Top 10 Ski Goggles

Do you need a new pair of ski goggles for the upcoming season? If so, you are in the right place! If you practice winter sports, you know how important it is to keep your eyes well-protected. Make sure your goggles feature high-quality lenses, a comfortable fit, and a ventilation system that prevents fogging.

Lenses can be polarized, photochromic, mirrored, Chromapop, Prizm, etc. Finding the right one will depend on the weather conditions and the intensity of the sunlight. I know that with such a wide variety of models, making a choice can be difficult.

However, don’t worry! In this article, I explain the most important characteristics to consider when choosing a good pair of ski goggles. In addition, I will review the best models of the year, so that you can find what you are looking for.

Check out other articles and find the best skis, jackets, helmets, pants, poles and ski boots.

THE BEST SKI GOGGLES

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ANON M4

FEATURES: M4 Magnetic Lenses. Magnetic frame.

The Anon M4 stands out as one of the best performing models on the list. It has a three-layer foam construction that guarantees great comfort. The magnetic lens-change system is the easiest and fastest on the market. This model features great optics and a big field of view. People with large faces will find it to be really comfortable thanks to its wide frame, which is compatible with cylindrical and toric lenses. Unfortunately, premium quality comes at a high price.

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OUTDOORMASTER ULTRA XL

FEATURES: HD Technology, peripheral vision, replacement lens.

The OutdoorMaster Ultra XL, the latest ski goggle from OutdoorMaster, strikes the perfect balance between great lens technology, comfortable OTG (over-the-glasses) fit and fantastic price. It features high-quality toric lenses that provide a low-distortion, clear, wide vision.

The color-optimization technology filters parts of the blue light to improve contrast and color brightness, helping you recognize bumps and other dangers. The Super HD technology reduces refraction, which improves your vision with less eye strain. Also, the anti-fog coating and improved ventilation make it totally fog free. Overall, it’s one the best option you can find at an affordable price.

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OAKLEY AIRBREAK XL

FEATURES: Prizm lenses. It comes with two lenses for different climates. Switchlock system.

The large frame of the Oakley Airbreak XL offers excellent peripheral vision, and it’s very comfortable for people with larger faces. This model uses high-definition Prizm lenses to provide high-quality colors and contrasts. These lenses, along with the Chromapop, are among the best on the market. The Switchlock system allows you to change lenses very quickly.

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OAKLEY FLIGHT DECK XM

FEATURES: Prizm lenses. Ridge Lock change system. Wide field of vision.

Highly rated, the Oakley Flight Deck XM is fairly popular among all types of skiers. This model features a modern, streamlined frameless design that is compatible with most helmets. It has Prizm lenses, which are among the best you can find today. The sizing and fit are excellent. It’s a premium model, but available at a more reasonable price. The main downside is that it comes with only one lens.

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SMITH OPTICS I / O MAG CHROMAPOP

FEATURES: Chromapop lenses. Smith MAG magnetic lens-change system.

The Smith Optics I/O Mag includes two Chromapop lenses, which are considered to have the best optic quality. Other important features include efficient anti-fog treatment and vents; a wide frame that provides a comfortable fit for people with medium-to-large faces; comfortable foam that doesn’t accumulate odor; and a helmet-compatible design. It’s not a cheap model, but it’s definitely a good value for the money.

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SMITH OPTICS 4D MAG CHROMAPOP

FEATURES: Chromapop lenses. Includes an extra lens for cloudy days. Smith MAG system.

Inspired by the Smith Optics I / O, this model incorporates BirdsEye Vision technology, which provides an even greater field of view. It features Chromapop lenses, a magnetic lens-change system, and three-layer foam for added comfort. Without a doubt, this is one of the best models of the year.

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POC RETINA CLARITY

FEATURES: Zeiss lenses. Classic design.

Despite its more reasonable price, the Poc Retina Clarity is a high-end model with great characteristics: sturdy construction, excellent field of vision, triple-layer comfortable foam, anti-scratch and anti-fog treatments, and a good ventilation system (although not as good as in previous models). The only downside: It includes only one lens, which makes it less versatile. However, you can buy other lenses separately.

MID-RANGE AND BUDGET RANGE

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SPY ACE

FEATURES: Happy Lenses. Quick Draw change system.

