As a shooting and outdoor enthusiast, I decided to compare three of the most popular Smith ballistic glasses: the Frontman Elite, Outback Elite, and Longfin Elite. In this review, I’ll discuss my experience with each pair and compare their features to help you decide which is best suited for your needs.
Comfort and Fit
Frontman Elite:
The Frontman Elite glasses offer a medium fit with extensive coverage, making them suitable for most face shapes. The hydrophilic megol temple and nose pads provide a snug and secure fit without being too tight. I found them very comfortable and barely noticed them while shooting in the backcountry.
Outback Elite:
The Outback Elite glasses also have a medium-large fit with extensive coverage. The 8-base lens curvature wraps around your head for a snug fit, while the hydrophilic megol temple and nose pads keep them in place even when you sweat. They are lightweight, which is a bonus during extended shooting sessions.
Longfin Elite:
These glasses also feature a medium-large fit with extensive coverage, and the 6-base lens curvature provides a modest wraparound fit. The hydrophilic megol temple and nose pads ensure they stay in place. While they are comfortable, I did notice a small blind spot on the periphery due to the shield on the frames.
Safety and Protection
All three glasses offer the same level of protection, with high-impact lens material and compliance with MIL-PRF-31013 clause 3.5.1.10 and ANSI Z87.1 standards. They all provide 100% UVA/B/C protection, protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays during outdoor activities.
Clarity and Field of View
Frontman Elite:
The Frontman Elite glasses offer excellent clarity between bright sunlight and dusk. They are dark enough to prevent bright sunlight from annoying and provide a clear view during shooting sessions.
Outback Elite:
These glasses provide a great field of view, and I tested them with iron sights, red dots, and rifle scopes. The wraparound fit enhances peripheral vision and reduces glare. They also work well for fishing, with the ChromaPop+ Elite Polarized Gray Green Lens reducing glare on the water and enhancing colors.
Longfin Elite:
The Longfin Elite glasses offer good clarity and a modest wraparound fit. However, the small blind spot on the peripheral may be an issue for some users.
Style
Each pair of glasses has a distinct style, with the Frontman Elite and Longfin Elite leaning towards a more lifestyle look and the Outback Elite having a sportier design. The color combinations available for each model are stylish, and I’ve received compliments on all three pairs.
Price
The Frontman Elite and Outback Elite glasses are priced at $239.00, while the Longfin Elite is slightly more affordable at $169.00. Considering their performance, safety features, and stylish designs, all three glasses offer excellent value for money.
Conclusion
All three Smith ballistic glasses provide excellent protection, comfort, and clarity for shooting and outdoor activities. The Frontman Elite and Outback Elite glasses offer a more secure wraparound fit, while the Longfin Elite is slightly more affordable and has a more casual style. Depending on your preferences and requirements, any of these glasses would be a great addition to your outdoor gear collection.