Smith Prophet Interlock Sunglasses Review

Sunglasses are some of the most essential pieces of equipment for outdoor activities–especially here in Utah with the high-altitude sun that relentlessly beats down on you from above. That type of exposure can cause serious damage to your peepers if you don’t take care of them.

But, sunglasses not only serve to block glare and protect your eyes from dangerous UV rays, they can block the wind and protect your eyes from dirt, bugs or tree branches. Even better are the sunglasses with swappable lens options for even more versatility. Not only are the Smith Prophet sunglasses going to protect your eyes, they feature Smith’s Interlock lens technology to give you a single pair of sunglasses that can adapt to the right light conditions in a matter of minutes.

About the Smith Prophet Interlock Sunglasses

The new Prophet sunglasses are the latest models in the Interlock lineup. As a mid-size frame, they are likely the most versatile sunglasses in the line with the ability to fit most faces. Out of the box, the Prophets come with three lens options: grey or brown polarized, ignitor and clear.

The Interlock lens change system is the latest evolution of Smith’s interchangeable lens technology. Building upon the wildly-successful Slider series, interlock makes lens swapping even easier while reducing lens scratches caused by pivoting lenses in and out of the frame. Just twist the arms and the frame opens up for the switcherooski.

As is standard with all Smith sunglasses, these lenses block all UVA and UVB light and feature TLT Optics which eliminate visual distortion throughout the entire lens. On top of that, each frame style comes with a polarized lens option to reduce glare on the water and on the snow.

Smith Prophet Interlock Sunglasses Review

New for Spring 2008, the Smith Prophets add to the Interlock family with their stylish mid-size frame design. I tested the Smith Trance Interlock sunglasses last Fall and really loved them overall except for one thing–they didn’t have rubberized nose pieces. That has since been remedied on the Trace and the Prophet’s sport rubber nose and temple pieces right out of the gate.

in fact, the Megol rubber on the nose and ear pieces is so sticky, I’ve never worn another pair of sunglasses with as much sticking power as these. It is so sticky that it almost feels as though it’s taking a layer of skin off your nose when you take them off. Obviously it isn’t, because my flesh is just fine, but they stay put absolutely where you place them–a huge benefit when wearing them trail running or mountain biking.

The Prophets are a super-versatile set of sunglasses with three lenses out of the box with one of them being polarized.  I tested out the polarized lenses while in Seattle. At the beach and on the waterfront, it’s amazing how much the glare is reduced. I have yet to find an opportunity to wear the clear lenses and have mentioned to Greg at Smith that they should come standard with an orange or yellow lens standard instead of clear, but who knows if that will change at some point.  Other than a night out with your friends, I can’t really figure out when I’d use the clear lenses. Any suggestions?

Good Prophets

• Sticky rubber nose and temples will make Spiderman jealous
• Easily-changed lenses
• Polarized lenses are great for water or snow activity
• Ignitor lens is perfect do-it-all lens
• Includes a durable hard case with spare lens storage

Bad Prophets

• Clear lenses are of questionable value
• Interlock long-term durability? (Only time will tell)
• Polarized lenses can be a little funky while driving a vehicle with tinted windows

The Bottom Line on the Smith Prophet Sunglasses

Overall, the Prophets nail it with style points and function. The Megol rubberized nose and ear pieces keep ‘em in place–no matter how sweaty you get. As a “one pair to rule them all” option, the Smith Prohpet’s are hard to beat. With a yellow or orange lens in place of clear, they would be even better.

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