Smith Squad MTB Goggles - Review

Nov 2, 2015
by Olly Forster  
Smith Squad MTB goggles review


As mountain bikers, we are all too familiar with the concept of using products initially intended for motorsports and overlooking their shortfalls. Shared DNA. Two wheels are two wheels right? But, ultimately our needs are unique and with more bike parks popping up, comes the inevitability of more full face helmets being worn, and with enduro growing in popularity, there are more and more of us rocking goggles out on the trails than ever before. Thankfully, optics giant Smith decided it was time to address our needs head-on and after paying close attention to the way their team riders modified their goggles over the years, the mountain bike-specific Squad goggle was born.


Smith Squad Details:

• Intended use: all-mountain / downhill
• MTB specific design
• Easy to install lens
• Open and full-face helmet compatible
• Wider nose gap to aid breathing
• Softer materials to increase compliance
• Three layer hypoallergenic face foam
• Bonus clear lens supplied
• Available in 12 colors and designs
• Tear-off and roll-off compatible
• Lifetime guarantee
• MSRP: $60 USD
• www.smithoptics.com / @SmithOptics

Construction

The designers at Smith addressed fogging, one of the biggest issues associated with wearing goggles for mountain biking, by removing the foam that normally surrounds the goggle body. (The porous foam is redundant for most of us, as its primary function is keeping roost from fellow petrol heads away from the eyes.) A new and easier to install lens design was also thrown into the mix, along with a new frame which, thanks to its lattice design and a softer frame material, can easily conform to a variety of different faces. And, a wider nose section helps us sniff out the all-too precious oxygen we need when stomping on the pedals.

Smith Squad MTB goggles review
The latticed frame helps dissipate the buildup of sweat and heat that causes fogging, and it also helps the frame to conform around the face.
Smith Squad MTB goggles review
An anti-fog coating on the inside of the lens is backed up by four slotted vents at the top, similar to those found on traditional cycling glasses.

Smith Squad MTB goggles review
Don't call the fashion police just yet, as there can be some clear advantages to rocking the 'enduro' look out on the trails.
Smith Squad MTB goggles review
Some goggles just don't fit with the Troy Lee Design A1 helmet, but the Squad was surprisingly comfy, receiving a thumbs up from our testers.

Goggles vs. Glasses: For those of you who already wear goggles, the advantages they deliver over other forms of eye protection are pretty apparent, especially if you wear a full-face helmet. But if you also find yourself slogging it out on long fire road climbs to shred the good stuff back down for a few intense minutes and want maximum eye protection, sans full-face helmet, then the kind of traditional eyewear we are familiar with, might be nothing more than overpriced and overkill for the task at hand. Why do you need eye protection for riding up a big hill in a low gear? Aside from dealing with the sun, you don't, but ripping down trails and regardless of how fast you are going, using some adequate eye protection makes a lot of sense.

At a fraction of the price of fashion eyewear and with a significant increase in comfort, vision, and stability on rough terrain, wearing goggles starts to make a lot of sense. But, like all things, there are negatives to wearing goggles (and I'm not talking about any potential fashion faux pas here.) Thanks to heightened perspiration levels and the nature of what we do and where we do it, the potential for fogged up eyewear is an ever present problem and one that could lead to an untimely collision with something hard and covered with bark. Anti-fog coatings are not new and while they work well, they don't last forever. So, any additional ant-fogging properties designed into a goggle are always a good thing.

Smith Squad MTB goggles review
I do prefer embroidered straps over the printed offerings Smith have been using for the past few years, as they tend to look tatty, far too quickly.
Smith Squad MTB goggles review
Could following your buddies too closely toss some trail debris into the Squad goggles? Perhaps, but then, how often does that happen?


Pinkbike’s Take:
bigquotesThankfully Smith have really hit the nail on the head with the new Squad goggles. Lacking the over-engineered bulk of traditional moto goggles, they 'feel' appropriate in every way. Their unique design does equate to a sensation more comparable to wearing regular riding glasses, removing the claustrophobic sensation that wearing goggles can sometimes deliver.

On the bike and smashing out DH runs in a full-face helmet, the Squad goggles performed as they should, with a nice and secure fit - but they really came into their own when worn in conjunction with an open face helmet on long days, crushing fire road climbs and ripping off-piste descents. The open lattice at the bottom of the frame does make it possible for more dust and debris to work their way to the inside of the goggle compared to ones that use foam, but it was only on the dustiest or muddiest of days that this was noticeable.

