I used to think that my old polarized sunglasses were pretty good until I received the Smith Optics Chief sunglasses to try out. 

First impression
My first impression when I opened the box was WOW!  Finally a pair of sunglasses that come in a case that really is designed to protect them!  Slowly un-zippering the case, I gazed in amazement as I took the glasses out of the case.   Now you have to know that I am a pretty hefty guy with a wide noggin and finding sunglasses that fit without fear of breaking them in half is a constant challenge.  When I unwrapped the Smith’s and slid them on, it was like putting on a fine fitting baseball glove.  Not only did they fit across my face, but they also had enough lens coverage to honestly say they were the first sunglasses that I have ever worn that truly fit comfortably.

Now it was time to take them out in the sun.  When I walked out the door and looked out, everything was clearer, sharper, and vivid!

On the Water
What about the ultimate test?  Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare so that when you are fishing, you can see the bottom, rocks, and spot fish.  When I got to the stream and gazed in, I was amazed at how much brighter and clearer everything looked.  The water was glare free and I could pick out bottom features that previously had been a vague blur with my old sunglasses.

Then I saw the flash!  A decent trout was nymphing the center run and he was mine.  Four casts later and the indicator twitched.  A quick flick of the wrist and the battle was on.  Usually I will work a trout in without reeling the line onto the reel, but this bad boy was making me rethink this strategy.  I quickly decided to “put him on the reel” and after a few spirited runs I wrestled him out of the faster water, steered him around a large rock, and glided him into my net.  Fourteen inches of glistening brown lay subdued in the mesh.

Now usually I don’t get too excited about a 14” fish, but this was a trout that previously I would have not noticed and subsequently not caught.  Chalk one up to the Smith Optics.

The Verdict
The best sunglasses I have ever had on this old noggin.  If you are looking for a budget pair of glasses, these are not them.  At $199 MSRP, they do take a little bite out of the wallet, but quite frankly, you get every dime’s worth in clarity and quality!  Other models are available for different face styles, but for sure the Smith Optics has a winner in these Photochromatic Polarized Techlite Lens beauties!

What I liked:
Form fitting on a wide body face
Very comfortable fit
Comfortable nose pads and temple pads
Fantastic clarity of optics
Great lower light clarity (photochromatics)
Sturdy case to store and protect
Great looking
Lifetime warranty

What I did not like:
They are so form fitting that they have a tendency to fog up (worth the minor inconvenience, in my opinion)

Notable accessories:
None