Sometimes, I’m brand loyal to a fault. Once I find something I like, I tend to stick with it until it dies, then I buy the same thing again. I’ve been using the exact same wallet since I was 16 years old. It took getting a free pair of climbing shoes to separate me from Tenaya. I have six pairs of the exact same climbing pants (three in the same color). Until last year, the only type of car I’ve ever owned has been a GM product. I’m sure companies love that personality quirk, but whether brand loyalty is ultimately a good thing or a bad thing is tough to say.
With that being said, the only type of sunnies I have ever bought are from Smith Optics. About 10 years ago, I started to become very light sensitive. If I was out in the sun for too long I would develop a migraine. My doctor recommended that I start wearing sunglasses. Around that same time, I was visiting my bestie in Alaska. She’s a marine biologist and spends her life on the water. She insisted that I use her sunglasses, and I realized immediately that I have been missing out.
The visibility made apparent by Smith ChromaPop lenses literally changed the way I saw the ocean. Objects less than twenty meters away weren’t visible until I looked through these lenses. I was shook, I couldn’t believe that sunglasses could make that much of a difference. Truly drastic.
I didn’t want to give her glasses back, but before I left Alaska, I ordered my first pair of Smith Lowdown sunglasses with ChromaPop lenses. By the time I got home they were waiting for me in the mailbox, and we have been inseparable ever since.
Almost inseparable. Last Halloween, after years of relying on these glasses, I lost them. Around the same time I was adopted by a new puppy. I ordered the same pair of glasses, and this new puppy, Finn, decided to eat the new sunnies. I was bummed, but it was my fault for leaving them out. Miraculously, I found my original pair of Smith’s buried in the yard. Months out in the elements, and all it took was a quick rinse, and they were back to normal. Later that same week, Finn had shredded those lost and found glasses too. Expensive lesson for sure, and so it was on to pair #3!
It took two pairs of glasses, but I smartened up and now store the new ones in a dog proof closet!
Not that I have a lot of experience with other glasses, but the Smith Optics Lowdown 2s are perfect for me. Whether I’m out on the water, spending a day at the crag, hiking through the mountains, or stuck in traffic, the Lowdowns got me covered!
If by chance I ever get sick of these glasses, I’m sure Finn will be happy to claim them for himself!
Recommendation: All skill levels
Specs: Vision – ChromaPop™ lenses enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop, Carbonic lenses offer impact resistance and clear optics, Smudge and moisture resistant coating for easy cleaning and clear optics, Anti-reflective coating improves clarity and reduces eye strain (ChromaPop™ option only), 100% UV protection. Fit – Medium fit, large coverage, 4-base lens curvature is just right for everyday wear, Megol nose pads provide non-slip grip so glasses stay put. Frame – Evolve™ bio-based frame material is lightweight and durable, AutoLock hinges hold frames open for easy one-hand on and off
MSRP: $132-$245
Website: Smith Optics
thedihedral.com 
You’re lucky they still make them! The worst is when you find they have discontinued your favorite thing. I had to retire because I could no longer get my favorite work shoes. 😉 BTW, it’s the puppy that’s supposed to bury things in the yard, not you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha…that is a great point! I have a tent that is nearly perfect (for me), but after years, it’s not the tent it once was, and I was going to just order the same tent again, only to find out it doesn’t exist anymore. What a let down! I hope I never have to buy another pair of glasses, but I’ll be lost if I need to and Smith stops making these things! Companies need to as us (you and I specifically) before they discontinue any items! It’s only fair!
LikeLiked by 1 person