No matter how sweaty and bothered we got, the Squad lenses only misted when we'd forgotten to take the goggles off and were slowly creeping our way back up for another rip back down. Used appropriately, the Squad goggle delivered superb fogging control and a heightened level of comfort that really sets them apart from the cookie cutter competition currently on the market. - Olly Forster

Visit the feature gallery for high resolution and additional images






About the Reviewer
Stats: Age: 35 • Height: 5'9” • Ape Index: 0 • Weight: 180lb • Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Straight talking Brit Olly Forster is the newest addition to the Pinkbike team and with over twenty years of riding behind him - fourteen of which working in the bike industry, brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and experience to the table.

MENTIONS: @SmithOptics


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Reviews Goggles Smith


Author Info:
ollyforster avatar

Member since Jun 8, 2005
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111 Comments
  • 66 4
 smith is definitely a-head of the game, and i can now see what everyone is hyped up about.
  • 33 12
 Eye see what you mean. All other goggles just seem to be Smithing the point in good innovation compared to these.
  • 34 4
 I've just goggled these but can't find them for sale yet?
  • 23 0
 At $60 these are a clear fit those who are strapped for cash.
  • 21 1
 Lattice be glad Smith is finally doing something about fogging for those of us who ride in the rain!
  • 13 2
 Who nose whether this strapping eyewear will really be comfy?
  • 6 4
 Do we have a pun squad here?...
  • 14 1
 I'm 100% sick of your puns
  • 8 1
 A scratch on that mirror lenses would bring a tear-off my eyes
  • 6 1
 It's good to see Smith looking at mtb optics through a new lens
  • 1 1
 At $60 these are clearly targeted at the those who spent the extra money on their forefront helmet.
  • 34 2
 I'd like a photochromic lens option.
  • 9 52
flag HaydenBeck (Nov 2, 2015 at 22:17) (Below Threshold)
 Said no one but you
  • 2 0
 Bobster makes photochromic goggles, but the lenses can't be replaced.. They work well though.
  • 2 0
 The sensor mirror lens works for pretty much everything except riding at night.
  • 3 1
 +1 for photochromic lenses. makes a huge difference
  • 34 4
 do they come in a non enduro version?
  • 11 1
 Only compatible with open face helmets.
  • 26 0
 Colour options: Neon, A slightly brighter neon.
  • 1 0
 @tetonlarry
that and the other 10 color options on they have (:
www.smithoptics.com/us/Root/Men's/Goggles/Off-Road/Squad-MTB/p/SQB1ICC16
  • 49 24
 Full face = goggles. Half shell = glasses. It's just what's right with the world.
  • 139 4
 Following rules is what makes mountain biking fun.
  • 14 2
 By George I think you've got it!
  • 3 2
 Ps love love love your book series. ????
  • 8 1
 Conformity blows I ride with what ever I have that works!
  • 26 2
 So if its dusty, which it always is in Ca, these are a no?
  • 5 2
 They would still be better than glasses and I've never had a problem with dust while wearing glasses (aside from it being hard to see the trail which no goggle will help)
  • 7 5
 So why/how would they be better than glasses, which you've never had a problem with?
  • 16 1
 Gogs give you a wider field of view, and are more secure. They also do better at keeping wind out of your eyes
  • 7 0
 I definitely get dust in my eyes if I only wear glasses at mammoth.
  • 4 0
 And offer more protection in a bail.
  • 3 1
 Well...as somebody whose glasses absolutely cut the eff out of their face during a crash...I like the idea of goggles...but in practice...their too dang hot, make your helmet fit funky and are expensive.
  • 3 0
 Only if you're following someone and riding through their dust plume @peterguns and even in that situation, they're still better than glasses in respect of what they keep out.
  • 2 0
 @pancakeflatted Did you not just read this article???
  • 1 0
 Not to mention when smashing through trees you can just keep your eyes up and open instead of subconsciously ducking to avoid the inevitable whipping the branches are gonna give you..
  • 3 1
 @jeffhall124

