Smith Optics FAQ
Can I use the Smith PivLock / QuickFit system with prescription lenses?
Yes: we put the prescription in one lens, usually the clear or low-light one, in Trivex, and you swap to the plain ChromaPop tints for casual wear. Treat the prescription lens as the one that stays in most of the time; constant swapping can knock the optical centre out of line.
Is ChromaPop better than polarized?
Different job. ChromaPop is a filter in the lens that separates colours and sharpens contrast. Polarized cuts glare. Smith's best lens is the two together; ChromaPop on its own suits cloudy or shaded conditions where you want contrast but not a dark lens.
Can I get ChromaPop in prescription?
Yes, genuine Smith lenses across most Smith sunglass frames (Lowdown, Outlier, Guide's Choice). The filter is part of the lens blank, so your prescription is surfaced into it. Trail runners, golfers and anglers are the usual buyers.
Can I get a prescription in a wrap Smith frame?
Most Smith frames, including the deep wraps, in Trivex or polycarbonate with a design compensated for the 6- to 8-base curve. Past about ±3.00 some models need a flatter base; we check the range for the frame you choose.
Can I get a prescription in Smith cylindrical shield goggles like the I/O MAG?
Not in the shield itself; the I/O MAG and Squad MAG curve too hard. We fit a prescription insert behind it, which keeps the field of view and helmet fit and handles a strong prescription.
What is Smith's carbonic lens material and can it be surfaced with Rx?
Carbonic is Smith's impact-resistant shield material and it doesn't take digital surfacing. For prescription we use polycarbonate or Trivex with the same ChromaPop tint and coatings; it comes out a shade thicker than the stock lens.
What tint does Smith recommend for variable-light skiing?
ChromaPop Photochromic, Sun Black or Sun Green, which moves from category 1 to 3 in under 30 seconds and comes in prescription on some frames. For a fixed lens, Ignitor, a rose base that lifts contrast in flat light.




















































































