced polarized lens technology ... engineered to enhance color and increase visual clarity."
By blocking light wave intersections that create color confusion for the brain, the speed of visual processing is improved to optimize color vibrancy and offer an increase in the depth and detail of objects, while reducing eye fatigue, the company says.
Essentially, what that means is that your eye will be able to process colors and clarity faster in varying conditions with reduced fatigue. The lenses are aiming to be the all-in-one glass for people who don't want to carry specific lenses for different situations. Smith believes these lenses will allow shooters to carry one pair of glasses that will span an active lifestyle.
"Constructed of MilSpec ballistic Trivex material (that meets MIL-PRF-31013 Clause 3.5.1.1), ChromaPop Elite lenses provide the durability, impact resistance and lightweight properties of polycarbonate and the optical clarity of glass while remaining scratch and impact resistant. All ChromaPop Elite lenses offer 100% protection from UVA/B/C rays and feature an anti-fog coating to the backside of the lenses to mitigate fogging," according to the company literature.
We viewed the bronze, gray, and polar blue mirror versions of the Frontman Tactical and can confirm that they do indeed add a perceptible level of clarity.
ChromaPop Elite is available in the new Drop Elite and the Frontman Elite frames now. MSRP is $229 for both models.
Also new for 2015 is Smith's version of transition lenses called the Ghost Shield AMT Photochromic Lens. Automatically adjusting to any lighting conditions, the Smith version claims to be faster than any other photochromic lens on the market by covering the full effective range of VLT in about 15 seconds. With a range of 90 percent to 13 percent visible light transmission (lower is darker), the photochromic materials are embedded within the lens itself, rather than a more traditional coating on the lens. That means the transitional properties will hold up under impact and will not scratch off. The Photochromic Lens is available now for the Aegis model as an accessory at a price of $185.