Yes, I pretty much read the press release...erm article. Doesn't change the fact that these goggles still look like they sit way low on the nose, are freaking hot and are 'spensive.
  • 20 1
 A major word of warning to anyone who wears contact lenses, these goggles will most likely allow your contacts to dry out if you ride at speed due to high airflow. I've also heard multiple accounts of debris baking its way inside. Foam exists on goggles for a reason.
  • 11 1
 Yep. The foam keeps so much crap out, especially clods of dirt and mud and gnats (the three main reason I wear goggles).
I have contacts and want ZERO bits in my goggles. I'll take foam every time.
  • 13 0
 ^ these guys are spot on and know stuff about MTB
  • 13 0
 ^ Can't tell if sarcastic, serious. complimentary or making fun of me. Want to smile...and cry at the same time.
  • 3 11
flag NebsterC-3PO (Nov 3, 2015 at 8:12) (Below Threshold)
 contacts drying out due to high airflow at speed? i hope you're not being serious here..
  • 5 0
 @NebsterC-3PO if your contacts don't have issues drying out at high speed from wind, consider yourself very lucky. I and every rider I know that rides with contacts usually rides with at least clear lens sunglasses when trail riding and I don't know many who don't much prefer goggles if they get a chance.
  • 4 0
 My eyes get all watery and teary, but strangely it never happens while road biking. Only mountain biking.
  • 1 0
 If having problems with drying out contacts try the following- Johnson and Johnson Oasis (2 weekly lenses) Ciba Vision Total 1 (daily lenses) both are ace lenses and should cut down on dry contact issues, also its worthwhile having a small pipette of dry eye lubricating drops with you if riding all day (try systane total or a generic dry eye drop suitable for contact lenses) dont lick your finger and shove it in your eye btw!
  • 1 0
 Or you could use goggles that properly protect your eyes while riding and its a non-issue...
  • 2 0
 @hairy1976 the final piece of the puzzle for a contact wearer is that the least little speck of grit feels like the spear of an ancient warrior slaying your cornea like a dragon. Goggles and glasses block that...just didn't mention it because every contact lens wearer knows that unmerciful agony all too well.
  • 19 2
 Finally, something with sensible price on pb.
  • 9 0
 That was no Review Bazooka.
  • 2 0
 Really keen on these goggles as I love the colours... But this sentence has me reconsidering. -"The open lattice at the bottom of the frame does make it possible for more dust and debris to work their way to the inside of the goggle compared to ones that use foam, but it was only on the dustiest or muddiest of days that this was noticeable."

