Smith I/O Mag Ski Goggles Review
Long-term review for comfort and performance while skiing in variable light conditions
The Smith I/O Mag goggles come with both a primary lens and a low light lens. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Home > Gear Reviews > Ski & Snow
January 20th, 2025
Our verdict
The Smith I/O Mag goggles are a longstanding favorite among skiers and snowboarders, and there’s a good reason so many people have worn them on the slopes over the years. These goggles pair premium features and high performance with maximum comfort and a frame size and fit that’s versatile. We are consistently impressed with the comfort and performance of Smith across the board, from goggles to sunglasses and helmets, and the I/O Mag is no different.
We tested these over dozens of days in varying light conditions, from whiteout storms to full sun. The lens swap is easy to use, the optics are excellent, and the comfort is top tier. If you ski or ride regularly and get out multiple times each season in a variety of weather and conditions, these goggles should be a top consideration for your kit.
The Smith I/O Mag goggles are also the longstanding overall winner in our Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles guide.
We write mission-driven gear reviews. To find the best gear, we combine expert reviews, everyday user opinions, and rigorous independent trail testing—never pop-up or display ads. We are reader-supported and may make a small commission from some qualifying affiliate links. Learn more.
Specs
Lens Type: Spherical
Lenses: 2 included (one low light)
Lens Tech: Polarized ChromaPop, photochromic also available, anti-fog inner lens
Fit: Medium; also available in XL, S, and Low-Bridge
Ventilation: Air Evac system
Compatibility: Helmet compatible
Comparison table
| SKI GOGGLES | HELMET COMPATIBLE? | FRAME SIZES | LENS TYPE | QUICK LENS CHANGE SYSTEM? | LENS TECH | FACE FOAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith I/O Mag | Y | S-XL, Low-bridge | Spherical | Y | ChromaPop TLT | Triple layer |
| Oakley Flight Deck | Y | M, L, Low-bridge | Spherical | N | Plutonite | Triple layer |
| Giro Blok | Y | L | Cylindrical | N | Zeiss | Triple layer |
| Smith 4D Mag | Y | M - L | Spherical | Y | ChromaPop Lens Tech | Triple layer |
| Smith Squad Mag | Y | regular, low-bridge | Cylindrical | Y | ChromaPop | Triple layer |
Who is it for
The Smith I/O Mag is an ideal pair of goggles for skiers and riders who spend several days on the slopes every season. While once-a-year skiers may not need something this high-end, and a more budget option like the Smith Squad or Giro Blok may suffice, any skier or rider who wants a comfortable, high-performing, and long-lasting pair of goggles will love the I/O Mag.
Low visibility and single digit temps on this stormy day made it tough for getting good photos, but the low light lenses on the Smith I/O Mag goggles made it far easier to see and enjoy the good snow. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
These goggles have premium features, like ChromaPop lenses for more definition and a magnetic lens change system for ease of use with changing conditions. These features are particularly useful for folks who get out a lot and in all conditions.
If you’re looking for more tips on the ideal ski kit, check out our guide on what to wear skiing.
How we tested
Skiing at Breckenridge in low visibility conditions with the low light lenses that come included with the Smith I/O Mag goggles. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Treeline Review writers have been testing the Smith I/O Mag goggles for years ever since they were first released. It continues to get our highest recommendation from testers from California to Maine, from Colorado to Alaska.
Most recently, we tested the Smith I/O Mag goggles over several days of skiing in a variety of conditions. For our tester in often-sunny Colorado, our lens choice was black to pair with the included low light lenses. We tested both of these in different conditions, from near-whiteout storm days and in extreme wind when visibility was incredibly low, to bluebird days with full sun and plenty of reflection off the snow surface to burn your eyeballs out if you take your goggles off.
Our testing included days above treeline with below-zero wind chill, wet and snowy storm days, and warm and sunny ones. As long as we changed lenses based on the light conditions, the I/O Mag goggles performed seamlessly through it all.
