What are ski goggles and how to choose them?

The variety of brands and the large assortment of ski goggles currently on the market for sports accessories makes it difficult for ski enthusiasts to choose them correctly. In addition, these optical products are characterized by a number of parameters that must be mastered during the selection process. Mistakes can be costly for the skier, since it is primarily a matter of his safety.

Goggles and goggles are traditionally separated in the production of ski equipment. However, the first ones may look like ordinary sun-protection products, but they cannot be securely fixed on the face - they are not suitable for quick descents. Oversized lenses with an elastic band or a belt are classified as a mask.

The main functions of ski goggles are:

• ensuring the protection of the face from various kinds of damage, clogging of the eyes with foreign objects (pieces of ice, branches, etc.);
• UV protection and reduced glare on snow;
• sheltering eyes from wind and snowflakes;
• improved visibility of mountainous terrain, which provides a better perception of the track in bad weather conditions.

The function and quality of ski goggles is largely dependent on the properties of the lens, which is usually made from frost-resistant and durable materials. Lenses can be single or double (the former will fog up soon). Double lenses have a special anti-fog air space (anti-fog glasses).Products are available with replaceable lenses, with diopters, with a camera, heated, for night skiing.

The size of the glasses is also important, according to this criterion, a number of products are distinguished.

1. Mens - with their inherent strict design, dark colors, massiveness. In a sense, they are universal, since women also use them.
2. Womens - smaller products, with a bright palette and additional design solutions.
3. Baby - are carried out taking into account children's parameters from colorful materials. Glasses for children are complemented with various patterns and designs.

The actual parameter of any accessory is the degree of protection against ultraviolet rays. The color of the lens does not affect this parameter, but the light transmission range is different, it is determined by the degree of darkening of the glass under different weather conditions. A number of models are distinguished.

1. S0 - with a low level of dimming, transmitting light by 80, or even 100%. In fact, these are transparent glasses designed for cloudy conditions and artificial lighting at night.
2. S1 - with light transmittance from 43 to 80%. They darken a little, they are used in a weak sun, in cloudy conditions, at dusk.
3. S2 - let in from 18 to 43% of light (with medium dimming), used in variable cloudy conditions.
4. S3 - with a high degree of protection from the sun's rays (let through 8-18%). Available in various shades. Excellent option in sunny conditions.
5. S4 - light transmission not less than 3% and not more than 8%. They are used in high mountains (with a height of more than 2 km). Protect from extremely bright sun. They are less common.

According to the curvature parameters, the lenses are divided into cylindrical and spherical.

• Cylindrical - with a horizontal bend. Have some image distortion at the edges (in cheap models).
• Spherical - with horizontal and vertical curvature. At a cost, they are more expensive than the first.

The color of the lenses is not a tribute to fashion - it is an actual functional property. Color quality is achieved by applying different layers that optimize the transmission of the resulting image, eliminate glare and unnecessary tones.

1. Amber lenses remove blue tones - the visible picture becomes clear, more accented. They are used for not particularly bright days, they are universal.
2. Reddish tints of the lenses are fine for cloudy weather, giving a sharper picture.
3. Lenses of gray shades do not change the color ratio, they give a real image.
4. Lenses in dark shades (brown, bronze) enhance the quality of contrast and eliminate excess light. Will be in place on bright days.
5. Mirrored products let in a little light, perform well in sunny conditions, and are not suitable for cloudy weather.

Yellow-red lenses have universal qualities. The presence of a polarizing (anti-reflective) layer is especially appreciated in lenses. However, the consequence of this is the deterioration of the ability to distinguish between soft layers of snow from ice. In other words, this is not the best option when skiing on slopes with an uncertain snow condition.

Mirrored lenses are similar in properties to polarized lenses, but to a lesser extent they remove glare from snow. Such models are suitable for a clear pore.

Photochromic lenses can change the degree of shading - adapt to the characteristics of existing lighting, are able to transmit less or more solar flux. They do not change their qualities immediately; it is not necessary to replace the lens when the weather conditions change.

The top ranking includes a number of successful brands that have won consumer confidence.

Used by both men and women. Glasses are cylindrical, replaceable parts are available. Mounting of cylindrical or spherical lenses is possible. An anti-fogging function is provided. The product can be worn over glasses. MFI (Magnetic Facemask Integration) technologies are used in the manufacture - the mask holds the gater with magnets (included). Anti-fog function allows you to clearly highlight the track.

Pros:

• there are replaceable lenses;
• provided with anti-fog technology and gate attachment;
• universal;
• wearing over glasses is provided.

