Smith Optics: ChromaPop Sunglasses Guide

Smith ChromaPop sunglasses enhance color perception by filtering out overlapping wavelengths for superior clarity and definition. Find out more about how ChromaPop technology works and discover the available shades of ChromaPop+ and ChromaPop polarized lenses. This guide also covers Smith MAG frames that support interchangeable lenses and Smith frame collections, most of which are compatible with ChromaPop lenses.

Vision: ChromaPop vs Standard Lenses

Proprietary Smith ChromaPop lens technology filters out two of the three wavelengths of colored light. All visible light is blue, green or red. These lenses eliminate overlapping frequencies that cause color confusion for enhanced color accuracy, clarity and definition.

Choosing the best ChromaPop lens tint based on light levels and features of the surrounding environment reduces eye strain by keeping wearer’s eyes from having to work as hard to detect details. Eyewear that supports faster visual response and reduces fatigue can be helpful during outdoor sports and other precision applications.

ChromaPop sunglasses differ from standard polarized lenses on account of their color filtration and enhancement properties. Ordinary polarized lenses are laminated with a chemical coating with molecules that align to block light that is reflected horizontally, or glare off of reflective surfaces. ChromaPop lenses combine polarization and true color technology.

Smith makes two types of ChromaPop lenses: ChromaPop polarized and ChromaPop+ polarized. Basic ChromaPop polarized lenses are impact-resistant carbonic lenses that protect against ultraviolet light and glare. ChromaPop+ lenses are made of Trivex, an even more durable and scratch-resistant material. ChromaPop+ lenses also provide greater clarity than carbonic lenses and feel up to 10% lighter.

Whether you select Smith sunglasses that have ChromaPop or ChromaPop+ polarized lenses, you can appreciate the color accuracy of lenses that permit anywhere from 10% up to 65% of visible light to pass through based on tint color.

Smith MAG

The Smith MAG line of glasses and goggles feature a lens interchange system. Lenses in MAG eyewear are fast and easy to swap out for optimal visibility under bright or low-light conditions. Most styles come with at least two sets of ChromaPop lenses. It is important to note that some long-running Smith MAG eyewear styles that have recently been redesigned, such as the I/O MAG snow goggles, may only be compatible with lenses manufactured during the same production season.

Some of the most popular sunglasses with quick-swap lenses include the Attack MAG, Attack MAG MAX and Attack MAG MTB. Attack MAG frames come with a ventilated lowered-brow shape, two-position nose pad and two ChromaPop lenses. The Attack MAG MAX has a larger lens and hydrophilic Megol temples, while the Attack MAG MTB style has a maximum-coverage lens with a ventilation channel.

Many MAG sunglasses and goggles are designed for performance, but some styles can be worn as lifestyle eyewear. Freespool MAG sunglasses come with interchangeable standard and performance temples with glare-blocking integrated side shields. The Caravan MAG has a casual sunglass design with performance features such as auto-lock hinges and hydrophilic megol temples and nose pads.

Smith ChromaPop Sunglasses Lenses

You can choose from nine shades of Chromapop lenses. The deepest shades such as Black, Green Mirror and Gray Green Mirror are intended for wear in bright conditions. Lighter tints such as Contrast Rose or Low Light Amber are suitable for variable or low light levels across a wide range of environments.

ChromaPop Black lenses have a visual light transmission rating of 10%. These gray-based lenses with a light black mirror finish are ideal for bright to moderate light levels. Black ChromaPop lenses increase color accuracy and clarity to make it possible for wearers to effortlessly make out more details.

Green Mirror ChromaPop are lenses with a slightly higher VLT rating of 12%. These lenses also start with a gray base, but have a green mirror finish. This lens tint is ideal for high sun exposure. ChromaPop Green Mirror lenses can provide a stylish accompaniment for several Smith frame colors and patterns.

Gray Green Mirror ChromaPop lenses pair a neutral gray base with a green finish to amplify colors outdoors on the deep ocean, trail or road. These lenses are rated to block 12% of VLT and amplify visual clarity and detail. This lens is built on the carbonic ChromaPop platform.

ChromaPop Platinum are gray lenses with a deep platinum mirror finish for high levels of sun exposure. This shade has a VLT rating of 12% and a reflective coating ideal for reducing glare on the deep ocean or road surfaces. Platinum ChromaPop lenses are a stylish pairing for many Smith frames.

Red Mirror ChromaPop lenses feature a high contrast brown base with a deep red mirror finish. These lenses have a VLT rating of 15% and enhance clarity and detail in moderate to high sun exposure. ChromaPop Red Mirror lenses have a striking look and are a popular choice for goggles and sunglasses.

