Smith  Squad ChromaPop Snow Goggles

I bought these as a Christmas gift for an upcoming snow trip. I’m glad I decided to take a look at them. When I opened my package the first thing that caught my eye was a piece of hair that was stuck to the tape. After pulling the product out, the bag was ripped on one end and you could tell that someone else either used or opened it. There are dirt stains around the white frame and a scratch on the lens.

I purchased these hoping to gain better visibility in cloudy, flat light conditions. I purchased my previous pair at Costco, they came with a yellow lens and it was ok but I still struggled in flat light. These Smith goggles also came with a yellow lens, which I was told would be much better than the cheaper goggles I had, but I honestly didn't see an improvement in contrast. I still struggled once the clouds rolled in. This pair also came with a pink lens, which I haven't tried yet, so I can't speak to that one. The goggles are very comfortable, good field of vision. The employee who sold them to me said they wouldn't fog as much because of the fact that it's two lenses sandwiched together. Well, I had some serious fogging issues. That said, the fogging happened mostly during a time when it was snowing very hard, and it was wet snow. The fogging was so bad I couldn't see anything at all. I had to completely dry the goggles under a hand dryer to solve the problem. After it stopped snowing, I didn't have any fogging issues.

I love the fit and the way they look. The lenses seem to be of decent quality. I went from bargain goggles to these. I've had a little trouble with fogging in the lens (I've used them about 8-9 times this season, and I've had fogging issues twice - so, not every time). Also - and this is the main reason for the lower rating - it is such a pain in the butt to change out the lenses. I feel like I'm going to break the lens trying to get the lenses in (getting them out is less of an issue). I am seriously considering returning these and paying the premium for the magnetic lenses. I didn't think it would be a huge issue because I live in the PacNW and I feel like it's cloudy most of the time (my thoughts were - I will likely never use the sunny lenses so I don't need to pay extra for the easily changeable lenses). However, I've had a couple of times when the conditions are variable throughout the day and it's enough of a struggle for me to want to pony up for the ease.

Was about to go on my first ski trip to Jackson Hole. Got there and my lenses were so scratched I couldn’t really see out of them. This caused them to fog up, prolly cause there wasn’t any anti fog left on the lenses. REI was great and let me exchange them for the Squad XL. A much better fit on my face for one but also I haven’t had any issues. Switched out the lenses and have had a wonderful experience. Pays to be a member at REI and the staff at the GJ store are amazing and friendly. Thanks for the help and hassle free exchange.

These goggles are amazing for the price. Snow doesn't stick to them, they don't fogg up, and fit well. Changing lenses is a major hassle. Having another, dedicated-for-one-shade pair is much more convinient.