June 25, 2021 - Smith recently launched their new Shift MAG cycling sunglasses that are geared for speed and feature their ChromaPop lenses for natural color, enhanced contrast and visual clarity, along with innovative magnet-based interchangeable lenses technology for fast lens swapping with a simple click.
Just prior to the launch, Smith announced its new global partnership with the AG2R Citroën Team as the official supplier of performance eyewear to the WorldTour squad for the 2021-22 seasons, and we were stoked to have the opportunity to test them out.
The stylish Shift MAG sunglasses are medium-sized with a superlight, slim frame that features a great fit. The arms deliver a slight wrap around the back of your head and the Megol material on the arms keeps them from slipping. They offer a secure feel with complete coverage, and don’t move around in strong winds or during out-of-the-saddle sprints.
The two-click position adjustable Megol nose pads allow a wider or narrower fit which was a nice touch to fine-tune the position of the sunglasses to sit tighter on my face. The upper part of the frame also sat nicely under the helmet without a large gap to assist in keeping the wind away from my eyes.
The unique ChromaPop lenses features colour enhancement technology that boosts clarity while delivering greater definition of objects with more contrast and detail on the trail.
They worked great on road, gravel and off-road conditions as they helped increase the clarity of the trees and bushes, along with the road conditions to assist in avoiding hazards.
The coolest feature of the Shift MAG sunglasses is the clever lens-changing system. A magnetic switch on the side allows the arm to flip back to let you change the lenses in seconds without touching them. It’s super slick and easy to execute.
Gone are the days of getting fingerprints all over your lenses when you want to change to a different tint. When you’re done, the magnetic switch flips back into place and the new lens is locked in place. The Shift MAGs do come with a cleaning cloth but you won’t need it for your lens changes.
Another one of my fave features is that when you’re done riding the Smiths do a great job of sitting on the top of your head indoors, which allows you to wear them around all day if you wish.
The Shift MAG comes with a clear lens and four options including a gray-based lens finished with a light black mirror for medium to bright light exposure; a high-contrast brown base colour lens with a red mirror finish; a gray-based lens finished with a deep platinum mirror shine for high sun exposure; and a versatile lens that shifts from clear to gray using photochromic technology for varying light conditions. All lenses provide 100% protection from harmful UVA/B/C rays.
The Shift MAG has quickly become my go-to cycling sunglasses since they fit so well and have such an easy way to change lenses, but also due to their pro look. On the bike path riders going the other way, seem to just give you a knowing nod suggesting that you look “fast”.
With the Tour de France on tap I’ll be keeping a closer eye on Greg Van Avermaet and team AG2R Citroën’s progress. That’s the Smith Shift MAG… they just look fast.
The SRP is $290 and for more information please visit here.
