3 Best Ski Goggles

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Hey there ski lovers and welcome to my post where we will check out my best ski goggles to keep your eyes on the slopes with this year. Whether you are a first-time skier or a seasoned snowboarder, a good pair of ski goggles is paramount to not only help you see, but to protect you from wind, snow and harmful UV rays as well.

So for those of you on the lookout for a good pair of ski googles to run those downhills with, I have had a bit of a look around and come up with three decent options below.  Let’s check them out…

My three recommended ski goggles

I will review these in more detail below however if you want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience: 

02/19/2024 07:26 am GMT Lasso Brag

What are ski goggles?

In short, a pair of ski goggles are covers for the eyes that protect them from the elements like snow, wind and UV rays while also improving your vision so you can see the mountain as clearly as possible.

They should cover the entirety of your eyes as well as fit in with your helmet too.

best snow goggles - goggles in snow

What should you be looking for?

The following factors should be considered as you look for a good pair of goggles for your skiing or snowboarding needs.

  1. Lens shape
  2. Lens tint and VLT
  3. Fit
  4. Field of vision
  5. Interchangeable lenses
  6. Additions

Lens shape

As you look for ski goggles, you’ll learn that their lenses come in different shapes and sizes as below:

  1. SphericalDespite the recent trend toward cylindrical designs, many high-end goggles are spherical, with horizontal and vertical lens curves. The curve is designed to be similar to the shape of your eyeball to provide a natural, superior field of view and optics. Spherical lenses, with their bubble-like shape, raise the goggle’s profile.
  2. CylindricalMost entry-level ski goggles are cylindrical, which means they curve horizontally across your face but are flat vertically. This shape is less expensive to produce, but it may result in less peripheral vision, minor distortion at the top and bottom of the lens, and increased glare. And although the primary reason for using a cylindrical lens is to save money, some people prefer the look because it avoids the bug-eye style found on many modern spherical models.
  3. ToricA third popular lens shape is the toric lens. This design is a hybrid of cylindrical and spherical lenses that are curved vertically and horizontally to mimic the shape of the eye, similar to spherical lenses, but with a less pronounced and bulbous appearance. The main advantage of a toric lens is it’s aesthetic, and it will appeal to people who don’t like the bug-eye appearance of a spherical lens but still want the rounded shape.

Lens tint and VLT

Visible Light Transmission is abbreviated as VLT which is the amount of visible light that can pass through a goggle lens. For example, a VLT of 99% means that 99% of the light gets through. Darker lenses with a low VLT are preferable for bright days and clear lenses with a high VLT are ideal for night skiing and cloudy days.

On really hazy or foggy days, orange or yellow tints tend to work better whereas for night skiing, a clear lens with no color is ideal. 

Fit

When it comes to sizing, there is a fine line between fashion and usability – especially if you are wearing a helmet.  when it comes to the ‘look’, women’s models are generally available in more “feminine” colorways and with a slightly narrower frame whereas men’s are a little larger. There are also “low bridge” options for those who find the fit of a standard nose bridge to be too elevated.

When trying on goggles, the fit should be snug but not uncomfortable and as a small goggle will obstruct your vision to the side, you need to consider peripheral vision as well. Adjusting the sliding clip or buckle system around the back can relieve pressure points around the nose and eyes. 

best ski goggles - man wearing ski goggles

Field of vision

The popularity of large-frame goggles has increased the field of view (also known as “field of vision”). Modern goggles have wide and tall lenses and low-profile frames, which improve peripheral vision and help avoid the narrow, tunnel-like feeling of older goggles. 

Other models take it a step further, curving the bottom of the lens to increase visibility straight down (for easy access to items such as a jacket zipper) and in the bottom corners. Furthermore, some manufacturers excel at retaining good visibility while maintaining a compact, face-hugging design on both their spherical and cylindrical lens models for smaller faces.

Interchangeable lenses

As above, different lens type and VLT can be needed for different conditions. Again for example, a low 5% VLT lens is ideal on a bright sunny day however will impair nighttime and evening vision. The solution here then is interchangeable lenses where you can always have the right lens for the conditions if you can change lenses quickly.

Magnetic systems are an excellent way to change lenses quickly however some options comes with two latches to supplement the magnets if you want something stronger to keep your lenses in place. The lens can be removed from the rubber seal in some models as well.

