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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
