I will say that this year has been particularly difficult to pin down as I’ve become even more selective about the products I’m reviewing. But, these products certainly stand out from the crowd.

Polartec NeoShell, Gore-Tex Active Shell and Mountain Hardwear Dry.Q

It’s hard to pick a single winner among this bunch, but for consumers, the latest crop of waterproof/breathable fabrics are much improved from the multi-layer laminates of yesteryear. Yes, Gore-Tex did invent waterproof/breathable many years ago, but while it was waterproof, it didn’t breathe all that well. eVent opened the door (or should I say vents) when it hit the market about 10 years ago and now we are finally seeing waterproof be breathable (for real).

I’m in the process of testing The North Face Jammu (Polartec Neoshell), the Arc’teryx Beta FL (Gore-Tex Active Shell) and the Mountain Hardwear Snowtastic Jacket (Dry.Q Elite) and I’m not ready to pick favorites among that bunch, but I will say that all three fabrics have finally hit the mark and for that we can all rejoice.

Fox Kashima Coat Shocks and Forks

I set out to determine if Kashima Coat was the real deal and I came away floored at just how much it improved the suspension feel. My tests included head-to-head test rides between standard RP23 and Kashima version and it took me all of 50 feet to realize that it is well worth the price of admission. My review of the RP23 Kashima is forthcoming, but the 32 Float 29er fork has me wrapped around its shiny golden legs. Read my review…

Specialized S-Works Road Shoes

I can’t say enough good things about these shoes. The Boa Lacing System is the star of the show as you can easily dial in the fit on-the-fly. Just today I was able to adjust the fit of my shoes while wearing my Sugoi Resister shoe covers… try doing that with traditional buckles or straps! Yes, they are spendy, but the comfort and function is off-the-charts good. Read my review…

Giro Aeon Helmet

Scary light and oh-so-comfortable, the Aeon helmet is so well ventilated, it feels like you’ve got the A/C cranked up on high. The fit adjustments are easy to navigate (great for Winter riding to adjust to a skullcap) and the lightweight straps make you wonder why nobody has done that yet. Kudos to Giro on a great road helmet. Read my review…

ControlTech Carbon Comp Ergo Bars

Continuing with the road bike theme, the ControlTech Carbon Comp Ergo Bars have been a delight since I installed them this Summer. I was skeptical since my Specialized Roubiax Expert required re-routing the internal cable lines, but the investment in shop time has more than paid itself off in the extreme comfort and improvements in ride quality these bars provide. Yup, I really dig them. Read my review…

Truvativ NOIR T30 10S Carbon Flat Bars

Truvativ’s new NOIR T30 10S carbon flat bars are perfect for 29er trailbikes. At 710mm wide, I was worried about maneuverability, but quickly became accustomed to the extra width. The ride quality is superb and the upsweep and backsweep of these bars really puts you in the driver’s seat with extra control and steering precision. Read my review…

Platypus Origin 3 Hydration Pack

I’ve worn this hydration pack all season and haven’t even thought about pulling any of my other packs out of storage. Not once have I felt this pack was inferior to even my favorite hydration packs. Platypus really nailed it with the Origin series. The sleek, waterproof design and comfortable back panel have kept this pack in my car all year. Read my review…

SRAM X0 Drivetrain

I’m a big fan of SRAM’s crisp, accurate shifting and the new X0 2×10 drivetrain has now graced three different bikes this season and performed flawlessly on each rig. I love the fast shifting, lightweight design and overall smoothness, but unless you’re on top of your game, the 2×10 drivetrain might leave you wanting on long, steep climbs. Still, nothing I’ve tried beats out X0′s durability and Energizer-esque work ethic. Read my review…

Rocky Mountain Element 950 29er

This one surprised me. I’ve ridden a Rocky Mountain 29er before, but nothing as fun and playful as the new Element 29er. Without question, the new Element 950 should be on your shortlist when considering a new FS 29er. For $3200, you’re getting a flat-out fun trailbike that can be raced or ridden as a daily driver. I’m anxious to get more saddle-time on this one. Read my review…