Additions

Other potential additions include:

  1. Ventilation: Lens treatments and venting systems are used in the best anti-fog ski goggles to keep your lenses clear — even during sweaty runs and backcountry treks.
  2. Foam padding: This material is added to increase the comfort the ski goggles provide.
  3. Helmet compatibility: Technically, almost all goggles are helmet-compatible these days, however you should double-check that your goggle does not leave a gap when worn with a helmet, as this can result in a frozen and sunburned forehead.
  4. Storage pouch: This little item keeps the ski goggles safe when not in use.
  5. Over-the-Glass (OTG) compatible: Over-the-glasses (OTG) goggles are the best option if you wear glasses. Ski goggles that fit over eyeglasses are referred to as OTG.

My three recommendations broken down

So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:

1. OutdoorMaster Ski Goggles

My first recommended ski goggle offers outstanding performance yet with a budget-friendly price tag. They offer 100% UV protection and the ability to be worn over your glasses as well. See their specifications below:

  • Brand: OutdoorMaster
  • VLT: 11%
  • Lens shape: Cylindrical
  • Interchangeable lenses: No
  • Dimensions: 8.15 x 5.12 x 3.39 inches
  • Weight: 0.37 pounds

Other inclusions:

  • Over-the-glass compatible
  • Triple-layer face foam
  • 100% UV400 protection

Why have I chosen them?

The lens on these goggles is spherical polycarbonate and is actually two lenses for extra anti-fog protection – the inner lens is anti-fog coated as well.  For added comfort, they come with a 3-layer foam border around the edges which absorb moisture to keep your face dry all the while offering great UV protection.

Their design should also allow them to fit most helmets with little to no gap between the goggles with a mirrored look too.


2. WildHorn Outfitters Roca Ski Goggles

My second product review is another product of excellent which checks all of the critical boxes, including fitting and sizing. See their specifications below:

  • Brand: WildHorn Outfitters
  • VLT: 17%
  • Lens shape: Spherical
  • Interchangeable lenses: Yes, magnetic system
  • Dimensions: 7.2 x 4 x 2.8 inches
  • Weight: 0.40 pounds

Other inclusions:

  • Fully adjustable elastic strap
  • 100% UV protection
  • Several lens color options
  • Soft storage bag

Why have I chosen them?

The manufacturers utilize their patented lens, Aurora, which offers 100% UV protection. The frame is highly flexible, allowing it to contour to your face perfectly with a smaller size that also flatters a small to medium-sized face. Standard straps allow for size adjustments as needed.

The lens-changing system is simple and precise due to its innovative magnet system. For all-day use, the Roca snowboard goggles come with seven different Aurora lens options in various colors and tints.


3. Oakley O-Frame 2.0 PRO XL Snow Goggle

The last ski goggle option comes from a distinctive brand well known for top-tier sports gear with a larger lens yet does provide a sleek look. See their specifications below:

  • Brand: Oakley
  • VLT: 16%
  • Lens shape: Cylindrical
  • Interchangeable lenses: Yes, magnetic system
  • Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 5 inches
  • Weight: 0.66 pounds

Other inclusions:

  • Discreet frame notches
  • Extra anti fog lens option available
  • 100% UV protection
  • Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Why have I chosen them?

This model has a large lens and streamlined frame geometry, giving the user excellent peripheral vision. The low-profile frame design of these goggles ensures helmet compatibility with a 50mm wide adjustable strap with silicone lining making it simple to find the perfect fit.

The ski goggles are made of moisture-wicking polar fleece and triple-layer face foam for maximum comfort. The lenses are also made of Plutonite® injection-molded material, which provides 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC protection with a dual-vented lens with F2 anti-fog coating addresses the fogging issue also available.

02/19/2024 07:26 am GMT Lasso Brag

Conclusion

There you have it,  my three best ski goggles that will help you see clearly as you hit the snowy slopes. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual,  let me know of your experiences with them.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul

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Hi, I'm Paul

I am a passionate fishing, camping and four wheeled driving hobbyist who researches, tests and educates around issues and equipment relevant to them.

I am by no means a professional however my passion is to assist you in making informed decisions about buying and using awesome gear that will give you the best chance of success at whatever you are doing for the best price.

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Paul