Where can I buy these online/in Australia (besides tbsm who only have older stock)? Cheers.
  • 10 0
 Yea that got me a little too. Aren't the dustiest and muddiest days when you really need your goggles to performs the most?
  • 2 1
 Its a possibility and we like to cover all bases when we test products, but it is by no means an issue. Just something we noticed and not very regularly either @sino428
  • 2 4
 Experiment,cut the foam out of the bottom of an old set of goggles. Or better yet, cut the foam out of the top and leave the bottom alone...best of both worlds?
  • 1 0
 Wonder how they'd hold up in the Australia dusty summer.
  • 6 0
 squad goals
  • 2 1
 Perfect for riding in the summer when dust goes in the holes and also perfect for the other 11 months of UK riding for mud and slop to go through the holes. Although, you could probably stick some light foam across the holes to stop that.
  • 6 1
 Wonder if they are as good as 100%?
  • 9 4
 The pinkbike squad seems to be 100% sure
  • 9 2
 100% are way better in my opinion, they feel more solid.
  • 9 2
 They're probably 98% as good.
  • 3 2
 You haven't used them. *facepalm*
  • 8 4
 100% better looking, that's for sure.
  • 5 2
 Is the lack of foam the only mtb specific design feature? If so, it seems like they would be equivalent to ripping the foam off a standard Smith Fuel goggle.
  • 1 1
 it has slits at the top and a wider nose bridge. I have removed the foam the from a pair of my Spy goggles and they work much better on trail rides, so Smith is onto something here.
  • 2 1
 I did this too - on a set of Oakley Proven's, to see what the difference would be. Yeah, it worked, but the thing that makes the Squad's a little more refined, is that the lens isn't flat, its curved - most goggles use a flat piece of lexan plastic. By doing this, Smith decreased the volume of the goggle, which has in turn allowed them to beef up the lattice part of the frame and bring the lens closer to your eyes, a bit like sports glasses would, which helps airflow. With the modified Proven's, I did find that on fast descents, air flow was perhaps too much compared to the Squad, letting in too much air as they were not designed around a foam-less build. That and the larger gaps and holes only increased the chance for debris to find its way in there where the Squad's have kept gaps between the lattice to a minimum.
  • 3 0
 What happens when it rains?
  • 2 0
 They're a bit like riding glasses @makripper - keep them somewhere less wet if possible for climbs or riding exposed lifts as you don't want too much moisture getting inside the goggles. Shove them under your top, in your pack for example. Descending is fine (your peak should keep most of the rain out?) and they de-mist quicker than regular goggles thanks to the airflow that the design encourages. There's no real solution to maintaining excellent vision in wet condition apart from being tactical with how you use your eyewear and in driving rain, they're no better than any other optics solution. Nothing works when its properly raining, at least not for very long...
  • 1 0
 @ollyforster thanks for the replies! I can see now where they are going with this design. I get that for sure. They won't work for me becuase when its wet here I get the mud spraying up everywhere from all angles (i'm sure you are familiar with that lol) and when it's dry, its dusty as. cheers!
  • 1 0
 I've worn smith glasses for ~5 years now and can honestly say, I won't change brands. High quality stuff, great customer service, and they stand by that lifetime warranty. My glasses that I literally wear every single day for riding and not riding separated at a joint. Sent them in and two weeks later had a brand new pair. No questions asked and no bs hoops to jump through.
  • 4 3
 not fit for purpose. let in dusk, debris, airborne crud. no use for DH riding in dusty summer conditions. expect to see them in the bargain bin for a ten spot next year. JUNK. but nice luminous enduro colour. 2/10 1 for effort & 1 for the colour
  • 2 0
 Fox Air Spc all the way. Can't beat 35 bucks! No fogging and super comfortable.
  • 1 0
 Smith's snow goggles are top notch, so if their MTB goggles are good, then that's great, I still plan on using glasses for my average schmo riding.
  • 2 1
 I actually didn't like my smith i/o and went back to my anon goggles. My old smith intakes were sick but my new intakes suck. Hope they have it figured out.
  • 2 0
 Alternatively, do as I have done and rip the foam off the vents on your goggles - it works!
  • 3 0
 and what happens when you're fourth in a train and just eating dust?
  • 3 0
 you regret buying these
  • 1 0
 haven't purchased. just more of an observation
  • 2 0
 right, I was posing an answer to your hypothetical question. not implying that you made a regrettable decision to purchase them. aka a joke. ha ha
  • 1 1
 This is a nifty idea, but a lot of goggles already have frame work like this. Why not just remove the lower foam from your current goggles for free?
  • 2 0
 Were you really off piste?
  • 1 0
 I should probably explain russthedog. By 'off-piste', I mean not on designated MTB trails. Here in the UK, off-road cycling is controlled and to an extent restricted to 'trail centres' and bike parks, both on private and state owned land. The off-piste phrase refers to trails off the beaten track, deep in the woods and more often than not, devoid of the grading used elsewhere to help riders determine if they've got the necessary minerals to get down the trail, or not.
  • 2 0
 Roger that, cheers. Most tracks are like that in aus, we are a fair bit behind the UK.
  • 1 0
 I get piste-off if I can't ride off-piste
  • 2 0
 As soon as Smith has them in stock I'll get a pair.
  • 1 0
 No pinkbike people are rocking goggles because shi** flying in their face. Sometimes literally. Dam ponies!
  • 2 0
 Are they saying you can wear glasses with these goggles?
  • 1 0
 Pleeeease tell me they will be available in Europe aswell @SmithOptics
Cant find them on the website for Germany yet
  • 1 0
 Well theses suddenly went from available this fall to next spring, according to the person I just spoke to at Smith.
  • 1 0
 Please anyone who can help. Where can I find tear offs for these googles online?
  • 1 0
 Those goggles are going to really blow in the dust. Guessing they have since the review.
  • 5 5
 Have to smile when thinking about what happens when a bee drops in behind these puppies Smile
  • 7 1
 I'd smile when I see the odds for this actually happening!
  • 1 0
 will be picking these up when back in stock Smile
  • 1 0
 Hands down the best mtb google available! No question.
  • 1 0
 wish they would be back in stock soon enough...
  • 1 0
 How well do these work with prescription glasses?
  • 1 0
 Perfect!
  • 4 7
 No thanks, I'm sticking with my air brake. Cool looking goggles though, but I'm just over this "mountain bike/enduro specific goggles" thingy.
  • 6 0
 I take it you prefer the "moto cross specific goggles" thingy? I have a few set of Airbrakes and love them, but sometimes, they're just too much for mountain biking. They're heavy, they're incredibly expensive - especially considering they were designed for 20-30 minute motos and not 2-4 minute descents on a bicycle - and they are easily wrecked. They both have their place in MTB, but products that have been designed specifically for a job at hand, by experts, are not to be sniffed at.
  • 2 2
 Oakley is horrible dude. Hahahaha have fun replacing your lens when you wipe the inside when it's wet
  • 3 4
 soo yeah they're goggles ...
  • 3 0
 Apparently...
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