The choice of ski or snowboard goggles is essential to ensure good visibility and optimum comfort when practicing these winter sports. In this guide, we take a look at the different criteria you need to take into account when choosing the right goggle for your needs and preferences.
Headset compatibility
When choosing a ski or snowboard goggle, it's vital to check that it's compatible with the helmet you already own or wish to acquire. The width and shape of the elastic headband must be adapted to that of your helmet, to avoid any slippage or uncomfortable pressure on the forehead and temples. Masks with adjustment systems are particularly recommended to adapt to the shape of your helmet and guarantee a perfect fit.
Types of glass
- Cylindrical screen: Offers fairly wide vision, but may be subject to optical distortion at the periphery. This type of lens is generally less expensive.
- Spherical screen: Its design more closely resembles the shape of the human eye, providing better visual perception and reducing distortion. As a result, they are often more expensive.
Lens technologies
The technologies integrated into mask lenses are an important criterion, as they provide a better experience on the slopes. Here are some of the main technologies you may encounter:
- Anti-fog treatment: This technology consists of a special coating applied to the glass to prevent fogging inside the mask.
- Polarized filter: Eliminates reflections, especially from snow, for improved visibility and visual comfort.
- Quick screen change: some masks feature a system that allows you to change screens quickly and easily according to weather conditions and ambient brightness.
- Photochromic screen: the glass automatically adapts to variations in luminosity, changing from a light to a dark shade, or vice versa, depending on the intensity of external light.
Sun protection categories
When choosing a goggle, it is also important to take into account the sun protection category offered by the glasses:
- Category 1: Low light, overcast or foggy conditions. Yellow, orange, pink or green screen (filtered blue light).
- Category 2: Medium brightness, variable weather. Smoked or mirrored screen.
- Category 3: Bright, clear, sunny skies. Dark smoked screen, often with a mirror effect.
- Category 4: Very bright light, glacier or high altitude. Very dark screen with strong mirror effect (not suitable for driving).
Comfort and ventilation
A comfortable, well-ventilated goggle is essential if you want to get the most out of your day on the slopes. Make sure the mask doesn't compress your face too much, and has good double- or triple-density foam that hugs the contours of your face perfectly. Good ventilation is also essential, thanks in particular to vents in the mask frame and/or lenses.
Prices and brands
The price of ski and snowboard goggles varies according to the criteria mentioned above. It's possible to find entry-level goggles starting at around twenty euros, but it's better to invest in a model offering greater convenience and optical performance. Brands such as Oakley, Anon, Smith, Julbo, Giro and Bolle offer quality goggles in different price ranges, guaranteeing comfort and performance.
In a nutshell
To choose the right ski or snowboard goggles, it's essential to consider helmet compatibility, lens types and technologies, sun protection category, comfort and ventilation, as well as budget and the brands available on the market. Once you've taken these criteria into account, you'll be able to hit the slopes safely and with maximum pleasure!
