There are really so many well-known ski goggle brands on the market these days—Anon, Dragon, Julbo, Oakley, POC, Uvex, Vight, and so many more. For a skiing newbie like me, the editor, it’s truly overwhelming. What key factors should you consider when making a choice? Aside from checking out the latest products and technologies in person at ISPO Beijing 2018 (January 24–27, China National Convention Center), what else should you keep in mind?
After much pestering, I finally got some straight talk from a skiing expert. Now let’s go over the highlights together—blackboard style.
01. Anti-fog Performance
Make an objective choice based on actual usage conditions. Different brands of ski goggles perform differently under various conditions, and even different models from the same brand can vary in anti-fog effectiveness. Additionally, factors such as the material, placement, design of the face mask, and how you wear the goggles can all affect anti-fog performance.
But overall,under normal ski resort conditions, anti-fog performance tends to increase with price.However, in extremely cold conditions, if your face mask isn’t well-matched, no matter the brand, anti-fog performance will take a significant hit.
Some international high-end ski goggles now use double lenses, which can effectively prevent fogging caused by heat transfer between the inside and outside of the lens. Also, models with good ventilation frames allow internal air circulation, automatically regulating the air inside the frame to help maintain warmth and reduce moisture, thus aiding in anti-fog efforts.
02. Photochromic Technology
Nowadays, photochromic technology has almost become the gold standard for all-weather lenses. But objectively speaking, all photochromic processes have a degradation period, meaning they won’t stay as impressively color-shifting as when you first bought them forever.
The lifespan of photochromic performance varies depending on usage frequency, environment, and other factors.Also, photochromic isn’t a cure-all—it has its applicable range, and its performance outside that range isn’t as good as lenses configured for a single environment. Furthermore,the color change needs to be fast enoughto be ideal, and it should also havehigh-definition technologyto adapt to various light contrasts and visual needs.
03. Lens Color
Aside from all-weather photochromic lenses, actually just one base lens can be suitable for all weather conditions. But usually people choose two or more lenses to adapt to different lighting environments brought by varying climates. This involves the issue of lens light transmission, which is usually indicated in two ways:
VLT notation: Visual Light Transmittance, the percentage of visible light allowed to pass through.
CAT notation: Category Number, indicating the light transmission grading.
The relationship between CAT and VLT is:
CAT-4 = 3% ~ 8% VLT
CAT-3 = 8% ~ 18% VLT
CAT-2 = 18% ~ 43% VLT
CAT-1 = 43% ~ 80% VLT
CAT-0 = 80% ~ 100% VLT
Lenses are recommended to be coated, typically with an iridium coating, mainly to reduce glare and achieve better light balance.
04. Framed or Frameless?
Frameless goggles often claim to offer a wider field of vision, but in practice, the range of visibility is more related to the inner frame. Whether there’s an outer frame doesn’t significantly affect the field of view, and frameless goggles’ lenses tend to get smudged with fingerprints very easily. But man, are they stylish, sleek, and cool-looking.
Most frameless goggle designs on the market now come with more convenient lens-switching mechanisms, much easier than clip-style ones—you can usually change lenses with just one hand, or even without taking off your gloves. But based on advice from seasoned skiers, I personally recommend avoiding magnetic ones. Sure, they’re super convenient to use, but the lenses can easily fall out during intense movement.
Framed goggles also have easy lens-switching systems, and you’ll realize the benefits of framed goggles when skiing in the woods—if you accidentally get hit by branches, your lenses are less likely to get damaged. Of course, this can be ignored if you’re loaded.
05. Choose Spherical or Cylindrical Lenses?
Some say spherical lenses, especially large ones, can cause distortion due to parallax. Actually, cylindrical lenses can have that too, but generally, many of the ski goggle brands at ISPO Beijing 2018 have specifically considered fidelity and worked to eliminate distortion.
The field of view of cylindrical lenses is indeed not as wide as that of spherical lenses, but in fact, the manufacturing process for cylindrical lenses is more demanding, as it requires consideration of vertical flatness. More single-lens snowboarders opt for spherical lenses, while double-lens skiers seem to consider cylindrical lenses more. Additionally, professional competitive events usually use cylindrical lenses.