Specialized Camber Pro 29er

Specialized has quickly cut their teeth on big wheels and this year’s Camber Pro 29er is an awesome example of just how far they have come. I had such a great time on the Camber Pro that I pulled the trigger to keep it around a little longer for comparison. For 2012, the biggest changes are the addition of the carbon frames to the Camber family and a new tapered head tube, but the performance will remain. Read my review…

Niner Jet 9 Al 29er

Niner can seemingly do no wrong, it seems. And, while I’m admittedly smitten by the new Jet 9 RDO, lets not overlook this beauty in the Niner lineup. The Jet 9 Al is a superb XC machine that still has excellent trail manners. Pedal this thing uphill until you puke and then proceed to rip the downhill in a way only a Niner can. Read my review…

Specialized Roubiax Expert SL3

I put a ton of miles on my Roubiax this year and I owe it all to the added comfort and smoothness the Roubiax provides. Without question, the more upright position has allowed me to spin more miles on the pavement than ever before. My lower back thanks me and my lungs are grateful for the added conditioning my morning ascents have given them. I’m looking forward to hundreds more miles on this great bike. Read my review…

Salomon Spirit Shoes

Casual shoes… yup… casual shoes. To the office and around town, I find myself reaching for the Salomon Spirit’s. These ultralight shoes have pounded out the pavement in Las Vegas, wandered around tradeshow floors and around town in amazing comfort. I’ve yet to find a pair of casual shoes that are as equally comfortable and stylish. Read my review…

Smith Vantage Ski Helmet

The Vantage truly is a game changer. It’s lightweight construction and easy-to-use vents are as good as it gets in the ski helmet world. This helmet is very comfortable and feels almost like you’re wearing just a beanie it’s so light. If you are looking for a new lid this season, the Vantage is the one I’d recommend. Read my review…

Patagonia Nano Storm Jacket

Patagonia is leading the charge on so many fronts (sustainability, lightweight design, recycling, etc.) that its no wonder the Nano Storm Jacket is so kick-butt. I love the ultralight feel of the Nano Storm, but also appreciate that it holds up to the worst Mother Nature can dish out. It’s packable, warm and ultra-comfortable. Read my review…

• Medium Fit
• Carbonic-X Lens with TLT Optics
• Patented Regulator Adjustable Lens Ventilation
• Ergonomic Outrigger Positioning System
• Ultra-Wide, Silicone Backed Strap
• Quickfit Strap Adjustment System with Clip Buckle
• Dual Layer, DriWix Face Foam
• Helmet Compatible
• Microfiber Bag Included
• MSRP: $70-$90

Smith Stance Ski Goggles Review

While I do have a love affair with the Smith I/O goggles, at $165, they are a good chunk of change for those of us who are stretching every dollar. Luckily, the Smith Stance goggles offer a huge amount of function and style for a more reasonable pricetag. I’ve been sporting the Red Sol-X Mirror Stance goggles with the stellar Smith Vantage helmet in a variety of conditions with much success.

At first, I thought that the mirrored lens would struggle on cloudy, grey days, so I brought along a second yellow lens just in case. On a backcountry ski tour in the Uinta Mountains, what started as a sunny day ended up quickly turning into a cloudy, dark day. I was stuck with the mirror lens and thought I’d suffer through it. Well, I was pleasantly surprised at how well they performed under those conditions. On the flip side, sunny days were met with excellent optics as well.

The only time I recall having trouble defining the terrain was at Deer Valley mid-storm where the snow was blowing sideways and ridgetops appeared more like flowing rivers of white than snow. I think nearly any goggle would struggle under those extreme circumstances.

