Snowboard goggles are not all the same; each has different features, and choosing the right ones is essential to ensure they adapt to your needs. For this reason, I will explain all types of lenses and frames so you’ll know how to choose snowboard goggles.
If you want personalized advice, leave a comment, and we will help you as soon as possible.
Features of Snowboard Goggles
- Shape of the Lenses
- Lens Technology
- Frame Technologies
- Ventilation
Snowboard Goggles Lenses
– Shape of the Lenses
There are three main types of snowboard goggles lens shapes: cylindrical, spherical or toric.
Cylindrical lenses:
This type of lens is flat vertically but curved horizontally. That makes them more usually cheaper, at the expense of a worse peripheral vision.
- Pros: Usually cheaper
- Cons: More glare, worse peripheral vision
Spherical lenses:
This type of lens is curved both horizontally and vertically. That reduces distortion, and glare. In addition, they have increased peripheral vision, but are generally more expensive.
- Pros: Better ventilation, Less distortion, less glare, better peripheral vision
- Cons: Usually more expensive
Toric lenses:
Toric lens combines the features of spherical and cylindrical lens. In fact it is curved horizontally and also vertically, but less than a spherical.
- Pros: Better ventilation, less glare, better peripheral vision
- Cons: Usually more expensive
– Visible Light Transmission and Lens Color
VLT, or visible light transmission is a value expressed as a percentage indicating the amount of light that can penetrate through the lens. The higher the VLT, the more light penetrates through the lens, and vice versa for lower VLT values.
The lens colour affects the VLT. For example, very dark lenses usually have a high VLT.
- VLT > 80%: Lenses with this VLT are suitable for very cloudy days or night riding.
- VLT 80%-50%: Lenses suitable for cloudy and not very sunny days.
- VLT 50%-10%: Perfect for very sunny days.
- VLT <10%: Suitable for high-altitude riding.
Other Goggle Lenses Technologies and Considerations
– UV Protection
Protecting against UV rays (UVA, UVB, and UVC) is the main reason why you should wear goggles while snowboarding. New goggles protect almost everyone 100% from these rays.
If you’re unsure whether to buy snowboard goggles, read our guide on why you should.
– Mirrored Lenses
Mirror-coated lenses have a coating on the outer surface that reflects more light and allows less light penetration than non-mirrored lenses.
– Polarized Lenses
The main purpose of polarized goggles lenses is to minimize glare caused by reflected sunlight from snow.
– Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic snowboard goggles adjust automatically based on light conditions and UV intensity. Increasing exposure to the sun and UV rays causes the lenses to darken proportionally.
That makes them perfect for all weather conditions.
Snowboard Goggles Frame and Fit
– Ventilation/Anti-fogging
Think about when you get into a car on a cold day, and suddenly the windows start fogging up, and you are forced to turn on the air conditioning or open the windows.
Well, the same thing happens with snowboard goggles.
Your face warms the air inside the mask, which, when in contact with the cold lenses, condenses and prevents you from seeing.
To prevent this problem, there are different options available:
Air Vents
A common solution is to have air vents around the lens.
Note: When purchasing goggles, ensure that the shape of your helmet doesn’t cover the air vents. Otherwise, they will be less effective.
- Pros: Reduce fogging
- Cons: Your face might be colder
Other anti-fogging technologies include:
Double Lenses
Having a double layer of lenses creates a thermal barrier with the outside, significantly reducing fogging.
Note: Almost all new snowboard goggles have this technology.
- Pros: Reduction of fogging
- Cons: No negative aspects
Anti-fog Coating
The anti-fog coating reduces the ease of lens fogging. It is featured in almost every snowboarding goggle of any level.
In addition, it can be easily applied with a spray to older or cheaper lenses, but it is not as durable as that applied by manufacturers.
It is easy to accidentally remove these coatings, particularly during cleaning. So, I strongly advise reading our complete guide on how to clean snowboard goggles without causing any damage.
- Pros: Anti-fog, applicable to older and cheaper lenses
- Cons: Frequent spray application
– Frame Size
The size of the frame is crucial, not only for the fit but also because it influences the field of vision. When choosing the size, make sure it is comfortable and adequately covers your eyes.
However, if possible, I recommend taking the larger size that is comfortable for you, which will give you a larger field of view.
Note: If the snowboard goggles are too large, they may become uncomfortable by pressing against your nose.
Other Snowboard Goggle Frame Technologies and Considerations
– Helmet Compatibility
Goggles are compatible with all helmets; however, it is crucial to try them on to ensure they are comfortable and fit well with the helmet’s shape.
– OTG (Over the Glass) Styles
If you wear prescription glasses, you may be wondering how to wear them with snowboard goggles.
The solution is Over the Glass (OTG) goggles, a type of snowboard goggles designed to allow you to wear prescription glasses.
– Interchangeable Lenses
Snowboard goggles with interchangeable lenses allow swapping lenses while keeping the same frame. That allows you to use the perfect lens for every weather condition.
Some models have a magnetic attachment, making it easy to change them.
Note: Sometimes manufacturers use patented technologies that have specific names
Now that you know all the features, you know how to choose snowboard goggles for your needs.
If you have any doubts or questions about your choice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always here to help and will be more than happy to assist you in any way we can.
