Tight budget but still want killer-looking and super-functioning ski goggles? While spherical lenses and all the latest technology may be desirable, the reality is that with everyone cutting back, it’s nice to know that you can still get a high-quality ski goggle starting at $70. The Smith Stance has been mated to the killer Smith Vantage helmet for nearly two months and I’m liking them, no question.
- 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 Ski Goggles at REI