Overall comfort of the Stance goggle is superb with good face seal and long-term comfort. integration with the Vantage helmet was superb with no noticeable gaps in coverage and excellent strap fit and feel. Kudos to Smith for the strap clip… such a simple, yet functional feature.

Even under athletic skiing and hoofing around in the trees, not once did they even begin to fog up. The Regulator switch remained open all the time and I was always met with clear vision in every direction. The lenses don’t show any signs of wear or scratches at all… nice!

Good Stance

• Great price point
• Wide array of frame/strap colors and lens options
• Fits well with many helmets
• Solid optics under a wide array of conditions
• Have stayed fog-free
• Strap clip is always a winner with me
• Higher-priced options come with an extra yellow lens

Bad Stance

• Changing lenses isn’t a on-the-fly activity

Bottom Line: Smith Stance Ski Goggles

The Stance is a great pair of ski goggles with solid features, frame designs and lens options at a reasonable price point ($70-$90). The Red Sol-X Mirror lens is surprisingly capable under a wide variety of conditions.

Buy Now: Search for Smith Stance Ski Goggles

Smith Vantage Ski Helmet Features:

• Boa adjustable helmet fit system – new for Fall 2011 models
• Removable Goggle Lock system
• Snapfit SL ear pads
• Zip-in Skullcandy or Bluetooth audio options (can be added anytime)
• Low-profile Dual Regulator Climate Control (21 vents)
• Independent, split front and rear ventilation
• ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 CLASS B certified
• Lifetime warranty
• Weight: 15.5 oz
• MSRP: $180

Click the image below for more details on the Vantage’s ventilation system.

Smith Vantage Ski Helmet Review

I was first introduced to the Vantage a year ago at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2010. At that time, I was busy testing the ultralight Smith Maze ski helmet, but the Vantage immediately caught my attention. It borrowed from the construction of the Maze, but stepped things up in overall protection, function and versatility.

The hybrid shell construction of the Vantage allows for a much more solid feel while at the same time reducing weight and overall bulk. The result is a lightweight, low-profile helmet that’s loaded to the gills with every imaginable feature.

With the Vantage, you get adjustable ventilation via onboard sliding vent closures. Unlike other helmets, these louvers slide into place at the surface of the helmet as opposed to at the liner. So, if you pogo, your lid won’t collect snow like a cheese grater inside the exposed vent ports. The surface-level ventilation adjustments are split into two zones, called Dual Regulator.

While the helmet fits like a champ and weighs less compared to the leading competition, my favorite feature remains the Dual Regulator because it’s so useful. Just the other day, I used the vents to their full capability on a backcountry ski tour. On the descent, I opened the rear vents but kept the front vents closed. The result was quick evacuation of excess heat without the brain freeze effect. When we got down to the bottom and were bushwhacking our way out of a gully, I opened the front vents for maximum ventilation. Because of the pinpoint ventilation control, I was able to quickly maintain a comfortable temperature without overheating or fogging up my goggles.

New for Fall 2011 (as tested), the Smith Vantage ski helmet will feature the Boa Helmet Fit System. This is an improvement over the previous design in that you can easily adjust the size of the helmet with one-click precision in or out. Compared to the old system, the new Boa adds yet another industry-leading feature to what is arguably the best ski helmet on the market today.

Good Vantage

• Dual Regulator ventilation allows you to pinpoint ventilation needs
• Low-profile design
• Lightweight construction that doesn’t skimp on safety
• Zip-in audio can be added or upgraded on-the-fly
• Boa Helmet Fit System is easily dialed
• Superb overall comfort for all-day fun
• Goggle clip strap design is easy-to-use

Bad Vantage

• Mini brim does dig into goggle foam if you place your goggles on your forehead when not in use
• When it’s really blowing and cold, some of the permanent vents can let in more cold air than I’d like
• All these bells-and-whistles don’t come cheap

Bottom Line: Smith Vantage Ski Helmet

With the Smith Vantage, you get industry-leading performance packed into a lightweight, low-profile design. The kicker is the Dual Regulator ventilation system that allows you to adjust the front and rear vents independently. With the Boa adjustment system on tap for Fall 2011 (available now), there’s no stopping the Vantage from global slope domination.

