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Smith Scope Review

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Smith Scope Review (Smith Scope)
Smith Scope
Credit: Smith
Price:  $70 List
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Manufacturer:   Smith
By Aaron Zanto ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Mar 8, 2016
58
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Lens Quality Low Light - 35% 6.0
  • Breathability - 20% 5.0
  • Comfort - 15% 5.0
  • Protection - 10% 5.0
  • Durability - 15% 7.0
  • Style - 5% 7.0

Our Verdict

Smith discontinued the Scope goggle.
REASONS TO BUY
Good ventilation
Plenty of colors and style options
REASONS TO AVOID
Lens quality
Fit
The Smith Scope is a good entry level goggle. This goggle has all the basics covered and is a good goggle if you are looking for more protection than your sunglasses. This goggle is made in dozens of different colors and styles; there is bound to be one that is right for you. We tested seven additional pairs of goggles in our Best Ski Goggle comparison review.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Hands on Comparison


smith scope - smith scope, acid w/3, with blackout mirror lens.
Smith Scope, Acid w/3, with Blackout Mirror lens.
Credit: Aaron Zanto

Protection


Sunny, windy, rainy, no worries. The Scope performed well in such conditions. The frame was very flexible, moving well with the lens. There are some noticeable gaps along the perimeter of the frame. While skiing at high speeds, we felt this goggle allowed wind to pass through the sides, causing drying of the eyes.

Breathability


This goggle is breathable. The vent on the top worked well. This product did an OK job of keeping the fog at bay, even when hiking uphill. The anti-fog treatment worked OK. Moisture gets trapped around the edges, as the frame protrudes from the lens around the perimeter. Completely clearing off water and snow from the lens is tricky.

Comfort


The Smith Scope did not fit our faces very well. It felt like the frame was very large, causing our eyes to feel like they were swimming in the goggle. There is only one layer of foam. Hence, the wicking properties of the foam felt very low. Overall the comfort of these goggles felt like a bargain goggle.

Lens Quality


The lens quality of the Smith Scope was decent. The mirrored black lens did a good job of keeping the bright sun out of our eyes. We felt there was a good deal of distortion from the flat lens. The lens did a good job of giving clear visibility.

Durability


The Scope has a semi-flexible frame, which should allow it to survive a frontal impact of a hard fall. The lens resisted scratches well. No more scratches were noticeable than on other goggles we tested. The strap kept its elasticity. We did notice that the strap can come off of the adjustment buckle inadvertently.

Style


The style of the Smith Scope has a tried, true, and tested look. We thought it had a style that has been around since goggles have been around. The large frame of the goggle had the appearance of being large on the face. Because of the large frame, the different styles and colors really make a difference. Make sure to choose a goggle strap and frame that fits your personality.

Best Applications


This goggle is best suited for an entry level skier or snowboarder. It would also be well suited to snowshoeing. With a lens similar to the one we tested, this would be a good goggle for bright sunny days.

Value


The Smith Scope is a good product for the price. It offers the protection one needs for entry-level skiing or snowboarding. The goggle is just expensive enough that you wouldn't want to buy two in a season.

— Aaron Zanto
 
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