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It could appear a bit suspect when a evaluation begins with superlatives and there’s nary a suggestion or constructive critique to be discovered, however in the event you solely have time to learn a abstract assertion as to the efficiency of those new Smith sun shades, I can confidently state that the Smith Vert PivLock ($209-$219) is my all-time favourite pair of adventure-worthy sun shades.
The Smith Vert PivLock glasses include two lenses (one solar safety and one clear lens for low-light/darkish journey eye safety), a microfiber bag, and a big efficiency laborious case, which I completely love for stress-free transport when touring.
The sunnies are billed as ultralight and low-profile, which I have to admit I discovered laborious to imagine once I first pulled the huge lenses from the case, however once I put them on, they firmly upheld that billing. These experience so flippantly on my face that it’s surprisingly straightforward to overlook they’re there. They match completely with all my ordinary visors, bike helmet, and desert-style solar hats of various styles and sizes for lengthy days up excessive or paddling on the water.
I’ve by no means had a extra snug pair of excessive efficiency, all-activity, all-weather sun shades. Nor have I ever had a bigger, extra shield-like pair, which elevated my self-consciousness. I’ve needed to attempt to make peace from a private “seems” perspective, however the match and performance are so stellar, it’s well worth the striving.
I’ve examined Vert PivLocks in temperatures from 28 levels Fahrenheit to 103 levels (ugh) and in winds from calm to gusting at 50 miles per hour (ugh once more), they usually have been flawless. No fogging up, no watery eyes, no particles within the eyes, and no sweat beneath the eyeballs (properly, the whole lot was sweating at 103 levels) because of the superb protection and breathability allowed by the body design. Their sturdiness is superb as properly.
The opposite Smith sun shades I’ve owned have every lasted eight or extra years of every day put on, and with a change out of the lens, the frames proceed on — fairly glorious cost-per-use ratio, which I count on will maintain true with these as properly.
A aspect view of the Smith Vert PivLock sun shades with ChromaPop violet mirror lenses. All photographs: iRunFar/Kristin Zosel
Smith Vert PIvLock Body and Match
Make no mistake, the Smith Vert PIvLock are giant protection sun shades with a medium to giant match. No matter you lack in confidence in pulling this “super-fast, sizzling, tremendous star” look off, can be greater than made up for once you expertise their superb efficiency. Whereas not fairly ski goggles, they aren’t that far off within the grand scheme of issues, with a lens width of 139 millimeters by a top of 61 millimeters. The arm size is 125 millimeters.
However in contrast to goggles, once you put the Vert PivLock on, they simply disappear in your face — out of your perspective, a minimum of. The three factors of contact — nostril, and behind each ears — bear weight that’s virtually imperceptible, and even after a 12-plus-hour day of fixed put on, there isn’t a strain ache or abrasion to be felt.
Megol temple and nostril pads are actually non-slip, and with the two-position, simply adjustable nostril pads, you possibly can dial within the match additional to the place they by no means need to be pushed or squinched again into place — even after rocky, rooty downhills, or within the midst of buckets of sweat from these unlucky tremendous sizzling journey days. They don’t even contact my temples, which is uncommon however key for the consolation of my giant head.
I had a pair falls barreling down trails whereas sporting these, and even then, no grime made it into my eyes, and there was no have to hunt for them within the bushes — they have been simply there, proper on my face the place I’d put them at first of the run.
Smith all the time demonstrates cautious consideration to element with their sun shades design, and there’s simply the correct amount of stiffness within the minimal body/protect lens design to allow placing the glasses on/taking them off simply with one hand. In addition they perch securely on high of a visor or trucker hat once you’re not fairly able to put them of their case.
The auto-locking hinges maintain the frames open and the lenses securely by all this futzing round, which is a particular improve from a few of the minimal-framed glasses of the previous. Not as soon as have I had an arm pop off, even once I’ve mistakenly bobbled them. The high-impact resistant TR90 nylon body just isn’t one thing I’ve actually put to the take a look at, fortunately, however I’ve worn them on daily basis for the previous a number of months, they usually look model new — so long as I do a fast clear of the lenses.
