BackpackGearTest.org Review - /reviews/Eye Protection/Sun Glasses/Smith Axis/Russell Curry/Initial Report

INITIAL REPORT
SMITH OPTICS AXIS SUNGLASSES

SMITH OPTICS ANGLE VIEW

Camo Frames and RC 36 Lenses

Tester Biography

Name:                     Russell Curry
Age:                      57
Gender:                   Male
Height:                      6’0” (1.83 m)
Weight:                   190 lbs (86 kg)
Torso:                 24 inches
Chest:                       42 inches
Waist:                   36 inches
Email Address:          2angstout@sbcglobal.net
City, State, Country:          Orange, TX, US
Date:                   March 9, 2005

Backpacking Background:

I began backpacking in the late 1960’s. I have hiked extensively in Western and Eastern Texas, the Grand Canyon & other Arizona sites, Utah, Colorado, Louisiana, Alaska, Arkansas, and in the Bavarian Alps in Germany, in a variety of terrain, desert, mountains and forests. I am a 4-season backpacker and have hiked in temperatures as low as 5 F (-15 C) to as high as 110 F (43 C).   I hike often, even if just locally. My gear ranges from mid weight to ultra-light weight.

Product Identification:

Item:                                  Smith Optics Axis Sunglasses
Manufacturer:            Smith Optics
URL:                               http://www.smithoptics.com
Year of Manufacturer:     2005
MSRP:                              $109.00 US with lenses shown

Product Identification:

The Axis sunglasses is a lens interchangeable, rimless pair of sunglasses that is offered in 7 frame colors and 2 sizes, medium and large. There are 16 lens combinations available to choose from, depending on how the sunglasses will be used and under what conditions.

The description that appears on the Smith Optics website for the Axis is as follows:

"The AXIS' rimless interchangeable lens system creates a sleek and subtle design allowing unobstructed peripheral view perfect for the running trail, golf course, or weekend ride. Smith's Interchangeable lens system utilizes distortion-free, 9 base lenses to provide precise optical clarity and maximize coverage while minimizing peripheral exposure to sun, wind, and glare. With over a dozen replacement lens tints to choose from, the Smith Interchangeable series provides versatility across the full spectrum of light conditions and sport eye wear enhancements."

Features are described on the website as follows:

"Medium/Large fit
   Patented Interchangeable Lens Technologies
   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"

Smith Optics offers a Limited Lifetime Sunglass Warranty, details of which can be viewed on their website.

Case, frames and extra lenses

Product Features on the sunglasses that I received:

Frame:             White Camo Axis style
Size:                    Large
Lenses:*            Platinum - True Color Gray lens with silver mirror cuts light and glare by reflecting it away from the eye
                          RC 36 (Rose Copper) - Universal lens tint that provides the best vision for the widest variety of light conditions.
Enhances depth perception, increases contrast and sharpens visual acuity. 100% protection from UV A/B/C light
                          Yellow - Vibrant lens tint that increases visual acuity in extremely flat and low light conditions
                          * lens descriptions taken directly from the Smith Optics website

No listed weight or size on website.

Weights and size as received:

Weight of glasses:                      1.75 oz (50 g)
Weight of Case:                                2.0 oz (57 g)
Weight of spare lenses: (2 pair)       0.75 oz (21 g)
Width of frame at lenses:                 5.5 in (140 mm)
Length of frame on side:                  5.75 in (146 mm)

Case: Multi-compartmented fabric case that is covered in a soft, velour type fabric. It has a Velcro type closure, and a Velcro strip on the back to secure to my visor, etc.

Tapered arms

INITIAL OBSERVATIONS

The sunglasses arrived in a Smith Optics box, inside a larger shipping box. The glasses were in the case along with the extra lenses which come in their own plastic envelopes, an information brochure and a separate page describing how to change the lenses. There was also a Smith Optics decal. The information brochure covers the ANSI specifications, warranty information, repair policy, maintenance, cleaning, a cautionary statement on the proper use of the sunglasses, an inspection notice and shipping information within the USA. There is another language also printed, that appears to be French, but I am challenged when it comes to languages, so I cannot state for sure which language is represented.

The glasses are curved in a wrap-around style, and fit nicely on my head. There is some "spring" in the arms, and the glasses fit snugly around my temples. I had to go to the Smith Optics website to find out what the recommendations were for the different lenses. The web page for ordering additional lenses is well done and describes clearly how each lens functions, under what conditions it should be used and displays the color of the lens. The price for each lens is shown as well. There is no information in the manual about how to select the correct lenses for the conditions I would be using the glasses in.

