I’ve dropped hundreds on ski and snowboard goggles. I’ve spent thousands on my mountain bike and the components that make it rip. But for some reason, year after year, I hesitated to invest in a solid pair of MTB sunglasses. That changed when I finally picked up the Smith Attack MAG MTB glasses—and let me tell you, there’s no going back. Regular sunglasses? Not a chance. Here’s my honest review of the Smith Attack MAG MTB glasses—and why they’ve become an essential part of every ride.
Verdict
They say German engineers don’t believe a circle is ever quite “circle” enough—everything needs to be dialed to perfection. That same obsessive attention to detail is exactly what Smith brings to the table with the Attack MAG MTB glasses.
This isn’t just about the game-changing ChromaPop lens or the slick magnetic lens-swap system. It’s not just the comfort, the lens, or the premium feel—it’s all of it, working together, that makes them arguably the best mountain bike glasses on the market.
If you’re the type who refuses to compromise on performance, style, or functionality, the Smith Attack MAG MTB will feel like they were made just for you.
Smith Attack Mag MTB Specs
- Two lenses: Bright light and low light
- ChromaPop performance tints
- Sunglasses Hard Case with separate compartments for lenses
- Smith Microfiber Bag
- Price: $285
- Buy from Backcountry.com , EVO , Smith Optics or REI
What I Love About Them
As soon as I put them on, I was shocked at how comfortable AND lightweight they felt. Each point of contact is made of a soft rubber that keeps them where you placed them but not to the point of pinching. Out on the trails when I start getting a bit sweaty, these pieces like the nose pads felt as if they provided a bit more grip. Despite having an average sized nose, I did notice that the two-position adjustable nose piece would be helpful for those that normally don’t feel comfortable where their sunglasses are situated.
Switch Lenses Like A Formula 1 Pit Crew
One thing we’ve noticed in the mtb glasses world is that for many of them, switching lenses is a bit of a challenge. Many don’t provide this option. And if they do, you usually feel like you’re performing brain surgery switching out the lenses. Any false move and you may break something. Not so with the Smith Attack MTB glasses.
The “MAG” in their name stands for magnetic. Where the arms connect to the frame, the attachment points are clipped in via magnets. When you’re wearing them, they feel solid but when you do switch out the lens, it’s only a matter of seconds to swap them. The connection is so sweet that you could do it with a single hand.
More Like Goggles Than Glasses
Speaking of well designed, another positive feature is their 7×4 toric lens curvature. Based on what we read about toric lens curvature, the lens itself isn’t round or straight but multi-dimensional. It literally wraps around your face providing a 180-degree (or more?) view unlike any other pair I’ve ever ridden with. Even on the hottest days, the glasses stayed fog-free and yet during windy events made sure my eyes weren’t watering. Combined with the “pop” of visual clarity of the ChromaPop lens technology, they feel like a high end pair of ski goggles except for mountain biking.
Dirty? Pshaw.
No matter how good you are at keeping the rubber side down, mountain biking is a dirty hobby. Be it dusty, muddy, or something in between, the hydrophobic lens coating is a game changer. Smudges, oils, and anything else you may encounter will wipe away. I will say after a few years it’s started to wear away, but like any coating, you just need to be extra careful and use a microfiber cloth or goggle bag to gently wipe the lens clean.
What I Didn’t Like
One of the challenges of mountain biking is that you may transition from super sunny sections into shady areas often throughout a trail. A sunny lens may work well on certain segments but challenging to get clarity under a dark forest canopy. A photochromic lens can automatically adjust quickly to light and darken the lens on sunny segments and vice versa for sunless areas. From what I can tell, Smith hasn’t figured out how to combine ChromaPop with photochromic into one lens. Fortunately, the low light amber lens provided is a great all-arounder except for those radiantly bright days. Then the other lens provided has you covered.
Is It Worth The Price Tag?
The multi-hundred-dollar question. As usual, it depends. If you’re a person that goes out a handful of days per season or just starting out, they may not be worth the price. On the flip side, if you spend a TON of time on your bike, the Smith Attack MAG are by far the best pair of mtb glasses I’ve ever tried. I can’t even imagine riding without them now.
