Smith Optics Squad MAG Ski Goggles Review
Our favorite cylindrical ski and snowboard goggles with interchangeable lenses
February 19th, 2026
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Our Verdict
We’ve spent over six seasons in the Smith Optics Squad MAG goggles for skiers and riders, putting them through hundreds of days of use. We’ve frequently used the MAG lens swap system without issue and have tested various lenses for different light conditions, including photochromic options.
Our testers have used the Squad MAG goggles on blindingly sunny bluebird days in Colorado’s high alpine terrain, on heavy and wet powder days in the Pacific Northwest and Japan, and even while riding chairlifts in the rain in Utah.
If you’re looking for a pair of high-quality goggles with classic and understated style paired with top-end optics and construction, the Smith Optics Squad MAG goggles are tough to beat. They’re a tester favorite, our pick for best cylindrical ski goggles, and one of our most-used pairs of goggles for a reason.
Smith Optics Squad MAG Ski Goggles
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Smith Optics Squad MAG Specifications
Fit: Medium
Lens shape: Cylindrical
Lens technology: ChromaPop
Lens-change system: Smith Optics MAG
Anti-fog technology: 5X anti-fog inner lens
Ventilation: Smith Optics Airflow tech
Bonus lens included: Yes, low light lens included
OTG (Over-the-Glasses) compatible: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Comparison Table
| SKI GOGGLES | HELMET COMPATIBLE? | FRAME SIZES | LENS TYPE | QUICK LENS CHANGE SYSTEM? | LENS TECH | FACE FOAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith Optics Squad MAG | Y | regular, low-bridge | Cylindrical | Y | ChromaPop | Triple layer |
| Smith Optics Squad Imprint 3D | Y | M - L | Spherical | Y | ChromaPop Lens Tech | Triple layer |
| Smith Optics I/O MAG | Y | S-XL, Low-bridge | Spherical | Y | ChromaPop TLT | Triple layer |
| Anon M5S | Y | S, Low-bridge | Flat Toric | Y | PERCEIVE, Anon Flat Toric Leens Tch | Triple layer |
| Zeal Lookout | Y | M | Cylindrical | Y | Observation Deck | Triple layer |
Best for
Skiers and riders who love the look of cylindrical lenses but want excellent optics, too
Skiers and riders who want a quick lens swap system for changing light conditions
Skiers and riders who care as much about style as they do performance
What we like
We love the fit and style of the Squad MAG goggles.
Great style and timeless look
Excellent optics
Good field of vision
Easy and secure lens swap
Low light lens included, photochromic options available
What could be better
Expensive
Other fit options (S, XL, and custom Imprint 3D) only available in non-MAG versions
How we tested
The author’s custom Squad Imprint 3D goggles (left) next to the regular Squad MAG (right).
We’ve spent over six consecutive seasons testing the Smith Optics Squad MAG goggles, with one primary tester and one additional tester. We’ve used these goggles in every condition a resort skier can realistically imagine, from perfect (and very bright) bluebird sunny days to sustained high winds and blowing snow above treeline, overhead blower powder days, and even while riding the chairlift in the rain. We mean it when we say we’ve put these goggles through the ringer.
We also tested them alongside other ski goggles for our Best Ski Goggles guide, comparing lens technology, ease of use, fit, field of view, features, and more.
Performance in the field
The author using the black high light lens on the Squad MAG goggles on a blindingly sunny day in Breckenridge’s high alpine terrain.
Bright conditions
First, it’s important to note that how your goggles fair in various light conditions depends a lot on the lens color you select. Most Smith Optics ChromaPop lenses do well in bright conditions, but some are better than others.
We tested the black ChromaPop lens and for consistently sunny days, it’s an excellent choice—but it’s not the most versatile. We also tested the rose gold mirror ChromaPop lens and found that it was one of the most versatile everyday lenses, performing well in very sunny and partly cloudy conditions, and even fared well in lower light conditions, too. Lastly, we tested the gold mirror photochromic lens and that was definitely the most versatile single lens across varied light conditions, and did very well in bright light.
Low light conditions
The Squad MAG goggles include a low-light lens which works very well in flat light conditions.
Whichever primary lens you choose, the Smith Optics Squad MAG goggles all come with a low-light lens included. This lens does an excellent job of helping to define terrain features when the light gets flat. These are an excellent choice for stormy, cloudy days but you’ll likely end up squinting if the sun comes back out full blast. That’s part of what makes the magnetic lens swap such a nice feature. You can have a backup lens in your pocket if you like for instances like this.
