Review: Smith I/O

Seven winters ago, I bought a pair of Smith goggles because they had a slight scratch on the lens and were therefore discounted. Dirtbag move, I know, but now, the better part of a decade later, I am finally saying goodbye to those goggles, only because I’m replacing them with a newer version of the same model. The I/O goggle from Smith is the most reliable piece of equipment I’ve owned, no bullshit. When other riders are bitching about fogged-up lenses, I’m grinning ear to ear. I don’t know how Smith does it, and frankly I don’t care—all I know is that I can see, no matter the conditions, and that means more turns and more fun. The I/O also comes with low-light and bright-light lenses, which swap out easily, even with gloves on. This is key for winter days in the mountains, when the forecaster failed to mention the piercing sunlight that would occupy most of the “partly-cloudy” day. $180; smithoptics.com.