Buy Now: Search GEAR.com for the Smith Vantage Ski Helmet

I was lucky enough to have a personal tour of Smith’s manufacturing facilities in Clearfield, Utah and can attest first-hand to their dedication to building top-notch eyewear here in the United States. While there are a few components that are sourced from overseas (Austria and Italy), I’d say nearly all (maybe 90%) of the components used in their goggle production comes from Smith’s own factory or nearby manufacturing partners in Utah, Idaho and Washington State. Sunglasses are an international affair — sourced from Italy, France, China, Japan and Taiwan.

My guides through the Wonka Factory were Will McNeal (Q/A Manager) and the world-famous PR guru, Greg Randolph, a.k.a. Chopper. I met every key player in R&D, sourcing, assembly, quality-control, packaging and customer service — let me tell you, I’ve never seen a cleaner manufacturing outfit nor have I seen a happier bunch of employees. These folks LOVE their jobs and I love that it is happening in my backyard. Here are some photo highlights of the tour.

Sunglass Lens Milling Machine

Final Touches on Smith Sunglasses

Stamping Goggle Lens Material

Carefully Placing Smith Logos on the Lens

Water-based Graphic Design Transfer Process... Very cool!

Graphic Design Applied -- Ready for Final Clearcoat

Smith Goggles -- Final Inspection and Packaging

More Info: SmithOptics.com

Features of the Smith Vantage Helmet:

• Dual-zone ventilation allows front and back vents to open/close independently
• Zip-in audio system reduces production and SKU overhead (same helmet can be non-audio, wired or bluetooth)
• Skullcandy audio
• Xstatic liner with adjustable fit
• Weight: 15 oz
• MSRP: $180 (non-audio) / $210 (wired) / $340 (bluetooth)

I really like the Maze for its simplicity and light weight, but I’d gladly add 3.5 oz to my head to get dual-zone vents and a flexible audio option. Looks like a great new lid for the masses come Fall 2010.

Read Review: Smith Vantage Ski Helmet Review

I first saw the Maze almost a year ago at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2009 and was impressed with the ultralight form factor of this lid. Since that time I’ve been able to try it out on the slopes and lightweight is only one of the many great features of this helmet.

Smith Maze Features:

• 11.5 oz and still ASTM F2040F and CE EN1077 certified
• 9 Vents
• AirEvac 2 ventilation maximizes goggle and helmet airflow to reduce fogging and control temperatures
• Airflow Climate Control
• Lightweight In-Mold construction
• Removable Goggle Lock
• Skullcandy Bluetooth and Twin-Tip Link phone/audio system available
• Snapfit Ear Pads
• Colors: Black Supernova, Chocolate Evolve, Grey Toque, Lago Pro Model, Matte Black (tested), Matte White, Neon Synth or White Twilight Zone
• MSRP: $100.00

Smith Maze Ski Helmet Review

First off, this helmet is very light, but just because it’s light doesn’t mean Smith skimped everywhere else. Yes, it does have a few compromises, but the overall package is solid–especially for the price. To achieve such a light weight he Maze utilizes “In-Mold” construction that’s similar to the fused hardshell designs used in high-end bike helmets. The result is the world’s lightest, yet still certified ski helmet at 11.5 oz.

Not only is the featherweight Maze helmet great for those who feel ski helmets are bulky or heavy, it’s also the perfect companion for backcountry skiing. I’ve strapped the Maze to my Osprey Kode 30 backpack on several backcountry tours and it’s hard to beat the weight-to-protection ratio afforded by the Maze.

Overall protection and comfort is superb. Luckily, I have yet to fully test the helmet’s crash-worthiness–I’ll trust Smith engineers there–however, the comfort of the helmet for my head shape is absolutely perfect. I experienced no pressure-points and the inner lining wicked moisture extremely well.

