[Review] The Squad XL Goggles by Smith

The Squad XL Goggles by Smith will have you feeling good and looking good all while giving you the best lens experience one could ask for. The Squad XLs come with ChromaPop lenses and I have to say, I’ve become quite the fan. Not only does ChromaPop give you crystal clear vision all day long, it also helps pop the contrast for those low light days.

I like the oversize fit of the Squad XLs and they are Smith’s largest cylindrical goggle. Not only do I like the look of the oversized frame, it’s also really functional. With the Squad XL goggles, you will experience a super wide field of view. These are the type of goggles you put on and then you feel like you’re not wearing any goggles because there is no material getting in your view.

The face foam is really soft up against my face leading to all-day comfort and I’ve had a hard time getting these to fog while I’m skiing. While these do have Smith’s Fog-X technology I still think there are situations that are going to fog your goggles no matter what. While the Fog-X helps, if you find yourself digging out a snowmobile, sweating your ass off, in an environment where it is moist and cold, you may still experience fogging. I can’t knock the goggles a point for that because I really think that no matter what new and exciting technology goggles have, they are still susceptible to fogging in those conditions.

The Squad XL goggles come with two lenses and are interchangeable. I wouldn’t say by any means that it is the fastest lens change system, but to get the partial frameless goggle style there is going to have to be compromise. I find when changing the lenses it is extremely easy to get fingerprints absolutely everywhere. Smith sends two lenses–one for low light and one for bright light–so you’re covered no matter what condition you find yourself riding in.

Another gripe I have about these goggles is that the Protective Goggle Bag that they send with the goggles doesn’t have a place for the spare lens. Usually, there is a divider in the bag so you can keep your spare lens from rubbing on your goggles. With this one, that is not the case so I have to find something else like a beanie or buff to keep my spare lens in. It’s not a huge deal, just a small annoyance.

If you’re looking for a large and in-charge goggle that will have you covered from sunshine to snow, look no further than the Squad XL. Oversized and stylish, you’re also getting an incredibly comfortable goggle with a huge range of view. If you’re looking to have seamless integration between your helmet and goggles, check out my review of the Gage Helmet.