Smith Envoy Max Sunglasses

Smith’s proprietary ChromaPop lens technology enhances detail and colour quality by filtering two specific wavelengths of light that typically cause colour confusion. By filtering these crossovers colours you’ll notice not only greater definition but also more natural colour and clarity compared to your average lens. Overall detail is improved and natural colours just seem to ‘pop’.

Stylin' on and off the bike.

• Medium fit / large coverage.
• Stainless steel out-of-sight spring hinges.
• 8 base lens curvature.
• Evolve frame material.
• ChromaPop polarized lenses anti-reflective and hydroleophobic coatings.
• Hydrophilic megol nose and temple pads.

Smith’s new ChromaPop lenses live up to the hype. While you won’t immediately notice a massive difference, if you compare your current sunglasses to the Envoy Max Sunglasses with ChromaPop lenses will see colours immediately jump out at you and everything appears more detailed. The longer I wear the Envoy Max Sunglasses the more my eye’s get used to this new level of clarity and it’s simply impossible to go back to regular lenses. I use the Envoy Max Sunglasses primarily for road riding as their large coverage is ideal. The lenses block all the wind and protect my eyes so they don’t water while riding. I also like the style of the Envoy Max Sunglasses as they aren't a single lens but offer up almost the same protection as one without being too ‘bike geek’ looking. You can actually wear the Envoy Max Sunglasses off the bike when you want to go to the beach or out with friends which is a huge plus.

My only disappointment with the Smith Envoy Max Sunglasses is that the lenses are not interchangeable. Smith’s web site doesn’t mention that the lenses are removable but the come out quite easily, especially when cleaning them. Because of this ability to remove them I was hoping that I could swap out the polarized blue mirror lenses I have with the polarized bronze mirror lenses as these would be better suited for mountain biking . These lighter lenses would provide more detail in shadows which is ideal for biking in the forest and mountains. Sadly, I was informed that spare lenses are not for sale and that you can only get replacements if you scratch your lenses and need them replaced. You’ll have to send Smith both the lenses and frames however and both will be replaced under their replacement program which provides you with special pricing at just 60% of retail value. So my question is why have a lens that you can remove without being able to switch lenses? Smith tells me that glues can distort the lens material so while they can be removed that is not their intent. It is unfortunate however as I think an opportunity is missed here with the Envoy Max Sunglasses as I personally would like to be able to broaden their use by swapping out lenses for alternate light conditions and specific sports.

Overall I’m impressed by the Envoy Max Sunglasses and more so by the ChromaPop lenses. If you’re looking for cycling eyewear and want something that offers up top shelf clarity and enhanced colour then the Smith Envoy Max Sunglasses are worth a test drive, it’s also a bonus that their styling allows you to wear them not just on bike days.