I actually tested the Maze with the Scott Fix goggles and the Smith I/O goggles. Both fit the helmet perfectly and provide full forehead coverage (e.g. no brain freeze). Ventilation is killer in the Maze, but keep in mind that there’s no way to close the vents, so on really cold days, it can let in a tad more cold air than I’d prefer.

Good Maze

• Ultralight is excellent for backcountry skiing
• Excellent pricepoint at $100
• Very comfortable
• The “no excuses” ski helmet for the ski helmet averse

Bad Maze

• No ability to close the vents when needed
• Limited fit adjustments
• Helmet clip allows goggles to slip

Bottom Line: Smith Maze Ski Helmet

Lightweight, comfortable and affordable… this helmet should get nay-sayers off the fence and wearing a lid on the slopes. I also appreciate how light and comfortable this lid is for backcountry skiing.

Buy Now: Search for the Smith Maze Ski Helmet

About the Smith Pivlock V90 Max Sunglasses

Introduced this Fall, the Pivlock V90 Max sports an entirely-new interchangeable lens system called, well, Pivlock. This system offers improved simplicity in the lens swapout process. The lens is built with TLT Optics and optically-improved lens curvature for distortion-free vision. Built extremely light, the V90′s are made to be worn comfortably all-day without fatigue.

More features of the V90 Max

• 7 Base Lens Curvature
• Carbonic TLT Lenses
• Grilamid TR90 Frame
• Small/Medium fit
• Sweat Seal Hydrocoating
• Colors: Black (Platinum Mirror, Ignitor, Clear Mirror), Brown Crystal (Bronze Mirror, Ignitor, Clear Mirror)-TESTED, Gun Metal (Ignitor) or Smoke (Platinum Mirror)
• MSRP $139.00 (3 Lenses) – $119 (1 Lens)

Smith Pivlock V90 Max Review

The new product machine at Smith is relentless. Without fail, every six months, I get the lowdown on the new sunglasses, goggles, helmets and accessories. Chopper at Smith was particularly stoked on this new model, so I was naturally intrigued.

“We had a handful of mountain bikers ride them for several days straight on the Umpqua River Trail in Oregon,” he said confidently. “They were all stoked on how lightweight they felt.”

Slipping them on, I could see why as these glasses offer some of the best field of vision while remaining super light at the same time. The frameless design really gives the V90 Max a stylish look, but more importantly provides killer field of vision and excellent water shedding qualities.

I’ve used the V90′s extensively on the bike and trail running and really appreciate the grippy rubber and clear optics. I actually have used all three lenses in differing light conditions and truly dig the new Pivlock lens system. Changing lenses couldn’t be easier with no need to ever touch the middle of the lens to do the swap. A quick rotation of the arms, a tug on the nose piece and you’re swapped out.

The only real gripe I have with these glasses is that the ear pieces don’t curve behind the ear enough and tend to interfere with my Giro Xen bike helmet. I found myself adjusting the glasses a little too much on the bike with that helmet.

I love how light they feel and how comfortable they are in all conditions. I settled in on the Ignitor lenses for all-around performance. My favorite feature of these is the amazing field of vision offered by a truly frameless design, which lends itself to excellent peformance while trail running, mountain biking or hiking where a wide field of vision is key.

Good V90

• Excellent coverage is much appreciated–especially during cold weather activity
• TLT optics provide great clarity in all conditions
• No frame to interfere with vision
• Flexible for any head shape
• Easy to swap out lenses without scratching
• Ultralight feel

Bad V90

• Ear pieces interfere with my bike helmet (Giro Xen)
• Still not sold on clear lenses (I know… I know… night riding)

Bottom Line: Smith Pivlock V90 Max Sunglasses

A solid new sunglass offering from Smith features new Pivlock interchangeable lens technology in an uber-light shield design.

