So you're ready to invest in a pair of snow goggles, but are unsure which lens tech is right for you. Oakley and SMITH are two big names in the snow sport industry — and for good reason. They each have their own awesome lens technologies that elevate your snow experience. But what exactly does PRIZM mean? In this post, we get past the lingo to help you find the best pair of snow goggles for your next day on the mountain. Keep reading to find the right snow goggle for you, as we compare Oakley PRIZM vs SMITH ChromaPop snow goggles.

Oakley PRIZM vs SMITH ChromaPop Snow Goggles

1. Oakley PRIZM Snow Goggle Lens Tech Overview
1.2. Popular Oakley PRIZM Snow Goggles
2. SMITH ChromaPop Snow Goggle Lens Tech Overview
2.1 Popular SMITH ChromaPop Snow Goggles
3. Oakley PRIZM vs SMITH ChromaPop Snow Goggles Key Differences

Oakley PRIZM Snow Goggle Lens Tech Overview

PRIZM is Oakley's proprietary lens technology. PRIZM snow lenses provide an exceptional contrasting and color-enhancing, optical experience. This high contrast helps you see texture and definition in terrain and your surroundings, which is pretty important when you're speeding down a mountain.

So how does it work exactly? Oakley PRIZM snow lenses are categorized into 3 environmental condition types: Bright Sun, Sun and Clouds, and Snow and Overcast. When Oakley innovators create the lens color for a goggle, these conditions are always top of mind. PRIZM lenses use a selection of dyes to separate and filter out colors to fine-tune your vision specifically for the snow. Each lens color achieves a level of contrast that is ideal for a certain lighting condition. For example, the Oakley PRIZM Sapphire Iridium lens is great for moderately cloudy and sunny conditions, while the PRIZM Black Iridium is ideal for bright, sunny bluebird days.

Many of Oakley's PRIZM snow goggles have a rose-colored base. This is because the rose color is especially great for color contrast and enhancement. You can learn more about this lens tech by watching our Oakley PRIZM Snow Lens Guide.

prizm snow split

View of snow terrain with and without PRIZM lens tech

Popular Oakley PRIZM Snow Goggles

Oakley PRIZM Sapphire Iridium Line Miner M Snow Goggle

PRIZM Sapphire Iridium is one of the most popular PRIZM snow lenses. This lens has a VLT of 13%. VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. The higher the percentage of VLT, the more light passes through the lens. Therefore, a high percentage VLT is better for cloudy, darker conditions, whereas a lower percentage VLT is ideal for sunny conditions. At 13% VLT the PRIZM Sapphire Iridium lens is a great choice for both sunny and partly cloudy conditions. This lens has a rose-colored base, with a light blue mirror.

Oakley Line Miner M Snow Goggles in Matte Black with PRIZM Sapphire Iridium Lenses

Oakley Line Miner M in Matte Black with PRIZM Sapphire Iridium Lens

Absolutely love these and have completely changed my skiing now that I can actually see details on moguls, trees, views. I only wish I had bought them sooner! — Alexandra W.

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Oakley PRIZM Black Iridium Flight Deck M Snow Goggle

This lens has a VLT of 5.5%, which is the lowest percentage of VLT in the Oakley PRIZM snow collection. Therefore, the PRIZM Black Iridium lens is a great choice for your brightest, bluebird days. This lens has a rose-colored base with a black/silver mirror.

Oakley Flight Deck M Snow Goggles in Matte Black with PRIZM Black Iridium Lenses

Oakley Flight Deck M in Matte Black with PRIZM Black Iridium Lens

Being able to see perfectly while skiing has been an absolute game changer. I am happier and safer while on the slopes. — Joseph L.

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SMITH ChromaPop Snow Goggle Lens Tech Overview

ChromaPop is SMITH's proprietary lens tech. Similarly to PRIZM, ChromaPop snow lenses are categorized by environmental conditions. The ChromaPop categories are: Sun, Everyday, and Storm. Their Sun lenses range from 9-16% VLT. The Everyday lenses range from 23-25%, and their Storm category ranges from 50-67% VLT. ChromaPop also has a couple of photochromic snow goggle lens options.

So how does ChromaPop work? This lens tech filters out two specific light wavelengths. When these wavelengths reach your eye, they cause color confusion, making it harder for you to see details in your surroundings. By filtering these out, you get better definition, color, and clarity in your vision. You can learn more about this lens tech by watching our SMITH ChromaPop Snow Goggle Guide.

Popular SMITH ChromaPop Snow Goggles

SMITH 4D Mag ChromaPop Sun Black Snow Goggle

This snow goggle lens has a VLT of 12%, making it ideal for moderate to bright, sunny conditions. It has a grey base color, and reduces glare, while offering neutral color tones to your surroundings.

Smith 4D Mag ChromaPop Sun Black Snow Goggles

SMITH 4D Mag with ChromaPop Sun Black Snow Lens

Excellent, the best goggle I ever had. Great prescription lens. Awesome, personalized customer service at SportRx — Marc L.

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SMITH Squad ChromaPop Sun Platinum Mirror Snow Goggle

The Sun Platinum Mirror ChromaPop lens has a VLT of 13%. It has a grey base color and features a mirror coating. This lens is great for improving depth perception.

Smith Squad Snow Goggle ChromaPop Sun Platinum Mirror

SMITH Squad in White Vapor with ChromaPop Sun Platinum Mirror Snow Lens

I bought this as a gift and my significant other can finally see well while skiing. They fit well, look good and never fogs up. He loves them! — Sarah B.

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Oakley PRIZM vs SMITH ChromaPop Snow Goggles Key Differences

There is no doubt that both of these lens tech options improve your snow experience. You really can't go wrong. But there are a few key differences that may help you decide which is the right choice for you.

One notable difference is that Oakley makes use of only two (or three if you include Persimmon) base colors. Originally, PRIZM Snow was only available in a rose base, but this year they have added a new base color called Garnet, which is a dark reddish brown. With PRIZM, you will find the lens you need for each VLT category, but you won't have as much freedom in the base color. SMITH, on the other hand, offers more variety in their base colors. This can make a difference if you know that you don't enjoy the effects of different base colors on your vision. Another key difference worth noting is that many SMITH snow goggles come with a bonus lens for lower light conditions. Oakley goggles only come with one lens; however, you can purchase additional lenses for any Oakley goggle.

Shop Snow Goggles with a Prescription Insert at SportRx

Do you love to ski or snowboard? Do you also have a prescription? No problem! Here at SportRx we specialize in creating prescription goggle inserts for any Rx. Prescription goggle inserts easily fit into any pair of snow goggles, and eliminate issues like fogging, discomfort, and safety hazards that come with wearing goggles over your glasses. You can order prescription goggle inserts and authentic Oakley and SMITH snow goggles at SportRx.

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