Smith Optics released their Boogie Regulator Goggles a few months ago. We have been trying to obtain a pair to review and see how they do in an outdoor training or Airsoft event. And in May, we were able to do just that.
As I researched the goggles, I read that instead of being rated to the ANSI Z87 standard, Smith Optics has these rated to the Mil Spec standard of MIL DTL 43511. These things can handle a ballistic impact. Very impressive!
In early May, I used Smith Optic’s Boogie Regulator Goggles for an 8 hour outdoor Airsoft event. Temperatures ranged from the low 70s with a slight breeze in the morning to the high 80s in the afternoon. Humidity increased and the winds died down as the day went on.
Since we are on the topic of the lenses, one of the aspects to these goggles that caught my attention was their low profile design. This is a nice feature for your outdoor events and if you are using these for real world military operations, they will integrate very well with your Night Vision Goggles (NVGs). Because of their low profile design, Smith Optics claims that tunnel vision will be eliminated.
The lenses are coated with an anti-fog and anti-scratch coating. I noticed that they stayed clear for the majority of the day. The only time I really had an issue with fogging was late in the afternoon when the humidity was very high.
You will also notice that along the top of the goggles you will see vent holes, which are smaller than your 6mm BB. With the vents open, the airflow allowed the goggles to stay clear the majority of the time. The foam along the outside of the goggle was comfortable as the testing day went on.
To open or close the vent holes, the user simply slides a switch on the side of the goggles. It is very simple and low tech, and it works.
When you take the goggles out of the box, you will see that they come with a silicone strap that reminded me of a pair of swim goggles. There are two adjustment points to ensure the proper fit. Smith Optics also offers a Shock Cord kit that you can use with the Ops Core Helmet ARC rails or the Velcro on your helmet of choice.
I ran these goggles with the Shock Cord Kit using the Helmet’s Velcro and they felt like they were not even on my head! To setup the new straps, you first remove the silicone strap and the thread the shock cord through the openings. You can then adjust the shock cord ad needed and tie off the loose end You also have the option of using the clips for the ARC Rails. I decided not to use them, so if I did not use the helmet, I could still use the goggles.
This strap kit is a great upgrade, and very simple to setup and use. Total time, 5 minutes to install and adjust.
These are going to be my go to goggles for outdoor events. They are extremely lightweight, and low profile.
I would recommend looking into these if you wear a helmet the majority of the time and spend a lot of time out in the field or the sandbox
The goggles are available in 3 lens tints (Ignitor, Gray, and Clear) and retail for $40.00 and the Shock Cord kit comes in Black or Tan.
(featured image courtesy of smithoptics.com)
