SMITH ATTACK MAG
MTB GLASSES REVIEW

Review by Nic Hall
Photos by Dusten Ryen

The Smith Attack Mag MTB glasses bring some of Smith’s best technologies to riders in a tasteful “sport glass” frame. Some of our riders aren’t big fans of what we call, “Angry baseball dad glasses,” and prefer a more casual style like the Smith Lowdown’s, which we reviewed here. However, the new Attack Mag MTB glasses lured us in with some enhanced performance and the Chromapop lenses we love. We received two pairs of the Smith Attack Mags in both matte jade and matte black with ChromaPop green mirror and ChromaPop black lenses and had a couple of riders try them out during a spring filled with riding.

THE LAB
The glasses get their names from the “Mag” arms that have magnetic attachment points that allow the rider to swap out lenses in a matter of seconds with solid retention. Smith’s Attack Mag glasses also feature autolock hinges that have indexing locks that snap open and stay there, allowing for a very rigid frame and single-handed on/off capability. The nose pads are adjustable for narrow and wide nose bridges and should fit most all faces. The overall fit is a medium face profile with large coverage lenses.

Every set of Smith Attack Mag MTB glasses includes the primary lens and a backup high contrast low light ChromaPop Lens. Both lenses have a smudge and moisture resistant coating to shed sweat and rain. A 7×4 Toric lens curvature design has been utilized. In common terms: better coverage with the same optical clarity you are used to from ChromaPop lenses. A nice carrying case for extra lens storage and a microfiber lens cloth are included as well, making the price tag a little easier to swallow.

THE DIRT
We have been riding the Smith Attack Mag MTB glasses all winter through dark forests to direct desert sun for our eMTB Shootout, which Smith did sponsor (full disclosure). Smith’s ChromaPop lenses deliver in all conditions and are absolutely our favorite, whether they’re casual shades we’re wearing while driving the van down the highway, shredding trails on two wheels. The ChromaPop lenses on the Attack Mags are the best version we have tested so far, substantiating Smith’s claims of amplified detail and enhanced color. We especially like the low light lens, which offers a higher amount of light transmission through the lens but can be worn in nearly any condition. The darker green mirror lens is good but mutes out detail in dark forests and on lower light days, so we keep these for brighter days out in the open. While some may be tempted to buy glasses and lenses based on color or a desire to match your bike, we’d suggest looking at your local terrain and lighting to pick the lenses that will be compliment your conditions.

The new magnetic arms are a definite highlight. A simple pull allows for a quick swap between lenses but the system stays in place over the roughest terrain. Even a hard slam to the helmet kept the lenses on my face and probably saved me from a serious laceration to my forehead. Even with such a large lens, the airflow is impressive thanks to an intake on the upper bridge of the frame. If you like that Euro-flair, Smith’s Attack Mag MTB glasses are just large enough to work with a full face like the Smith Mainline, but really match up well with larger half shell helmets.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Both our testers have made the Smith Attack Mag MTB glasses their go-to riding shades. We really like the clarity and coverage of the ChromaPop lens, especially the low light version included with every pair. We think the $260 price tag is a bit steep, but the Attack Mag MTB might justify the price as they work incredibly well, come with a nice carrying case, two lenses and fit comfortably. If you are willing to make an investment in quality eyewear that will reward you on the trail, these are most definitely worth a look.

Price: $259
Website: Smithoptics.com

Disclosure: Our team selects all of the products we review and do so with honesty and objectivity in mind. Some of the products we receive come directly from Competitive Cyclist, who also value our readers and have offered them a 15% discount (exclusions apply) on their first purchase by using LOAMWOLF15. Through this program we may also receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support, TLW.