Fog prevention
We’ve found that if you ski enough in a wide enough variety of conditions, you can get almost any pair of goggles to fog, even top-tier ones. But, this issue was rare with the Squad MAG, only rearing its ugly head on particularly wet and heavy powder days when we were also wearing a thick face mask, and the issue was always easily resolved with a quick adjustment.
Lens technology
The author using the gold mirror photochromic lens on the Squad MAG on a partly cloudy day at Breckenridge Resort.
We’ve found Smith Optics’ ChromaPop optics to be at the top of the pack with other lenses we love (like the Zeiss lenses POC uses, or Anon’s PERCEIVE lens tech). The clarity and definition is excellent. And, we also think that especially for a cylindrical shape, the Squad MAGs have an excellent field of view.
Ventilation
Venting via Smith Optics’ Airflow tech is built into the goggles for airflow and to help mitigate fog. These vents are designed to integrate with Smith Optics helmets. While we tested these goggles with other helmets, including Anon, Poc, and Pret, we most frequently used them with Smith Optics helmets. We found the ventilation system to work well and only rarely had issues with overheating or fogging.
Lens interchangeability
The Squad MAG frames with the gold mirror photochromic lens on the left and the included low light lens on the right.
The magnetic lens swap system is one of our favorites in the game because it’s easy to use and secure, especially on powder days or in instances when you might crash or would otherwise fear losing a lens. The levers that hold the lens in place give an extra sense of security on powder days or in instances when you might crash or would otherwise fear losing a lens.
Scratch resistance
The Smith Optics Squad MAG goggles use high-quality lenses that are shatter and scratch 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.
These goggles (and many other Smith Optics 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.
Field of view
Spherical lenses are known to have the best field of view when it comes to lens shapes, but we found that the Squad MAG has an overall excellent field of view, even compared to the Smith Optics I/O MAG goggles, which are only slightly better. The Smith Optics 4D MAG goggles do have a noticeable amount of additional field of view, particularly at the bottom. But the Squad MAG goggles are great overall, with more than enough in the peripherals especially.
Helmet compatibility
We used the Smith Optics Squad MAG goggles with a variety of helmets, including ones from Anon, Pret, and Poc. We primarily tested the Squad with the Smith Optics Method Pro helmet, and found that to be an excellent pairing. But, because the Squad MAG goggles have a pretty classic shape, we found they integrate well with most helmets.
Features
Cylindrical lenses, like the Squad MAG uses, have a flat shape and classic, stylish look. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Material
The Smith Optics Squad MAG goggles use a three-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
The impact-resistant cylindrical Carbonic-X lenses feature high-quality optics with enhanced definition from Smith Optics’ proprietary ChromaPop tech.
Ventilation system
Smith Optics’ Airflow tech is built into the goggles for airflow and to help mitigate fog. The vents are designed to integrate with Smith Optics helmets.
Lens swap system
The MAG lens change system uses magnets that attach the lenses to the frame, and has levers on either side to secure the lens in place.
Anti-fog coating
The inner lens on these goggles is treated with an anti-fog coating. We very, very rarely had fogging issues in the Squad MAG goggles.
UV protection
The lenses on the Smith Optics Squad 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.
Warranty coverage
All Smith Optics goggles, including the Squad MAG, have a limited lifetime warranty for any manufacturer defects.
Sustainability
Smith Optics ships their goggles without plastic packaging. The included gogglesoc helps to protect the lenses during shipping and long after, with the hopes of you keeping your lenses around longer. Aside from their stated sustainability initiatives (which are admittedly minimal), we’ve found their goggles to be very durable season over season with consistent, heavy use.
Smith Optics Squad MAG vs. similar ski goggles
The author backcountry skiing in the San Juan mountains with the Smith Optics Squad Imprint 3D goggles.
Smith Optics offers a handful of others with their MAG lens change system, including the I/O MAG and the 4D MAG. The 4D MAG and Squad MAG have the same functionality with the levers that lock the lens in place, while the I/O MAG works slightly differently and is a touch more finicky. All three have excellent ChromaPop optics, with the 4D MAG offering the widest field of view.
Other similar goggles include the Zeal Lookout, another pair of cylindrical goggles we’ve tested and loved. They use Zeal’s proprietary lens swap system that uses small rails instead of magnets. It works well, but it’s not as slick as the Smith Optics MAG or other magnetic systems we’ve used. But, we do like the look of the Lookout a lot, and it has a slightly better field of view than the Squad MAG.
Another Treeline tester favorite goggle is the Anon M5, which uses a toric lens—essentially a combination of cylindrical and spherical, giving the best of both. These goggles have excellent optics, a great field of view, and great style, too. They are more expensive than the Squad MAG, but they come with a face mask that integrates with the goggles.
