Why doesn't Smith make...

Triple_Strum

Triple_Strum

Active member
Lenses that rival Oakley's? I ask this because the both the Phenom and the I/O are fantastic goggles, but it is hard to justify buying them for the same price as Crowbars when Oakley makes are FAR superior lens both in quality and aesthetics. If they put some good R&D I bet they could make a more solid, better looking lens, no? THoughts?
 
Ive always wondered the same thing!! The smiths frames fit my chubby face alot better but all of the iridium lenses from oakley make me skeet.
 
they are different companies... oakley is super into the whole "newschool" thing... they sell mostly to park rats and stuff like that. smith appeals more to the whole "weekend warrior" scene, you get what i'm saying kinda? the companies are both really really popular, but sell to different people for the most part
 
Hmmmmmmmm. Companies like Smith and Scott certainly are offering a much larger range of options, especially price point wise, which Oakley does not do. But until I saw some numbers, I would be hesitant to suggest a preference either way for the newschool market.

I've used Oakley a little (Crowbars), and Smith extensively (Fuse, Prodigy, Phenom). I love the Sensor Mirror lens, and the Hi-Yellow doesn't handle bright light as well. Qualitywise, they seem fairly similar, and I really can't tell the difference in the optics.
 
I think Oakley have always been renowned for their R&D and Technology, the Australian Army uses oakley for their sunglasses and goggles, and i'm not surprised - their lenses are definitely some of the best out there.

In saying that, i've got Phenoms and i'm fairly happy with the lenses - (I don't think they have the same peripheral vision as Crowbars though)

As you know, R&D is something that you can't just go and buy..takes a lot of investment and time to get a competitive advantage in something like that - Oakley have certainly made that happen.

It really is surprising though when I think about it..e.g Anon lenses - they aren't bad, but i wouldn't expect them to invest everything into lens development when Burton has exposure in many other places..Smith on the other hand really specialise in optics so you would think they would focus on quality.. The other side of the fence says that they aren't going for quality, but an image and design which fits the bill of all the consumers that buy their products..(i could make more sense of that if they were 20% cheaper than what they are)

It is an interesting point. Many people prefer Smith to Oakley, and that includes lenses - I don't think they are significantly different, but i've always used Oakley and Smith are just that slight step below for me in more ways than just lens quality.

I guess it's like saying 'why can't BMW match the quality of Mercedes' or vice versa - they both offer a similar product, and achieve the same purpose whilst still being at the top of the game..Different people have different perceptions. I would always prefer a BMW engine to a Merc, but many would differ in their preference
 
This doesnt apply to the thread topic but pretty cool info.

The US Army uses Oakley as all of their eyewear now too. We get issued about two pair a year, it changes from year to year. Back in 03 before i went to afghanistan it was Oakley 5.0 glasses and A frame goggles in black. In 05 on the iraq trip we got some sick ass Tan A-fames and oakley m frames. Its mainly because of their ballistic lenses. Z87 standards are strict and they get the bid every year. If your in the military you can use www.usstandardissue.com to purchase any oakley military accesory (boots, sunglasses, bags, prescription glasses, gloves, goggles) you want for COST right from oakley (its actually an oakley website) and i have purchased at least ten pairs of sunglasses and goggles from their. Their stuff just works. Its 50 bucks for some a frames and 40 bucks for fives 2.0. Plus they come with all blacked out frames, that you cant buy at any store.

Steve
 
It is just personal choice.

For me, I like smith goggles much more. Better frames, better look, and IMO better lenses, especially low light lenses which i basically use exclusively in the PNW.

IMO the sensor mirror blows the Hi-blue oakley out of the water, but that is for me. some people m ay find the opposite is true.

I have never had an issue with the smith lenses, but again to each his own.
 
I complete disagree. I think the lens smith makes are WAY better. More useful and better looking. I mean what better lens is there then sensor mirror?
 
mad props for serving in the military man. that standard issue site you mentioned made me wanna start buying oakley gear... so yeah, i'm a smith guy. i dunno, i just feel more appealed to the brand + both fuses and phenoms have never let me down. their lenses are very legit too, i've tried tons of them and i have no complaints just good experiences.

maybe it's cus smith doesn't advertise themselves as a sophisticated, special op military supplier, r&d company. but idk, i feel they make great product too.
 
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