Our tester also used the Smith I/O Mag goggles in testing alongside other similar models, like the more affordable Smith Squad Mag and higher-end Smith 4D Mag—including other lens colors, like rose gold. These comparisons allowed us to see how the I/O Mag performs to other goggles in similar conditions and why it hits the sweet spot for features and price.
What we liked
The I/O Mag goggles have a quick magnetic lens change system that allows you to easily swap between lenses based on current lighting conditions. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Incredibly comfortable
Fits a wide range of faces and head sizes
Crisp and clear lenses
Quick magnetic lens change system
Low-light lens included, with lots of primary lens options
What could be better
Magnetic lens change is not quite as good as what’s on the Squad Mag and 4D Mag
On the expensive side
Features
The author testing the I/O Mag goggles with the low light lenses on a stormy day at Breckenridge resort. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
The Smith I/O Mag goggles are loaded with features, from anti-fog tech to the easy magnetic lens change system. Here’s a rundown of the specifics on these goggles:
Material
The I/O Mag goggles use a 3-layer DriWix foam. This material is plush and comfortable as it molds well to the wearer’s face, sealing out cold, wind, and snow. This foam is also breathable and moisture wicking, which helps mitigate lens fog.
Lens technology
It’s easy to swap lenses with Smith Mag goggles when the lighting and conditions change but you want to keep skiing. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
These goggles use a spherical lens design, which typically creates the widest field of vision without any distortion. These Carbonic-X lenses are also shatter resistant for additional protection on the slopes.
The lenses for the I/O Mag goggles are polarized and also have Smith’s ChromaPop tech for even more definition and contrast. This is especially useful in low-light conditions, when it can often be tricky to see variability on the snow surface.
Lens interchangeability
The Smith I/O Mag goggles have small magnets around the frame that help hold the lens in place and make lens swaps quick and easy. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
The I/O Mag goggles use Smith’s Mag lens change system, which is fast and simple. The lens locks into place on either side of the frame and pushing into a small lever on either side releases them. There are small magnets across the front edges of the frame and lens that help hold the lens in place once locked in.
While this specific magnetic lens swap system is quite easy to use, we slightly prefer the small levers at the bottom corners of the frame on the 4D Mag and Squad Mag goggles—we think it’s a bit more intuitive and easier to use. Nonetheless, the swap is still pretty seamless with the I/O Mag.
The author stops in between laps as the clouds roll in to swap from the black ChromaPop lens to the low light lens. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Anti-fog coating
These goggles have a 5X inner lens with Smith’s highest-end anti-fog treatment. This anti-fog treatment works well in almost all conditions.
On heavy storm days with a Buff or neck gaiter and hood on, the goggles do still have a tendency to fog slightly, especially when skiing hard. But it’s worth noting that there isn’t a pair of goggles we’ve ever tested that doesn’t fog at all in conditions like this. And, when they do accumulate a bit of fog, the moisture dries and evaporates from the inner lens very quickly.
Fit (e.g., medium fit, OTG compatibility)
The standard I/O Mag goggles have a medium fit frame that is suitable for most head and face sizes and by far the most universal option. But, we also appreciate the variety of size options available for the I/O Mag. These include an XL large frame, an S small frame, and low bridge options. It should be pretty easy for most skiers and riders to find a good fit within these options.
But, if you’re looking for a super precise fit, the I/O Mag is also offered as a part of Smith’s Imprint 3D Collection, which gives you a custom 3D printed frame made just for your face. This model is more expensive than others, but could be worth it if this high level of fit is important to you. In our testing, we found the regular I/O Mag to provide a pretty good fit for most folks, though, so the 3D option isn’t necessary for a comfortable fit that performs well.
Frame design
The I/O Mag goggles use a clip on the inside of the frame to hold and release the lenses. It’s easy to use, but we prefer the lever mechanism on other Smith Mag models. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
The frame design is fairly minimal without having a truly frameless look. They have a sleek design and medium fit that’s comfortable without being oversized. We’re also big fans of the look and style of the Squad Mag goggles, but the I/O has a less oversized frame and works particularly well for smaller faces.
