Here they are: The Smith Knowledge OTGs. The "OTG" stands for "Over The Glasses", and they're lifesavers to four-eyes geeks [like me...]
Just The Facts, Ma'am:
Available Colors: Black, or Graphite, both with "Ignitor Mirror" lenses.
Features: Might be best to just look at the Smith site, here:
http://www.smithoptics.com/Knowledge-OTG_14_948.html?fl=flase
Because, we don't exactly know what all that shit means...
Price: The website claims that they MSRP at $85.00, but we're pretty sure we paid about $65 for these at Rusted Moon Outfitters [in Broad Ripple, Indianapolis, Indiana]
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
We started here, because the single, solitary thing that we could even dream up, is the MSRP price. I mean, $85.00 for a pair of goggles is more than a few pennies. On the other hand: We ultimately found them to be well worth the money. Especially if we get another season or two out of 'em. [We'll keep you posted on that.]
A few more colorways would also be mighty nice... although, the simpleton that I am, I found the basic colorways kinda refreshing.
That's all. Now, on to...
The Good Stuff:
The best things about these goggles... and, this is saying a lot, considering that they are, in fact, OTG goggles [which means that, there's always a pair of glasses underneath that have to be accounted for]... is the fit, comfort, ventilation, and fog-resistant nature of these goggles.
You've gotta understand: Glasses are plenty prone to bad fit and hella fogging, all by their own damned selves. Especially when doing "action sports". So, to add goggles into that mix, can really be a recipe for pure and certain hell. As we've well experienced with other OTGs over the years...
One feature that we [almost] forgot to mention, was this clasp on the strap. It allows for a complete unbuckling of the strap, in order to get it around a bulky hat, a helmet... to strap 'em to something for safe keeping... whatever. We used it exactly once. But, it's an awesome feature in those rare instances that you need it...
The Knowledge makes glasses-wearing a hell of a lot easier. They do a great job of venting out moisture, while stabilizing temperatures inside the goggle, for the best possible fog reduction... both inside the goggle, as well as when you take the goggles off, and expose your glasses to the outside elements. Re-read that bit one more time, because it rocks: No fogging in the goggle, and minimized fogging out of it. That's super boss. Best feature ever.
The durability of the stock lens also deserves a mention. We spent a lot of time in the woods, clipping branches, while de-icing these with the backs of our grimy 'ol Burton Superpipe gloves... yet, not a scratch anywhere on 'em through a whole season. That's impressive.
The low-key styling, neutral colorways, all-day-comfortable fit, more-than-ample ventilation (an extra slide-over vent is visible at the top of the lens in this photo), and abuse-defying durability all add up to a pretty great buy. Even if the sticker shock is a little bit disconcerting, at first glance...
I never thought that I'd ever find a good, functional, and comfortable pair of OTGs, or actually enjoy wearing goggles at all. These have definitely changed my mind. I don't leave home without 'em.
The Final Verdict:
A solidly good deal at the $85.00 MSRP, an awesome one at the $65.00 that we paid for 'em. I'll keep rocking these for a long-ass time.