Bronze Mirror ChromaPop sunglasses combine a high-contrast brown base with a deep bronze mirror finish. These lenses have a 15% VLT rating that is suitable for everyday wear and appreciation of in-shore surroundings, scenic trails or roads. These lenses are also a popular choice for underwater visibility during freshwater fishing.

ChromaPop Ignitor lenses have a universal tint that enhances contrast and depth under most conditions while reducing eye fatigue. This all-season lens with a VLT rating of 32% is suitable for in-shore freshwater or deep ocean fishing or water sports and can also be worn on fields, roads or trails.

Contrast Rose ChromaPop are low-light, high-contrast lenses that have a rose base. This technical performance lens has a 50% VLT rating suitable for variable light conditions in a wide range of outdoor environments. Like the Gray Green Mirror lenses, ChromaPop Rose lenses are built on the brand’s carbonic lens platform.

Low Light Amber ChromaPop lenses are the option with the highest VLT rating at 65%. This tint allows the majority of light to pass through lenses, making Low Light Amber the best choice for maintaining contrast and clarity in dim outdoor lighting and while moving in and out of shadow.

Smith Optics

Smith was founded in 1965 by Dr. Bob Smith, an orthodontist and skier. Dr. Smith built goggles in his garage and started selling eyewear out of his van during trips to Colorado and Utah. Four years later, Smith began producing his Original ski goggles in Colorado through a partnership with a contract manufacturer.

By 1989, Smith Sport Optics Inc. was incorporated and had begun to produce some of the most technically advanced ski goggles. The brand launched the ChromaPop lens line in 2013 followed by ChromaPop snow lenses in 2016.

Fit Tips for Smith Eyewear 

Every pair of Smith sunglasses specifies fit factors. Start by determining whether a style is made for men or women. Many styles have a medium fit. The brand also specifies the amount of lens coverage.

The base curvature of eyewear is also important for a good fit. Smith makes frames that have four, six, eight or nine base lens curvature. Sunglasses with four base frames are relatively flat. Six base frames contour around the temples. Eight base frames curve around the face for a close fit. Eyewear with a base nine curve are wraparound frames.

If you plan to customize Smith sunglasses with prescription lenses, you may prefer frames with a lower base curve. Strong prescription lenses in wraparound frames are more prone to distortion. Check to see whether your favorite Smith style specifies a range of compatible prescription strengths.

Asia fit versions are available for some Smith goggles and eye shields. This fit has a deeper and narrower nose bridge to accommodate thicker pads that lift frames to rest higher up on the wearer’s nose. Shorter and wider lenses also increase cheekbone clearance. The base curvature of frames may also be reduced to offset contact at the temples.

Several design features may also affect the fit of Smith eyewear. Adjustable nose pads or pieces can provide a more secure fit, particularly if these components are made of megol. As wearers sweat or eyewear gets exposed to external water, this hydrophilic rubber holds frames in place. Auto-locking hinges can also ensure that sunglasses stay in the desired position during wear.

Smith Sunglasses Frames

Smith has six major frame collections. Each collection features unique frame materials, many of which are selected for performance properties. From metal and mixed-material frames to performance frame materials and options for aetate, bio-based or recycled plastic frame materials, wearers can choose sunglasses that have the right feel, fit and look.

Metal frames by Smith come in classic silhouettes. These styles feature ultra-lightweight sculpted alloy metal or premium stainless steel frame materials. Adjustable silicone nose pads or pads made of other optical materials allow for all-day comfort with a perfect fit.

Mixed sunglasses frames combine acetate and injected materials. These styles have a modern look and often utilize materials chosen on the basis of performance. For instance, some frames have stainless steel temples for a more durable and lightweight design.

Smith makes handcrafted acetate frames through a 33-step process. These plastic frames often feature wire-core temples for an adjustable fit. One of the main advantages of acetate eyewear is that frames can be produced in an assortment of colors and have striking design options in terms of patterns.

The Performance frames made by Smith feature the latest materials such as Grilamid TR90. Most of this eyewear is designed for durability and lightweight wear and can maintain shape, even during exposure to extreme temperatures or impact hazards.

Evolve frames are made of proprietary, eco-friendly injected polymer and feature 53% bio-based material. Smith is the maker of the largest environmentally responsible collection of sunglasses. Many Evolve styles feature the brand’’ ChromaPop lens technology and other innovative features.

Smith CORE frames are made of recycled materials. Each frame in this collection consists of materials derived from five water bottles. Whether you prefer Smith glasses made entirely out of recycled plastic or Evolve frames, you have more eco-friendly options when shopping for Smith eyewear than most other optical brands.