SMITH Optics have produced a world-first lens. A pair of glasses suited to use in all light conditions and a range of different aquatic environments. You have one pair for your blue water, estuary and fresh. One pair for low light, cloudy, sunrise, sunset or peak sun.
The Hookset frame is a wrap-around design fit for the avid fisho. On my face, there is minimal to no gap on the sides for direct sunlight penetration. There is a thin lower lip to avoid water pooling, which can become an annoyance with splashes. A comfortable grip on the nose keeps them securely locked in. The frame has been made from the SMITH Optics Evolve bio-base material that is conscious of the environment, lightweight and durable.
I tend to get a bit of a headache when wearing tight sunglasses all day. Not with the Hookset. The spring hinges allow the arms of the frame to hyperextend, taking pressure off your temple. A sunglass saver comes with the purchase of the Hookset. This is important to avoid unnecessary risk to your sunglasses, losing them or being left somewhere away from your person where they could get damaged.
ChromaPop has already been in the SMITH Optics range for a while. ChromaPop makes the world look clearer. Colours are more vibrant and contrast is increased. So for anyone on the water, you are more able to distinguish between anything below the surface. I have used my lenses in a variety of environments and they have produced great visual results, particularly for sight casting. Small details such as spotting a trout in a rocky stream to broader applications such as spotting patches of reef offshore.
The glare-cutting polarisation also enhances sight penetration below the surface, enabling improved depth perception. The high grade of polarisation truly makes the eyes feel protected and relaxed. For someone like myself with sensitive eyes, the hookset’s design and lens technology make a day on the water comfortable. Comfort on the water leads to increased focus and time doing what you love.
The addition of Polarchromic technology is what truly makes this model from SMITHS Optics an engineering marvel. The photochromic adaptability of the lens will adjust its tint based on the amount of sunlight and UV exposure. So in strong light conditions, middle of the day with reflection off the surface your eyes are protected with increased tint. Allowing you to maintain relaxed eyes that aren’t squinting to get a glimpse of the landscape. On the flip side, in low light conditions when there are clouds or the sun is just coming up the Hook Set with polarchromic technology will make the world look even clearer. Optimal light exposure with UV protection coupled with the benefits of chromopop-enhancing colours. The world truly looks better with these sunglasses.
SMITH Optics is the first glassware on the market to be able to combine all of these technologies into a single eyepiece. Polarchromic, ChromaPop and polarisation are all embedded in a highly scratch-resistant glass material.
The SMITH Optics hookset in ChromaPop glass Polarchromic is priced at $385. I have used the yellow-blue mirror and have been blown away by the quality of this product. This is the best fishing performance-enhancing eyepiece that SMITH Optics has put on the market.
More info at smithopticsaustralia.com.
