Expert Review: Smith 4d MAG Goggles · 2022

Published on 07/28/2022 · 4 min readThis review is my honest opinion of the goggles, which I purchased with my own money in March of 2022.
Nathan G., Snowboarding Expert
By Snowboarding Expert Nathan G.

All photos courtesy of Nathan G.

About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the goggles, which I purchased with my own money in March of 2022.

My take

The Smith 4d MAG Goggles are fantastic for someone looking for a high-quality snow goggle that provides an easy lens-swapping system. These goggles come in at the higher end of the price point but are really for riders of all skill levels. They feature a wide field of view with peripheral vision and are easy to adjust for variable light and weather conditions.

About the goggles I own

  • Model: 2022 Smith 4d MAG Goggles
  • Size: Standard sizing
  • Does it feature lens replacement?: Yes
  • Fit: Adjustable fit for all sizes and work well over the helmet.

About me

  • Helmet: 2022 Smith Code helmet
  • Wear glasses with goggles: No
  • Experience: 20+ years of snowboarding

Test conditions

  • When I bought them: March 2022
  • Days used: 5
  • Lenses I own: Rose Gold for high light and Storm Rose Flash for low light
  • Weather conditions used in: I’ve used the Rose Gold lenses in high light, bluebird days, and the Storm Rose Flash lenses in stormy conditions, as well as night riding
  • Where I’ve used them: Afton Alps, MN
  • Terrain: Resort days, stormy days, night riding, and spring riding

How they perform

Anti Fog
5/5
Field of View
5/5
Quality
5/5
Ventilation
5/5
Comfort
3/5
Durability
3/5

What I was looking for

I really wanted a set of lenses with a wide field of view for both high-vis and low-vis conditions. I also wanted a set of goggles that would be compatible with all Smith helmets, not only with fitting the strap around the outside, but also to prevent any gap on my forehead between the goggles and helmet.

Why I chose this gear

I went with these goggles because they came as a package with two lenses, so I wouldn’t have to purchase another lens, which some other brands, like Oakley, require. I considered getting the Anon M2 goggles, which are pretty comparable, but I wasn’t sure they would fit as seamlessly with my Smith Code helmet. I like the look of some of the Oakley goggles too, but second lenses cost a lot for these models. In the past, I’ve used Spy and Dragon goggles that offer other lenses. However, they don’t possess the magnetic lens system that makes it easy to swap out lenses as the Smith 4d MAGs do.

What I love about them

  • Fit: These goggles fit seamlessly with my helmet and are still comfortable without a helmet.
  • Lens replacement: As mentioned before, these do have a replacement lens that comes with the goggles. It is very easy to replace and I can even do it on the lift if necessary.
  • Ventilation: These are fog-resistant goggles with great ventilation; I’ve never had an issue with them fogging up.
  • Visibility: The Smith 4d Mags feature what Smith calls “BirdsEye technology”: a wide peripheral view with high-light and low-light options that come in the box.
  • Face frame: These fit great on my helmet and face. Smith also does offer goggles with a low bridge, Asian fit; it’s great to see this brand catering to different face shapes.
  • Experience with glasses underneath: I haven’t used it, but Smith also offers an over-the-glass option in their goggle line.
  • Strap: The strap works well with or without a helmet. I didn’t notice any slipping in either situation.
  • Helmet compatibility: The goggles are compatible by offering a rounded-top frame that has a longer adjustable strap to work with any helmet size.
  • Features: The high-light lens really helps mitigate the sunlight transfer into the goggles, allowing for better sight. The low-light lens allows for better depth perception when shadows disappear mid-afternoon.

Issues I’ve encountered

  • Comfort: These goggles are very comfortable, but I’d like to see similar technology to Anon models, which possess a seamless face covering to prevent wind/element exposure underneath.

Favorite moment with this gear

When putting these goggles on for the first time, I had such a broad field of view compared to my previous pair of Spy goggles. The clarity was spectacular as well. I also loved that the goggles come with a second set of lenses, so I don’t have to shop for another pair and pay again.

Value for the money vs. other options

These goggles are a bit more expensive than some brands like Dragon, Giro, and Electric, but possess all the latest technology in the industry besides magnetic attachments for a balaclava. Anon would offer the most similar quality for those looking for a seamless balaclava attachment. They also feature two separate lenses suited for variable light conditions. I think the pricing is fair for what’s included. I’ve been wearing an older pair of Spy goggles that are quite irritating to change the lens with, since I basically have to touch the lens and smudge it to swap it out.

Final verdict

The Smith 4d MAG goggles provide seamless compatibility with any helmet, a wide field of view with spectacular clarity, and multiple color options along with variable light compatibility. These are fantastic and well worth the investment.

Out of stock
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  • We price match
  • Returnable
Nathan G., Snowboarding Expert
5.0
Nathan G.
Snowboarding Expert
249 Reviews
3115 Customers helped
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