The manual warns to use only a soft cotton cloth or optical cleaning cloth for cleaning the lenses, in addition to blowing dust off of the lenses prior to wiping with any type of cloth. A mild soap or lens cleaning solution is recommended .They do not recommend using my T-shirt. I expected to find a small optical cleaning cloth in the kit after reading the information in the manual about the cleaning requirements, but none was present.

The style of the frames do not allow them to fold up to what I consider compact. However, they do curve around the sides of my eyes, and I like this feature. They fit snugly, with straight, tapered arms, which make it easy to get them on and off. The lenses touch my skin at the base of my nose, but the fit is comfortable, they do not pinch or scratch, the pressure at the temples from the arms is sufficient to keep the glasses firm to my head, and they stay put when I move around, jump, run, bend over, etc. The "grilamid nylon frames" have some flex to them, and I can bend them slightly and they return to their original shape.
The nose piece is the "Hydrophilic Megol" material, and does not slip on my nose, at least so far during the limited use I have put the glasses to.

I had to work on my technique of changing the lenses. The instructions for changing them notes that "changing lenses will get easier after the first few changeouts". I have to grasp firmly on the lens with my fingers and pull sharply to remove them. I found if I spread the frame slightly during the process, the lens will come out easier. Putting the lenses in is very easy, they "snap" into place and feel very secure. For this reason of getting my fingerprints on the lenses when changing them, I think it would be a good idea to include a small, optical quality cleaning cloth with the kit, or else, be prepared to purchase one to maintain the lenses correctly. Once I had practiced this a few times, it became much easier to change the lenses.

The case has a large compartment for the glasses, and in front of that two smaller compartments that hold the extra lenses. The fabric that the case is made of is very durable, but is a little stiff. I am expecting the case to become more pliable as time goes on. I plan to purchase a hard case that would offer more protection for the glasses. The soft case would work in my car, but I don't think would do a good job of keeping dirt, debris, etc. from getting to the glasses while hiking or outdoors.

So far I have used the Platinum and RC36 lenses and like what I see. The RC36 lenses especially seem to really sharpen things up, and the Platinum lenses do an excellent job of reducing the glare when driving from auto chrome, glare from large, glass buildings and other bright shiny objects.

Yellow and Platinum lenses

LIKES

Very stylish frames and lenses
Comfortable and secure fit
Nice finish
Choices for lenses

DISLIKES

None so far

TEST PLAN

In addition to my daily use of these sunglasses, my real test for these beautiful shades begins in 1 day when I drive 600+ miles to hike in Big Bend National Park in West Texas for a few days. I will be driving in bright sun, and in early morning and late evening light. I also will be hiking in these shades so I expect to see how they do when I perspire under the hot Texas sun. I have more hiking trips planned in many other areas and a trip to Europe where I will be using these shades in many different types of conditions. I always wear shades anytime I am outdoors, even just while gardening, or doing chores. I often spend a day or two at the beach, so this will be a good test to determine how the platinum lenses reflect the glare. I am anxious to test the yellow lenses while driving in the late afternoon and evening hours, when the light is flat. I will be using these glasses to keep my eyes from becoming sore and raw from long hours of exposure to sun, sand, wind and glare.

Other observations that I will be making for these glasses:

How do the glasses perform on strenuous hikes or other outdoor activity?

What happens under high humidity situations with the glasses, do they fog easily.?

How well do the glasses stay on my head, especially when jogging, biking, or doing other strenuous activities?

Is there going to be a problem with the hinges working loose, or the screw coming loose and falling out? The screw for the hinges on these glasses is inverted, so if it does come loose, it is going to fall straight out of the frames.

Can I adapt safety necklaces to these frames so I can hang them from my neck when not needed? The straight, tapered frames could affect this, I will determine if this is a problem.

I intend to put the nylon frames to the stress test, and determine if they can withstand rough handling, bending, flexing, and pulling forces. I will also determine if bending, flexing, or dropping the frames will cause the lenses to pop out.

Special thanks to Smith Optics and BPGT for entrusting me with this test.

Reviews > Eye Protection > Sun Glasses > Smith Axis > Russell Curry > Initial Report

Reviews > Eye Protection > Sun Glasses > Smith Axis > Russell Curry > Initial Report