06. Safety
Snow goggle products from Germany and the United States place great emphasis on this technical specification, and all of them includeimpact resistancetesting. The tests involve dropping a metal rod (over one pound) from a height of four feet, as well as firing quarter-inch steel pellets at speeds of 102 miles per hour. To pass, the goggles must withstand the impact of heavy objects moving at low speed and light objects moving at high speed, while also maintainingpremium materials that are lightweight and comfortable. Therefore, the high price of snow goggles is really not just about their appearance—these underlying specifications are very important.
Scheduled to open onJanuary 24–27, 2018,at the Beijing National Convention Center, the event will make another impressive appearance with a luxurious lineup of over 42,000 square meters, more than 20 countries, and over 700 global brands. Come to ISPO Beijing 2018 to see the world’s trendiest and most professional skiing gear!ISPO Beijing 2018With a luxurious lineup of over 42,000 square meters, more than 20 countries, and 700 global brands, it made a stunning comeback. Come to ISPO Beijing 2018 and feast your eyes on the world’s trendiest professional ski gear!
Also suitable for sunny, cloudy, and snowy conditions, the POCall-weather ultra-wide-view snow goggles
use uniquely crafted lenses produced in collaboration with industry leader Carl Zeiss, introducing a new level of optical performance and optimized contrast for clearer vision, suitable for three different weather conditions: sunny, cloudy, and snowy. Combined with the Grilamid Orb frame and the simplest lens-swapping system offering the maximum field of view, you get unparalleled visual performance no matter the weather.
Instantly solves the problem of goggle fogging—theJULBOauto-tinting snow goggles
not only feature double-layer lenses and anti-fog coating but also incorporate an ultra-strong ventilation system design. When the vents are open, heat can flow quickly, completely eliminating the blurriness caused by fog condensation. Even if fog forms on the lenses, simply opening the vents allows the fog to dissipate rapidly, instantly solving the fogging issue—and the operation is simple and convenient, even doable while wearing gloves.
Ultra-large spherical lenses that accommodate prescription glasses—theSMITHsnow goggles
are entirely made in the USA, featuring ultra-large spherical carbon lenses with high strength, prescription compatibility, and an Asian-fit design for a perfect fit. The gradually thinning lens technology restores true imagery, and five-layer anti-fog technology keeps fog at bay.
Designed specifically for Asians—the CHERCHER world’s top-tier ski goggles
combine over 30 years of expertise and refined design craftsmanship, featuring a unique Asian frame shape, foam molding technology, and patented Comfort lenses developed for Asian eyes with higher melanin levels. Coupled with exceptional cost-performance, they offer an unprecedented wearing experience for skiing enthusiasts.
Combining clarity with all-weather photochromic technology—theBollé (BOLLSki Goggles
Made with NXT material, these ultra-lightweight, highly impact-resistant goggles feature crystal-clear lenses that provide skiers with a clear field of vision, whether under the glare of a sunny day or in the hazy evening of an overcast sky, delivering a better skiing experience.
Utilizing NASA technology, they offer an ultra-high blocking rate against blue light radiation.BRIKOAlpha NASTEK snow goggles
The world’s only briko snow goggles, featuring original NASTEK lenses with NASA technology that blocks up to 98.9% of blue light radiation, enhancing visual contrast. The flexible structure and impact protection system safeguard the wearer’s face from collisions. Wide-angle lenses provide a broader field of vision.
Comfortable to wear and permanently anti-fogHUBO SPORTS (SNOWLEDGE)Snow goggles
Flexible TPU frame and comfortable foam ensure a snug fit against the face. Large-sized double-layer spherical lenses feature an outer layer of high-quality reinforced PC material that is scratch-resistant, anti-fog, and UV-protective; the inner layer is made of Italian permanently anti-fog material. The goggles feature an adjustable nose bridge to fit any face shape, and a clip-on lens system allows for quick lens changes.
More than just stylish, it’s fast — one-second lens changeLY-100KIKA snow goggles
Featuring an innovative one-second lens replacement technology — “KI” pops open, “KA” locks in place — redefining fast lens swaps. Coupled with a trendy design and the increasingly mature LY-100 manufacturing process, KIKA snow goggles deliver a better winter sports experience.
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