Smith Optics Parallel D Max Review

Smith Optics is based out of Sun Valley, Idaho and was founded in 1965.  They started by creating the first ski goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam.  Dr. Bob Smith was a dentist but in his spare time he made goggles by hand using his dental tools, foam, and glue.  Hopefully he cleaned the tools before seeing patients the next day.  Before he struck a manufacturing deal for his goggles in the late 1960’s, he built his prototypes with friends around the kitchen table.  He would trade his hand made goggles for lift tickets while traveling to test the goggles out. 

Over the years, Smith Optics has grown to set the standard for building high performance eyewear, goggles, and helmets.  They are constantly pushing the envelope on innovation and are creating better products all the time.  Smith Optics are sold in over 50 countries and have headquarters in the United States, Canada, and Europe.  Their manufacturing facility is based in Clearfield, Utah. 

I received a pair of the Parallel D Max to test out.  I picked these because of the shape.  I have noticed that certain sunglasses and shapes work best for my face shape and size.  I was really excited to try out the Smith Optics sunglasses because I have read great reviews about the quality of the optics and have several friends who rave about their Smith Optics sunglasses. 

The Parallel D Max is great for those days on the bike or running, but can just as easily be used to lounge around the pool in.  They are extremely comfortable and light weight.  They feature a Carbonic TLT lens with a Hydroleophobic coating.  Carbonic lenses are optically tuned to give you visual comfort while meeting the strict ANSO Z80.3 standard for impact resistance.  The Hydroleophobic coating resists water and oil from sticking to the lenses. 

The Parallel D Max fits medium sized faces and provides a great amount of coverage.  Out of all the sunglasses that I tested, the lenses on the Parallel D Max provided the best coverage around the sides of my face.  This cut down on bright light coming in from the sides during my runs and rides.  The Parallel D Max was also the most comfortable pair of shades that I tested.  The Hydrophilic Megol nose and temple pads makes sure that the shades will stay in place as well.

You get a hard case, with an area to put spare lenses.  The Parallel D Max comes with three sets of lenses total. You get the Red Sol-X Mirror, Ignitor, and clear lenses.  The one thing that was missing in my opinion was a soft cloth bag or cleaning cloth.  I am not sure if it was just missing in my case or if they don’t come with it.

As with many of the other companies out there, Smith Optics shades are covered by a lifetime warranty against manufacture defects (not including normal wear and tear).  If you experience an issue caused by the manufacturing or materials, they will replace the sunglasses free of charge.

The lenses were really easy to switch out too.  Click here for a video on how to change the lenses.

Pros:

Very light weight material

Three lenses to use in different lighting conditions

Premium quality optics

Great fit, doesn’t bounce around

Great price $139.00

Cons:

They really should come with a cleaning cloth

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The Parallel D Max are some awesome shades and while they are the most expensive pair of shades that I tested this year, I think they are well worth the price.  I not only use them when I run, but around town too.  I have finally found a pair of sunglasses that just feel like a part of my face.  You can pick up a pair on the Smith Optics website or at a store near you (click here for locations).  This is a great pair of shades and you should really check them out. 

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.