Smith Optics Threshold

Overview:
The THRESHOLD is a perfect update to the very successful Mainline. Extremely lightweight and includes an adjustable temple. The Patented interchangeable lens system creates a sleek and subtle design allowing easily interchangeable lenses perfect for the running trail, golf course, or weekend ride. Smith utilizes distortion-free, 9 base lenses to provide precise optical clarity and maximize coverage while minimizing peripheral exposure to sun, wind, and glare. 16 replacement lens tints to choose from.

Disclaimer:
As a product reviewer for the Crooked Cog Network, I am providing my unbiased opinion of any products provided to us by any company. I do not posses any type of relationship with the product’s company or parent companies. I am not compensated in any way by companies that send in their goods to be reviewed.

Testing Grounds:
My current options for testing any products are at the following trails and streets of Southern California: Fullerton Loop, Panorama, Turnbull Canyon, Aliso Woods which consists of: Woods Canyon, Rockit, Cholla, Meadows, Lynx and Top of the World. When testing products for commuting, my route usually will take me through the following streets: Bastanchury, St. College, Chapman Ave, Main St. and Jamboree Rd.

In the past year I’ve participated in riding events such as the LA Bike Tour, 04 and 05, Southridge Spring Fling and the Mt. Sac Fat Tire Classic. I am planning on participating in more events when the opportunity comes.

Product Tested:
Smith Optics Threshold with Interchangable Lenses

First Impressions and Comments:
When I first received the Threshold, I was pretty impressed with the design and lenses. At the first fitting, I felt that the glasses hugged my face with enough tension on the temples and nose pads to prevent slipping. The carrying case was pretty convenient because it wasn’t this huge bulky plastic case that you needed to lug around just to hold your other lenses.

The Threshold provided sleek styling with functional optics. The glasses looked good enough on the trail, that you could even wear them with a nice shirt and tie to the office.

Features:

Medium/Large Fit
Patented Interchangeable Lens Technology
Adjustable Wire Core Temple
Polarized include 4 sets of lenses
9 base TLT™ Carbonic™ Lenses
Grilamid™ TR90 Nylon Frame
Hydrophilic Megol™ nose/temple pads
100% UVA/B/C Protection
Distortion-Free Polarized Lens Model
Colors choices: Gun Metal, Graphite, Black, White, and Smoke

Lenses

Here’s a sample of what you would see when you’re wearing the Threshold. The first picture is without the glasses. The second is the R36 Rose Copper lens. The third is the Yellow. The fourth is Dielectric Blue Mirror with gray based lens.

No lenses: Clear sunny day in Southern California.

This is the view with the Rose Copper Lens. This is my favorite lens because it allows me to see clear on low light conditions. It’s the works great for all conditions, even the brightest of days.

Perfect for foggy days or early morning rides or even driving at night.

The right lens for very bright sunny conditions

Strengths:
-Very stylish
-Interchangable lenses. Pefect for any condition
-Rose Copper lens is a must have.
-Great visibility
-I liked how the lenses didn’t distort the colors
-Protected my eyes from any debris
-Fits perfectly on my face, no slipping
-Changing lenses was fast and simple

Weaknesses:
-They fogged up alot
-No cleaning cloth included with the glasses.

Summary:
The Smith Optics Threshold are an excellent pair of glasses for commuting, mtn, and road biking. Other than the fogging up issue, I would highly recommend them to anyone. I liked the fact that I could change my lenses depending on the lighting conditions.
There are days when I am riding so early and the sun isn’t even out yet. I slip on the yellow lenses and I am good to go. Or on days where I ride later in the afternoon, I put on the Dielectric Blue lenses and they block out any glare. My all time favorite lens has to be the Rose Copper. I use this lens everysingle day. I love the contrast it gives me while riding and driving. Greens are greener and blues are bluer and everything I see is clearer with these lenses.

How Much?
The Threshold ranges from $99-$129. You can find out where to get them on Smith’s Store Locator.

Related Links:
Smith Optics Home Page