Expert Review: Smith I/O MAG S Goggles · Women's · 2022

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

My take

The Smith I/O MAG S Goggles are a great pair of goggles for someone who wants the ease of magnetic lenses and enjoys the larger view with a wide frame. They are ideal for any rider who enjoys all winter activities.

About this gear

• Model: 2022/23 Smith I/O MAG S Goggles
• Size: Medium
• Does it feature lens replacement?: No
• Fit: Small

About me

• Helmet: 2023 Smith Allure helmet
• Wear glasses with goggles: No
• Experience: 25 years of snowboarding/skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought them: December 2022
• Days used: 8
• Lenses I own: ChromaPop Photochromic Rose Flash, ChromaPop Storm Yellow Flash
• Weather conditions used in: Blizzards, bluebirds, partly sunny, wet snow, fluffy snow
• Where I’ve used them: Sunlight Mountain and Rifle, Colorado
• Terrain: Backcountry, powder, resort

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was looking for a pair of goggles with magnetic lenses, a larger view, and a spherical-shaped lens. I wanted a bit more clarity in the lenses to offer more visibility to the natural curves of the mountain and the terrain. Most importantly, something that didn’t fog. My Scotts fogged constantly.

Why I chose this gear

I chose the I/O MAG S because of the spherical shape with the wide view and the magnetic lenses. I have always heard good reviews from Smith, and I used to own Smiths as a child. I wanted to make sure my goggles would last and wouldn’t fog up going down in a blizzard. I did consider the I/O MAG XL, but I have a small face, and I thought the lens would be too big for me. I chose the I/O MAG S because of the medium size lens.

I am unsure of the model, but I have always bought Scotts as an adult, but I had Smiths as a child. Scotts are the worst for fogging; I hated them. I wanted to make sure my new goggles did not fog up easily. The Smith I/O MAG S Goggles are great for not fogging.

What I love about them

• Fit: This is a small fitting goggle, but they have a responsive fit frame that adjusts to my face frame for a precise and comfortable fit.
• Comfort: These are very comfortable. The foam liner of my Scotts was very uncomfortable and would always leave my face itching while wearing them. However, the Smiths have a much softer foam liner that really helps with comfort and keeping snow out of the inside of the goggle.
• Lens replacement: I can switch lenses very easily. It is a magnetic lens and allows much smoother lens swapping.
• Ventilation: I only notice fogging when my baklava is above my nose. Once I move my baklava down below my nose, the goggles rapidly de-fog and go back to normal. Other than that, I haven’t had any issues with fogging.
• Face frame: These goggles are made for smaller face frames.
• Strap: The strap has two silicone strips lining the top and bottom of the strap—these help with sliding down while using. I really like the strap.
• Helmet compatibility: I use these with my helmet and love them. It stays in place all day, and I don’t feel like a bobblehead.
• Features: The Smith I/O MAG S has a 5X advanced anti-fog inner lens, magnetic lens replacement, wide-field view, ChromaPop lens, and spherical lens.
• Durability: After every use, I will put them back in the carrying bag with the lens cover over the lens. I try to take care of them, and so far, there aren’t any noticeable scratches on them.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Visibility: These are a medium frame size with a wide lens, so the field of view is much wider than my previous pair of Scotts, but compared to my Smith 4D MAG goggles, the I/O MAG S aren’t the best viewing option because of the smaller viewing range on the lens. The Smith 4D Mag goggles have a lens that wraps around to the bottom of the frame to help add more viewing range. However, the I/O MAG S has ChromaPop lenses that really help enhance the features of the mountain to give me a clear view. It really does make a difference.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite moment with these goggles would be over this past weekend. We had a storm going on, and I had my storm lens in use. It was half blizzard and half sunny; it was crazy weather, and these storm lenses did great. I was able to really see the hidden features of the mountain in the blizzard yet have protection from the sun when it peeked out.

Value for the money vs. other options

Compared to cheaper options, like the Giro Article Goggles or any pair of Scott’s goggles, these are worth it. I don’t have to deal with fogging, and these lenses are fantastic for enhancing the mountain’s features, allowing me to really be able to see more clearly.

Final verdict

The Smith I/O MAG S Goggles are a great choice for anyone who does not want to break the bank but also wants something that isn't going to break the first season. I think these goggles are a great option to meet in the middle and provide a phenomenal view while enjoying winter activities.