Featured Sponsor: Smith Optics

Smith Optics has teamed up with the leading off road racing franchise as a sponsor of MX vs ATV Reflex. Rainbow and THQ are proud to have one of the leaders in eyewear for the off road industry on board for our latest release. We caught up with Brady Rodriguez, Motorsports Promotions Manager, from Smith Optics to learn more about Smith, and to find out what a partnership with the MX vs ATV franchise brings to Smith. ...read more RBW: Brady, first off, tell us a bit about the history of Smith Optics. BR: First of all; I would like to thank you guys for taking the opportunity to sit down with us as well as featuring Smith Optics in this segment of your website. It all started in 1965…. Based in Sun Valley, Idaho, Smith Sport Optics, Inc. was founded over thirty-five years ago, with the creation of the first goggle with a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. Now Smith products can be found across the United States, Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries around the globe. From Smith’s distortion-free Tapered Lens Technology to the versatility of the Slider Series with its patented, interchangeable lens system, the devotion to excellence, innovation and style is what has made Smith goggles and sunglasses the choice of action-sport athletes world-wide. Building on that ski goggle heritage, we have gone on to set the standard for high performance eyewear. From that first double lens ski goggle innovation, we have applied our carefully developed expertise to motorcycle goggles and sunglasses. Innovations over the years include the Fog-X anti-fog coating, PMT Perforated Membrane Technology lens ventilation system, Turbo C.A.M. Constant Air Management system, patented Regulator adjustable lens ventilation system, Roll Off’s film advance system for motocross, and Slider series sunglasses, the most innovative interchangeable lens sunglass available. Today, Smith products stand for authentic sport optics researched and product tested by a dedicated group of employees, living the outdoor lifestyle. (Note: Fog-X, PMT, Turbo C.A.M. and Regulator are Trademarks of Smith Optics. Roll-Off's and Slider are Registered Trademarks of Smith Optics) RBW: What makes Smith Optics stand out amongst the competition when it comes to function? BR: From our F.A.T three layer breathable Sweat foam to our state of the art outrigger system; Smith Optics is known for having one of the most advanced goggles in the Moto industry. Technology is a bonus but functionality is the key ingredient to having a successful product and we truly believe if you ask anyone that wears our product; they will attest to our beliefs in the Smith goggle. (Note: Smith Optics was the first company to produce an Exclusive system for on-demand air flow in the Intake goggle. Check them out here.) RBW: It seems those who ride care just as much about fashion as they do function, what does Smith Optics do to ensure they stay ahead of the curve when it comes to creating new styles for their products? BR: You got that right. I think we have stepped our game up a bit in the fashion department and I think you’ll see that with our 2010 product lineup. We have a product / design team that really do their homework on this aspect of the brand and I think we’re right up there in having the most fashionable eyewear in the biz. RBW: It’s important when developing products to gather feedback from top athletes. Who are some of Smith’s well-known stars in the MX, ATV, and off road markets? BR: A lot of reasoning why we have the products we do, is simply because of the feedback we get from not just our Top athletes but from enthusiasts of each sport in general. For 2010; you’ll be able to check out the Smith product on a few defending champions in their respected sport; Ashley Fiolek (WMA), Travis Pastrana (Rally America), Paul Whibley (GNCC), Dustin Wimmer (ATV) and a slew of amateur athletes in each category mentioned. RBW: Smith Optics is featured in MX vs ATV Reflex. What is it about the MX vs ATV franchise that attracts Smith to the product? BR: The MX vs ATV franchise not only helps us reach the consumer age group we’re looking for but it also creates brand / product awareness for some that aren’t familiar with the brand in general. RBW: Are you a gamer yourself, if so what part of Reflex excites you most? BR: I am a MX vs ATV Reflex gamer; that’s all I play. I would say the gnarly-ness of the tracks is what excites me about the game. There is nothing like doing a 20 lapper at Sandwick with 12 of your buddies. RBW: Finally, a lot of dirt is flying with the new terrain deformation system within Reflex; do you have any secret tips to keep the roost outside the goggles and to keep the vision clear? BR: All you have to do is purchase the Smith Intake goggle in the garage portion of the game, which also comes with a 10 stack of laminates, and you will have the clear vision you need to make your way up front if you don’t have the starts down just yet. RBW: Brady, thanks for taking the time to let us inside the doors of Smith Optics. We’re extremely excited to have Smith as a featured goggle and sponsor in Reflex; any parting words? BR: Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the game!! Stay tuned to the community site for random giveaways of Smith products. Also, look me up on PS3 – brod618-if you’re interested in doing some Moto’s. Check out the screens from this blog in full resolution here.

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