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Smith Optics Venture and Shoutout Core review

SMITH Optics has been making sunglasses since 1965 and has more recently expanded its marketing efforts to encompass the recreational fishing, complementing it strong emphasis on action sports like snowboarding, biking, and trail running.

Smith is also a mainstream company with a great reputation for customers looking for casual day-to-day wear designs that provide stylish sun protection. Smith is considered a top-tier sunglass manufacturer with unique technologies that have transitioned seamlessly into enhancing fishos’ success on the water. 

I have two different sunglasses to review from the extensive range from Smith Optics. The style of frame is transferable to the lens so have a look online or jump over to your local stockist to see which suits your head shape, needs and aesthetic. 

Venture – Primary Lens: ChromaPop Glass Polarised Black

This frame is designed for the outdoorsy person who spends time in the elements. The “burning man” or “adventurer” aesthetic makes for a pretty cool-looking setup, whilst functional in minimising the opportunity for sunlight to sneak in through the sides of the lenses. Whether sunlight is reflected off the surface of the water or snow, Ventures hug the shape of the face with removable side panels that block the sides.

Removing the panels transforms the Ventures into more of a daily outing option that opens up peripherals in situations like driving.

All Smith sunglasses have a unique coating that means 99% of sunlight that does creep in through the sides passes through the lens. Other frames that are more open are at risk of internal light reflection. Smith anti-reflective coating prevents sunlight from bouncing back and damaging the retina.

I am a huge fan of glass lenses. Glass is more scratch-resistant. A slight scratch on the lens can ruin your perception of the world, like a big bird dropping on your car windscreen. The security of scratch-resistant from a glass lens is comforting. Smith glass lenses have been in its range for nearly 30 years and over the years it has developed a lightweight composition of glass. Some people shy away from glass lenses due to the added weight, but these sit comfortably.

ChromaPop is a technology that aims to distinguish and highlight colours. Predominantly greens, blues and reds. Colour enhancement is critical when observing the water to be able to identify objects below the surface clearly. I used the Ventures on bright days and the polarisation protected my eyes, whilst my perception of the water was enhanced. I enjoyed using them on the sandflats and out on the boat for long days in the sun. 

Shoutout Core – Primary Lens: Polarised Grey Green

This frame is more of a trendy aesthetic that is versatile outside the realm of fishing in social settings whilst maintaining strong performance on the water, fishing. It has 100% protection from harmful UVA/B/C rays with great polarisation. These are more affordable moving away from glass lenses, however, still have the benefits of Smith ChromaPop colour-enhancing technology.

Smith is a member of Greenspark, with a clean consciousness and concerted effort to minimise its footprint on the environment. For every order, they rescue three plastic bottles and plant one tree to reduce its carbon footprint.

The “Core” range is entirely made up of recycled plastic and the “Evolve” frame incorporates 53% bio-based eco-friendly material. Any company that has the environment at the forefront of its decision-making is going to go up the pecking order in my decision-making. The fact that Smith is producing such a quality product on top of its sustainability push, makes it easier to choose Smith as your next pair of sunnies.

More info at smithopticsaustralia.com.

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