How To Buy Goggles

Goggles are a necessity on the slopes that will keep you from tearing up from the wind at higher speeds and protect you against any kind of tree branches or other elements. There are a lot of options out there and there are some important features to be aware of when looking to make a purchase.

Most snow sport goggles are going to be a dual lens goggle which is designed to keep the goggles from fogging up. It is able to do this by the space in between the two lenses that is called “dead air space.” This keeps the warmth from your face and the cold outside air separate, preventing fog. Different companies will have different venting options on the top of the goggle. This is what neutralizes the dead air space in between the lenses by allowing the heat to escape vertically through a mesh vent.

The foam padding on goggles that sits on your face is going to differ by quality and brand. Some will have a single layer while others will have double or even triple layers. The triple layer goggles are the high-end product and will typically cost around $80 and up. The more foam you get, the more comfortable they will be, and they have more ability to adhere to different faces.

Most of the straps on goggles will be one continuous strap that is easily adjusted. Others will have a clip in the back, which makes it easy to take on and off. The clip works really well with helmets or for anyone who takes their goggles on and off a lot.

One thing to consider with wearing helmets is an outrigger system on goggles. The outrigger system is designed to hold the strap out further to meet up with the increased thickness that the helmet gives your head. Other brands will have a hinge system, and this does the same thing. A hard-mounted strap on goggles usually doesn’t work with helmets as well.

Lenses are the biggest variable in buying goggles. The most universal lens is an amber lens. Amber is right in the middle of the road for lenses. It works well in overcast conditions, bright days and cloudy days. That’s why you see this color or a company’s version of it being included with most of their goggles. Other lenses are mirrored, which are used on bright days, and can come with different tints for different conditions and will create more definition in terrain. Yellow, rose or blue tints will show contrasts in the snow really well on gray overcast days. For night riding a yellow or clear lens will work that best. A very mild mirror tint along with the yellow or clear lens at night will take away the glare from the light towers.

Awesome snow goggles will not only protect your eyes from sun rays, wind, snow or any other elements, but will also provide the best and longest lasting visibility and comfort for you as you hit the mountain. The best thing to do is try them on, look at the fit, and see how it works for you. There are a ton of different options out there. Picking the right goggles will enhance your performance and allow you to have more fun on the snow.