Smith Guides Choice XL Polarized Sunglasses
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Built for On-the-Water Performance
The Smith Guides Choice XL is the extra-large version of Smith's most popular on-the-water sunglass. The wraparound 8-base frame delivers broad peripheral coverage and sun protection from every angle, while ChromaPop polarized lenses cut through glare and sharpen color and contrast so you can read water with precision. If you spend long days on a boat, kayak, or paddleboard, these are the shades built for exactly that.
ChromaPop Lens Technology
Smith offers the Guides Choice XL in two ChromaPop lens options, each with full polarization to eliminate surface glare.
ChromaPop Polarized
Smith's ChromaPop polarized lenses filter two specific wavelengths of light that cause color confusion in the eye, resulting in sharper detail and more vivid, natural color. On the water, this translates to better contrast between the surface and what lies beneath it. The lenses are lightweight and optimized for all-day comfort.
ChromaPop Glass Polarized
The ChromaPop Glass option delivers the same color-enhancing and glare-cutting performance as the standard ChromaPop lens, but in a mineral glass construction. Glass lenses are highly scratch-resistant and offer optically pure clarity, making them a preferred choice for anglers and paddlers who prioritize long-term lens durability alongside visual performance.
| Feature | ChromaPop Polarized | ChromaPop Glass Polarized |
|---|---|---|
| Glare elimination | Yes | Yes |
| Color and contrast enhancement | Yes | Yes |
| Scratch resistance | Standard | High (mineral glass) |
| Lens material | Polycarbonate | Mineral glass |
Frame Construction and Fit
The Guides Choice XL frame is built from Smith's Evolve bio-based material, a lightweight and durable construction that reduces petroleum use without sacrificing rigidity or longevity. The extra-large fit means extended facial coverage, pairing naturally with the 8-base curvature to block stray light from above, below, and the sides.
Megol nose and temple pads provide a nonslip grip that holds firm even when your face is wet or sweaty. Spring hinges self-adjust to your face and return to position, giving the frame a customized feel and extending its lifespan across repeated hard use. The integrated, detachable sunglass leash keeps the glasses tethered to you so they do not end up overboard.
What Is Included
- Smith Guides Choice XL sunglasses
- Hard protective case
- Microfiber cleaning and storage bag
- Integrated detachable sunglass leash
Who These Are For
The Guides Choice XL is built for anglers, boaters, paddlers, and anyone who spends extended time on or near the water under direct sun. The extra-large fit suits wearers who find standard fishing sunglasses too narrow or who want maximum peripheral coverage. The ChromaPop Glass option appeals to those who prioritize scratch resistance and optical purity for long-term use. Available at Island Water Sports in South Florida and online.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Smith Optics
- Model
- Guides Choice XL
- Lens Technology
- ChromaPop (two options: ChromaPop Polarized and ChromaPop Glass Polarized)
- Polarized
- Yes
- Lens Curvature
- 8-base wraparound
- Frame Material
- Evolve bio-based material
- Nose and Temple Pads
- Megol nonslip grip pads
- Hinges
- Spring hinges (self-adjusting)
- Fit
- Extra-large
- Leash
- Integrated detachable sunglass leash
- Includes
- Hard case, microfiber bag
- MPN
- itemMatrix-29917
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the Guides Choice XL and the regular Guides Choice?
- The Guides Choice XL shares all the same features as the standard Guides Choice, including ChromaPop polarized lenses, 8-base curvature, Megol pads, spring hinges, and an integrated leash. The XL version offers an extra-large frame fit and extra-large lens coverage for wearers who want broader sun protection and a roomier fit.
- Are the Smith Guides Choice XL sunglasses polarized?
- Yes. Both ChromaPop lens options in the Guides Choice XL are fully polarized. Polarization cuts reflected glare from water surfaces, which is especially important for fishing, boating, and paddling.
- What is ChromaPop and how does it work?
- ChromaPop is Smith's proprietary lens technology that filters two specific wavelengths of light that cause color confusion in the eye. The result is sharper, more vivid color and better contrast, particularly useful when reading water or tracking movement in bright conditions.
- What is the difference between ChromaPop Polarized and ChromaPop Glass Polarized lenses?
- Both deliver ChromaPop color enhancement and polarized glare reduction. The ChromaPop Glass lenses are made from mineral glass rather than polycarbonate, which makes them highly scratch-resistant and optically pure. The Glass option is a good choice if lens longevity and scratch durability are priorities.
- Can I get replacement lenses for the Smith Guides Choice XL?
- Smith offers replacement lenses for many of their frame models. Contact Island Water Sports or Smith Optics directly to confirm current replacement lens availability for the Guides Choice XL.
- How do I prevent the Guides Choice XL from slipping during water activities?
- The frame uses Megol nose and temple pads, which are a tacky, skin-safe material that increases grip when wet or sweaty. The integrated detachable leash provides a secondary retention system to keep the glasses secured even if they do shift during active use.
- What does the Guides Choice XL come with?
- Each pair ships with a hard protective case, a microfiber cleaning and storage bag, and an integrated detachable sunglass leash.