Smith made the very first pair of technical sun shades I wore a number of a long time in the past — and my, how the benefit of interchangeable lenses have improved! The PivLock system capabilities as merely as pivoting (rotating) one arm in a single course to launch the lens, and the alternative to just accept the brand new lens in place. No extra fear about breaking lenses whereas attempting to get them to squeeze into place. The nostril adjustment can be as easy, with a pinch or a pull to click on it into place. I’d belief any crew member to hold out these duties in a excessive stakes assist station scenario with out hesitation.
A entrance view of the Smith Vert PivLock sun shades.
Smith Vert PivLock Lenses
Smith has demonstrated experience within the craft of lens making for years, however I do assume the refinement of the ChromaPop, non-polarized lenses discovered within the Smith Vert PivLock has raised the bar considerably.
I obtained the ChromaPop Violet Mirror Lens with my glasses, which permit 15% seen mild transmission (VLT), and are finest for medium to vibrant solar publicity, whereas nonetheless offering 100% blocking of UVA/B/C rays. Additionally included have been the interchangeable clear lenses.
There are 5 different lenses accessible, ranging in VLT from 10 to 30%, relying on what your surroundings requires.
The lenses preserve good visible readability by the complete size and width of the six-base cylindrical protect lens. Because of this — whether or not I’m peering by peripheral imaginative and prescient, or scanning from toe to overhead as I run alongside a path — there isn’t a distortion, no wavy traces, no odd visuals. The ChromaPop know-how can be designed to reinforce pure coloration and distinction of terrain edges and options, which it does, however not in a bizarre 3-D film glasses method.
One of the simplest ways to explain how these lenses operate is just that they maximize visible readability, fully distortion-free, whereas defending your eyes from the solar and eliminating glare. With the large protection and frameless design, the visible area could be very spectacular and uninterrupted as is the safety from wind and dirt from the wrap round form. As is typical from Smith, the lenses even have a coating that resists moisture and smudges ought to an errant finger or an excessive amount of sweat discover the lenses.
A aspect view of the Smith Vert PivLock sun shades.
Smith Vert PivLock General Impressions
From match and efficiency views, the Smith Vert PivLock sun shades are my absolute good pair of vision-enhancing solar protectors. My earlier favourite pair of the final a few years at the moment are relegated to the back-up place. There actually aren’t any different sunnies on the market that I can put on from the daybreak drive to the trailhead, by any size of path run in any climate situations, onto the post-run bike or paddleboard, and again dwelling by way of the night drive. All this with zero discomfort or strain factors, and 0 needs for a special fashion of protection or lenses.
Snow and water glare? No downside — nothing bounces off the within of the lenses with that very best wrap round, giant protect match.
Tremendous vibrant, blustery mountain run with rocky path? Glorious protection and visible readability are supplied because of these lenses.
Bouncy bike terrain or technical working descent? They keep safe on my face and not using a want to regulate.
Have to learn a map or my watch face shortly? No downside — simply sufficient mild is available in to decipher the small print.
On the uncommon event I’ve switched to the clear lenses for an evening journey, their efficiency and luxury stay unmatched.
Any self-consciousness I’ve in regards to the look of the glasses — notably on my middle-aged, non-speedy runner face — is a mute-point when my eyes and my head are so darn glad and comfy. I merely can’t overstate how impressed I’m with the Smith Vert PivLock — 5 out of 5 stars from me.
Name for Feedback
- Have you ever tried the Smith Vert PivLock working sun shades? What have been your ideas?
- Do you want huge, full-coverage sun shades?
[Editor’s Note: If you’re affiliated (i.e., an employee, ambassador, etc.) with a brand, please share your relation in each of your comments on this article. Thanks!]
Testing the Smith Vert PivLock sun shades.
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