The Happy Lenses of the Spy Ace provide great contrasts and optimum clarity. In addition, they feature an injected anti-fog treatment for better performance. Large-sized, with a comfortable fit. Easy-to-change lenses. Helmet-compatible design. Scoop system for greater ventilation. Overall, it’s a good option for those seeking great features and a casual design.

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BOLLÉ 

FEATURES: Flow-Tech ventilation. Double-lens design. Anti-scratch and anti-fog protection.

The Bollé Freeze is perfect for entry-level skiers who don’t want to spend much money. This model is comfortable and well-ventilated, and it includes quality lenses that perform pretty well in different weather conditions. It’s also a good option to carry in your bag as a backup.

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OUTDOOR MASTER OTG

FEATURES: OTG design. Double lens. 100% UV protection

The Outdoor Master is another great option for those who are just starting in winter sports. Despite being the cheapest model on the list, it comes with several helpful features: a comfortable design, prescription glasses compatibility, anti-scratch and anti-fog treatments, panoramic lenses that offer an excellent field of vision, and helmet compatibility. It’s available with several types of lenses, depending on your needs. This is probably the best budget ski goggle on the list.

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THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR MODEL:

HAVING YOUR OWN GOGGLES

Wearing a pair of ski goggles is essential when you practice winter sports. They will protect your eyes from the rays of the sun and the reflection off the snow, which could leave you temporarily blind and even cause serious injury. Also, goggles will protect you from wind, rain, and snow, allowing you to ski in severe weather conditions.

When you are just starting, you may not want to spend a lot of money. In this case, you can rent the goggles or borrow them from a friend. This can work for a while, but soon you’ll see that having your own goggles has several advantages: 1- You’ll get the right sizing and fit. 2- You can choose the type of lens you prefer. 3- You won’t have to spend more money on renting every time you go skiing.

LENS SHAPE

Cylindrical

Many mid-range and budget lenses are cylindrical, as this is the cheapest shape to manufacture. Cylindrical lenses are curved horizontally, but they are flat vertically. Most perform pretty well, although they can produce slight optical distortion and glare.

As for aesthetics, cylindrical goggles have a more natural design, which makes them a popular choice among all types of skiers. Today, most manufacturers are releasing high-end cylindrical goggles in which the optical distortion and glare have been drastically reduced.

Spherical

Spherical lenses are curved both vertically and horizontally, to mimic the shape of the eyeball. This results in better optical performance, with less distortion and glare. This type of lens is usually more expensive, and you’ll find it in many high-end models. Some skiers don’t like the frog-eye look of the lenses, though, and prefer the more discreet and casual design of cylindrical lenses.

Toric

Toric lenses are also curved horizontally and vertically. The main difference is that Toric lenses feature a less pronounced curvature. They offer the advanced performance of spherical lenses (with less optical distortion and glare than cylindrical lenses), but without the bubble-like design. Many elite skiers like this lens shape.

The truth is, with all the technical advances, it’s getting more difficult to find differences in optical performance between the three lens shapes.

TYPE OF LENSES

Photochromic

Photochromic lenses use an advanced technology that changes the color of the lens depending on the intensity of the sun’s rays. The lens becomes lighter on cloudy days and darker on sunny days.

Polarized

Polarized lenses have a filter that blocks reflected light, which results in glare-free vision. This type of lens has several advantages: 1- It reduces reflections from the snow. 2- It improves contrasts. 3- It offers protection from UV rays.

Polarized lenses are highly appreciated by some people because they considerably reduce eye fatigue. However, they are not always the best option for skiing.

Blocking reflected light is a great feature on very sunny days, but it can be inconvenient in some situations, like when you need to spot an ice patch.

Mirrored

Because mirrored goggles do a great job of reducing glare, they are a good option for skiing on bright, sunny days. They include a reflective coating on the outside of the lens, which considerably reduces the amount of light passing through the material. Unfortunately, this coating scratches easily, so you’ll need to be careful while using them.

Chromapop and Prizm

Some brands, like Smith and Oakley, have used their own technology to create some of the best-performing lenses on the market. These lenses enhance colors and contrasts, as well as provide great visibility, even in low-light conditions.

