Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop Pro Photochromic Reviewed in 2025

Why Choose Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop Pro PhotoChromic Snow Goggles?

We tested the Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop Pro PhotoChromic snow goggles in their XL size. This was great for our conditions in Colorado. Early season days were blizzardy with cold wind and snow, so the extra coverage felt great.

We loved them equally as much on our beautiful sunny bluebird days. Extra coverage against the sun is always welcome and the Pro PhotoChromic lenses adjusted seamlessly between the trees and wide open groomers, as well as staying out until last chair with the sun going behind the peaks.

Smith Goggles stand out with their optic quality. Their ChromaPop technology gives the best clarity we found in our testing. The Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop Pro PhotoChromic combines the great visibility of their lenses with the ease of light transition, plus a design with many features for comfort and safety.

Great New Tech with Great Visibility

Pro PhotoChromic

Smith’s upgraded Pro PhotoChromic gives a wider range of light adjustment for differing light conditions. This is measured through VLT – visible light transmission – and their new photochromic technology can shift from 55% – 16% VLT (meaning 55% of light gets through the lens, so a light tint, all the way to only 16% of light getting through, the darkest tint of the goggles).

They developed their Pro PhotoChromic to work in cold temperatures. Many photochromic lenses adjust to heat changes, but that won’t work in the winter. Smith developed their lenses to respond to visible and UV light so the lens tint would adjust in freezing temperatures.

ChromaPop™

Smith developed their ChromaPop filters to help color, clarity, and definition stand out. The clarity in their lenses is a stand out feature of Smith Optics and we love it during snow season.

Being able to spot slick skied out sections on the slopes really helps to keep people safe. And being able to spot the hidden powder stashes makes the days between fresh snow more fun. Smith’s ChromaPop lenses make it all clear.

Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop Pro PhotoChromic Snow Goggles Comfort and Safety Features

Frame and Foam

The Smith I/O Mag snow goggles use a Responsive Fit frame material that is flexible and adjusts to the contours of your face. This makes the I/O Mag ski and snowboarding goggles comfortable with no gaps in the curves.

Another reason the I/O Mag goggles are so comfortable is the 3 layer foam that cushions your face. Smith uses DriWix in the 3 layers to wick moisture away, keeping you comfortable on those long, hard runs or during Spring riding.

The I/O Mag XL frames offer a wide field of view and a nice feeling of space. This space also has the benefit that the frame will fit over glasses (OTG). The Smith I/O Mag goggles do come in small and medium size frames and a low bridge fit as well.

Fog Free Clear Views

Smith I/O Mag snow goggles have an inner lens with Smith’s 5X anti-fog properties. I/O Mag goggles also integrate and fit perfectly with Smith helmets. The vents on the helmet line up perfectly with the vents on the goggles for airflow that mitigates fog on the inside of your lenses in all temperatures and all types of activity.

We feel keeping ski and snowboarding goggles fog free is a big safety feature for ski and snowboarding gear. People are going fast with all different abilities, and sometimes through crowds. Keeping clear vision is essential to staying safe on the slopes. We do think Julbo Lightyear’s SuperFlow PRO system is the most innovative, especially for touring.

Clear visibility also comes from lens material and quality, and as we have already stated we think Smith leads in the regard. The Smith I/O Mag snow goggles have a spherical Carbonic-x lens. This is a distortion free lens with maximum peripheral vision and reduced glare. The lens in the I/O Mag ChromaPop Pro PhotoChromic goggles is also impact resistant.

When You Need a Change – It’s Easy

The I/O Mag snow goggles feature Smith’s MAG lens changing technology. This makes changing your lens easy and quick when light conditions change. There are side locking tabs you press to release. Magnets around the goggle frame have the right amount of strength to easily pull off the lens to change it but also keep it secure and in place at all other times.

Price/Value of the Smith I/O ChromaPop Pro PhotoChromic Snow Goggles

The I/O Mag Snow Goggles with Smith’s ChromaPop Pro PhotoChromic lenses are just over $300. This is pricey but these goggles have top technology and the price is in line with other brand’s top of the line goggles as well. Our other top picks, the Anon M5 Toric and the Julbo Lightyear goggles are in this same price range.

Seeing clearly when you are flying down a mountain is important. Along with keeping your eyes safe from debris and crashes. It does feel like quality goggles could be well worth the investment. Smith does make their technology accessible to those with less to spend too though. You can get their cutting edge optics in their cheaper goggle ranges.

The I/O Mag goggles do come with 2 lenses, a protective bag, and a protective goggle soc. These are fantastic add ons as goggle lenses, while impact resistant, can get scratched, so having lots of protection is a great bonus.

Do We Recommend Them?

Yes, we love the Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop Pro Photochromic Snow Goggles!

Their great optical clarity now combined with improved photochromic light adjustment makes them a great addition to the snow gear we love. Plus they are extremely comfortable, don’t fog up, and have a great field of view.

If you have the budget for them, and are able to take care with these pricey lenses, grab a pair and you can leave that extra lens behind in the car for the day.