Top ranking of the best ski goggles and goggles in 2022

Ski goggles are an important piece of equipment for skiing and snowboarding. They can make or break a mountainside experience, as excellent visibility in such conditions is key. Comfort, breathability, durability and, of course, style are other important factors in choosing eyewear.

The range of offers from manufacturers of ski masks and goggles is huge. From quick-change lenses to innovative technologies that adapt to different lighting conditions. There are glasses that have 2-3 lenses clamped together to prevent fogging, glasses with UV protection and anti-reflective coating. Photochromic lenses, "chameleons", masks with replaceable filters and glasses with polarized glass.

Men's and women's glasses, what's the difference

Apart from color and style, there is no significant difference between male and female models. The same can be said about masks and goggles designed for snowboarders or skiers. Although there is an opinion that for people involved in snowboarding, the mask should have a greater angle of view. And of course, men's models are available in large sizes.

Criteria for choosing goggles for skiing and snowboarding

The choice of goggles for skiing depends on several factors, among which are:

1. Lens shape. There are only two types of lenses: cylindrical and spherical. Cylindrical lenses are curved horizontally across the face and are the most common type of glasses. Spherical lenses curve not only horizontally, but also vertically, from forehead to nose. They are immediately noticeable because they have a "bubbly" appearance.
2. peripheral vision. The wider the mask, the better its side-view angle. This is important to avoid collisions, which are especially common when merging multiple traces.
3. Blinding, harsh light and distortion. The best ski goggles have special coatings that can reduce glare caused by sunlight reflecting off the snow. Distortion is caused by imperfection in the quality of the lens. It should be noted that spherical lenses reduce distortion due to their shape.
4. Anti haze.As a general rule, the farther the face shield mask is from the face, the less fogging will occur. The "nebula" can be reduced by the presence of additional lenses, so the inner glass is close to the temperature that the body itself has, which eliminates the formation of condensation. The extra lenses function as insulation in the same way as double glazing in windows, providing better insulation.
5. Interchangeable lenses. Great feature, you can carry an extra set in your pocket to be ready for any lighting conditions. Weather conditions on the slopes change quickly and with a similar function, you can quickly change your lens.

Video about the rules for choosing a ski mask:

General selection rules for colored lenses (filter)

There are ski goggles with photochromic "chameleon" lenses that adjust to the intensity of light, the filter darkens or brightens depending on the brightness of the sun. This is a great purchase for those who often ski in various conditions. For other points, the following rules apply:

• Yellow, gold or amber goggles filter out blue light and bring out shadows in the snow.
• Pink or light copper lenses are designed for light, bright days.
• Dark copper, dark brown, dark green and dark gray masks are used on very bright days.
• Mirror ("flash") coating enhances the effect of tinted lenses. They reflect sunlight. They are great for sunny days.
• Clear lenses are used for night skiing.

Important! The use of polarized lenses reduces glare and protects the eyes from UVA and UVB radiation.

Overview of manufacturers

Among the brands that produce really high-quality ski goggles, there are not so many companies.The rest of the manufacturers strive for the perfection of models, but, according to customer reviews, the products are not yet up to the ideal.

1. Smith Optics. Smith Optics have been making ski goggles for over 50 years and were the first to create double glazing goggles with a sealed thermal lens. Dr. Bob Smith is a skiing orthodontist by profession. I felt the “ski problems” myself, got tired of fogged glasses and, as a result, created the world's first glasses with double glass. Smith Optics is not the last manufacturer in a long line of quality ski goggles. But the products of this brand are a great option for any skier or snowboarder, regardless of level and ability. These glasses are durable and comfortable, and their lenses combine both anti-reflective and anti-fog qualities.
2. Oakley. The brand was founded by James Jannard in 1975 in his garage with an initial investment of $300. In 1980, Jannard released an eyewear model called the O-Frame, with the "Oakley" logo featured on the strap. Their latest and best offering to date is the O2 XL goggles. These goggles have a unique design that gives excellent visibility, especially side view, allowing peripheral vision to clearly see people and objects. These goggles have a triple layer of polar fleece lining that will continue to perform well even after a full day on the slopes. They will still remain comfortable and flawless. Goggle wearers will appreciate the frame cutouts that make them comfortable to wear, unlike most other ski goggles and goggles. They are great for any ski helmet.
3. dragon.An American-born company that manufactures goggles and masks for people who love extreme sports. The company was founded in Southern California (USA) in 1993 and has its own production base. The brand produces premium ski goggles and goggles, as well as sportswear and accessories. Ski sunglasses from this manufacturer combine striking design and the latest developments in science.

