The faster you go in deep snow, the more you appreciate a good pair of goggles. Photo: Steve Andrews/The Inertia
We humans are not built to move fast, but we love it all the same. That’s why when skiing or snowboarding, a good quality pair of goggles is essential. Without one, our eyes can’t cope with the speed, and also need to be protected from the sun, snow, and anything else that might ruin our day if too much of it got into our eyes. Bottom line: you need goggles when skiing or snowboarding. And if you can swing it, you want the best quality pair you can afford.
Well, I’m happy to report that after testing out Smith’s 4D Mag goggles over the past two seasons, they are really something else. With incredible color definition and clarity, the lenses are a step above other models out there. They fit well, and provide a much larger field of view than other goggles of similar size. And with a huge array of lens options to choose from, it’s easy to customize your vision for whatever light conditions the day brings. They aren’t cheap, but the reward on investment is enhanced vision when and where you need it the most. Let’s break it down a bit further, below.
Smith Optics 4D Mag Goggles: First Impressions
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable | Expensive |
| Amazing color definition | Prone to scratches |
| Exceptional clarity | No humidity adjustment |
Out of the box, you can tell that the 4D Mag goggles are a premium piece of equipment. They come with a vented hard case to keep the lenses safe, something that most goggles don’t provide as standard. Smith is trying to tell you that if you take care of these goggles, they will take care of you.
There has been a trend lately for goggles to get larger and larger to the point of excess. Smith seems to have bucked this trend with a pair of goggles that don’t look like a giant bubble on your head. Instead, the 4D Mags sit well on the face without feeling too bulky. Despite the smaller frame, the field of vision goes far beyond the periphery thanks to the well-engineered shape. It’s a custom design that rounds out on the edges, especially the bottom edge, allowing you to see everything without the lens protruding too far out. The result is a better balance and a “barely there” feel that allows you to focus on more important matters, such as the snow beneath you.
The vivid contrast of ChromaPop lives up to the hype. Photo: Steve Andrews/The Inertia
Notable Features of the Smith 4D Mag
Chromapop: This is Smith’s proprietary lens tech that is truly something else. While every brand has some trademarked tech that more often than not is a marketing gimmick, Smith’s Chromapop really does improve one’s vision on the slopes. Without going into the marketing-speak and specifics of why Chromapop does what it does, I’m pleased to report the technology provides stunning contrast in a mountain environment, allowing you to see obstacles much more easily.
Lens shape: No other lens is shaped quite the same as these, which is probably the best defining feature. The lens curves at the bottom edge to allow for a much wider field of vision than other frames of a similar size. As a result, these goggles punch far above their weight class in field-of-view for a medium-sized frame. As a result, there is less to worry about when shredding and less sweat to collect inside.
Mag System: Magnetic lenses have gotten more popular over the years, and while some brands have nailed it, others… not so much. But Smith makes it easy to do with an unobtrusive lock on both sides that is flush with the rest of the frame. It’s super easy to change a lens on-the-go, though if you have thick mitts it may be a bit too small of a switch to operate without taking them off. Still, you can swap them in and out pretty easily.
Drawbacks
The biggest setback with these goggles is the price. For some it may be a dealbreaker, which is quite understandable given how many expenses most of us have to deal with to enjoy a day (or 100) of skiing and/or snowboarding. But the reality is that good things cost money these days. So if you can stomach the price tag, and take care of the goggles, then it’ll be well worth the investment.
One other drawback is that since the lens protrudes out from the frame, it’s pretty prone to scratching. The goggles do come with a protective sock for this very reason, so it’s wise to always keep that on when not in use or use the provided hard case to protect your investment. But even if you take all the precautions, accidents still happen. Definitely something to consider if you’re the type who is hard on gear or is prone to losing the extras like a goggle sock or case.
Lastly, the quick-release closure in back is a nice feature, with one caveat: it can get in the way of a clip on the back of a helmet, making it a bit awkward. I had to re-adjust the strap to make sure the clip on my helmet wasn’t in the way. While this isn’t a big deal, it does seem to mess with the symmetry and it’s not as easy to deal with the quick-release while donning a helmet.
The side-on view allows you to see how much light gets reflected, and how much passes through. Photo: Steve Andrews/The Inertia
Final Thoughts
Smith really has raised the bar in several areas. The first is the ChromaPop tech that allows you to see with much better definition than the naked eye. While it’s not unique to the 4D mag, it’s unique to Smith, so if the price is a dealbreaker here you can find other options (such as the Squad) for much less. The second is the wide field of view without an oversized frame.
All in all, the 4D mag is an exceptional pair of goggles that is on the higher end of the price spectrum. But if you can afford it, and know how to take care of your gear, then it’s a worthwhile investment for a smaller sized frame with an extra large field of view, combined with a lens technology that truly stands out from the field.
Editor’s Note: For more in-depth reviews of the top snowboard gear in the industry, check out our guides to: The Best Snowboard Jackets, The Best Snowboard Pants, The Best Snowboard Goggles, The Best Snowboard Mittens, The Best Snowboard Boots, and The Best Snowboard Bags. Curious about the brands behind it all? Check out The Best Snowboard Brands. Looking to protect your head? We’ve reviewed Ski and Snowboard Helmets, too. And for even more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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