Idaho has been a hub of outdoor recreation for decades, and many of the world’s leading outdoor gear companies have their roots in our great state. Let’s take a look at the histories of two of these companies: Scott Optics and Smith Optics.
Scott optics
Scott Optics was founded in Sun Valley, Idaho in 1970 by Ed Scott, a former ski racer and engineer who had invented the first tapered aluminum ski pole in 1958. Scott Optics initially focused on producing high-quality ski poles and goggles, but in the 1980s, the company expanded its product line to include face protection, sunglasses, mountain bikes, and other outdoor accessories. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing innovative, high-performance gear that was favored by athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Over the years, Scott Optics continued to innovate and expand its product line. In the early 1990s, the company introduced a new line of sunglasses with interchangeable lenses, which allowed wearers to easily switch between different lens colors to match the conditions. In 1998, Scott Optics introduced its first helmet, which was designed specifically for skiing and snowboarding. In recent years, the company relocated its headquarters from Ketchum, Idaho to Givisiez, Switzerland, and has become a global brand with a wide range of products, including ski goggles, sunglasses, helmets, and other outdoor gear. Despite its growth and success, the company has remained true to its roots and continues to be a leading innovator in the outdoor gear industry.
smith optics
Smith Optics, on the other hand, was founded in Sun Valley in 1965 by Dr. Bob Smith, a dentist and ski enthusiast who was dissatisfied with the performance of existing ski goggles. Dr. Smith began experimenting with new designs, and eventually developed a goggle with a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam, which prevented fogging and provided clear vision in all conditions. This breakthrough design became the foundation for Smith Optics, and the company quickly gained a reputation for producing innovative, high-performance eyewear.
In the 1970s, Smith Optics expanded its product line to include sunglasses, and in the 1980s, the company introduced a new line of ski helmets. Like its goggles, Smith’s helmets featured innovative designs that provided superior protection and performance. The company continued to innovate throughout the 1990s and 2000s, introducing new technologies like ChromaPop lenses, which enhanced color clarity and definition, and Koroyd helmet construction, which provided superior impact protection.
Today, Smith Optics is based in Portland, Oregon, and remains a leading innovator in the outdoor gear industry. The company offers a wide range of products, including ski and snowboard goggles, sunglasses, helmets, and other outdoor accessories. Despite its growth and success, Smith Optics, too, has remained true to its roots and continues to prioritize innovation and quality in all its products.
The histories of Scott Optics and Smith Optics demonstrate the rich tradition of outdoor gear innovation in Idaho. Both companies have contributed significantly to the development of high-performance gear for skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities, and their legacies continue to shape the industry today. While Scott Optics has recently relocated its headquarters to Switzerland, it remains a key player in the global outdoor gear market.
We’re proud to count Scott and Smith among the long list of other great Idaho-Forged innovators.
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Scott optics
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