For literally decades, Smith has had the best over-the-glasses goggle in the SMX. Like the SMX, the new Option goggle features a large frame with plenty of clearance for nearly any eyeglass shape. The large size has something to do with the fact that the Option still uses the SMX lens. Where the SMX frame was a little pliable, the Option has a bit more shape in addition to a more-modern look. There are also plenty of modern features and even more versions of the Option than there were of the SMX. The standard $34.95 Option features Smith's sweat-thirsty FAT two-layer face foam, a wide, silicone-backed strap and an anti-fog-coated Lexan lens. The frame comes in black, blue, green, red or yellow. This isn't the end of the features and options list but just the starting point. There is an Option OTG Airflow ($37.95) with a dual-pane, vented lens and Sweatbuster face foam, and the $39.95 Option OTG LST with the standard frame and face foam as well as a light-sensitive lens that automatically transitions from clear to gray depending on the lighting conditions. For those times when you absolutely, positively must have fog-free vision, Smith offers the Turbo Option OTG. The Turbo has a battery-powered, two-speed microelectronic fan mounted in the top of the goggle. At $129.95, the electronic wizardry doesn't come cheap, but "Being able to seepriceless." The goggle is powered by two AAA batteries.
Some of these Option models come as a Racer Pack complete with the Smith Roll Off's mounted, a Roll Off's visor and several rolls of film. We rode with all the different combinations available.
The Option is a little kinder and gentler to the face than the SMX, and it seems to fit into the face opening of more helmets. The face foam is lush and comfy, but for hard riding, the Option Airflow with the Sweatbuster foam is the best. The foam needs a little moisture to seat comfortably on your face. It definitely holds more moisture than normal face foam. Our current favorite is the Sweatbuster foam with the LST light-sensitive lens.
Overall, the Option is a more-stylish OTG option with noticeably improved comfort. We did note that our prescription glasses tended to fog earlier in the Option than in the trusty SMX. It was a relief to learn that our SMX lenses were not obsolete, too. The bottom line is this: If you wear glasses and you can get the Option goggle comfortably into the face port on your helmet, it is a fantastic OTG goggle.