On either side of the frame is where the latches are that hold the lenses in place (along with the magnets). Simply push on the latch to release the lens and swap to another, and click the new lens right in.
The frame design of the I/O Mag goggles is made to integrate specifically with Smith ski helmets, and we’ve found that it does that very well across multiple helmet models in the Smith line. These goggles also work well with other brands and models of helmets, though they certainly integrate best and most seamlessly with Smith models.
Ventilation system
These goggles use a ventilation system that works in tandem with Smith helmets. The DriWix foam wicks moisture which helps to keep you cool and works to prevent fogging. There are vent holes at the top of the frame, protected from precip by a thin layer of foam, that allow airflow in the goggles.
Helmet compatibility
The I/O Mag goggles are designed to integrate with Smith helmets. Here, the author is wearing the Smith Method helmet with the I/O Mag goggles for a seamless and comfortable fit, with the added bonus of perfect color coordination. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
The I/O Mag goggles integrate well with most ski helmets. We tried them with the Smith Method, Smith Vantage, Smith Summit, as well as some Poc and Pret models. The I/O Mags worked well with them all, but there is a notably seamless fit when paired with Smith helmets. But, because of the subtle and simple shape of these goggle frames, the I/O Mags are some of the more versatile goggles we’ve used in terms of helmet compatibility.
Strap adjustability
The strap on the I/O Mag goggles is easily adjustable and has silicone on the inside of the strap to keep it from sliding around on your helmet. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
The I/O Mag goggles have an easily adjustable slide strap that fits all sizes of helmets and can cinch to wear without a helmet, too. There is a clip in the back as well to easily secure the goggles around your helmet. Silicone on the inside of the strap keeps the goggles in place without the strap sliding up or down.
Field of view
The I/O Mags have a very good range of vision overall. The spherical lens design means there is good vision in every direction, from up and down to peripherals. It’s worth noting that the 4D Mag goggles do have a slightly better field of vision, but that comes at a higher cost and the range is more than sufficient with the I/O Mag goggles.
These have a slightly smaller frame design than others we tested, like the Squad Mag. Our tester is partial to the cylindrical style of the Squads, but actually found a better fit for her small-ish face with the I/O. And notably, there is no significant difference in field of view between these two models, and the spherical shape of the lenses on the I/O Mags actually make things look slightly more crisp.
Durability
Our tester has been wearing Smith goggles (among others) for the better part of a decade and has never encountered a durability issue. The lenses are high quality as are the frames and foam, and the elastic straps remain firm and stretchy even after many seasons of pulling over a helmet.
We have spent about 20 days so far this season in this particular pair of I/O Mag goggles, and they’re functioning like they’re brand new. If you’re careful not to scratch the lenses, these goggles should last hundreds of days over many seasons.
Scratch resistance
The gogglesoc cover wraps around the frame and lens for protection against scratches or moisture when not wearing the goggles. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
The lenses on the I/O Mag goggles are durable and high quality, and these lenses are shatter resistant. But no pair of goggles is truly scratch-proof, especially when put up against sharp ski edges. (Yes, we’ve learned this from experience.) That does not mean that these goggles are poor quality. It simply means that goggles are an item in your kit that should be taken good care of.
The I/O Mags (and many other Smith goggle models) come with a soft case and a “gogglesoc”—a light soft cover that can be stretched over the frame and lenses when they’re not over your eyes and perched atop your helmet. This little accessory does wonders to help prevent scratches (and it’s great for keeping your goggles dry on your way to the lift in a snowstorm, too).
Using the included gogglesoc and always storing your goggles in a case will help to keep the lenses in great condition for the long haul.
UV protection
The lenses on the I/O Mag goggles have full spectrum UVA and UVB protection. This includes every available lens color as well as the low light lens that comes with the goggles.