Disadvantages:

• high price tag.

A novelty from an American company specializing in the manufacture of sports accessories and rimless glasses. Glasses with a good design and excellent lateral vision. The lenses are protected against fogging, which provides a clear view even in non-skating weather. Designed for adults. They represent a reduced frame of the NFX series. Equipped with double cylindrical lenses with quick replacement. Used technologies LumaLens provide elimination of glare, increase the degree of contrast. The product is protected from ultraviolet radiation, the anti-fog function is available. The strap is adjustable and has a silicone coating on the inside to prevent slipping.

Pros:

• lack of a frame;
• full protection against ultraviolet radiation;
• adjustable mount with silicone inserts;
• availability of replaceable elements.

Disadvantages:

• suitable only for small-sized persons.

A product for adults with a variety of colors. Full UV protection. Cylindrical goggles for excellent front and side vision. Replaceable double lenses allow you to ride in a variety of weather conditions. The fogging of the glasses is reduced with an anti-fog coating. A snug fit to the face is provided by a three-layer fleece lining. There are special cutouts for wearing a mask with goggles.

Pros:

• full protection from ultraviolet rays;
• provision of wearing with diopters;
• do not fog up;
• availability of a replaceable set of filters.

Minuses:

• not identified.

Product with an anatomical shape that does not cause discomfort when wearing. Mirror coated goggles with S3 protection (for clear and sunny days). The strap with internal silicone strips, wide, adapted to the helmet, is adjustable. Product with a cylindrical double lens (maximally protecting against ultraviolet radiation).

Pros:

• anti-fogging function;
• durable frame;
• scratch protection;
• low price tag.

Minuses:

• exclusively for sunny days.

A product from a well-known Austrian company. Designed for adults. Equipped with replaceable double filters with special clips. The glasses are cylindrical, equipped with a thin frame, and provide excellent visibility. Fogging is prevented by internal anti-fog treatment. High degree of UV protection. The mask fits well with the helmet. It is used on cloudy days.

Pros:

• change of double glazing is provided;
• anti-fog protection;
• the presence of a comfortable thin frame.

Minuses:

• levels of protection S1, S2.

For storage of ski goggles, special cases are provided to ensure the safety of products from dirt and various deformations. They sell such a cover complete with them. Careful eyeglass care is an indispensable condition for extending their lifespan:

• we do not recommend drying the product near a fire, a heater - the lenses can be deformed;
• do not wipe the inside of the glass - you can damage the spray layer;
• during cleaning, use special sprays or soap with neutral PH, and remove moisture with napkins;
• do not leave glasses directly in the sun for a long time.

It is not quite easy to choose a complete accessory for alpine skiing - you need to take into account a number of criteria:

• quality parameters of lens types;
• shape, frame, size;
• the degree of tightness;
• the quality of compatibility with the helmet;
• the presence of ventilation devices;
• types of filters used.

In addition, when choosing products for alpine skiing, we recommend paying attention to some additional aspects.

1. Convenience, comfort. In this case, the product should fit tightly to the face so that there are no gaps and no pressure is created.
2. The configuration of the cutout for the bridge of the nose (as well as its quality) should be comfortable and not make breathing difficult. An overly soft frame of glasses is a significant drawback.
3. The helmet should fit snugly against the goggles.
4. The presence of a seal on the inner side of the product made of hypoallergenic foam rubber (required 2-3 layers). In advanced products, an additional fleece layer is used between the foam rubber and the face.
5. Mounting options (elastic band, strap) should be comfortable and reliable. The presence of a silicone layer on the strap is a plus.
6. Ventilation prevents the glasses from fogging up due to temperature differences outside and inside the glasses. It can be in the form of membranes, windows or mini-fans on batteries, usually located at the top of the product. Thanks to the optimization of the microclimate, the glass does not fog up.
7. The quality of the review is also relevant. Usually glasses have front visibility. To increase lateral perception, consider snowboard models.
8. In case of poor-quality vision, if contact lenses are not used, use special products that allow you to put them on top of glasses. Otherwise, purchase models with diopters.
9. Pay special attention to the parameters of the purchased lenses, which differ in shape, color (filter), transmission properties.
10. Goggles and a helmet should be tried on together - it will be easier to choose a complete set.
11. It is best to wear contact lenses when traveling on the slopes.
12. The weak point of ski goggles is the fixing elastic band, which often fails due to its gradual stretching.

For information on how to choose a ski mask, see the next video.