Types of ski masks and their choice

Downhill enthusiasts and professional athletes are well aware that the wrong equipment can be quite dangerous. Therefore, today we will talk about how to choose ski optics.

First, briefly about the terminology. There is absolutely no difference between the names ski mask, snowboard goggles, and ski goggles. They all mean the same thing - a mask in the form of a lens on a strap, which is worn on a helmet or hat. Why do you need a mask? Let's figure this out.

The goggles in the form of a mask protect the organs of vision from the action of the wind. When descending, even at low speed, the wind runs in and does not allow the eyes to function fully. It dries out the mucous membranes of the eyes, so they begin to produce tears. Moreover, the stronger the wind, the more tears appear, and the eyes simply will not distinguish anything around.

The mask prevents micro-injuries. On mountain slopes, frozen water crystals are constantly hovering in the air - they fall from skis, snowboards or fall in the form of a snowfall. If you skate without glasses, you will quickly get injured.

The glasses keep the cold out. Under the mask, a microclimate that is comfortable for the eyes and nose is maintained - this reduces the risk of hypothermia and diseases caused by it.

The mask saves the face from UV radiation. This is especially true in the mountains - on bright days the risk of getting burned is very high. Fitting tightly to the tissues of the face, the glasses reliably protect it from direct ultraviolet radiation, as well as from glare reflected by the snow.

The use of specialized lenses in your snowboard goggles allows you to better distinguish between mountainous terrain.These optics are created using a special technology that provides color filtering and polarization. Thanks to this, bumps, snow bumps and other unevenness of the track become more noticeable.

The mask can prevent mechanical damage to the face in the event of a fall; even the most expensive sunglasses cannot cope with this task.

Ski goggles are different for cross-country and cross-country skiing. In stores, you can find goggles, a mask, a visor, and models with diopters are produced for people with poor vision. Depending on the design, they can be mens womens or childrens. Let's dwell on the most popular varieties.

There are two types of lenses.

• Spherical is the most modern option. It gives the maximum angle of view, while gently following the shape of the eyes and relieves pressure on them. Such lenses accurately reproduce the image of surrounding objects, reducing any distortion to a minimum.

• Cylindrical - This mask is much cheaper. But when looking up / down, it can give a distorted image of objects.

These types of masks, in turn, are divided into two more subspecies.

• Double - are a pair of glasses connected at the edges. As a result, an air gap forms between the lenses, which increases air circulation and reduces the risk of condensation.

• Single are masks for professionals. They are used only in competitions, when, due to the high speed, the time is so short that the glass simply does not have time to be covered with moisture particles.

Highlights the basic color filters of snowboard goggles.

• Light - let in a sufficient amount of light, so they can be used on cloudy days.
• Yellow - optimal in cloudy and little cloudy weather. Reduces the blue cast to render the relief more clearly.
• Gray - are considered universal, give the most clear color reproduction.
• Red - allow you to increase the sharpness on cloudy days, when the sky is overcast.
• Dark - used in bright light. Thanks to these glasses, the contrast of the image is significantly increased.
• Mirror - optimal for sunny days, have the property of reflecting bright rays of light.
• Polarizing - these lenses make the perception of the terrain more clear, neutralize glare on a snowy track.
• Chameleons are photochromic goggles that are ideal for mountain trails with varying heights. In this case, during the release process, the lenses automatically change the color rendition of the filter, taking into account the light level.

Lenses effectively protect the organs of vision from the adverse effects of atmospheric factors, allow you to protect your health and avoid injury in case of loss of visibility. Unfortunately, novice skiers with insufficient experience often save on optics, preferring the most budget models - and this is a big mistake. As a rule, such products are of dubious quality and in some situations can even cause eye disease. To prevent this from happening, we have prepared for you a TOP of popular companies and a rating of the most reliable models in different price segments.

A universal inexpensive mask that can be used on sunny days and cloudy weather. Thanks to a special coating, the lens of the glasses does not fog up. The frame is made taking into account all the requirements of ergonomics, which significantly improves the viewing angle when descending.

Double lens, spherical, made of polycarbonate. The filter is blue, gives clear color reproduction without distortion. Such products serve for about 2-3 seasons.