Buy Now: Search for Smith Pivlock V90 Sunglasses

From Smith, we get the following about the Parallel Max sunglasses:

The Parallel Max employs the same performance-driven frame and fit as the Parallel. The lens profile is enlarged to provide more coverage while still maintaining a minimalist look and feel. This style is the perfect accessory to all of your outdoor endeavors and workouts.

Features of the Parallel Max:

• 9 Base Lens Curvature
• Carbonic TLT Lenses
• Frame Measurements 69-15-123
• Medium Fit/Large coverage
• Megol nose and temple pads
• TR90 Grilamid frame
• Frame/Lens Colors: Brown/Polar Brown, Black/Polar Grey, Matte Black Evolve/Polar Green, Matte Brown Evolve/Polar Brown, Smoke/Green Mirror (tested), Black/Ignitor, Aqua Blue/Polar Grey
• MSRP $99 – $129

Smith Parallel Max Sunglasses Review

While the Parallel Max does offer the same solid lens materials and optics, there’s something fishy about these sunglasses. As a “price point” model, the Parallel Max feels a bit cheapened in the frame materials and the NASCAR-inspired mirrored lenses I tested. I know people are keen on throwback 80′s styling, so the smoke frames and green mirrored lens keeps the Miami Vice theme going, but that’s about all it does for me.

On the trail, these glasses tend to wander a bit more than other Smith styles. Trail running and mountain biking found me adjusting nose placement on occasion–not something I’d prefer to have to worry about while flying through a rock garden.  The overall optical clarity is there, but the green mirror lens is extremely dark–so much so that when I entered tree cover, it was almost uncomfortably dark.

Despite being named Parallel Max, these lenses still offer relatively slim coverage, so keep that in mind. If you prefer minimal lens size, they should fit your face well.

Now I don’t want to sound entirely negative here, but there are other frame/lens combos in this same style that would be far superior to the smoke/green mirror combo. Actually, just about any other combo would blow these out of the water in both performance and looks.

If you spend lots of time in the water or on the snow (e.g. super bright conditions), the green lenses would work well. Check these glasses out for yourself… the frame may fit your face better than mine and you just might like the dark lenses. Still, my suggestion would be to go for the Ignitor lens for a more versatile option.

Good Parallel Max

• Lightweight feel
• Lower pricepoint
• Lots of lens/frame combinations (don’t go with green mirror lenses)
• Lenses are interchangeable (come with a single lens only)
• NASCAR-fan looks (if you like that sort of thing)

Bad Parallel Max

• Very basic sunglasses… not typical for Smith
• Didn’t stay put on my noggin while running
• Green lens tint is not very versatile… really dark
• NASCAR-fan looks (if you think that looks like you bought them at 7-11)

Bottom Line: Smith Parallel Max Sunglasses

I’m disappointed with this particular model and style, but if you dig the Parallel Max, I’d suggest opting for any other frame lens combo than the smoke with green mirror lenses. Having tried all the other lens options in other Smith styles, you’ll be much more pleased with their performance. They are sub-$100, but I’d suggest saving some coin and hopping into another style if it were up to me.

Buy Now: Search for Smith Parallel Max Sunglasses

Our very own Kendall Card is a walking miracle thanks to the protection his helmet provided when he decided to catch an edge and plunge head-first into a slightly-submerged log. Believe me… had you seen what I saw on that MRI, you’d be wearing a helmet too. That said, helmet varieties and styles are plentiful and thankfully both the technology and ventilation has improved dramatically since the first ski helmets were popularized in the mid-90′s.

Along those lines, Smith has now been building a solid lineup of helmets to complement their functional goggle line. The Smith Hustle helmet is the new in the line for this season and a prime candidate for testing.

About the Smith Hustle Ski Helmet

New for the 2008/2009 ski season, the Hustle helmet takes the best of the Holt and Variant lines and mixes them together to get a stylish and breathable ski helmet with excellent fit adjustments and on-the-fly ventilation to help you keep your noggin cool.

