Smith Pursuit Review

The Pursuit was designed with professional skier Cody Townsend for ski mountaineering and has a handful of features designed specifically for that use case. Those features put this frame in stark contrast to many of the cycling-specific frames we've tested. However, we relished this frame's intricacies and began to love its full-coverage embrace on the trail.

Performance Comparison

Lens Quality

We've seen high-quality lenses from Smith Optics in previous product tests, and the range of five different lens offerings with the Pursuit for varying light conditions is similarly impressive. Our test model came with a clear lens and the ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic Copper Gold Mirror Lens, which provides between 7% and 45% visible light transmission and shifts from a low-light copper tint to a dark grey. Smith claims that their photochromic lenses are less sensitive to temperature changes than traditional photochromic lenses. While we did not specifically test this claim, the transition between the low light and bright light phases of the lens was seamless in the mild temperatures we rode in.

We anticipated switching to the clear lens under the dark canopy of the coastal redwoods where we conducted most of our testing. However, the photochromic lens provided superb low-light visibility and didn't demand a swap. In low-light conditions under dense foliage and cloudy skies, the ChromaPop lens transitioned to a lighter tint without hesitation and provided crisp views of the trail ahead. When riding in bright light conditions, the photochromic lens quickly transitioned to the dark mirrored tint, providing an excellent contrast to observe trail features. The frame of the Pursuit is horizontally convex but has no vertical convexity, resulting in a reasonably flat-shaped lens with little to no distortion or optical aberration. This created an unobtrusive, windshield-like feel to the lens.

The ChromaPop Glacier lenses have anti-fog and hydrophobic coatings, which stay clear on sweaty climbs and made wiping the lens easy. Our testing window coincided with a series of atmospheric rivers that illuminated the Pursuit's strengths in shedding water off the front of the lens and keeping water out of the eyes. Wet and muddy test conditions also meant repeated cleanings, and the ChromaPop lenses showed no signs of scuffs or scratches.

Fit and Comfort

Despite its size and slightly heavier weight at 41 grams, the Smith Pursuit was comfortable to wear all day and didn't budge during tumultuous descents. The Pursuit has hinged nose pieces that we found easily adjustable between its two positions. The nose piece and arms are coated in a soft, bio-based thermoplastic called Megol, which did not feel like a compromise compared to other nose pieces and arms that use petroleum-based plastics. We had no issues pairing this frame with various mountain bike and road helmets; the side shields sat unobtrusively under helmet straps, and the top of the frame felt seamless with the brow of all the helmets we tested.

One aspect of this frame that creates unique comfort on the trail is the snap-on goggle-like retainer strap included with the frame. While this accessory was included for skiing, we found that on longer rides where a snack break or photo opportunity might be in store, hanging the glasses around the neck was a nice option instead of stuffing the arms into the vents of our helmet.

Coverage

The Smith Pursuit felt second to none in the coverage provided in a pair of sunglasses.

The size of the lens is truly comparable to a goggle, with dimensions topping out at a whopping 148mm wide and 66mm tall. Increasing the protection and coverage of these frames are side shields that block light rays, wind, and dust from entering the side of the frame.

While these peripheral screens have not appeared in any of the other frames we've tested for cycling, they are found on many frames intended for use on water or snow to protect from reflective light. In addition to the side shields is a removable nose guard that provides UV coverage over the nose. On the trail, the lens size was not as large as overwhelming, and the coverage was truly confidence inspiring as the eyes were freed to focus on the trail ahead.

Frame Quality

The Smith Pursuit has a robust feel, and we experienced no issues with the quality of the frame in our tests. The frames utilize Smith's Evolve material, which is a 53% bio-based injected polymer. This construction felt flexible and easy to manipulate when swapping lenses confidently and showed no signs of feeling brittle or fragile.

The side shields have small magnets on the ends that hold them in position against the arms of the frame and easily fold in with the arms. While adding some weight, the distinct lock of the magnets onto the arms of the frame creates a premium feel and holds the shields in place through bone-rattling sections of the trail. Throughout the rigors of our testing, the lens and screw-less hinges showed no signs of wear despite being splattered in sediment and repeatedly stuffed into a hip pack when back-to-back testing on a ride.

Field Performance

On the trail, the Smith Pursuit felt immediately at home on our face, and its generous coverage and impressive optics left us little to note or complain about. In wet conditions, it kept mud and water out of the eyes, and it blocked wind from making our eyes tear up. Riders would be hard-pressed to find a frame with this much protection without going to a goggle, and this is a significantly lighter and better-ventilated option than a goggle.

While we used the nose piece only briefly, having built-in Sun protection for the nose makes us excited about using this frame in ride settings with extended sun exposure, like dawn to dusk gravel rides in the summer or multi-day bike packing trips.

Style

The classic lens silhouette and simple lines of the Smith Pursuit present an unequivocal style for those who appreciate the look of a frame with generous coverage. The side shields err towards functionality rather than superfluous fashion, and their utility doesn't detract from the understated lines of the frame. The additional nose piece and snap-on retainer strap might be unnecessary for day-to-day trail rides. Still, they contribute to wildly functional and elegantly assembled spectacles when fully assembled.

Case Quality

The Smith Pursuit comes with a unique soft zippered pouch that compliments the quality and thoughtfulness of the frame design. One side of the pouch is a protective, molded side wall paired with ripstop fabric on the opposing wall. Many of the other frames we've tested come in a clamshell-style hard case, and this pouch feels just as protective while taking up considerably less space. The soft case has a slot for an extra lens and ample room to store the retainer strap, nose piece, and frames.

Should You Buy The Smith Pursuit?

The unique features, exceptional construction, and unparalleled coverage of the Pursuit are met with a high price tag, which lands above many of the other frames we've tested. While it would be easy to dismiss any other frame for an exorbitant cost, this frame and its accoutrements are truly worth the spend for riders wanting to optimize eye protection with a high-quality frame that will work in every light condition. Though not one of our metrics, the construction of the Pursuit is innovative in using a blend of bio-based materials. For riders looking at products with a softer footprint on our planet, this is a step in that direction.

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