Intended Purpose: The Smith I/O packed in the performance but the Smith I/OX sets the standard with wider vision, interchangeability and performance in one goggle.
Location: I wore the goggles at the Winter Park, Colorado on-snow.
Conditions: Mix of sunny bluebird to overcast flat light on the mountain.
Color: I tried the Smith I/OX goggle in the white colorway which is pretty basic looking. I really think the black catalog version is badass looking so the white was a little safe-going for my tastes but it was a good frame to demo.
Lens: I believe I rode the Ignitor lenses but it’s hard to say since I didn’t take notes on the lens during the demo. In the photo I’m looking down instead of looking at the light. Either way, the lens did fine for the bright conditions of the demo. It was a sunny bluebird day with the occasional cloud cover. I found the lens was able to adjust to the snow conditions and see clearly throughout the riding. I didn’t have any weird blind spots on the mountain and didn’t find the sunshine too overbearing on visibility with the lens.
Fit: I know that when it comes to Smith, the Smith I/OS fit my face better than the medium/larger frames but I wanted to try them to see the peripheral and try them out so I accepted the fit wouldn’t be for my face. So not the best fit for me personally.
Helmet Compatibility: The goggles worked just fine with the Bern helmet I rode during the demos. You can see the frame wraps around my face but there’s no gaps on the side and no gaper gap on the top of the goggle.
Visibility: The peripheral is wider but it doesn’t feel like you are wearing a fishbowl nor does it look like it. The goggle opens up a bit more vision than the popular I/O goggle.
Features: The Smith I/OX goggles are designed to be the biggest, baddest weapon in Smith’s interchangeable goggle arsenal. The I/OX features a medium/large fit (I/O is medium), quick release lens system, spherical/carbonic X lens with TLT optics, 5X anti-fog inner lens, patented vaporator lens technology with porex filter, includes two performance mirror lenses, ultra wide silicone backed strap, quickfit strap adjustment system with clip buckle, 3 layer driwix face foam, helmet compatible and includes microfiber goggle bag with replacement lens sleeve. My favorite features are the quick release lens system, it’s just so easy to switch out lenses.
Durability: I only spent a day with these at the on-snow at Winter Park so I wasn’t able to test full durability. They were in good shape when I borrowed them and I returned them in good shape.
Thoughts: I’ve used Smith products enough to know that when it comes to fit the smaller frames fit me better so I tried this goggle knowing that the I/OX wouldn’t be my ideal fit but I could test the peripheral and try it to compare it against the I/O goggles. Definitely for those wanting a bit more vision than the I/O this is a good goggle to consider because it has all the same features except with a bigger peripheral vision for the mountain. The I/O are still amazing goggles but the I/OX offer a larger fit with more vision.
Review Disclosure: I demoed this goggle at the SIA On-Snow Demo at Winter Park, CO.