Should you buy the Smith Optics Squad MAG ski goggles?
Buy if you love the classic look of cylindrical goggles and want excellent options and performance with a slick magnetic lens swap system. They are a bit expensive, but not so much when compared to other premium goggles on the market. Overall, we think they offer great performance and style for the price.
Skip if you want to spend less money. There are many other more affordable cylindrical lens goggles out there. And if you prefer spherical lenses or need goggles that fit over prescription glasses, then these might not be for you.
Where to buy the Smith Optics Squad MAG ski goggles
The Smith Optics Squad MAG ski goggles are a popular gear item, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Evo
Pros: 365 day returns, store locations in ski towns for easy last-minute pick-up, may offer rentals if you want to try before you buy, earn 10% back in Rewards
In general for gear, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns, like REI and evo.
Similar ski goggles
Smith Optics Squad Imprint 3D
Fit: Medium
Lens shape: Cylindrical
Lens technology: ChromaPop
Lens-change system: Smith Optics MAG
Anti-fog technology: 5X anti-fog inner lens
Ventilation: Smith Optics Airflow tech
Bonus lens included: Yes, low light lens included
OTG (Over-the-Glasses) compatible: No
We also tested the custom, 3D-printed version of the Squad, called the Squad Imprint 3D. These goggles are made from scratch using a scan of your face, made to fit perfectly. We found that this is accurate—our tester’s pair of Squad Imprint 3D goggles are the best fitting pair of goggles she’s ever worn.
The lens tech and construction are all the same as the regular Squad MAG, minus the MAG. This version does not have a magnetic lens swap system and though they do come with an extra lens, the swapping is quite clunky. We love the fit, but wish these came with the MAG swap option. The Imprint 3D version is surprisingly a little less expensive, but we think it would be worth paying a little more to get both the custom fit and MAG lens swap features in one package.
Smith Optics Squad Imprint 3D
Fit: Medium
Lens shape: Spherical
Lens technology: ChromaPop
Lens-change system: Smith Optics MAG
Anti-fog technology: 5X anti-fog inner lens
Ventilation: Smith Optics Airflow tech
Bonus lens included: Yes, low light lens included
OTG (Over-the-Glasses) compatible: No
The I/O MAG goggles are another wildly popular goggle option from Smith Optics and the longstanding best overall winner in our goggles review. These have a fit and look that is versatile for different head and face shapes, and they work well with a lot of different helmets. Because of the spherical lenses, they also have a great field of view. Learn more in our in-depth review of the Smith Optics I/O MAG ski goggles.
We think the MAG system on the Squad and 4D is slightly easier and smoother than on the I/O (which uses little side clips instead of small levers) but overall still works very well. If you like all of the tech and lens options the Squad offers but want a spherical shape, these are an excellent choice.
Smith Optics I/O MAG
Fit: Medium
Lens shape: Toric
Lens technology: Anon PERCEIVE lens tech
Lens-change system: Anon Magna-Tech
Anti-fog technology: anti-fog lens treatment
Ventilation: full perimeter vents
Bonus lens included: Yes, low light lens included
OTG (Over-the-Glasses) compatible: Yes
The Anon M5 goggles surprised our testers in the best way. With the hefty price we were skeptical, but these goggles proved to be worth it if you have the budget. They’re our pick for ski goggles with the best interchangeable lenses.
The toric lens blends the classic and simple style of cylindrical lenses with the field of view you get from a spherical lens. The clarity of the lenses is excellent, and the magnetic lens change system is the best our testers have ever used—no levers or clips, just really strong magnets. If you want to spend a little more, the M5 goggles are another great choice. Learn more in our in-depth review of the Anon M5 ski goggles.
Anon M5
Fit: Medium
Lens shape: Cylindrical
Lens technology: Observation Deck Technology, polarized and photochromic available
Lens-change system: Zeal Rail Lock System
Anti-fog technology: Everclear Anti-Fog
Ventilation: upper and lower venting
Bonus lens included: Yes, low light lens included
OTG (Over-the-Glasses) compatible: Yes
We love the frameless cylindrical look of the Zeal Lookout goggles. They come with a slew of lens choices, including polarized and photochromic options. We also like what Zeal has dubbed their Observation Deck Technology, which essentially uses a downward slant to the lens that increases your field of view, particularly with a cylindrical lens shape. The Rail Lock System for lens swaps isn’t quite as slick as magnetic ones we’ve used, but it works well overall. If you want cylindrical goggles with a maximum field of view, these are a great choice.
Zeal Lookout
Why you should trust us / About the author
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.
