Smith Theory Sunglasses Information
Smith Theory sunglasses are designed for athletes, or for those who think of themselves as athletes. They combine innovative technologies in lenses and frames to make for slip-proof, long-lasting sunglasses. The lenses on them are interchangeable, so they can be switched depending on the sport and weather conditions. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Smith Optics was founded in 1965 in Sun Valley, Idaho by Dr. Bob Smith. Dr. Smith was an orthodontist who began making goggles in his house out of dental tools and equipment. Before long, the goggles caught on and the company expanded to making sunglasses, as well as hats, helmets and apparel.
Smith Optics has offices in Italy, France and California, and its sunglasses are sold in 50 different countries.
Features
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Smith Theory sunglasses are made with a special anti-slip technology. The rubberized nose pads are made out of a substance called hydrophilic megol that prevents the glasses from slipping when the wearer sweats. The ends of the frames, near the temple tips, are also made of this same material.
Their frames are made of grilamid, a plastic that is specially designed to be lightweight and flexible while, at the same time, virtually indestructible. The frames of these sunglasses are designed to have a base curve, which curves the frame so that it better conforms to the contours of your face. Base curves are available in three styles, 6, 8 and 9. Style 6 is nearly straight and similar to standard sunglasses. Style 9 curves the most, making them fit snugly.
The sunglasses utilize an interchangeable lens system. More than a dozen different lenses are available to choose from, including polarized lenses, and they can be easily swapped out of the frames so wearers can adapt to changing light. The lenses are made with Tapered Lens Technology, meaning that they taper toward their outer edges and reduce the distortion common with standard glasses. The lenses have a water-resistant, anti-reflective coating and are scratch- and abrasion-proof.
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Athletic Function
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Smith Optics specializes in sunglasses and goggles for athletes. Some of the specialty lines are designed for fishing (Advocate and Fixture lines), skiing (Anthem and Prodigy goggles) and motocross (Sonic and Warp models). The company sponsors several extreme athletes, including Olympian Scotty Lago and X-Game winner Travis Pastrana.
Athletes prefer Smith Theory sunglasses because of the technology that goes into them. The anti-slip technology means that the glasses will not need to be constantly adjusted over the course of a bicycle race or a marathon. The indestructible frames will not break if they are dropped or accidentally run over. The lenses are easily switched out to allow the athlete to adjust to changing light.
Costs
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For a pair of Smith Theory sunglasses that consist of frames with one set of lenses, the price is around $130 as of 2010. The price of extra lenses ranges from $20 a pair, for simple, one-color lenses, to $60 for a pair that is polarized. A special case is available to hold one pair of frames and three extra sets of lenses for $40.
Identification
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Smith Theory sunglasses are stylish and functional. They feature the Smith logo on the outside of the frame, near the temple. The bottom of the frame that wraps around the lens on a standard pair of sunglasses is not there to allow the lenses to be easily swapped out. Inside the frames, the words "Smith Optics" appear, along with style and size codes.
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References
- Photo Credit teenage boy upper half in sunglasses image by Kathy Burns from Fotolia.com
