5-30-07 // Previewed: Smith Optics Interlock

The Smith Interlock 01

WHAT: Smith Interlock Glasses
WHERE: smithinterlock.com
HOW MUCH: $139

Never happy with the status quo, Smith Optics has a long history of reinventing the wheel when it comes to performance eyewear. The Smith Slider allowed lens interchangeability on a closed-frame pair of sunglasses back in 1995 and was the best selling interchangeable sunglasses of all time, but Smith wanted to find a way to let users switch out lenses with less effort. Enter the Smith Interlock.

The Interlock allows you to interchange lenses via a patent-pending mechanism whereby twisting the earstem opens the frame of the glasses allowing the lens to be easily removed and replaced. The lenses won’t get scratched as they are removed and you don’t have to muscle them out while you get your grimy fingers all over the lenses either—both good things.

Smith is releasing the Interlock in three frame designs including the 01, the Trace and the Whisper. Each model comes includes a Grilamid TR90 frame, hydrophilic nose and temple pads and polarized gray lenses. Every pair of Interlocks comes with replacement lenses in an orange-ish tint called Ignitor as well as clear—additional lens tints are also available. As with all Smith sunglasses, the Interlock is protected by Smith’s Lifetime Warranty.

To check out Smith’s slick Interlock microsite go to smithinterlock.com.