Review: The Smith Bobcat enters the premium segment with a hefty price tag of €230. Even upon unpacking, it's clear that Smith hasn't skimped: a large, robust hard-shell case and an additional clear lens promise a high-quality package. On the trail, the glasses impress with a very good all-around lens and a rock-solid fit, but in deep twilight, they demonstrate why the second lens is more than just a nice extra.
Smith Bobcat: Dimensions and build quality
The very first touch of the Bobcat inspires great confidence. Nothing creaks, even when you twist it vigorously in your hand. The build quality isn't exceptionally refined, but it's absolutely solid and robust – you never get the feeling that a fall would easily damage it. With a lens height of 59 mm and a width of 135 mm, it falls into the category of "tall lens, medium width".
These dimensions make them the ideal choice for bikers with narrow to medium-width faces. Those with very wide faces should definitely try them on before buying, as they could otherwise press uncomfortably on the temples. A real highlight are the contact points: the nose pads and temple tips are equipped with a special material. Megol Rubberized. The clever part: as soon as you start sweating, the grip increases instead of decreasing. This ensures the goggles stay securely in place even on the roughest descents, without any uncomfortable pressure. The included accessories are top-notch: the large case provides perfect protection for the goggles, and the additional interchangeable lens proves to be a significant added value.
Smith Bobcat: Glass
The heart of the Smith Bobcat is undoubtedly the lens, which enhances contrast. ChromaPopThis technology combines photochromic technology with a photochromic function. The VLT (Visible Light Transmission) range of 12% to 67% covers categories 1 to 3. The maximum tint of 12% is ideal for sunny days. Even under overcast skies or in the woods, the lens brightens impressively with 67% light transmission, and thanks to ChromaPop, contrasts remain crisp.
However, the glass reaches its limits in extreme situations: It doesn't become completely clear when driving in deep twilight or at night. A noticeable residual tint remains. Smith has thought of precisely this scenario and, as the only manufacturer in the test group, includes a completely clear replacement lens. This makes the Bobcat a truly comprehensive package, even if a lens change becomes necessary. The tinting reaction time is flawless.
On the trail: Our test impressions
In practice, the Bobcat proves to be a true "put-on-and-forget-it" option. Once on, it stays exactly where it belongs thanks to the Megol pads. The tall lens offers a huge, unrestricted field of vision upwards and to the sides – perfect for keeping a constant eye on the trail. The lens really shines on rides with changing light conditions, especially those leading from open fields into the woods. Vision remains clear and high-contrast, and the tint adjusts quickly. Only when our test ride transitioned into late twilight did we wish for an even lighter lens. At that point, you would reach for the included clear lens, which extends the glasses' usability to 24 hours.
