Expert Comparison: Smith Squad XL Goggles vs Smith Squad MAG Goggles

Published on 02/14/2024 · 5 min readCompare Smith Squad XL Goggles and Smith Squad MAG Goggles. Get expert insight below!
Johnny Sheffler, Snowboarding Expert
Clint Hobbs, Snowboarding Expert
Claire Rogers, Ski Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Johnny Sheffler, Clint Hobbs, Claire Rogers, Lucia L, Billy King and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Best seller
Smith Squad XL Goggles
Smith Squad MAG Goggles
Price
$105.00
30% off
$171.50
30% off
Color options
+ 8
+ 8
User rating
4.25(4)
4.71(299)
The Curated Take

Best for those who prefer larger fit and enhanced peripheral vision.

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

Frame size
Large
Medium, Large
Lens type
Cylindrical
Cylindrical

In the world of winter sports, goggles are a crucial piece of gear. Today, we're comparing two top-notch options from Smith: the Squad XL and the Squad MAG. Both goggles are praised for their durability, versatility, and excellent lens clarity. The Squad XL stands out for its ChromaPop lens technology, anti-fog features, and comfortable DriWix face foam. The Squad MAG, on the other hand, is known for its easy-to-use magnetic lens interchange system and seamless fit with Smith helmets. While both goggles are excellent choices, the Squad XL is a more budget-friendly option, while the Squad MAG offers more advanced features for a higher price.

The Smith Squad XL Goggles are a top-tier choice for winter sports enthusiasts. One of the standout features of these goggles is the ChromaPop lens technology. This technology enhances color and contrast, providing a high-definition view of the slopes. The Squad XL goggles also come with a second ChromaPop lens for low light conditions, making them versatile for all types of weather and lighting conditions.

Another key feature of the Squad XL goggles is the five times anti-fog film on the inside of the lens. This feature ensures that your vision stays clear, even in the most challenging conditions. The goggles also have a silicone-backed strap that grips your helmet or beanie, ensuring they stay in place throughout your ride.

The Squad XL goggles also feature a comfortable two-layer DriWix face foam. This foam is designed to wick moisture away from your face, further enhancing the anti-fog capabilities of the goggles. The goggles also come with a goggle bag that has an internal sleeve to keep your replacement lens separate from the goggles, ensuring your field of vision remains unblemished.

The strap itself has this nice kind of silicone backing to it. So if it's sitting on your helmet or your beanie, it's not going to just fall off and step off and kind of grips. It almost grips it too much to the fact that like if you do crash in your you know, your beanie pops off your goggle was going to go with it. They don't like to separate from it.

Johnny Sheffler
Snowboarding Expert
Best seller

Smith Squad XL Goggles

$105.00$150.00
30% off
  • We price match
  • Returnable

The Smith Squad MAG Goggles are another excellent choice for winter sports enthusiasts. These goggles stand out for their magnetic lens interchange system. This system allows you to quickly and easily swap out lenses, making the Squad MAG goggles adaptable to any light conditions. The goggles come with two interchangeable ChromaPop lenses, one for bright light and one for low light.

The Squad MAG goggles also feature a cylindrical Carbonic X lens, which eliminates distortion and provides enhanced impact protection. This is particularly useful for those who enjoy high-speed activities or navigating through challenging terrain.

The goggles are designed to integrate seamlessly with Smith helmets, reducing the chance of fogging. They also feature a comfortable three-layer DriWix face foam, ensuring a snug fit. The goggles have a wide field of view with minimal blind spots from the frame, providing excellent visibility on the slopes.

The first thing I want to talk about is that these are magnetic goggles. So super super cool really gives you the ability to quickly change the lenses you just push in on the two tabs on the bottom pull the lens out through the new lens in and then push the two tabs. So now you're nice and locked in with these goggles.

Clint Hobbs
Snowboarding Expert

Similarities

Both the Smith Squad XL and the Squad MAG goggles are designed with the needs of winter sports enthusiasts in mind. They both feature Smith's ChromaPop lens technology, which enhances color and contrast for a clearer view of the slopes. Both goggles also come with two interchangeable lenses, one for bright light and one for low light, making them adaptable to a variety of weather and lighting conditions.

Both goggles also feature anti-fog technology to ensure clear vision, even in challenging conditions. They also both have comfortable face foam for a snug fit, and they're designed to integrate well with helmets to reduce fogging. Both goggles are also praised for their wide field of view and excellent lens clarity.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Smith Squad XL and Squad MAG goggles share many similarities, they also have some key differences. The Squad XL goggles are a more budget-friendly option, making them a great choice for those who want high-quality goggles without breaking the bank. They also feature a silicone-backed strap for a secure fit and a five times anti-fog film on the inside of the lens.

On the other hand, the Squad MAG goggles stand out for their magnetic lens interchange system, which allows for quick and easy lens changes. They also feature a cylindrical Carbonic X lens for enhanced impact protection. These features make the Squad MAG goggles a great choice for those who are willing to invest a bit more for advanced features.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to lens technology, both goggles are winners. They both feature Smith's ChromaPop lens technology and come with two interchangeable lenses. However, the Squad MAG goggles have the added advantage of a magnetic lens interchange system, making them the winner in this category.

In terms of anti-fog capabilities, the Squad XL goggles take the lead with their five times anti-fog film. While the Squad MAG goggles also have anti-fog features, they don't quite match the Squad XL in this regard.

When it comes to comfort and fit, both goggles perform well. They both feature comfortable face foam and are designed to integrate well with helmets. However, the Squad XL goggles have a silicone-backed strap for a more secure fit, making them the winner in this category.

Finally, in terms of price, the Squad XL goggles are the clear winner. They offer many of the same features as the Squad MAG goggles but at a more affordable price point.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Smith Squad XL and Squad MAG goggles are excellent choices for winter sports enthusiasts. They both offer high-quality lens technology, anti-fog features, and a comfortable fit. The Squad XL goggles are a great budget-friendly option, while the Squad MAG goggles offer more advanced features for a higher price. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you're a casual skier or a hardcore snowboarder, both of these goggles are sure to enhance your experience on the slopes.

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Shop Winter Sports on Curated

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