Smith Syncline Sunglasses

Review by Will Trail

Initial Impressions

Smith, a brand renowned for high-quality eyewear designed for activities like hiking, running, snow sports, fishing, and biking, recently added the Syncline sunglasses to their product line. These sunglasses feature rose tinted ChromaPop™ lenses in the sweet “Matte Meteorite Crystal” colorway and include a hard storage case to complete the kit. The glasses are ODS5 Compatible for riders that require prescription correction.

• Lens Height: 65 mm
• Lens Width: 148 mm
• Temple Length: 125mm
• Weight: 35 grams
• Frame size: large
• Includes a hard shell storage case and an additional clear lens

Detailed Review

The Syncline sunglasses utilize ChromaPop™ lenses with a rose mirrored tint and a 51% visible light transmission (VLT). I went with this level of VLT as it offers the best all around performance for me. These lenses offer 100% UV protection and feature a large wraparound design that effectively shields the eyes from wind and dust. Smith notes that these frames are designed for medium to large face sizes, and the coverage definitely reflects that.

The temple tips sit naturally around my ears and integrate well with helmet straps. The two position adjustable Megol nose pads allow for a customized fit and do a good job preventing slippage during rides. Megol rubber on the temples also helps keep the glasses securely in place. Despite their larger frame size, these sunglasses worked well with multiple helmets, which is not always the case with oversized eyewear. A rubber bumper along the top of the lens helps reduce chatter if the helmet does make contact with the frames. The frame is made from Evolve™ bio-based frame material that is both light and durable. I really appreciate the auto locking hinges that allow taking the glasses on and off easy with one hand.

Upon initial wear, the enhanced contrast and clarity characteristic of ChromaPop™ lenses were immediately noticeable. Trail irregularities and rocks became much easier to pick out, which is crucial when navigating technical terrain. Testing was done in overcast, partly cloudy, and full sun conditions, and in all cases trail features really popped, improving both confidence and safety.

The frames remained stable during rides and avoided any unwanted helmet contact. The full coverage lenses effectively blocked wind, while integrated top vents and natural side airflow helped prevent fogging. I was impressed with how well they balanced wind protection and airflow, staying clear in both calm and windy conditions.

In use, these are the kind of glasses you forget you are wearing, which is exactly what I look for. They stayed in place, never fogged up, and remained comfortable throughout rides. The lenses are interchangeable, and the included clear lens is a nice addition for lower light conditions, although I did not end up needing to swap them out during testing. The lined hard storage case is really well engineered and allows me to pack the glasses (and spare lens) away safely when not in use and in a clean environment.

Smith Syncline Sunglasses

Closing Thoughts

The Smith Syncline sunglasses deliver excellent clarity and contrast with the ChromaPop™ lenses, making it easier to read the trail and react to obstacles with confidence. The combination of strong wind protection, effective ventilation, and a stable fit makes them a great option for mountain biking.

These sunglasses are designed for larger faces, which may not suit everyone, but Smith offers other frame styles for smaller fits. The addition of interchangeable lenses adds versatility, and the included hard storage case is a standout feature. It is well built, lined for protection, and has enough room to safely store both the glasses and the spare lens, making it easy to keep everything organized and protected between rides or while traveling.

For riders looking for maximum coverage, solid helmet compatibility, and excellent on trail performance, the Syncline is a strong choice. These sunglasses are most definitely “Trail Approved”!

Will Trail

Will grew up in Idaho (fifth generation!) where he enjoyed the outdoors, riding his bike, participated in multiple sports, and working on the family ranch from time to time.

During college at Montana Tech, he played football for a few years and worked as a wildland firefighter during the summers.  He met his future wife, Erin Trail, there and after graduating with a degree in Geophysical Engineering, they moved to Texas where he was involved with racing his Subaru WRX, camping and powerlifting.