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Smith Optics Fuel V.2 goggle review

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Liam Mercer

Since beginning his mountain biking career while working as a resort photographer in Greece in 2014, Liam became a freelance contributor at off.road.cc in 2019. From there, he’s climbed the journalism job ladder from staff writer to deputy technical editor, now finding his place as technical editor.

Partial to the odd enduro race, heart rate-raising efforts on slim-tyred cross-country bikes, hell-for-leather e-MTB blasts or even casual gravel jaunts, there’s not a corner of off-road cycling where Liam fears to tread. With more than 40 bike reviews under his belt and hundreds more on MTB, e-MTB and gravel parts and accessories, Liam’s expertise continues to be cemented and respected by the industry.

Product reviews

The Fuel V.2 from Smith Optics is an excellent performer, offering a super clear lens and a comfy fit while dealing with fog excellently. There’s not much wrong with them unless the colour offends you.

With the Smith Fuel V.2 you get built in tear-off posts, a wide silicone-backed strap, the company's Sweat-X F.A.T. three-layer face foam, and an outrigger system to make the straps a little more ergonomic. They also come with a clear lens (which has tear-off posts too) for proper dark days.

The Fuel V.2 misses out the rather good Chromapop lens found on Smith's more expensive models, but still gives an impressively clear view that's surprisingly usable under a wide range of light conditions. 

2020 smith optics fuel v2 close.jpg

It's tinted and puts a bronze/copper hue over everything, and I found it quite comfortable, as it never strained my eyes. Although I usually prefer lenses that don’t shift colour, I had no problems with the Fuel V.2.

2020 smith optics fuel v2 tint.jpg

Smiths’ Sweat-X foam fills an important role on the Fuel V.2. It comprises three different densities of padding, with one layer surrounding the vents. The other two directly contact your face: firstly a super soft foam, then a slightly firmer one. It’s really comfortable and doesn’t impede airflow at all. 

2020 smith optics fuel v2 foam.jpg

In fact, I'm very impressed with how the Fuel V.2 deals with fog – they only steamed up when I was stood still and sweating absolute buckets. Even then it could have been a lot worse, and a smidge of airflow clears the lens quickly.

While designed to fit full-face helmets, they fit half-face lids without issue.

2020 smith optics fuel v2 outrigger .jpg

For a medium fit goggle, the field of view is pretty good, though you can find goggles with wider vision.

The colours match the Matt Sage/Red Rock Smith Mainline helmet really well, though that, unfortunately, limits your chances with other helmets. However, they’re offered in a good selection of other colours too.

2020 smith mainline hero w: gog.jpg

The goggles don't come without a couple of downsides. Although niggles, really, the foam puts pressure on the nostrils and the foam can get a little sniffy after especially sweaty rides.

Smiths’ Fuel V.2 goggles offer decent value for money as they perform very well indeed. They’re comfortable, offer a good field of view, and deal with fog exceptionally well.

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