• Bombshell ABS Construction
• AirEvac 2 ventilation maximizes goggle and helmet airflow to reduce fogging and control temperatures
• Airflow control with removable vent plugs on the 8 side vent
• Helmet Fit System (HFS) ensures a correct and comfortable fit
• Low-profile Regulator with 3-stage adjustable ventilation for easy climate control on 8 vents
• Skullcandy Bluetooth and Twin Tip Link phone/audio systems available
• X-Static performance lining eliminates odor, regulates temperature, and minimizes static (Cocona fabric used on Evolve model)
• MSRP $120.00 (Audio: $150 / Bluetooth: $300)

Smith Hustle Helmet Review

This lid is one of the most stylish helmets on the market. I like the more skate-style looks while still sporting all the technical features you’d expect from a top-of-the-line ski helmet. One of the best features of Smith helmets is the on-the-fly ventilation adjustment via the Airflow system.  The vents slide closed just below the surface of the shell instead of being plugged from the inside.  As a result, any diggers don’t produce snow build-up inside the vents.

Because Smith engineers their helmets around their goggles, the airflow is maximized to ensure a fog-free goggle experience. I have used the Hustle helmet with both the Smith I/O and the Habervision Highline goggles with excellent success in both fit and fog prevention (and I’m a fog machine).

Luckily, I have yet to pogo into a log or rag doll into a barely-submerged rock band, but I can assure you that this hard-shelled and crash-tested ski helmet will protect your noggin with all its precious contents.

Good Hustle

• Cool skate-style looks
• On-the-fly ventilation
• Bomber construction and fit
• Goggle/helmet interface is superb with Smith goggles yet still plays well with others

Bad Hustle

• Made my ears hurt a bit after wearing all day long

The Bottom Line on the Smith Hustle Ski Helmet

Stylish, bombproof and functional… if this helmet fits your melon, it’s a no-brainer… err, I mean it’s a brainer.  I’ve been impressed with every Smith helmet I’ve worn and the Hustle continues along that same vein with hip styling to boot. This lid is also available with integrated Bluetooth for no-wire phone or iPod integration or wired audio integration.

Buy Now: Search for Smith Hustle Ski Helmets

Since goggles have been and continue to be Smith’s forte, they are taking a great goggle (Smith I/O) and expanding on it by offering it in a slightly different profile and with some additional technology. Then, for those who have been hesitant to wear a helmet because they feel too bulky, the new Smith Maze helmet should alleviate that. Lets look at some of the details.

Smith I/OS Goggles

Take the absolutely kick-butt Smith I/O goggle, change the profile, introduce a new outrigger strap connection to better fit a wider variety of face and helmet combinations and then proceed to goggle domination. Swapping out lenses is a cinch–unlike traditional goggle lenses. Another innovation with the I/O and I/OS is the dual lens is sealed using a silicone bead instead of foam. Lens ventilation happens using a tiny Porex port with a breathable membrane. The standard package includes two lenses (Ignitor and Sensor Mirror). Look for the I/OS goggles in stores this Fall for $180 in a myriad of colors.

Smith Maze Ultralight Ski Helmet

I’ve been wearing ski helmets for nearly 15 years. The first ones were essentially sweat buckets that weighed a ton, but kept the melon safe nonetheless.The Smith Maze helmet is the new featherweight king on the block, tipping the scales at a mere 11.5 oz. (which makes it the world’s lightest certified snow helmet on the market). It features a multi-sport cut to use year-round and sports built-in AirEvac 2 ventilation to keep your noggin cool and fresh and your goggles fog-free. Construction is more akin to a bike helmet for approved safety (ATSM F 2040 & EN 1077) in a svelte package that helmet-haters can finally adopt. The price is a wallet-friendly $100 and will be available this Fall.

Buy Now: Search for Smith Helmets and Goggles