WHAT IS IT?
SMITH Riptide Sunglasses
WHAT SETS IT APART?
Many bass anglers may not be familiar with the SMITH Optics brand, but they should be. Founded 60 years ago by an orthodontist-turned-beach bum obsessed with chasing powder, founder Dr. Bob Smith revolutionized snow sports optics. Over the decades, the company has taken that same innovative spirit into virtually every outdoor category — including fishing — developing premium eyewear designed to help anglers see more and fish better.
SMITH’s Fishing Collection features 17 frame styles with a variety of frame and lens options, from purpose-built technical models to everyday hybrids that transition seamlessly from the boat to town.
Smith’s proprietary ChromaPop technology is designed to filter overlapping color wavelengths that can make it harder for the eye to distinguish subtle differences in color and contrast. The result is a sharper, more defined view with colors that appear richer and more natural.
On the water, this means less eye strain and a clearer view of what’s happening beneath the surface and around the boat, whether you’re fishing at first light, under bright midday sun, or during overcast conditions.
Riptide is available in 12 lens/frame color options for cloudy, partial sun and sunny conditions. Available in two lenses options. ChromaPop lenses boost detail, color and clarity while ChromaPop Glass has the added benefit of high scratch resistance. Prescription lenses available.
HOW DO I USE IT?
I spent time testing the angler popular Riptide in the Matte Gravy frame with ChromoPop Glass Polarized Bronze Mirror lenses (pictured).
Riptide is a classic style with a medium fit made with bio-based frames featuring spring hinges, which expand the fit at the temples. A 6-base lens curvature provides modest wraparound fit. Megal nose and temple pads provide non-slip grip to keep glasses firmly in place. Spring hinges also self-adjust to your face for a snug, comfortable fit.
What else stands out about Riptide are the optional replacement lenses allowing you to adapt to changing conditions on the fly. For example, I could swap the lenses included in my review pair for the ChromoPop Polarized Opal Mirror lenses for bright sun if needed.
With multiple replacement lens options available, the Riptide is essentially like having multiple pairs of sunglasses in one. Instead of carrying several pairs to match different light conditions, you can simply change lenses and keep fishing.
You can use the interactive Try On feature (link below in More Information) to see how Riptide fits you. An XL version will be released in the future.
HOW MUCH?
$277
$88 for Riptide Sunglass Replacement Lens
MORE INFORMATION:
ANGLER’S INSIGHT:
On the water, I immediately noticed the benefits of ChromoPop technology. Greens looked deeper, shadows carried more detail, and fishing structure and lure targets stood out with greater definition. Unlike some lenses that simply darken your view, it was obvious how ChromaPop enhances it.
As I switched back and forth between the Riptide and a comparable premium-brand model, a clear preference emerged. With each comparison, I found myself reaching for the Riptide more often, eventually making it my go-to pair.
