Product Details
Color Details
Size DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
Are Smith Backcast sunglasses available with prescription lenses?
What is the difference between ChromaPop Glass and regular ChromaPop lenses?
How do ChromaPop Polarchromic lenses work?
What size face do Smith Backcast sunglasses fit?
Can I attach a leash to the Smith Backcast?
What comes included with Smith Backcast sunglasses?
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Smith Optics Sunglass 207811 Backcast Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- More aggressive 8-base wrap provides superior light blocking from all angles
- Wider temples offer additional sun and wind protection
- Premium Italian spring hinges and detachable integrated leash
- Maximum coverage for extended sun exposure on flats and open water
- Same premium ChromaPop Glass and Polarchromic lens options
- 8-base wrap and extra-wide temples block light from all angles
- Similar price range ($195-$307) with comparable ChromaPop lens options
- Active lifestyle design that transitions well from water to street
- Lightweight construction and comfortable all-day fit
Read the full comparison
Smith Backcast vs Guide's Choice vs Guide's Choice XL
If you're choosing between the Smith Backcast and the Guide's Choice family, the decision comes down to how you'll use them. The Backcast is built for anglers who want serious fishing performance—ChromaPop polarized lenses, leash-ready temples, Megol grip pads—without the aggressive wrap that makes technical fishing glasses look out of place at the grocery store or a backyard barbecue.
The Smith Guide's Choice steps up the on-water game with an 8-base wrap (versus the Backcast's 6-base), wider temples for superior sun blocking, and premium Italian spring hinges. It's widely considered the gold standard in fishing sunglasses, but that aggressive wrap and technical styling make it less versatile off the water. If you spend most of your time fishing flats, rivers, or offshore and want maximum coverage, the Guide's Choice is worth the investment.
The Guide's Choice XL takes coverage even further with a larger frame designed for bigger faces or those who prioritize maximum sun protection. It's ideal for guides and serious anglers who spend 8+ hours a day on the water, but the size and wrap make it the least versatile for everyday wear.
Our take: The Backcast is the best all-around choice if you want one pair that works from the boat to the street. It delivers the same ChromaPop lens technology and polarized performance as the Guide's Choice, but the modest wrap and cleaner styling mean you won't feel like you're wearing goggles when you're off the water. For dedicated fishing use where maximum coverage matters, the Guide's Choice or XL are hard to beat—but for versatility, the Backcast wins.
Smith Backcast vs Riptide
The Smith Riptide is another active lifestyle frame with ChromaPop lenses and a similar price range ($195-$307). Both the Backcast and Riptide are designed to transition from water sports to everyday wear, but the Backcast has more fishing-specific features like leash-ready temple holes and a frame design optimized for spotting fish and reading water. If you're primarily fishing or need a leash attachment, the Backcast is the better choice. If you want a versatile active sunglass for mixed outdoor use (hiking, biking, casual water sports), the Riptide is worth comparing side-by-side.
At a Glance
Smith Guide's Choice Sunglasses
Pros:
- More aggressive 8-base wrap provides superior light blocking from all angles
- Wider temples offer additional sun and wind protection
- Premium Italian spring hinges and detachable integrated leash
- Considered the gold standard in premium fishing sunglasses
Cons:
- More technical look may feel out of place for everyday casual wear
- Higher price point ($207-$327 vs $217-$307 for Backcast)
- Larger, more aggressive fit may not suit all face shapes
Smith Guide's Choice XL Sunglasses
Pros:
- Maximum coverage for extended sun exposure on flats and open water
- Same premium ChromaPop Glass and Polarchromic lens options
- 8-base wrap and extra-wide temples block light from all angles
- Ideal for larger faces or those who prioritize maximum protection
Cons:
- Very large fit may overwhelm smaller or medium faces
- Aggressive technical styling not suited for everyday casual wear
- Similar price range ($215-$327) but less versatile than Backcast
Smith Riptide Sunglasses
Pros:
- Similar price range ($195-$307) with comparable ChromaPop lens options
- Active lifestyle design that transitions well from water to street
- Lightweight construction and comfortable all-day fit
- AutoLock hinges and Megol pads for secure, no-slip performance
Cons:
- Less fishing-specific than Backcast (no leash-ready temples mentioned)
- May offer less coverage depending on frame shape
- Not as widely recognized in the fishing community as Backcast or Guide's Choice