The new Smith Syncline sunglasses are one of Smith’s largest sunglasses in their lineup with a google-like design for complete coverage. It’s a big pair of sunglasses that focuses on performance with ChromaPop lenses and modern design and technology instead of modernizing a retro design. The standard ChromaPop lenses retail for $197 while the photochromic options are $237. Smith also includes a clear lens with the sunglasses that can be stored in the included semi-rigid case. All the sunglasses feature Smith’s ChromaPop technology which provides UV protection with color enhancement to improve clarity. Despite the oversized design, the Syncline are compatible with the ODS5 prescription adapter which is nice to see with large cycling sunglasses.
The Smith Syncline sunglasses combine an oversized goggle-like profile with Smith’s Chromapop lens technology for high-performance activities.
| Retail Price | $197 / $237 (photochromic) |
| Rating | Design: A Optics: A Comfort: A Value: B+ |
| Measured weight (in g) | ? |
| Likes | + Oversized style creates an immersive view + Compact semi-rigid carrying case with integrated spare lens holder + Clear and crisp optics with ChromaPop lenses |
| Dislikes | – Premium price |
| Where to Buy (US) | Smith Optics |
UNBOXING
The Smith Syncline sunglasses come in a standard cardboard box with Smith branding printed on the exterior. Inside the box you’ll find
- Syncline sunglasses
- Spare clear lens
- Zippered semi-rigid case with space for spare lens
- Fabric carrying case
- Smith sticker
- Instruction manual + informational tags
The zippered case has a semi-rigid design that seems to be perfectly sized and shaped for the Syncline with an internal divider for the spare lens. It’s a nice piece compared to standard zippered cases most sunglasses come with.
FIT & FINISH
Visually, the Smith Syncline sunglasses look more like ski goggles than cycling sunglasses with their oversized cylindrical style. The sunglasses are a large pair of sunglasses that are 65mm tall and 148mm width for a wide field of view. These have a full-frame design with a Evolve bio-based frame that is lightweight and durable. To give the sunglasses a unique look, Smith has overlapped the sides of the lens with the frame. That results in an almost frameless floating-like appearance with only a small portion of the upper and lower sections of the frame visible from the exterior. At first glance, the sunglasses are reminiscent of the POC Devour or the Smith Ultralite but the Syncline has a more squared off lens shape.
Smith currently offers the sunglasses in five lens and frame color options: tan taurus / slate, matte crystal / ChromaPop rose blue mirror, matte black, ChromaPop photochromic clear to gray, matte black / ChromaPop black and matte salt haze / ChromaPop rose gold mirror which we have in this review. The frame looks more like a dark tortoise which contrasts against the gold to rose color gradient of the mirror lens. Smith has incorporated venting into the lens by adding a slight gap between the edges of the lens and frame. The Syncline are available in both Photochromic lenses that adjust to the environment or the standard ChromaPop lenses. It’s a $40 difference between the lens options so we’d recommend buying the version that works best for your riding style.
The sunglasses also have an interchangeable design which means you can swap in different lenses or use the included clear lens for riding during low light conditions. It’s easy to swap lenses by just pulling up on the top of the frame and sliding the lens upward. The ChromaPop Rose Gold Mirror we have in these sunglasses has a nice mirrored finish and a 22% VLT which makes them excellent for mixed conditions. Smith markets the ChromaPop technology as their lens technology that improves color clarity and definition. While that is marketing fluff, the clarity and optics of the ChromaPop are excellent with no distortion and great contrast that enhances colors.
The contact points of the sunglasses are designed to be flexible and adjustable to fit different face shapes. Non-slip Megol rubber material is used on the temple arms and nose pads to prevent the sunglasses from moving around during high intensity activities. The temple arms are thin and easy to move around with two holes cut into the tips for paracord compatibility. There are also AutoLock hinges which use a small spring to allow the temple arms to fold or open with one hand. For the nose pads, Smith has utilized a two-position design that lets you tilt them inward or outward with a little pressure. It’s also coated in the rubber with a textured finish on the outer surface which makes it easier to adjust.
RIDING IMPRESSIONS
As you would expect, the Smith Syncline are a “large fit” design that provides a wide field of view and oversized look. On our face, the Syncline looked great and were comfortable despite the large size. With our Limar Air Stratos and Smith Trace helmets, the sunglasses fit well and do not hit the helmet rim even with the tall size. Thanks to the flexible temple arms and Megol rubber, the sunglasses are also comfortable for long rides with no pressure points or discomfort. The mirrored lens with our ChromaPop option also worked well with in mixed weather conditions for both overcast and sun. While these 22% VLT lenses are not as versatile as the photochromic lens options which have more range, they were dark enough to block out the sun without being too dark. Also, the venting is well integrated and helps prevent the large single piece lens from fogging up on slower climbs.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Smith Syncline sunglasses to be comfortable and immersize with a wide field of view. Smith has taken the large goggle-like style with Smith’s ChromaPop lens technology to create the sunglasses. The large size of the lens creates an immersive view that protects from the sun while brightening up colors. We were impressed with how comfortable the sunglasses were with their flexible temple arms and adjustable nose pads. Despite the size, the sunglasses feel light with no pressure point and nice venting to limit fogging. The only negative of these sunglasses is the premium price compared to some other brands. That said, the Smith Syncline offers oversized design with modern technology and design cues.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Smith Optics. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.