Color options
There is a wide variety of both frame and lens colors available for the I/O Mag—from all black to neon purple. It would be challenging to not find a pair that doesn’t work for your style and preferences.
For this review, we tested the black ChromaPop lens, which is great for sunny Colorado where our tester lives. However, this is certainly not the most versatile lens choice as it allows only 12% visible light transmission. Our personal favorite lens color for all-around versatility is the Rose Gold Mirror (23% VLT), which we tested on a pair of Smith Squad goggles.
Warranty coverage
All Smith goggles, including the I/O Mag, have a limited lifetime warranty for any manufacturer defects.
Performance in the field
Skiing on a sunny day at Arapahoe Basin with the black ChromaPop lens. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
In addition to years of testing by Treeline Review writers from California to Maine, I personally tested the I/O Mag goggles over dozens of days at the resort in a variety of conditions. With this specific model, we tested the black ChromaPop lens and the included low light lens. The vision in the ChromaPop lenses is very crisp and defined, especially when you select the right lens for the conditions—which is sort of the whole point with a magnetic lens swap system like this.
For bluebird days spent skiing bowls above treeline in Colorado, the black lens is an excellent choice and performed very well. We’ve also tested the ChromaPop rose gold lens on another pair of Smith goggles, and while it isn’t as good on super full sun days, it is much more versatile for partly cloudy conditions than the black lens is. All that to say: pick your primary lens based on the conditions you most often ski in and what the weather is like where you ski, and know that you can always swap to the low light lens in poor light conditions with ease.
The low light lens that comes included is excellent for low light conditions and does a great job at providing definition and clarity when the entire landscape seems to be a flat wall of white.
Our tester skied on a couple particularly wet and stormy days in these goggles and they stayed almost entirely fog free, even in this tough weather. There were a couple instances when the goggles did fog with a buff over the nose and while breathing hard on a deep powder run, but that is simply unavoidable sometimes and we’ve never used a pair of goggles that never, ever fog. Overall, the I/O Mag goggles mitigate fog quite well.
As far as adjustability and comfort, these goggles are true winners. They are among (maybe the most?) comfortable goggles our tester has ever worn (including many other Smith models). The frame shape of the I/O in particular is just so great for versatility and comfort and it works well for a wide variety of folks.
The magnetic lens swap is quick and easy, especially once you get a hang of it after a couple lens changes. Our tester skis multiple days a week, and that means a high likelihood of needing to change out lenses depending on what the weather and lighting conditions are like. This system makes that easy, even when you’re rushing out the door on a powder day.
As we’ve noted above, we do slightly prefer the lens swap mechanism on other Smith models like the Squad Mag and the 4D Mag. But that doesn’t mean this one is bad—the others are just a touch better. The I/O Mag still stands out among other brands and models of goggles for its excellent lens swap system.
The I/O Mag goggles (left) have a similar frame size to the Smith 4D Mag goggles (right), which are more expensive and have a slightly wider range of vision. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Our tester has used many pairs of Smith goggles over the last decade and has never encountered a durability issue. We like that Smith includes a gogglesoc cover for the lenses with the I/O Mag. This is incredibly useful for preventing scratches and dings to the lenses, and will help your goggles last many seasons. Our tester uses the gogglesoc every day she skis, including while getting ready, to avoid nicking the lenses with other gear.
Should I buy the Smith I/O?
If you are a dedicated skier or rider who gets out often every winter, the I/O Mag is an excellent, top-tier choice for goggles. The quick lens change system and the overall quality of the lenses and good field of vision make these an excellent choice for folks who get out whether it’s sunny or storming.
If you’re a once-a-year skier, or a beginner on a budget, these goggles are likely an unnecessary splurge. They are on the top end of the price spectrum in the ski goggle market. However, for the most part here, you do get what you pay for. These goggles will last avid skiers and riders hundreds of days and many seasons if you take proper care of them. The combo of comfort and performance is among the best goggles we’ve ever pulled over our eyes. If that’s what you’re after, then these are for you.
