When it comes to ski goggle and MTB sunglass tech, nearly every brand checks the box for UV protection. But the real difference? It’s all about how lenses boost color and contrast out in the wild. For Oakley, it’s PRIZM. Dragon has LumaLens. And for Smith Optics, the magic lies in their ChromaPop™ lens. We had the chance to put ChromaPop to the test in both the snow AND dirt in their Smith 4D MAG goggles and the Attack MAG MTB sunglasses. Here’s our full review of Smith’s ChromaPop lens and what makes it a standout on the mountain and the trail.
What is ChromaPop Lens like?
Saying better clarity doesn’t do Smith ChromaPop Lens justice. It makes you feel like you’ve been watching black and white TV your entire life and suddenly went to color.
On storm days, when the light’s flat and the terrain blends into a sea of gray, ChromaPop cuts through the haze—bringing out definition and contrast, even in the worst conditions. And on dirt? It’s a visual overload (in the best way possible). Riding through meadows bursting with wildflowers, the greens are greener, the blues are deeper, and everything just pops.
You’ll spot every twig, root, and creek crossing—even in those shadowy sections where normal lenses would leave you guessing.
Cross-Pollination From Snow To Dirt
Skiing or snowboarding in flat light on a cloudy day can feel like riding blind. It’s tough to see the bumps, rolls, and subtle changes in the snow. That’s exactly why Smith Optics developed their ChromaPop™ technology—to bring clarity to those low-visibility days.
And let me tell you from personal experience: this is not a gimmick. ChromaPop makes a huge difference on the mountain.
Even better? Smith has brought that same tech to their MTB glasses—and it’s an absolute game changer on the trails too.
How Does Chromapop Work
In Smith’s words — the eye’s retina has trouble perceiving the difference between blue and green, and red and green light. With ChromaPop lenses, it filters these specific crossovers so that you can see everything in its natural light. It also helps reduce eye fatigue and anyone that has issues with eyestrain.
How Does it Compare To Other Brands?
Out of all the lens tech we’ve tested, Smith Optics’ ChromaPop™ is right up there with the best. We’d put it neck-and-neck with Oakley’s PRIZM in terms of clarity and contrast. As for others we’ve tried, they just don’t measure up when it comes to visual definition, especially in changing light.
For mountain biking in particular, out of all the MTB sunglasses we’ve put to the test, Smith’s Attack MAG with ChromaPop is easily one of the top performers out there.
