Smith Ultralite sunglasses review: Brilliant lens with zero fogging

Smith Optics might not be as popular as the perennial favourites dominating the best cycling glasses space, but the company has been around for the past sixty years and naturally knows a thing or two about eye protection. The brand is, after all, the official performance eyewear and helmet provider for the UCI Women’s WorldTour team, Human Powered Health Cycling team, and has previously partnered with AG2R Citroën, supplying the team with sunglasses from 2021 to 2022.

To commemorate its 60th anniversary, Smith revived the iconic Ultralite sunglasses, a 1987 throwback inspired by ski culture and eighties sports fashion.

Construction

The Smith Ultralite sunglasses utilise a retro aesthetic with a ski-goggle-inspired design. Our test pair features a matte-black colourway, with matching ChromaPop black lens and complementing gold Smith wordmark logos on the lens and temples. The colourway is relatively muted but refined and will complement most helmet and kit designs.

The lens colour is not specifiable from purchase and is locked into the frame option, so if you’re after a lens for low-light conditions or improved clarity, you’ll need to choose a specific frame colour, of which there are five options. This includes matte tortoise, matte malachite (teal), high voltage (black and yellow), and 80s night (magenta with black flecks).

The design melds retro with contemporary, incorporating a durable, bio-based half-frame with arms that join halfway up the lens. This arm configuration ensures the lens protrudes above the brow for improved coverage and protection. There is a frame divider that runs behind the top of the lens, extending down to the nosepiece, but this has little impact on vision.

There is a series of circular ventilation ports that runs the length of the upper lens, serving both as aesthetic enhancements and functional demisters. There are a further three cutouts on each side of the lower portion of the lens for extra ventilation. The lens is replaceable but not specifiable at purchase.

Another cool feature that hints at the casual nature of these shades is the goggle-inspired strap-compatible temple tips. Here, you can further customise the Ultralites with contrasting aftermarket cords depending on your taste and needs. A very nice addition that many will appreciate.

The Ultralite’s hallmark feature is undoubtedly the lens. At 145mm x 52mm, it provides a slight wraparound and offers a commanding, uninterrupted view ahead. According to Smith, the ChromaPop lens technology “enhances contrast and natural colours to make the details pop.”

The lens uses a moisture-resistant coating for easy cleaning (this also helps reduce sweat and moisture smearing) and also boasts a 100% UV protection rating.

In terms of weight, anything under 40g is considered light for cycling sunglasses, and, at 32g, the Ultralites are one of the lighter options in class, but still 10g heavier than the POC Elicit.

The glasses are very well-made, and that is evident in the details, such as the ‘AutoLock’ hinges, which ensure they can be put on or taken off with one hand while riding.

The Ride

One of the biggest issues I have with contemporary cycling glasses is the design of the nosepieces. While some companies supply a removable nosepiece (often in two sizes), many lack adjustability. The Ultralites, however, utilise an adjustable, non-slip nosepiece that works effectively with my nasal bridge. Usually, the nosepiece is too wide or narrow, leading to unnecessary pressure, which can lead to pain and discomfort, but that’s not the case here. So, top marks to Smith for paying attention to this often overlooked detail.

The lens is top-notch and works incredibly well in bright conditions, helping to soften the light and improve visibility. The smoked hue has a visible light transmission (VLT) of 12% – in layperson’s terms, this is the amount of visible light that can pass through the lens (a low number is best suited for bright days and a high number for overcast conditions). As a result, they are better suited to bright, sunny days than overcast or shady areas with mottled lighting.

Having tested them in various conditions, including the odd downpour, the glasses performed well. It’s only when moving from high-contrast light situations to shaded tree cover that your eyes might struggle to adjust – other than that, there’s nothing negative to report.

Another area of the lens that impressed was its resistance to fogging. Fogging is something that can plague many sunglasses, especially when coming to a standstill after a hard effort. However, the Ultralites mitigate this issue thanks to a series of 20 vents that help quell condensation buildup with improved airflow.

The sunglasses pair nicely with most modern helmets, including aero models with low-cut flanks. Often, the arms can make contact with the rear edges of the helmet, which affects fit and comfort, but the Ultralite's downward sweeping arms ensured this was not the case.

In addition to cycling, the Ultralites can be used as casual shades or for running and hiking, thanks to their trendy aesthetics and versatility.

Value and Conclusion

Smith might not be the first brand that springs to mind when shopping for a new pair of sunglasses, but the brand’s rich heritage provides peace of mind and a solid alternative to options from Oakley, Rudy Project, 100%, Koo, et al. At $175/£160, the Smith Ultralite sunglasses are among the priciest options in the segment, but the stylish design, supreme fit, and comfort they offer are close to the best in class. For comparison, their nearest rivals are the 100% Aerocraft and Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep, which cost $189/£175 and $194/£168, respectively.

The inclusion of a soft fleece pouch is a nice touch, but you’d expect a hard case for storage at this price point. Also missing is a clear lens, not to mention the option to specify lens colour at the time of purchase. Overall, it’s a top-performing pair of sunglasses with a great fit and comfort levels to match.