Smith Factor Max Interchangeable Sunglasses - Polarized - 2006

I've tried Bolle's, Oakleys, Rudys...like other gear fit counts, but if your face is in the medium range I highly recommend these shades. I'm on my 3rd pair - one was stolen, the others to be sure I'm always covered since I use them for everything. The coverage is outstanding for biking and boating, they're nice and lightweight, and once you learn how you can swap out lenses super-quick. The polarized lenses are superb, and the RC30s (rose) are unbelievably great in overcast snowy conditions -- I won't drive in bad weather without them. I like the gray lenses for true color - great for everyday, hiking, etc. The brown give excellent contrast, especially handy for high speeds on the road bike. I don't end up using the yellows much but the clear are an eye-saver for when my bike commute is dark and cold. Smith's warranty is pretty great but even if you do something dumb -- say, step on them like I did and crack a lens -- you can easily get replacement lenses here. They may seem a bit steep, but they are seriously worth it.

My last pair of Smiths were SL2's and were just retired this fall after 9 years of use. I tried on the Factor Max frames and found them to be a perfect match to my head and just as comfortable as my SL2's were. To get 4 pair of lenses (I went black frames which come with amber polarized and 3 others) makes these glasses incredibly versatile. To increase this even further I have tried popping in Factor and Factor D Max Lenses at a brick and mortar store and they all fit the same. Take that as a note to those used to the varying SL1,2,3 size concept--it is just the lens height that changes in these glasses, but that means I can have Factor mirrored lenses for a more out on the town look, my 4 Factor Max pair for all-around, and pick up a set of D Max lenses for biking if I'd like. The proprietary rubber glues to your knows and head when you sweat so no more pushing glasses up as I bike or run in hot climates.

HIGHLY recommended. The price is defrayed by how long and how well these sunglasses will perform.

Flat out, these are the best shades I've owned. This is my second pair after having lost 1 while out skiing. The 4 different lenses come in very handy in varying light conditions. I've got the Steel frames, which come with the gry/RC30/clr mir/ylw lenses. Most of the time I'm looking through the polarized grey, but once the light gets flat and overcast, I just pop in the RC30 lenses to cut the glare and reduce eye strain. On dark and stormy days, the yellow are a life-saver -- not only do they brighten a dark day, but they really help improve visibility and definition. The frames are nice and light, which is great because they don't pinch down on your sinuses. All in all, I highly recommend these sunglasses...

I am always on my bike and after breaking my last pair of Brikos, I decided to get the half jacket from Oakley. I was annoyed that they are so spendy and you don't get additional lenses. With the Smiths, I get 4 sets of lenses and they are even polarized. All for the same price as the Oakleys! They are also really nice glasses and work well on the bike.

I bought these sunglasses to wear while road cycling. With 4 interchangeable lenses, I can pick a lens that suits the light at the time. Overall, these sunglasses live up to their reputation and unbeliveably make objects a lot clearer and my riding a lot safer. Only drawback is that the case cannot hold the 3 extra set of lenses that come with the sunglasses without scratching.

The first real test was the weekend on the speedboat. The fit is barely snug and I thought I would lose them at 50mph on the water. They were secure even at high speeds. The rose lenses were great for an overcast day of golfing and I got my first eagle (sure it was the glasses). The max lenses give great coverage (much better than the Theory Max) and the frame is more comfortable than the Frontline Max.

Fit good, styling good, but the lenses blow; they scratch way to easily. OK, so maybe I ran over the amber lenses with my bike, but the polarized lenses are almost unusable with occasional use after only 5 months. My Oakleys are 3 years old, I wear them every day for work, and the lenses are in better shape.

I am a fan of Smith already. Have some first gen interchangables, and love them even though the retention hooks are getting a bit weak. These new Factor Max glasses are FABULOUS. Everything I thought they would be and the improvement of the mechanism for lens retention is superior. I bought a pair of NATIVE brand glasses and just gave them to my son... I couldn’t wear them... distortion in ALL lenses. Had exchanged 1st pair for a second thinking it was just an anomaly but the new pair were distorted also. Stick with SMITH.

Cant be said enough though. These are the greatest sunglasses i have ever owned. I have taken them backpacking, rock climbing, white water rafting (with a strap), just walking around, and working. bottom line: these things will go with you anywhere. I even use them at work as safety glasses when I am indoors. the lenses are great (all of them). expensive, but they'll last.

Can't beat these for a pair of performance glasses. Great Optics. Great Price. The 4 lenses allow for varying light conditions and swapping lenses is too easy. They have nice rubber patches behind ears and on nose piece that keep them in place while running, skiing, and mountain biking. Need I say more.

These are some super comfy glasses with really good optics and they look absolutely wicked. If you used to fit in slider 01's or empires, you should totally upgrade to these.

The Smith Factors fit well, are super light and are possibly the best sunglass that Smith has turned out since the original slider. Great!