Expert Comparison: Smith Squad MAG Goggles vs Smith I/O MAG Goggles

Published on 02/12/2024 · 5 min readCompare Smith Squad MAG Goggles and Smith I/O MAG Goggles. Get expert insight below!
Lucia L, Ski Expert
max pilling, Ski Expert
Clint Hobbs, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Lucia L, max pilling, Clint Hobbs, Rich Marulli, Scott Odle and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Smith Squad MAG Goggles
Smith I/O MAG Goggles
Price
$171.50
30% off
$192.50
30% off
Color options
+ 8
+ 7
User rating
4.71(299)
4.5(4)
The Curated Take

Best for skiers who want fog-free goggles with easy lens interchangeability.

Best for those who want a wide field of view and high contrast vision in any light condition.

Frame size
Medium, Large
Medium
Lens type
Cylindrical
Spherical

In the world of winter sports, goggles are a crucial piece of gear. Today, we're comparing two top-tier options from Smith: the Smith Squad MAG Goggles and the Smith I/O MAG Goggles. Both goggles are packed with features that enhance your experience on the slopes, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The Smith Squad MAG Goggles are known for their quick lens change system, anti-fog capabilities, and seamless fit with Smith helmets. On the other hand, the Smith I/O MAG Goggles are praised for their high-quality lenses, excellent detail and contrast, and durability. Both goggles are compatible with Smith helmets and have excellent anti-fog capabilities. However, the Smith Squad MAG Goggles are better suited for medium-sized faces, while the Smith I/O MAG Goggles offer a wider field of view with minimal blind spots. In the end, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and specific needs.

The Smith Squad MAG Goggles are a marvel of design and technology. They feature a magnetic lens system that allows for quick and easy lens changes. This is a game-changer for those who often find themselves in varying light conditions. The goggles come with two interchangeable ChromaPop lenses for bright and low light, ensuring you're prepared for any situation.

The cylindrical lens design of the Smith Squad MAG Goggles provides a wide field of view, allowing you to take in your surroundings without any hindrance. The goggles are designed to integrate seamlessly with Smith helmets, reducing the chances of fogging and enhancing comfort.

The goggles also feature a five times anti-fog coating on the inner lens and three layers of dry Wicks foam on the back. This combination ensures that your vision remains clear, even in the most challenging conditions. The extra thick strap with silicone on the inside ensures a secure fit, so you can focus on your ride without worrying about your goggles slipping off.

The Smith Squad MAG Goggles are available in a variety of styles, and you have the option to order a spare lens. This means you can customize your goggles to match your style and needs.

The thing I love most about these goggles is that I have never had problems with them fogging up. This made it all worth it to me.

Lucia L
Ski Expert

The Smith I/O MAG Goggles are another top-tier option for winter sports enthusiasts. These goggles are known for their high-quality lenses that provide excellent detail and contrast. The ChromaPop lens technology enhances color and reduces color confusion, providing a high-definition appearance that makes navigating the slopes a breeze.

Like the Smith Squad MAG Goggles, the Smith I/O MAG Goggles also feature a magnetic lens system for quick and easy lens changes. They come with two interchangeable ChromaPop lenses for bright and low light, ensuring you're prepared for any weather condition.

The Smith I/O MAG Goggles have a spherical lens that mimics the shape of the eye for optimal optics and a true-to-life view. This design provides a wide field of view with minimal blind spots from the frame.

These goggles are durable and built to last multiple seasons. They fit well with Smith helmets but may not fit as well with other brands. The lenses may scratch easier than some other brands, and the goggles may fog up in a big crash.

These lenses will last you for ages. Smith has been known to make some of the best lenses on the market. The chroma pop lens allows you to see a lot more details and contrast on stormy days, so you can see every bump and jump in your way.

max pilling
Ski Expert

Smith I/O MAG Goggles

$192.50$275.00
30% off
  • We price match
  • Returnable

Similarities

The Smith Squad MAG Goggles and the Smith I/O MAG Goggles share several similarities. Both goggles feature Smith's innovative magnetic lens system, which allows for quick and easy lens changes. This is a significant advantage for those who often find themselves in varying light conditions.

Both goggles come with two interchangeable ChromaPop lenses for bright and low light. The ChromaPop lens technology enhances color and reduces color confusion, providing a high-definition appearance that makes navigating the slopes a breeze.

Both goggles are designed to integrate seamlessly with Smith helmets, reducing the chances of fogging and enhancing comfort. They also feature excellent anti-fog capabilities, ensuring your vision remains clear, even in the most challenging conditions.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Smith Squad MAG Goggles and the Smith I/O MAG Goggles share several similarities, they also have some key differences. The Smith Squad MAG Goggles are better suited for medium-sized faces and offer a cylindrical lens design that provides a wide field of view. They are ideal for those who want a seamless fit with Smith helmets and never have to worry about fogging up.

On the other hand, the Smith I/O MAG Goggles offer a wider field of view with minimal blind spots from the frame. They are ideal for those who want high-quality lenses that provide excellent detail and contrast. These goggles are durable and built to last multiple seasons. However, they may not fit as well with other helmet brands, and the lenses may scratch easier than some other brands.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to lens quality and detail, the Smith I/O MAG Goggles take the lead. Their spherical lens design and ChromaPop technology provide excellent detail and contrast, making them the winner in this category.

In terms of anti-fog capabilities, both goggles perform exceptionally well. However, the Smith Squad MAG Goggles have a slight edge due to their five times anti-fog coating and three layers of dry Wicks foam.

For ease of lens change, both goggles are on par with each other, thanks to their magnetic lens system. This makes it a tie in this category.

Finally, when it comes to compatibility with helmets, both goggles integrate seamlessly with Smith helmets. However, the Smith Squad MAG Goggles are reported to fit better with Smith helmets, making them the winner in this category.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Smith Squad MAG Goggles and the Smith I/O MAG Goggles are top-tier options for winter sports enthusiasts. They both offer excellent features that enhance your experience on the slopes. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. If you prioritize a wide field of view and high-quality lenses, the Smith I/O MAG Goggles would be a great choice. However, if you're looking for a seamless fit with Smith helmets and superior anti-fog capabilities, the Smith Squad MAG Goggles would be the way to go. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these fantastic goggles.

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Shop Winter Sports on Curated

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