SMITH WILDCAT PHOTOCHROMIC GLASSES REVIEW
INCREDIBLE OPTICS FOR BRIGHTER DAYS
Words by Robert Johnston | Photos by Finlay Anderson
February 28, 2025
Photochromic lenses such as those found on the Smith Wildcat ChromaPop PhotoChromic glasses are very useful for mountain biking, helping to account for the varying light conditions that we’re typically faced with. However, many Photochromic lenses come with very average optics, and with the growing popularity of contrast-boosting technologies, they can feel a little lackluster at times.
When Smith launched their Photochromic lens equipped with their ChromaPop technology, I had to call a set of their Wildcat glasses in to test to see how they would perform.
ABOUT THE SMITH WILDCAT GLASSES
The Wildcat has been a mainstay in Smith Optics’ lineup for five years at this point, gaining popularity for its solid coverage and field of vision. It has a medium frame with extra large coverage, claimed to offer the protection and coverage of goggles. This frame is a mixture of TR90 and TPU plastics, offering plenty of durability. The legs hinge on an autolock system, keeping them open for one handed fitting and removal. Megol – a silicone rubber – is used for the two-position nose pad along the temple zone.
Their ChromaPop technology is well renowned for its ability to enhance vision while riding, increasing the prevalence of certain colors and boosting contrast. This tech has been available with a range of colors with varying Visible Light Transmission (VLT) values, covering Clear (Cat 0) through to Cat 3. Now, Smith has added ChromaPop technology to a PhotoChromic lens. PhotoChromic lenses respond to the light in an environment and adapt their level of tint, getting darker in bright light and clearer in the dark. The Smith ChromaPop PhotoChromic lens adjusts from Cat 3 to Cat 1, with VLT values of 12-67%, and offers 100% UV protection. The lens has a 5-base cylindrical shape, giving a slight wrap around the head.
Smith offers the Wildcat in a range of colors and with different lenses, with various prices. Our ChromaPop PhotoChromic Lens-equipped Smith Wildcat retailed for $255 /£215 /€255, and was supplied with a spare Clear lens, glasses case, and microfiber bag.
THE DIRT
Being my first time wearing Smith glasses, I used the descriptions of the various frame shapes available to select the most compatible lens for my face. The Wildcats turned out to be a great call, sitting comfortably on my face and offering good coverage. The legs never fouled on a variety of helmets or caused any discomfort, and the adjustable nose piece had them sitting comfortably on my face. There were a few instances when I was particularly sweaty where a rough section of trail would cause the glasses to slide slightly down my nose, but it was rare enough to be a non-issue. I’d perhaps like a slightly increased hook to the end of the leg to ensure this can’t happen, but it’s not essential and the straighter legs make for easier fitment and removal.
Onto the lens, and for the majority of riding the Smith Photochromic ChromaPop lens was the best I’m yet to use. The lens helped to make the world look that little bit better, and added a little contrast and clarity to help see the trail ahead. However, it wasn’t perfect. In the Scottish woods through the winter, and the darkest thickest trees of Queenstown, NZ, the Cat 1 (67% VLT) minimum of the Photochromic lens left them a little too dark for comfort. As is typical with PhotoChromic lenses, there was a short but notable time taken for the transition, too, which could leave things rather dark momentarily when entering even a lighter coverage of trees. I resorted to carrying a clear lens in my pack and regularly making the swap to tailor my vision to the conditions.
Compared with Melon’s PhotoChromic lens, which goes close to fully clear, this was a notable drawback of the Smith lens. Thankfully lens switches are quick and easy, so it’s not a taxing exercise to make the change. Of course, if you’re in a less densely wooded spot, this isn’t going to matter to you at all. But I would suggest that many of the best trails are in the trees.
Otherwise, the comfort and quality of the Smith Wildcat Photochromic glasses has been stellar. The Anti-Fog on both the ChromaPop PhotoChromic and Clear lenses was in-line with other premium options – that’s to say it’s not infallible, but does a good job – and they’ve resisted scratches and damage well thus far. Their suitability is going to depend on the conditions you typically ride in, and how deep your pockets are. They’re not cheap but may just be worth your cash if you’re serious about your vision in sunnier lands.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The Smith Wildcat Photochromic glasses with ChromaPop technology offered the best vision for mountain biking I’ve experienced across mixed conditions, until it got particularly dark. If you are a rider who doesn’t find themselves regularly riding in dusk or heavily wooded trees, then they may just be as good as it gets, but you’ll have to dig deep to buy them. 
Price: $255 /£215 /€255
Website: Smithoptics.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
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