Smith Trickstar Goggles

Smith Trickstar Goggles

CW EVALUATION

Anti-perspirant eye-protection?

WHEN SMITH'S TRICKSTAR GOGGLES debuted earlier this year, they appeared to be just another flashy product aimed at the style-conscious "Crusty Demons of Dirt" crowd. Imagine our surprise, then, when we discovered they're a cut above most off-road eyewear.

The first Smith goggles to incorpo rate the company's new Sweatbuster foam, Trickstars are designed first and foremost to keep perspiration out of riders' eyes. -

Here's how the new foam works: A soft outer portion wicks away sweat and transfers it to an inner cushioning layer. The former remains dry against the skin, and helps the moisture in the latter evaporate more quickly. Kind of like Pampers...

First time out, the foam feels a bit stiff. Begin perspiring, though, and it form-fits to the face like neoprene. It's so good, in fact, that we were hooked after one heated moto in the Southern California summer.

Conclusion? The Trickstars are the most absorbent goggles we've ever worn. And they're easier to explain than those feminine-hygiene products some riders stick on their foreheadsbesides, it's hard to strike fear in your opponent's heart with a panty shield protruding from your brow.

No doubt about it, Trickstars stand out: The foam is exceptional, and there's top-notch eye protection as well. Intermediate-size frames are standard, as is a fancy glitter stick-on sunshade for the plexiglass lens. Fur thermore, both clear and tinted lenses, plus a nose protector, are included. As long as you like `em in black, black or black, Smith has got you covered-but not in sweat.

TRICKSTAR GOGGLES Smith Sport Optics P0. Box 2999 Ketchum, ID 83340 208/726-4477 Price $32 A Super-absorbent foam A Frame accommodates Roll Offs, tear-offs and a variety of lenses A Bland band doesn't clash with pricey, custom-painted helmets `~owns V Won't fit helmets with small eyeports V Strap prone to sun-fading V Foam gets crusty (yuck!) if not washed regularly