Smith I/O vs. similar goggles by smith
The Smith 4D Mag goggles (pictured here) and the Smith Squad Mag both use a small lever at the bottom of the frame to hold/ release the lens. We find this easier to use than the clip on the I/O Mag goggles. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Lens Type: Spherical
Lenses: 2 included
Lens Tech: ChromaPop Lens Tech
Fit: Medium; Standard-bridge
Ventilation: Air Evac system
Compatibility: Helmet compatible
The Smith 4D Mag goggles are essentially a step up from the I/O Mag. While the I/O frames have a standard spherical lens, the 4D Mag ups the ante with an extended field of vision, particularly at the bottom of the lens. These goggles are Smith’s top tier offering and therefore the most expensive goggles they offer.
The lens change system is also slightly different on this model and uses small, easy-to-use levers on the bottom corners of the frames—and we do prefer this to the lens swap clips on the I/O Mag. If you want the added field of vision these offer and the slightly better lens change system, these are splurge-worthy goggles for folks who get out a lot.
Lens Type: Cylindrical
Lenses: 2 included
Lens Tech: ChromaPop
Fit: Medium/Large; Standard-bridge
Ventilation: Airflow technology
Compatibility: Helmet compatible
The Squad Mag goggles are another great option with ChromaPop lenses and a magnetic lens change system. These use the same lens swap mechanism as the 4D Mag, which is our favorite in the industry and one we like just a bit better than the I/O Mag’s lens swap system.
Most notably, the Squad goggles have a cylindrical lens shape while the I/O goggles are spherical. The I/O Mag frames tend to have a more universal fit for a wide variety of people, though we do love the style of the Squad Mag. So, if you prefer a cylindrical lens to a spherical one, these are an excellent choice and our tester’s personal favorite.
Lens Type: Spherical
Lenses: 2 included
Lens Tech: Polarized ChromaPop, photochromic also available, anti-fog inner lens
Fit: Medium; also available in XL, S, and Low-Bridge
Ventilation: Air Evac system
Compatibility: Helmet compatible
The Smith I/O goggles have the same lenses and frame shape as the I/O Mag, just without the magnetic lens change system. You can still change the lenses on these goggles, but it involves a lot more fiddling. If you like the shape, style, and performance features of the I/O but don’t want to splurge, this is an excellent choice. However, if you find yourself frequently changing your lenses for riding in varying light conditions, the Mag version is likely worth the extra money.
Lens Type: Spherical
Lenses: 1 fixed lens
Lens Tech: REACTIV photochromic spherical double lens
Fit: Large
Ventilation: SuperFlow Pro and Air Flow
Compatibility: Helmet compatible
These goggles have a unique design that prioritizes breathability, especially if you’re wearing them for uphill bootpacks at the resort, or on the skintrack in the backcountry. While they’re still too warm to wear for long ski tours (all goggles are unless you’re in subzero temps at the north or south pole), they do offer excellent ventilation. While you can’t swap lenses with these, they are photochromic and adjust automatically to light conditions.
About the author / Why you should trust us
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held a WFR, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She’s now a full time writer and editor in the outdoor space and has been testing and writing about gear for over a decade.
Stasia grew up in northern Utah where she learned to ski not long after she learned to walk. She’s since spent every winter on snow, skiing in places from Alaska to Japan, with plenty of turns taken around her home in Summit County, Colorado. She gets out to ski multiple times a week throughout the season, no matter the weather and conditions. That means she’s used her gear in everything from bluebird days to full-on storms and whiteouts, and along with anyone who skis in the Tenmile range, plenty of wind. She’s tested many different pairs of goggles in all of these conditions, and over a few decades of skiing has learned exactly what makes a good pair. And she knows what a difference a good pair of goggles can make for someone’s experience on the slopes.
