The M5 is Anon's magnetic goggle, and it is the one owners most often compare with the Smith 4D MAG. Anon is owned by Burton, and the M5 sits next to the larger M4 in Anon's line.
This review covers how the M5 fits, how the magnetic mask works and who should pick the M4 instead.
What It Is: A Toric Goggle With a Magnetic Mask
The M5 has a toric lens. A toric lens curves side to side and slightly top to bottom, which gives a wide view with less distortion than a flat cylindrical lens.
The lens attaches with magnets, so you can pull it off and snap on the spare in a few seconds. The box includes two lenses, one for bright days and one for low light.
The standout feature is the magnetic face mask. It snaps onto the bottom of the frame and covers your nose and mouth, so you don't need a separate face mask that pushes up into the goggle. Anon says the frame fits medium and large faces and fits over most glasses.
On the Snow: Easy Swaps and a Mask Owners Love
Owners say the lens swap is super easy. Several called the magnetic mask life changing and said they can't go back to a normal face mask.
One owner bought four goggles to compare: the Smith 4D MAG, the 4D MAG XL, the Anon M4 and the M5. They kept the Anon because of the mask.
On fogging, owners say the M5 stays clear more often than not. One owner noticed brief fogging at the top of the lens after hard runs, while wearing a Merak helmet.
Where It Excels
The M5 shines for riders who ride in cold, windy weather and want their face covered without fogging the goggle. The mask keeps your breath away from the lens.
It also suits riders who change light conditions often. With two lenses and a magnetic swap, you can change lenses on the chairlift.
One owner said it works with the Smith Nexus helmet.
Where It Falls Short
The M5 is smaller than the M4. One buyer found it too small, with pinching at the nose and a sharper curve than they liked. Another owner said the M5 is a good medium fit and the M4 is oversized.
At about $320, it is also expensive. The mask is the main reason to pay that much.
The M5 vs M4 Question
You'll find this question in most Anon threads. Here's the take from owners: the M5 is the medium fit and the M4 is the larger one. Both have magnetic lenses and work with the mask. Owners say to buy whichever fits your face and helmet best.
Pro tip: If you can, try the goggle on with your own helmet before you buy. A gap between the goggle and the helmet lets cold air in and can cause fogging.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the M5 if you have a medium face, ride in cold or windy weather and want a magnetic face mask. It suits riders who change lenses often.
Look elsewhere if you have a larger face or prefer a bigger view, or if you don't want to pay for the mask.
Alternatives
The Anon M4 Toric is the larger version with the same magnetic lens and mask system. Read our full Anon M4 Toric review.
The Smith 4D MAG XL is Smith's large magnetic goggle, with a lens that curves down for a wider view below. Read our full Smith 4D MAG XL review.
The Smith I/O MAG is a spherical magnetic goggle that owners say fits well with Smith helmets. Read our full Smith I/O MAG review.
Verdict
The Anon M5 Toric is a medium-fit magnetic goggle with one feature owners won't give up: the magnetic face mask. The lens swap is fast, and it stays clear more often than not. It runs smaller than the M4, so check the fit first.