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Tester Biography:                                                

Backpacking Background:

I began backpacking in the late 1960’s.  I have hiked in most states, and many countries in Europe, in a variety of terrain, desert, mountains and forests. I am a 4-season backpacker and hike in temperatures as low as 5 F (-15 C) to as high as 110 F  (43 C).   

Product Identification:

Item:	Smith Optics Axis Sunglasses
Manufacturer:	Smith Optics
URL:	http://www.smithoptics.com
Year of Manufacturer:	2005
MSRP:	$109.00 US with standard lenses for the White Camo frame: (Platinum, RC36, Yellow)

Product Description:

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. For a better understanding of this product, you may wish to review my Initial Report and my Field Report on these glasses.

FIELD CONDITIONS

I have continued to use these glasses in all types of weather; rain, shine, foggy mornings, overcast skies and everything in between. Temperatures have ranged from a low of 30 F (-1 C) to highs of 98 F (37 C). I have participated in backpacking trips from sea level to 13000 ft (3900 m) while wearing the glasses, and have hiked in my local parks in high humidity conditions. I have driven over 5000 miles (8000 km) while wearing the glasses, from early morning to late evening and on extended trips lasting 2 to 3 days. I use the glasses regularly when biking, either mountain or road.

FIELD PERFORMANCE

Once I got past the failure of the "Hydrophilic Megol" temple pad, reported in the Field Report, and received the new glasses from Smith Optics, I have nothing but good things to say about the performance of the glasses. They have far exceeded any type of outdoor sunglasses that I have previously owned. I wear them almost anytime I am outdoors, on my hiking trips, when driving, relaxing at the beach, and many other outdoor activities. I like the comfort they afford, the lightweight of the frames and lenses, the wraparound protection they provide to my eyes, and the ability to change lenses to suit a wide variety of weather conditions. The glasses are very comfortable for me to wear. They do not "wear" on the bridge of my nose or rub on my temples or ears. The lightweight of the glasses make it easy for me to wear them for very long periods with no discomfort. Due to the failure of the temple pad reported in the Field Report, I was merciless to the glasses during my testing to determine if the failure was an isolated incident, as suggested by Smith Optics, or some design flaw.  I have been unable to repeat the failure of the Hydrophilic Megol temple pad.

  

Near Lulu Mtn. in Colorado - The Smith Optics Axis Sunglasses
and my hat did a good job of protecting my eyes in the high country.
The RC36 Rose lenses worked great on this trip, protecting and
shielding my eyes during 7 days of bright sun and gusty wind from
nearby mountain tops.

SUMMARY

I continue to use the glasses every day. I am planning on ordering an additional pair of lenses, the Polarized True Color Gray, for days when I take the charter fishing boat from Galveston for a day of deep sea fishing. The Platinum lenses that I use when driving do an excellent job for me, but having used polarized lenses in the past, I feel they are much better when being on the water for long periods. The RC36 Rose lenses are definitely my lens of choice when hiking, or other activities where the glare is at a minimum.  They definitely brighten things up for me when outdoors.  The Yellow lens are the least used by me, but not because they fail in any way. They are my lenses of choice anytime I am driving for extended periods in early morning or late evening.  I feel very lucky to have been awarded this test for such an outstanding piece of equipment, and would consider them to definitely be in the top of their class for versatile outdoor sunglasses.

 

Russell Curry