Snowboard goggles are an important piece of snowboard gear that not only provides safety and comfort on the mountain, but also has visual appeal. If you cannot see well, you cannot shred effectively. All goggles offered by any manufacturer will give basic protection from wind, snow and UV rays, but there are other features and aspects to consider when selecting a brand new pair of snowboard goggles
How to Choose the Right Goggles
The first thing to consider when looking for new snowboard goggles is what you will be using them for. Will they be used in cold weather to protect your eyes from fogging? Or will they be used during high winds to protect your eyes from the glare of bright snowflakes? Either way, the goggles must provide clear vision and should fit snugly on your face so they don’t fall down and become tangled.
Next, the fit of the goggles should be snug without being too tight. The perfect fit is such a comfortable feature that many skiers actually prefer it over a strap. Snowboarding is such a passionate sport that most snowboarders will take a risk on a new ski trip just to try it. Getting a strap that won’t slip is crucial to avoiding this “should I have this done right” moment. Getting the right fit will eliminate that risk and ensure your safety.
The next thing to consider when shopping for snowboard goggles is the level of protection and clarity of the lenses. You may be able to travel light, in low light conditions, but most snowboarders will be riding in more than their fair share of low light conditions. There are two main types of lenses available to snowboarders: progressive and bifocal. If you are looking for protection, you will likely want to stick with bifocal lenses so that your peripheral vision is blocked completely while you are navigating through the snow.
In low light conditions, progressive snowboarding goggles offer the most clarity. Because these lenses are open wide rather than being enclosed, there is less of a chance for objects to obstruct your vision. This can sometimes translate into better visibility and better safety because you won’t have to make so many adjustments to read the landscape. However, if you are primarily a high altitude rider, then you may find that progressive lenses are not enough and that you need some additional clarity for your eyes.
When it comes to the goggles themselves, you need to be careful about which ones you purchase and that the ones you buy are going to do the job they were designed to do. Some people like to use polarised or multifocal glasses as alternatives to snowboard goggles to cut down on peripheral vision. However, you need to understand that even the best polarised and multi-focal glasses are still not designed to provide 100% protection from the glare of the snow and the sun. Make sure that you get a pair that has the right lens in order to have the maximum amount of UV protection possible.
It is important that you have a good fit when you buy your snowboard goggles, especially if you are going to wear them while riding. The goggles should sit comfortably on your face and should not feel like they are going to fall off your head every time you take a hit. The fit is especially important if you are going to wear a full face helmet. If the goggles feel too tight or too loose, then you may find that your peripheral vision is compromised while you are wearing the helmet. Make sure that you check the strap to ensure that it is the right length and that it is securely attached to your helmet. The strap is what will keep the goggles in place on your face and will hold the front part of the lenses in place to help with snow clearance.
End Note
You can easily find snowboard goggles that are not very thick or that have a very small frame. These types of goggles tend to be lighter and more comfortable than some of the thick and heavy ones that are available. If you tend to be a smaller man, then you will certainly find that the light weight and smaller frame ski goggle is perfect for you. Make sure that when you buy your goggles that they come with a small ear plug so that you do not have to carry any extra pieces. If you have thick and heavy glasses, then you may want to consider purchasing a pair of thick glasses instead of a pair of thin glasses.