Want to enjoy your snowy vacation? Here is how to choose your goggles
Any snowboarder will tell you that snow goggles are an integral part of their performance. They protect the eyes from wind, cold, snow, and compensate for variable lighting conditions. And because they have a snug fit, they provide coverage during those chilly days. But with so many brands out there, choosing the right pair can be an overwhelming experience. Thankfully, we’ve done the legwork for you. Here is a detailed guide on how to choose perfect snow goggles for this season.
Choosing the lens
Both men and womens ski goggles come in different shapes, colors, and shapes.
Lens color
It’s not all about the looks – the lens color affects how you see in different conditions. For low/light visibility conditions, amber and gold lenses will do the job. If you’re looking for goggles to wear in brighter light conditions, black, dark green and dark gray lenses work well. It’s worth mentioning that dark orange and brown lenses make it difficult to see in dark conditions. Generally, ski goggles manufacturers have their own set of lenses so you should check the specific brand. The weather and terrain also come into play. If you’re a skiing enthusiast, you should get a lens that provides a good combination of contrast and color.
Cylindrical or spherical lenses
Depending on your preference, you can choose a spherical or cylindrical lens. The shape of the lens has a huge impact on glare reduction, optical clarity, viewing area, and anti-fog capabilities. A standard lens features a cylindrical shape to ensure solid all-round performance. But because they have a more flat surface area, the optics may not be the best. Keep in mind that cylindrical snow goggles give a more decent peripheral view because they sit close to the face.
The spherical lens has a more modern style and gives a reduced glare than their cylindrical counterparts. They have a bubble-like appearance to ensure an unimpeded peripheral view. It’s worth mentioning that there’re no spots where the light can create glare. Another benefit of this type of lens is that they help to mitigate fogging. Most womens ski goggles have a peripheral shape which gives a larger viewing window. The best ski goggles manufacturers will explain the advantages of each type of lens.
One or two lenses
Ski goggles are either designed with a single or double lens. While a single lens will offer ample protection, those with a second layer trap heat and prevent fogging. Of course, the double lens will come in handy for people who are sensitive to bright light. When a goggle comes with two different lenses, it should be easy to swap in and out. If you’re a novice snowboarder and you don’t want to invest too much on your gear, then you should buy a single-lens goggle.
Photochromic lens
This is a new technology that alters the tint of the lens in different light conditions. Although this feature comes at a price tag, it will address the problem of too much light. You should buy a model that gives a quick change tinting by the push of a button.
Choose anti-fog goggle lens
When moisture and hot air are trapped in the goggle lens, they produce a fog. This may limit your visibility, so you should invest in a model with anti-fog technology. Some lenses are fitted with a coating that repels water. As you clear the lens, be gentle to avoid scratching it - you should let the inside dry naturally. While you can choose a lens with wider vents, your face will get cold in a harsh climate. The fog-fighting ability will depend on the design of the lens, coating, and ventilation.
Frame design
The wearer can choose a frame with a small or large fit. Most womens ski goggles have a smaller size, so they provide a comfortable fit for people with a small face. On the other hand, the frame should be well padded. This is because wearing ski goggles for hours may leave marks on your face. The additional padding also helps to keep cold at bay. Some goggles have chunkier frames that give a wider peripheral vision. Make sure you choose snow goggles that follow the curvature of your face.
While most ski goggles provide a universal fit for wearers, you should choose a pair that matches the size of your face. The small size (S) has a narrower frame size, so it can fit people with smaller faces. For those with large faces, a large size (L) goggle can give a secure fit. You don’t want a pair of goggles that may allow debris to sneak into the eyes.
Helmet compatibility
It’s an absolute must that you wear your ski goggles with a helmet. For the best level of comfort, a helmet should come with adjustable sides. Avoid leaving any gap between the goggle and the helmet. It gets better if your ski goggle straps have a rubbery coating to help grip the helmet. To ensure there’s no guesswork, you should buy your helmet from reputable ski goggles manufacturers.
Over-the-glasses (OTG)
This feature is essential for glass wearers. The goggle frames are larger than the standard pairs to ensure they give a comfortable fit. As you buy your ski goggle, pay close attention to the product description given by ski goggles manufacturers. That way, you can be confident you’ll see over the mountains.
Articulated hinges
The way the strap is attached to the goggle frame could mean more or less pressure on your face. Choose a pair of goggle that comes with an anti-slip strap that you can adjust to the circumference of your head.
Nice-to-have features and advanced tech
If you’re a novice snowboarder, you’ll fall a lot. You should look for a pair of goggle that is scratch-resistant. Some come with nose guards just in case your face lands on the snow. Apart from that, high-end models allow you to shoot photos as you enjoy the ride. Others have a built-in GPS which helps to track your location, speed, jump starts, altitude, and more. And if you’re picky about your looks, you should choose snow goggles with customizable lens tint, frame color, and strap pattern.
Final thoughts
Having good visibility is an essential part of staying safe, so you should choose the right pair of goggles for all conditions. Whether you’re looking for standard or high-performance goggles, you may want to consider the above features. More specifically, you should pay close attention to ventilation, anti-fogging and high-definition optics technologies. Be sure to talk to ski goggles manufacturers before you make your investment decision.