Smith 4D MAG XL Review: Field-Tested in the Rugged Terrain of Jackson Hole

Over the years as I’ve traveled around to different ski regions, I noticed certain areas have a seem to have a dominant goggle brand that most locals tend to gravitate towards. Jackson, WY (where I have spent 15 years living and riding) has always been a Smith town.

This Smith Google was picked for this years top snowboard goggles, learn more in our best snowboard goggle test from Jackson Hole to see how it stacks up against the rest of the industry. 

Teton Testing

Due to its geographic location, rugged terrain, vertical drop, and wild weather patterns, Jackson Hole is a superb location to put any winter sports gear through its proper paces. If it can break, it’ll break here. And if it stands above the rest, it will have its time to shine.

I got to strap on the Smith 4D MAG XL Goggles late last season, and they are my new go-to for everyday shred eyewear.

First Impression

These came fresh out the box with a very nice hard google case (yay!), a set of dark sunny day lenses, an extra set of Sensor low light lenses, the normal microfiber gogg sack, and a goggle lens cover. I’ve grown to love using lens covers to protect my lens en route to the mountain. Feeling good “value vibes”.

Please allow me to spit out some catchy marketing names while illuminating the features that make the 4D MAG XL one of my favorite sets of goggles.

BirdsEye Vision: A 13% Increase in Field of View

The MAG XL size (13% more field of view than the standard MAGs) and BirdsEye Vision offers excellent lateral and horizontal peripheral vision. At first I saw a slight warp effect  looking straight down through the rounded over bottom of the lens, but I stopped noticing it right away and it is not a problem for me.

Smith’s ChromaPop lenses say they make terrain clear and crispy. They do. The bronze mirror lenses are good for the blue-ist of bluebird days, and the time honored Sensor low-light lens has been one of the best storm riding and flat light lenses on the market for decades.

The MAG lens change outs are very easy, with good magnet grip and small flip levers on the bottom corners to lock ‘um in. No “ripping your lenses off while putting your goggles up on your helmet” here.

Fit and Integration: Smith 4D MAG XL with the Vantage Helmet

The XL fit says for “medium to large” faces, which is exactly how I would describe my face size to a stranger. They fit me well and don’t look too crazy large. These are also OTG (over the glasses) goggles for you four-eyed rippers out there.

I also happen to use a Smith Vantage Helmet, so I experienced the seamless integration between my brain saver and goggles.  The helmet fit is perfect, but it does push them down on my cheeks more than I’m used to. I got used to that pretty quick tho. The wide and grippy strap works as it should, and stays in place on the helmet with no problems.

Performance

Performance wise, these have been stellar. The only fogging I experienced was on my sweatiest hike when I left them on my face, and was minimal. I do have a slight fit gap right on the center of my nose. Not too big a deal, but I have felt my eyes slightly begin to water at full speed . Also available is the The Smith 4D MAG XL Low Bridge Fit option, so if you happen to have a low nose bridge/ Nordic Ski Jump Nose like me, give that fit a try-on. 

I consider these a top shelf product that stands up in the most demanding conditions. I’m comfortable taking these out anywhere on earth and in any weather. The included lenses will cover you in most weather conditions, although I do plan to pick up one more lens option to cover the variable light days in between full sun and white out, which we have a lot of here in Jackson. I’m also very interested in trying out their new Photochromatic lenses that adjust to varying light conditions.

Overall Impression

Overall, Smith has delivered with the 4D MAG series. These look rad and work great. And isn’t that all we need out of our goggles? Smith’s fit options, material tech, and performance, have reminded me why they still stand out above the rest here in Jackson Hole.

Related Goggles We Tested in Jackson, WY

1. Anon M4 Toric Goggle Review
2. POC Fovea Goggle Review
3. Scott React AMP Pro Goggle Review