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SASS Global Travel's Head of Mountain Operations, Pete Connolly, in the new Smith I/O7 goggle. All photos by Lucas Moore.
Check out the 2015 Smith I/O7 at evo.com here.
Smith Optics released the I/O7 this year, adding a new model to the their rimless interchangeable series that has previously included the I/O and the I/OX. With the higher price point at $225, Smith is confident that they have significantly improved upon these popular models. Although there are numerous redeeming qualities and a few substantial improvements, I am not fully convinced that the I/O7 has revolutionized anything beyond existing I/O versions.
The I/O7 is a medium fit, similar to the original I/O. It features Single-Pivot Quick Release, AirEvac Integration technology, and Facial Geometry frame design. It comes stock with two lenses, one dark (sol-x, blackout or mirror) for the bluebird days and one light (red sensor) for the stormy ones. It is aimed those looking for one goggle to satisfy all light conditions as the weather changes and hopefully the storm rolls in.
The I/O7's Single-Pivot Quick Release system seems suspect for long-term durability and is not Smith's most glove-friendly release mechanism.
The most significant feature of the I/O7 is the Single-Pivot Quick Release, but unfortunately this seems to be where the goggle falls short. Yes, a single point of locking is a sweet concept that in theory makes switching of lenses as simple as possible. The original I/O features two clips and the I/OX has four, but they all work simply and effectively, whereas the one on the I/O7 is too dainty and simply doesn’t have enough surface area to be easy to use and definitely seems as if it will struggle to hold up over time.
Unless you are wearing pipe gloves, it demands bare hands to make the change. Getting the current lens out of the frame is easy, but reattaching a new one is difficult even with practice due to a small and slippery metal clip design and the teeth that grab the lock itself provide a small window for success. Once in, it isn’t going anywhere and there are no performance drawbacks whatsoever once in place and back on your face.
Check out evo's entire line of 2015 Smith goggles here.
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Style is definitely the greatest new aspect to the I/O7. It's a great looking goggle and sure to satisfy all of your steez requirements. The strap-to-lens interfaces not only function as the lips that hold the lens in place (similar to the I/O), but also add some aesthetically pleasing lines. At first glance I was under the impression that the plastic rib that runs across the top of the lens was purely for show to enhance style, but it in fact functions as a pretty genius gripping device when exchanging lenses making it easy to pull, push and hold the lens without adding grease or scratches.
Smith's Clip Buckle and Quickfit Strap system are their most underrated feature.
The additional features that have become standard on Smith’s high end line are what keep this goggle worthy beyond just looking good. The Quickfit Strap adjustment system with Clip Buckle is the most underrated feature of Smith goggles. This clipping mechanism makes it easy to ensure snow stays away from the inside of your lens when removing them and putting them on while also eliminating hat drag or awkward over-helmet stretching. The Smith lenses hold up to their reputation with fantastic low-light visibility coming from the Sensor lens and mine featured my favorite of the dark lens options, the Blackout (seen at the top of the page).
The I/O7 comes with both a low-light and bright day lens option.
Fans of the larger I/OX will not enjoy the smaller fit, which limits peripheral visibility for those of us with larger heads, but for those looking for something less intense size-wise and upgraded style from the now-classic look of the I/O, this goggle provides a great fit and is designed to integrate seamlessly with any Smith helmet.
Goggles are an underrated piece in every skier or rider’s kit. It's simple: if you can’t see, you can’t ski. So spending extra on the higher end model is never going to be a bad call. The lenses are better, they don’t fog as easily, and they last longer. The I/O7 definitely fits this bill. Remember though, good goggle maintenance is the key to a good day and no goggle, no matter how good or how many lenses you can exchange, is going to perform to its fullest without proper care and conscious handling. Wipe your lenses down frequently (but never the inside of the lenses when wet!), wash the bag they come with often, and air dry your goggles once you're off the hill.
-Pete Connolly, Head of Mountain Operations at SASS Global Travel