The frameless technology is at the heart of the production of these snowboarding goggles, thanks to which it was possible to achieve a reduction in the weight of the product (it is only 66 g). This production technique provides a wide viewing angle. The goggles fit snugly on the face and helmet, so the mountain descent will be comfortable and as safe as possible.

The lens is provided with a mirror finish. There is protection against condensation and the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation. These optics have the property of automatically adjusting to the parameters of the surrounding visibility.

This is a great option for a skier with insufficient vision. The optics are manufactured in accordance with the international standards EN 174-2001, which are responsible for vision. Skiers who are forced to wear goggles feel comfortable wearing them.

Along the contour of the optics, there is a foam material that accurately repeats all the outlines and curves of the face. Can be used in clear or cloudy weather, it fights well against any glare on the track. The lens is photochromic, which automatically adjusts the color rendering depending on the degree of illumination. The mask fits well with all types of helmets.

The mask is manufactured using state-of-the-art technology to ensure maximum image accuracy. Lenses amplify light waves of different color spectra, which are responsible for sharpness and contrast - red, orange and blue. Thanks to this, the mask provides comfortable movement in any atmospheric conditions.

The lens is double, if you need to change it, you can do this with one easy movement. This mask protects against UV rays and provides a good viewing angle. The lenses do not fog up even after long-term use.

This mask is made in China, yet it is of excellent quality. It is no coincidence that it is becoming the choice of professional skiers. It can be used in all weather conditions. The optics are spherical for a full viewing angle. If necessary, change filters and lenses, this can be done in a couple of seconds. The color rendition is clear, there is a system of protection against mechanical damage.

This mask is internally filtered to protect the lens from condensation. Lenses are made of polycarbonate, have the shape of a sphere. The glasses are universal, they are optimal for both clear weather and variable cloudiness. Crystals are incorporated into the lens for enhanced contrast on mountain slopes and therefore superior visibility. The mask can be combined with any helmets.

Frameless design with high angular and vertical views. It is in great demand among professional skiers. The ventilation system is well thought out, due to which the lenses do not fog up. The package includes a set of interchangeable lenses, so the mask is easy to adapt to any weather conditions. Allows you to wear prescription glasses under a mask.

When buying snowboard optics, be sure to check what material it is made from. It must undergo temperature fluctuations, meet basic sanitary and hygienic requirements, be as safe as possible and at the same time be well ventilated.

When choosing a snowboard mask, it is important to ensure that it will protect your eyes from blinding sunlight, snow, wind and prevent falling due to a collision with an obstacle, and will give the clearest view of the relief. For ski optics to be effective, they need the right frames. It must follow the contours of the face exactly, fit firmly to it and at the same time be combined with the helmet.

There are several types of frames.

• Rigid outer - prevents distortion of the optical lens.
• Flexible inner - provides an ergonomic fit to the face, acts as a shock absorber when dropped.
• Unframed - in this case, the frame is hidden inside, thus providing maximum visibility.

If you have low vision, this is not a reason to give up skiing, but in this case, you will need specialized snowboard masks. They are of two types.

• With inserts. In this case, corrective optics are placed directly in the glass, this allows you not to wear glasses when performing descents. Please note, however, that you will have to order the inserts separately.
• Top-worn glasses. This is a cheaper and more voluminous option on the inside. In the frame of such products, specialized grooves for the temples are provided.

An equally important criterion for a comfortable descent is the ventilation system, since it keeps the microclimate under control. A typical system provides passive ventilation - that is, ventilation from the bottom and top of the frame. If this is not enough, a mask with a built-in fan and heating will help solve the problem. Such a device provides forced ventilation and evaporates moisture in a few seconds.

It is important that snow and wind protection optics are comfortable. You should be comfortable in it. Squeezing the nose and interfering with breathing is not allowed. Remember that the helmet and the optics are a single whole, so try on both accessories at once in the store. There should be no gaps between them. Test the length of the strap - it should fit over or without a helmet.

Many novice athletes make mistakes when choosing protective ski optics. You shouldn't buy a mask if:

• glasses cause discomfort;
• do not match the size;
• fall or dangle;
• do not match the shape of the helmet;
• the light filter does not match the lighting parameters.

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