TESTED: Smith Optics Pivlock Arena Max sunglasses

Since the year 1965 when they first invented the goggle as we know it today, Smith Optics has always been about enhancing vision and protecting athlete’s eyes. Although their roots are firmly embedded in the snow, Smith Optics has been making significant inroads into the mountain bike and road cycling markets over the past few seasons, as they further evolve their product line.

Smith have brought their lens expertise to both the casual and performance glasses market, with new options designed for riding on and off road. Their new models based around their patented Pivlock design, including the Arena Max glasses I’ve been putting to the test.

Lightweight Tech

Built with a strong and highly flexible TR90 frame, the Arena Max glasses are incredibly lightweight at just 26 grams. That makes them by far the lightest glasses I’ve ever ridden with before.

The Arena Max offers up a unique fit that’s specifically designed to better integrate with cycling helmets. The top of the lens sits lower to avoid clashing with the helmet’s brim, and they also receive shorter arms that are less likely to get tangled in the rear harness. This is my favourite aspect of the Arena Max glasses, as I’ve found so many other riding glasses can sit awkwardly when paired with certain helmets.

Adjustable fit comes in the form of a 4-position nosepiece that changes where the lens sits relative to your eyebrows. The rubber pads used for the contact points is made from a hydrophilic material called megol, which means they get stickier with your sweat.

The Pivlock system allows you to remove the arms and nosepiece from the lens quickly and easily. All models come standard with 3 different lenses in the case, including a clear lens for night riding.

MAXimum Vision

The Arena Max has a broad field of vision thanks to its one-piece open lens design and large wrap-around profile. It sees the glasses sitting close to your face, with plenty of peripheral vision. This is also made possible by the 130x48mm lens size. The standard Arena uses a slimmer 124x45mm lens, but for mountain bikers I’d definitely recommend the Arena Max for its better on-trail coverage.

The lens themselves are high tech. Externally you’ll find several mirror coatings and anti-scratch protection, while the inside of the lens receives a multi-layer anti-reflective coating. Sandwiched in the middle is a Carbonic layer for impact protection, and a Techlite Glass layer to provide optical precision. That last detail is worth pointing out, as the Arena Max glasses have provided me with crystal-clear vision and next to no optical distortion. That quality is pretty subtle, but it’s the sort of thing that makes itself apparent when you switch to a cheap pair of glasses.

Smith also quote the use of a hydrophobic lens coating that is supposed to shed water, mud and oils. Unfortunately those contaminants don’t magically disappear though. Like every other pair of glasses I’ve tested, you’ll still need to wipe off any sweat or dirt that makes its way onto the lens surface.

Otherwise I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Arena Max glasses. Despite the shorter arms, those sticky rubber pads and the overall snug fit ensure that the Arena Max glasses stay put even in the most hectic of trail situations. Even an over-the-bar tumble couldn’t dislodge them from my face.

They’re expensive, but don’t forget the value those two extra lenses provide. Add in their crystal clear vision along with the badass looks of the mirror finish, and I’ve got no troubles recommending these trick shades.

Hits

• Superlight
• Short arms reduce helmet interference
• Easy lens change design

Misses

• No photochromic lens option

RRP: $249.95

From: smithoptics.com.au