Skiing and snowboarding come with a long gear list, but if there’s one thing we would never skimp on, it is ski / snowboard goggles. Any edge to improve your vision, especially when conditions turn tricky, is a game changer. Storm days, flat light, weaving through glades, this is where great goggles really prove their worth. In this review, we’re putting the Smith I/O Goggles with Smith Optics’ ChromaPop lens technology to the test and breaking down why they are a solid choice.
Verdict
The Smith I/O MAG Goggles are a longtime favorite for good reason. Comfortable, reliable, and refined over the years, they sit well on your face and make swapping lenses with the magnetic system effortless. With a clear, dependable field of view and ChromaPop lens tech, they handle everything from spring corn to cold powder days. Less pricey than the 4D MAG, they’re a solid, no-fuss choice for riders who want top-tier performance without the extra bells and whistles.
Smith I/O Mag Goggles Specs
- Two lenses: Bright light and low light
- ChromaPop performance tints
- Three-layer DriWix face foam
- Smith Sock Mitt
- Price: $283
- Buy from Backcountry.com or EVO or Smith Optics
Breaking Down the Smith Goggle Lineup
Smith Optics offers a wide range of goggles, which can feel overwhelming at first. An easy way to narrow your options is to look for models with “MAG” in the name, meaning they use a magnetic lens swap system.
Choosing between the Smith 4D MAG Goggles, Smith I/O Goggles, and Smith Squad Goggles mostly comes down to personal preference. The 4D MAG delivers the widest field of view and a more immersive feel, though it can take some time to adjust to. The I/O is a longtime favorite, offering a familiar fit and a field of view similar to other premium goggles. The Squad stands out with its cylindrical lens, which curves side to side instead of in all directions, giving it a distinct look and feel on the mountain.
What We Like About the Smith I/O MAG Goggles
We tried these in every condition from warm spring days to Sierra cement and even a cold powder day in the Tetons. And the Smith I/O MAG Goggles showed us it’s like a trusty Toyota Tacoma. The design has been refined over the years and simply works the way you want it to. They sit comfortably on your face, and every detail, from the nose piece to the clips that lock in with the magnetic system, feels sturdy and reliable.
While they aren’t quite as immersive as the Smith 4D MAG Goggles, they still offer a clear, dependable field of view that most riders will love. Pair that with Smith ChromaPop lens technology and you have one of the most well rounded, reliable goggles on the market.
Quick Fix On Speckles
One thing I noticed after a windy storm day, especially when I was constantly taking my goggles on and off, was tiny white speckles showing up on the lenses once I got home. This usually comes from sweat or moisture getting into the inner lens. The fix is simple: rinse the lens with warm water and let them air dry. Boom, good as new. This has worked on other brands goggles too.
What You’re Paying For: I/O Compared to 4D MAG
Priced almost $50 less than the 4D MAG, the I/O goggles have a few key differences. They come with just a Smith Sock hat, while the 4D MAG includes a Sock Mitt and a hard goggle case.
The lens design is another big distinction. The I/O uses a standard spherical lens, which works well, but the 4D MAG’s BirdEye lens adds 25 percent more peripheral vision. That extra field of view comes from a unique curve that bends both downward and inward, fancier tech… fancier price.
Picking the Right Lens
Regardless of which goggle type you choose, we recommend making sure they come with the Smith ChromaPop Lens. Smith Optics ChromaPop lens technology provides enhanced clarity and contrast. If you’re looking for an all around lens that you don’t want to switch, grab one that has a VLT over 20% which usually begins with the ChromaPop Everyday such as ChromaPop Everyday Red Mirror which is our personal favorite.
A Size for Everyone
Smith Optics is about providing the best fit for each and every individual, and even in the 4D Mag Family, there are three different variations. The I/O Mag XL is a large fit, the I/O Mag is medium fit, and finally the I/O Mag Small is fit for smaller faces.
If the 4D MAG feels too expensive or you’re not ready for a major change, the I/O is a strong choice. With top-notch lenses and a simple, comfortable fit, the Smith I/O Mag Goggles help you see terrain clearly, even when contrast fades. Invest in a pair that actually makes your rides safer and more enjoyable.