This type of lens is highly appreciated by experienced skiers looking for the best quality.

LENS COLOR

Lens colors have more than an aesthetic function. Colors improve the lens performance in certain weather conditions. For instance, yellow tones allow you to see rough spots on cloudy days. Pink lenses offer the best visibility on gray days, while dark green and dark brown lenses are best suited for sunny days.

UV PROTECTION

Regardless of the type of lens you choose, make sure they protect you from ultraviolet rays (UV rays). These rays can cause serious injury, not only to your skin but to your eyes.

VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMISSION

Visible light transmission is a measurement of the percentage of visible light waves passing through certain materials. A high value indicates that a large amount of light is passing through the lens, while a low value indicates that the lens is more opaque.

Some goggles indicate the percentage of light transmission of their lens, which can help you choose the right model. For very sunny days, you may need a lens with a 10-20% transmission. For cloudy days, look for a model with a 40-60% transmission. Most models have a 30-70% transmission, which works pretty well in normal weather, without extreme changes.

INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES

As you have seen, you will need different lenses depending on the climate. For this reason, most models feature lens-change systems that allow you to adapt to weather fluctuations. These systems vary from model to model. Manufacturers like Anon and Smith feature magnetic lens-change systems, which let you change lenses without removing your goggles.

VENTILATION

When warm air inside your goggles comes into contact with the cold surface of the lens, the air condenses and the lens gets foggy. Therefore, your model must be equipped with ventilation systems that guarantee constant airflow. Also, most lenses have anti-fog treatments to prevent fogging.

I recommend that you choose a double-lens model because they don’t get foggy as easily as budget, single-lens models do.

If you want to reduce fogging, follow these tips:

1- Keep your glasses on throughout the entire activity. If you put them on your forehead during a break, they are more likely to fog up.

2- Make sure that snow doesn’t block the vents.

3- If the lens fogs up, do not use your gloves to clean it. Try shaking it until the fog goes away.

DESIGN AND COMFORT

Frame

There are plenty of frame designs, some of which will fit better or worse depending on the shape of your face. Some models are available in three sizes (S, M, and L), while others are single-size. Your goggles should fit snugly but never be too tight.

Adjust the strap until you feel comfortable. If you still feel that it is too loose or too tight after the adjustment, try a different size or model.

Women’s designs

Most ski goggles are unisex. For marketing purposes, some brands have released “women’s models,” though the only difference is in the decoration and, sometimes, the availability of smaller sizes.

Foam

Regardless of the lens quality, it won’t do any good if the goggle is not comfortable to wear. Generally, budget models have low-quality foam that isn’t very comfortable or durable. High-end models, on the other hand, feature comfortable, resistant foam, which usually retains less odor. Occasional skiers won’t need to invest in the most expensive materials, but serious skiers will prefer to choose models with comfy foam.

Straps

All goggle straps are adjustable, making it easy to find the right fit. If you don’t want to tighten the strap too much, I recommend that you use a helmet with a retainer clip. This safety mechanism prevents the goggle from accidentally falling off.

COMMON FIT PROBLEMS

Pressure around your eyes: The frame is too narrow; you should look for a wider design.

Pressure on your nose: The strap might be too tight. Try loosening it a bit. If that doesn’t fix the problem, look for a different model.

Pressure on the forehead: Loosen the strap a little and see if you feel some relief. If that doesn’t work, you may need another model.

EYEWEAR COMPATIBILITY

If you wear prescription glasses, you should look for an eyewear-compatible design. These models are commonly known as OTG (over the glasses). OTG models leave more space between the eyes and the lens, which allows you to wear your prescription glasses along with the goggle. This extra space also ensures good airflow, which prevents fogging in both lenses. If you are not a fan of OTG models, you can opt for a helmet with an integrated visor, which also allows you to wear your prescription glasses.

HELMET COMPATIBILITY

Not all goggles are compatible with certain helmet models, but must of them fit pretty well. If you are not sure, you should buy both products from the same brand, as manufacturers design them to be compatible.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKI GOGGLES

1- Do not touch the inside of the lens with your fingers.

2- Use a microfiber cloth to dry and clean the lens.

3- If you are not going to be using your goggles for a while, put them inside their bag and keep them in a dry place, out of the sunlight.