Rating of the best ski masks and goggles

The analysis of the models of the best ski goggles was carried out in accordance with the preferences of buyers, their feedback on the product and the average price of the product. But our respondents are not skiing professionally, so their choice is not based on the high sporting qualities of the models, but rather on the convenience, comfort and price, which does not exceed 10,000 rubles.

Oakley A-FRAME 2.0 FW MASK

Price: from 9900 rubles

Triple fog protection and superior breathability set this model apart from many similar products. The F3 Anti-fog coating and dual airfoil lenses will keep your mask from fogging up even in extreme weather conditions. The optics are highly accurate, and the UV filter has a 100% protection rate.

• Resistant anti-fog coating;
• Microfleece has 3 layers and perfectly absorbs moisture;
• Polaric Ellipsoid lenses have an ANSI Z87.1 quality standard.

• High price.

Oakley O2 Xm mask black

Price: from 7890 rubles.

The model has a medium size and a cylindrical lens with sufficient visibility, it has a streamlined geometry. The frame is able to adapt to the shape of the face even at very low temperatures.

• The model can be combined with glasses for people with poor eyesight;
• Moisture absorption guaranteed by a triple fleece lining;
• Excellent UV protection.

• Among the shortcomings, one can single out a female comment on the color of the model.

MSmith Knowledge OTG

Price: from 7048 rubles.

The lens of the model is a versatile option for use in any weather. Thanks to the light transmission of 35%, you can ride in a mask both on cloudy and sunny days. Large size face frame, suitable for men and good helmet compatibility.

• The model has a QuickFit strap with an adjustable buckle system;
• Ventilation has an anti-fogging effect;
• Interchangeable lenses are created for the model;
• The mask is compatible with glasses for people with low vision.

• The Smith Optics brand is not well represented on the Russian market and it is almost impossible to choose the right model.

MASK Dragon Rogue FW17

Price: from 5900 rubles.

The product is durable and features a spherical lens to ensure a distortion-free overall look. The strap fasteners are movable, so that the mask can be easily combined with a helmet. Three layers of foam and a microfleece cover ensure a soft feel against the skin, while the Super Anti-Fog coating keeps the product from fogging up.

• Active UV protection is 100%;
• Polyurethane frame;
• Spherical lenses have correct optics.

• The mask is available only in medium size and is suitable as a female version.

MASK Dragon DXS FW16

Price: from 3190 rubles.

Double cylindrical lenses with anti-fog coating. In principle, the functionality of the product differs little from the Dragon Rogue FW17, the difference is only in price and dimensions.Here the size is even smaller, so the model can serve not only the female sex, but also a teenager.

• The strap is adjustable;
• The model is helmet compatible;
• Polyurethane frame.

• Model size;
• General design.

Other models have similar qualities, but at a higher price. Therefore, if there is no desire to overpay for a “brand”, then you can stop at this choice. But at the same time, it is worth remembering that the survey was conducted among people who do not practice skiing as a permanent pastime. This is more of a choice for novice athletes, but professionals or experts should pay attention to more "famous" brands.

Errors when choosing

To make a mistake when choosing ski equipment means to waste money and time of rest in vain. To avoid mistakes, you should listen to the following tips:

1. When buying a ski mask, focus on one object and turn your head in different directions. If the object disappears from view, such a mask is unlikely to give a good view on a slope.
2. The feeling of discomfort will never go away. Therefore, if there is even the slightest inconvenience, it is better to change the model to another mask.
3. The slit for the nose should allow free breathing without blocking parts of the nasal cavity.
4. A strap of good length is the key to proper adjustment of the model on the helmet, and its width is responsible for a tighter fit to the head. When trying on a mask, it is better to measure it directly on the helmet.
5. The mask should not slip, fly off, rub or press. If at least one of these qualities is present during the fitting, it is better to look for another model.
   A collision with a tree, a rock or a skier is a common accident that can sometimes be directly related to poor visibility caused by the wrong choice of ski mask. Using a cheap pair of goggles can lead to loss of coordination on the track or track, and as a result, there is a danger of not seeing obstacles in time. It is one of the main causes of injuries and accidents. It is hard to overestimate how important good visibility is on snowy slopes.

Equipment Care

Ski equipment has a high cost and is used in various conditions. Therefore, caring for it is a prerequisite for safe riding. Ski goggles require attention even more than ordinary glasses with diopters, and you should follow these rules:

1. Never wipe the lens from the inside. This can erase the protective layer that works against fogging.
2. Store the mask only in a special bag. It usually comes with the product.
3. Drying of glasses is carried out only in natural conditions away from heaters.
4. While skiing, do not lift the mask to your forehead to avoid getting sweat on the inside.
5. Transportation of equipment must exclude impacts or contact with cutting objects.
   Under the right conditions of storage and care, the ski mask will serve for a long time and not cause discomfort to its owner.

Finally - a useful video on how to replace the lens in a ski mask: