Ski masks. The best ski goggles (masks): prices, brands, advantages and disadvantages Expensive ski goggles

Alpine skiers occupy a special place ski goggles. They take the full impact of cold weather conditions and snow flakes. They also resist eye damage from blinding sun, preventing falls. Without them, eye protection is impossible, so you need to know how to choose snowboard goggles to get the most out of them.

Features of materials

Presented in all price ranges. Experts recommend choosing more expensive models that can withstand serious mechanical damage. As sunlight reflects off the surface of the snow, this creates additional strain on your vision. You need to focus not only on the price, but also on the color, so that the characteristics correspond to the features of use.

Solid foundation

One of modern solutions technological progress is polycarbonate. This material is one of the most durable and impact resistant environment. This plastic can withstand even strong blows from branches. Increased protection should be provided, as the lens may break during a fall.

Also among the features of the material is the possibility of filtration sun rays to prevent them harmful effects into the skier's eyes. It is important not to buy simple tinted lenses, because they only dilate a person’s pupil, which increases the penetration of ultraviolet rays. The elasticity of the frame requires similar attention. It should fit tightly to the shape of the head. This is necessary so that if the glasses fall, they do not injure your head. This will also prevent the lenses from falling out upon impact.

Shape and color

Lens options include both flat and spherical types. The former have greater efficiency and low price. True, they also have a significant drawback - their shape worsens the periphery of vision, thereby increasing the likelihood of glare. If you use curved lenses, the picture becomes more expressive, and the amount of glare is much less. The cost of such glasses will be significantly higher.

Yellow shades. Best worn in foggy conditions. Their ability to neutralize blue tones and highlight shadows makes it easier for snowboarders to navigate in space. They also have the ability to filter bright light that is reflected from the snow, so they do not illuminate a person’s vision. This technology is also common in the production of computer screens.
Although pink is considered a purely female version, with glasses it helps to see the depth of objects more clearly.
Mirrored glasses are most in demand in sunny weather. They are able to reflect too bright light, preventing the snowboarder from being blinded. More expensive models have an additional anti-reflective layer.
The most budget-friendly options are simple ones. sunglasses. They protect vision well in sunny weather and prevent glare. But they do not allow you to get maximum comfort from riding.
Colorless lenses have a low price. They are used in the evening, because they soften the light from lanterns and improve the feeling of contrast. They also do not distort color and do not disrupt the perception of space.

Since lenses have an impact on the vision of color and shape, it is very important that they do not distort this perception. This is easy to check immediately before purchasing glasses. You need to move the products 40 cm from your eyes and look at an object with clear edges (doors). If there is a discrepancy in shape, it is better to discard the lenses. It is important to accurately calculate the trajectory of movement, so you need to see objects correctly.

Ventilation

There should be no condensation on the glasses while driving. Many manufacturers are introducing different technologies to achieve this goal. The most common and accessible among them are those with an antifog substance that is applied to the inside of the lenses. The installation of double glasses is also used, between which there is a layer of air. This is the most expensive technology. A simpler option is implemented in the form of membranes. Through them, excess moisture is removed and circulation is ensured fresh air.

When choosing snowboard goggles, you need to pay attention to wearing comfort. There should not be any discomfort, as this will significantly interfere with skating. The product should fit snugly to the face, leaving no gaps. Few people pay attention to the pressure on the nose, and breathing in extreme conditions depends on this. Only if the glasses fully meet all the parameters can they be purchased.

When choosing goggles for snowboarding, you need to ensure that they fit securely. If glasses or lenses wobble and do not fit tightly to the face, this can create great inconvenience and danger when skating.

A ski mask (goggles) is an absolutely necessary piece of equipment for a skier. And that's why:

The mask provides eye protection from exposure to ultraviolet rays and bright sun.
A ski mask or snowboard mask increases vision clarity. This can be especially true in foggy (cloudy) conditions, when the edge of the slope is practically invisible. On the contrary, on a bright sunny day, a dark or mirror filter will protect your eyes from the blinding sun. A polarizing filter does an excellent job of neutralizing glare. At ISPO 2014, Oakley also introduced an alternative solution, The Oakley Prizm Solution. The lens of these glasses is for skiing cuts off part of the color spectrum, so the snow no longer seems like a solid white field, you see a clear relief.
You can buy a ski mask to protect your eyes from accidental blows from branches and snow dust from the skier in front. During snowfall, skiing without a mask is extremely difficult. A ski mask will also protect your face from the icy crust during a fall.

How to choose a ski mask?

If you're choosing your first ski mask, your first question should be "where will I ski?" The answer to this question determines which filter will be optimal. Find out which lenses for ski masks are suitable for certain conditions below. Having decided on the filter, we move on to choosing models. Sport-Marathon offers only the best ski goggles, so the question of which brand is better is somewhat incorrect in our case. It's better what suits you. With all the wealth of choice, buying a mask for alpine skiing or a mask for snowboarding is not so easy. The shape and size of ski masks can vary significantly.

Let's give some tips:

measure ski mask Needed together with a helmet. The shape of your specific ski or snowboard mask may not match your helmet model. The smaller the gap between the frame of the mask and the edge of the helmet, the lower the risk of frostbite and discomfort.
The ski mask should fit tightly to the face, without gaps. Otherwise, ski goggles will not fully protect your eyes from the wind. The nose piece of the mask should not be too low.
the visibility in the horizontal plane of a ski mask or snowboard mask should be sufficient to control your route.
It is recommended for athletes to buy ski goggles with good vertical visibility.
The wider the straps of a ski mask or snowboard mask, the better the fixation on the helmet (hat). Silicone strips on the straps ensure reliable fixation of the mask on the helmet.
Additional ventilation holes on the lenses reduce the likelihood of the mask fogging.
The greater the distance between the lens and the face, the more protection from possible impacts the mask can provide.
To buy a ski mask adapted for optical glasses, look at models with the abbreviation OTG in their names. Read more about ski masks for goggles in our Blog.
The cost of the mask is affected by the quality of the lens; lower quality glasses are more easily scratched and allow more distortion. “Sport-Marathon” offers to buy a snowboard mask or a mountain ski mask from Oakley, Dragon, Uvex, as well as other world brands.

Children's ski goggles are selected in the same way as adults. The mask needs to be tried on, so before you buy ski goggles, take your child to the store.

What kind of masks are there?

Fundamentally, all masks differ in shape (viewing area) and lenses. If everything is more or less clear with the shape, the main thing is that the mask fits well and matches the helmet, then with lenses everything is much more complicated.

Filters are made differently depending on their purpose and weather conditions.
The color of the filter affects the perception of the surrounding world. Light filters in ski and snowboard masks are good in cloudy, cloudy weather or for evening skiing. It can be a yellow, orange, white, blue, pink, green filter. Each of them has its own peculiarity in reflecting reality. Ultimately, it is everyone's personal choice. Masks designed for cloudy weather are marked cat 0, cat 1 or S0, S1.
Mirror and black filters are great for a bright sunny day, but in the evening and in cloudy weather they will be very uncomfortable. Masks for riding in bright sunny weather are marked cat 3, cat 4 or S3, S4.
Photochromic lenses, modulators with changes in light intensity, or simply “chameleons”, can solve the problem of choosing a lens. These ski goggles can be bought by those who spend the whole day on the mountain. The lenses will adapt to the brightness of the sun throughout the day, and you will not need to monitor the weather forecast when deciding which mask to take today.
Lenses are cylindrical and toric (spherical). Spherical lenses They give less distortion, but are more expensive because they have a completely different production technology.
All masks have double lenses with the exception of models for professional athletes.

Selecting filters by weather

First of all, all filters have the main indicator - light transmission. It shows what percentage of sunlight the mask allows through. So from the lightest to the darkest, this figure can be from 82% to 2%. Those. a mask for cloudy weather allows 50-80% of sunlight to pass through. Depending on this parameter, filters are divided into categories S0 – S4. You can skip the issue of protection against ultraviolet radiation; today all ski masks are made with maximum UV protection.

Bright sunny day. The Alpine sun is significantly different from the Moscow region. In bright sunny weather in the mountains, you need a mask with darkening filters of any color. A great option is a mirror filter. Such masks are ideal for the Alpine mountains, and besides, they look chic.
It's a nasty day. Despite the clouds, ultraviolet radiation in the mountains still affects the eyes, so a ski mask is a must. Select filters of categories up to S2. Black and mirror, unfortunately, are no longer suitable. Great discomfort in cloudy weather is caused by decreased visual contrast. The blue color, which predominates in the spectrum, hides the shadows of irregularities. This way you will feel the change in terrain with your feet rather than see it. If you prefer to ski before the lifts close, you might know this feeling. Choose yellow, orange or gold lenses - they limit the blue spectrum, making the relief more readable.
Snowfall, wind, cloudiness. In such weather, the mask protects rather from mechanical impact on the eyes. Any light masks, including transparent ones, will do.

Lens color

Yellow/orange/gold – limits the blue component of the color spectrum, increasing contrast and increasing the depth of perception. Ideal for flat and low light conditions.
Pink lenses are especially good in low light conditions. This color best emphasizes the volume of objects, improves color rendering, and makes shadows and contours more contrasting.
Green, blue and silver lenses enhance color rendering and reduce contrast in bright sunshine.
Mirrored and black lenses reflect bright light and UV rays, allowing you to ride with your eyes wide open.
Gray, platinum filter - increases depth perception on the sunniest days, right up to cloudy weather.
Transparent - for riding at night or in extremely low visibility conditions. In general, a mask with a clear lens protects the eyes more from mechanical influences– snow, wind, tree branches.

Ski masks – online store

If you are not able to come to the store on Saikina, 4 in person or you know exactly what kind of ski goggles you need, the Sport-Marathon online store can organize delivery to anywhere in Russia. Our consultants will help you choose the appropriate model.

Discounts and sales

Want to save money? Choose a snowboard mask or a ski mask, there is a sale at the end of each season or on days special offers. The main thing is not to miss the moment, the most interesting models end first!

Goggles are a necessary attribute for skiers and snowboarders. Many people choose them based on their appearance. This is not to say that this approach is wrong: the internal contents of glasses in the same price category are the same. For this reason, it makes little sense to bother studying polarization coefficients, features of light refraction, light filters and similar optical complexities. However, you need to know the main points when choosing this piece of ski equipment.

Glasses or mask?

Some ski and snowboarding equipment manufacturers consider goggles and masks to be different product categories. Those related to ski goggles look similar to regular ones Sunglasses. Some even have temples instead of elastic.

They are not very functional:

do not provide a complete fit to the face;
they let snow through from above and light from all sides;
limit lateral visibility;
often do not have stable fixation.

At the same time, they have anti-reflective, anti-fog, and anti-ultraviolet coatings, which makes them a separate type of goggles for skiers.

Most people who like to show off snowboarding and alpine skiing use larger glasses, which are classified by manufacturers as masks.

They fit tightly to the face and have important advantages:

They do not allow wind and bright light to pass through at all;
protect from snow and other large and small particles;
can be worn over diopter glasses or equipped with special diopter glasses.

Since masks are similar in form and functionality to goggles, skiers usually do not separate these categories and classify everything as goggles. IN English language this category is designated as ski goggles.

Focus on price

If you want to know how to choose ski goggles and what to focus on first, then the most reliable criterion will be their cost. The cost of glasses ranges from $30 to $150.

One of the main requirements for specialized glasses is strength. While skiing, we can fall, hit a branch, crash into a tree, collide with other skiers/snowboarders, etc. Glasses in such cases create an additional health hazard, because... may break and injure your eyes and head. Based on these considerations, ski goggles are made, like regular ones, from plastic, but with the addition of layers of carbon fiber or carbon fiber. This material is the result of high-tech production, which involves the application of mesh layers of carbon threads at a certain angle to each other. Its tensile strength surpasses even steel.

The second advantage of carbon fiber is its lightness: the same as that of ordinary plastic. At the same time, carbon is a fantastically expensive material. Therefore, it is used as a “reinforcing” component, adding to the main component. The more carbon threads in the plastic, the more expensive the glasses, and the stronger they are. Not only the base is made of polycarbonate, but also the lenses of the mask themselves.

Here are some tips for choosing glasses based on price:

If you are just starting to ride, you should rather opt for entry-level goggles.
This item is subject to wear and scratches. It will be good if you use it for 3-4 seasons. After riding for several seasons, you will be able to better understand what you need without overpaying.
In the case of ski goggles, it applies general rule: functionality and comfort increase in proportion to the price. Expensive models fit well, have better ventilation, and a more interesting design. But all this is relevant only if you have increased requirements and want to pay more. Often you won’t notice a difference between premium and mid-priced models.
Keep in mind that famous brand– this is an additional expense. With equal characteristics, for example, Salice glasses (Italy) will cost 2-3 times cheaper than Adidas. But the latter will, of course, look cooler.
The viewing angle of all ski masks is approximately the same and does not determine the price (as, for example, this is typical for underwater masks).

Lenses are the main element of glasses

If we want to know how to choose glasses for snowboarding or skiing, we must dwell in detail on functional features lenses All modern lenses offer UV protection and anti-fog coating as standard. Therefore, we will not touch on these issues. Let's consider such parameters as color, curvature and diopter of lenses.

Lens color

When choosing glasses for skiing, you probably noticed that they have multi-colored lenses. This is not a tribute to fashion or a desire to stand out, but an important functional element. Multicolor is achieved by applying various layers that optimize the image received by the eye, eliminating unnecessary tones and highlights.

Since dampening the brightness of snow and sun is of fundamental importance for a skier, the most important indicator is throughput visible light(VLT). This parameter is indicated as a percentage. How more value, the more light the glasses let in.

The lightest lenses have a VLT rating of 99%. He says that these glasses should be worn in the evening or on very cloudy days.
Yellow, amber lenses filter out Blue colour. Thanks to this, the image received by the eye becomes clear, shadows are accentuated. They are more suitable for dim days, but are considered universal because they can be used in any weather.
Red lens tints are even more suitable for cloudy days than yellow ones. They give a sharp image.
Gray lenses do not change the color ratio. In them you will see exactly the real picture, but with a reduced luminous flux in accordance with the VLT parameter.
Lenses dark colors– brown, bronze – improve contrast and at the same time remove excess light. Comfortable in bright weather.
Mirror reflective lenses have the lowest VLT. This means that they transmit little light. They are only good for sunny days and are absolutely unsuitable for cloudy and cloudy days.

Keep in mind that yellow-red lenses are the most versatile. They will be fine both at dusk and in very sunny weather. While dark and mirror lenses do not allow you to see well in medium and low light conditions.

Also pay attention to the presence of a polarizing (anti-reflective) layer on the lenses. Such lenses dampen reflections from glare surfaces, which is considered the ideal quality of any optics. However, it should be borne in mind that this property leads to a deterioration in the ability to distinguish soft snow from ice. Anti-reflective coating is not appropriate if you will be skiing on slopes with unpredictable snow quality. In addition to lenses installed directly into the glasses, many models provide the ability to change lenses to ones more suitable for current skiing conditions.

Lens curvature

In accordance with the curvature parameter, lenses are divided into flat (or cylindrical) and spherical.

“Flat” lenses have only a horizontal bend. As a result, the image may be distorted along vertical edges. This is especially true for cheap models. Otherwise they are quite good.

Spherical - have both horizontal and vertical curvature. They are slightly better than flat ones, but also, accordingly, more expensive.

Diopter lenses

Some manufacturers of ski masks (for example, Adidas) additionally offer to purchase lenses with diopters and a special clip for fixing them on inside frames Sometimes it is suggested to replace conventional lenses with lenses with diopters.

Compatible with glasses and helmets

If you wear glasses for vision correction, then a more convenient and budget option would be to purchase one of the OTG type ski masks. They are specially designed to fit over regular prescription glasses.

But please note:

Corrective glasses often fog up under a ski mask, and no anti-fog agents help;
In the event of a fall or other misfortune, corrective glasses may crack - there have been cases when people were injured in such cases.

Advice: Wear contact lenses while skiing. Most ski goggles are compatible with helmets. But everything must be tried on.

Rubber

When considering the question of how to choose ski goggles, you need to mention their weak point. These are not lenses or frames, but elastic bands. It is the fixing device that most often fails, simply stretching. Therefore, when choosing snowboard or ski goggles, pay attention to the elasticity and softness of the elastic band. The better it stretches, the faster it will stop performing its function.

Ski goggles are an important component of the equipment of all fans of skiing on snowy slopes, from beginners to professional athletes. Of course, in theory you can ride without them, but, as practice shows, nothing good comes of it. And it’s not even about safety (unfortunately, many people remember it last), but about banal convenience. After all, the vast majority of people come to the slopes for the sake of positive emotions. But when the wind is constantly blowing in your eyes, the sun is shining, or snow and ice chips are trying to get into your eyes, it is very difficult to enjoy the process.

Therefore, for all those who are going to try their hand at alpine skiing or snowboarding, there is no question: do they need glasses or not? Here a completely different problem arises - how to choose the most suitable model for yourself. In this rating we have collected 9 of the most best options, available on AliExpress. But before you buy the equipment you like, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with a couple of tips: they will help you avoid making a mistake in your choice.

The most important part of glasses are the lenses. They vary in color, material and type and all characteristics are significant in their own way. So, each color is designed for specific weather conditions, but dark shades (black, gray, gold) are more popular among riders. They are aimed at sunny and cloudy weather, which is what most non-professionals prefer to ride in. Polycarbonate is considered the most optimal material for lenses, since it best protects against impacts and mechanical stress.
Today, an almost mandatory condition for any model of glasses (including budget ones) is the presence of 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation(they are marked with a UV 400 mark) and anti-fog coating (eliminates the problem of lens fogging). The presence of other functions (advanced ventilation system, GPS location tracking, video camera, etc.) will undoubtedly be a plus, but you can do without them.
When choosing goggles for snowboarding, you need to look for options with a wide viewing angle, since this type winter entertainment is more demanding of good peripheral vision.

The best all-round ski goggles

4 MAX JULI BNC

Best price
Price on AliExpress: from 1283 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Below in the review we will mention the GOG-201 Pro glasses from COPOZZ. So, MAX JULI BNC in appearance is almost a complete copy of them (or vice versa, it’s difficult to determine exactly; most likely, both companies were inspired by some European brand). However, it is quite difficult to blame them for this - the mask looks quite elegant and at the same time has all the characteristics required of this segment. Judge for yourself: Anti-fog coating, 100% UV protection, replaceable system of lenses and straps (you can order several types of components and combine them depending on external conditions), compatibility with regular glasses for vision (special recesses are provided for ease of dressing - this function is marked with the designation OTG). The lenses are spherical in shape, so the natural width of view is limited to a minimum (which will especially appeal to snowboard riders). The fly in the ointment in this laudatory list is not the best frost resistance (minor fogging is observed even at -20 C).

3 NANDN NG3

Largest selection of colors
Price on AliExpress: from 1770 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

NANDN decided to rely on the widest possible range of color solutions. At the time of compiling the rating, 13 variations of frames and lenses were available for sale, and there are about 20 in total. The wealth of choice, in general, is the main advantage of this model. Regarding the other declared functions (ventilation, 100% UV protection, anti-fog, OTG compatibility, interchangeability of straps and lenses), buyers have no serious complaints, but any technical revelation is also not noticeable compared to cheaper analogues of competitors. The only interesting thing is that it has the smallest width (165 mm) of all the glasses presented in the category. For this reason, in theory, they should not look too huge on a person and hide half of the face, but in practice it is very difficult to see the difference.

2 VECTOR HB 108

Best Design
Price on AliExpress: from 1880 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

HB 108 from VECTOR is an excellent choice for those who value in glasses not only ergonomics and reliability in use (although there are no particular complaints about these features either), but also their appearance. At first glance, the completely uncomplicated futuristic design, together with the mirror coating of the lenses, in reality looks cool and stylish, and their dark blue version, in combination with some suitable helmet, will be suitable for cutting through the snowy expanses on alpine skis, and at the same time it will be appropriate, for example, for RoboCop cosplay at Halloween. The set of characteristics is standard for this segment, although reviews say that you need to be extremely careful with the lenses - without proper care, they are easily scratched and quickly get dirty. In addition, buyers note the presence unpleasant odor varying degrees sharpness (its origin is not known for certain, but the main suspicions are towards the glue). Compensation for the above-described inconveniences can be considered the storage case that comes with the kit (competing companies only include these in models starting from 2,000 rubles).

1 COPOZZ GOG-201 Pro

The best ratio of price and quality
Price on AliExpress: from 1520 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The COPOZZ brand has long established itself in the segment of sports equipment and accessories and is well known among those who do not want to overpay for European brands that are almost identical in quality. The GOG-201 Pro model in question is the most popular in the company’s range and has everything necessary to satisfy even demanding customers. The seller stated that the main material used double lenses made of first-class Italian high-resolution polycarbonate (he is quite likely being disingenuous, and in reality everything is much more prosaic, but in any case, there were no complaints about the quality of the material). There are several rows of ventilation holes, so there will be no problems with the flow of fresh air. Available on product page wide range colors of both the lenses themselves and the frames, each of the shades is accompanied by an explanation regarding light transmittance and recommended weather conditions. Customers are especially delighted by the ability to remove and replace lenses.

The best ski goggles worth up to 1000 rubles

3 Tree Better S400

The cheapest model with UV protection
Price on AliExpress: from 258 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The most budget option for ski goggles, which can be found on AliExpress. It’s worth making a reservation here: there are examples that are cheaper (some products are even almost twice as expensive), but unlike the Tree Better S400, we were unable to find reliable evidence that they were actually used while skiing or snowboarding (but a huge part buyers happily shared information about their use in the garage, during repairs, etc.). There are such confirmations regarding this model and the reviews about them are quite good. They protect from getting anything in the eyes, from the sun too, and for many, no other functions are needed. The entire line of colors is labeled as UV400 (100% ultraviolet protection), and one of the modifications even comes with polarized lenses (but you can hardly expect a significant effect at this price).

2 Skiing Eye Protection Goggles

The most versatile model
Price on AliExpress: from 309 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

A simple and unpretentious model of glasses in its design, which at the same time the designers tried to make as stylish and bright as possible. There is ultraviolet protection (according to the UV400 standard), and the body itself is made of lightweight rubberized material (which, on the one hand, prevents glasses from breaking, and on the other, ensures a comfortable fit, especially in the nose area). In addition, these glasses are extremely versatile - they will look good on you not only while skiing and snowboarding, but also when cycling, fishing, etc.

Judging by the reviews, the lenses used here are quite durable (made of polycarbonate) and in general the model is quite suitable for beginners trying their hand at some local urban slopes.

1 Winter Sports Snow Ski Mask

Favorable price for a full-size mask
Price on AliExpress: from 531 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Another interesting product from an unnamed Chinese brand. For a very affordable price (just over 500 rubles), the buyer is offered a full-fledged mask designed specifically for winter sports. Its main advantages lie in the design itself: such a mask completely covers a person’s face, which means it reliably protects him from snow, wind and other potential troubles. For more comfortable wearing inner part It is finished with special soft inserts, and the whole thing is attached to the head with a convenient adjustable elastic band.

To be fair, it should be noted that the original lenses here are not very reliable, made of a thin layer of polycarbonate, which, if used carelessly, quickly gets scratched and also fogs up easily. But here, as they say, the quality fully corresponds to the price.

The best ski goggles costing from 2000 rubles

3 EnzoDate LY49

Interesting design with a double lens system
Price on AliExpress: from 2039 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

If for some unknown reason you have a persistent intolerance to COPOZZ brand products, but are still looking for cool glasses premium segment (to the extent that such a formulation can generally be applied to goods from AliExpress), then the final choice is relatively small. And the LY49 model from EnzoDate is one of the few worthy alternatives to the above-mentioned monopolist.

Among its main features is an interesting design with the simultaneous use of two different lenses at once (neutral yellow lenses are additionally attached to the main ones, selected by the person independently based on the current weather). The whole thing is held on by magnets, with all the ensuing advantages and conveniences. The glasses themselves are also made of quite high quality (the seller claims their German origin) providing all sorts of standard levels of protection (from ultraviolet radiation, fogging, scratches, etc.).

2 COPOZZ GOG-201-Set

Best completeness
Price on AliExpress: from 2547 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The already familiar GOG-201 was equipped with an additional yellow-transparent lens (specially designed for riding at night or in cloudy weather) and a case where all this stuff can be neatly folded without fear that the equipment will get damaged during transportation. In principle, the entire set is easy to buy separately, but if you don’t bother looking for discounts and bonuses, it will cost a little more. Plus, there is a danger of getting something that is not exactly what you ordered, and the components will not fit together. In this case, such a possibility is practically excluded, since compatibility is specially checked before shipment. Many people have difficulty replacing lenses, but this is more a matter of sleight of hand and over time you can get used to it (or not).

1 COPOZZ GOG-2181-Set

The most convenient lens changing mechanism
Price on AliExpress: from 2800 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

Having heard a lot of complaints about the “hellish mechanism for replacing lenses” in the GOG-201 model, the guys from COPOZZ decided that they needed to get rid of the problem radically and released GOG-2181, identical in completeness and in their characteristics, but with one important feature - the lenses are held on by magnets. Thanks to this, the process of replacing them will not cause difficulties even for a child. The magnets themselves are very strong and reliably hold the structure together (numerous positive reviews from those who have tried the glasses actually indicate that there were no incidents during accidental falls or collisions - the lenses always remained in place). Therefore, GOG-2181 is perfect for those who want to collect a whole arsenal of color filters for different situations and be able to quickly change them.

Any athlete with minimal skiing experience will confidently say that 50% of successful skiing depends on the selection of equipment. And here we are talking not only about the selection of skis and poles, but also about the purchase of a ski mask. There are also some nuances of choice and purchasing features. Which goggles or masks for skiing are considered the best, and which models should you refrain from purchasing?

General information about glasses and masks

A ski mask protects a person not only from bright sun rays that can interfere with successful skiing, but also from pieces of snow, ice and strong wind. It will help preserve your vision and avoid injury due to loss of visibility.

Many beginners try to save money on buying glasses by purchasing the cheapest models, which not only have questionable quality, break quickly, but can also cause eye disease, since they will not protect against UVA and UVB radiation. This is why professionals immediately purchase good, expensive glasses that will serve their owner for as long as possible.

Which is better, glasses or a mask? Glasses are becoming increasingly popular these days, but there can be one serious problem with them. The fact is that it is problematic to choose glasses that fit perfectly without causing discomfort in the bridge of the nose. But the visibility with a mask is much better and can be worn with regular glasses.

Another serious question that most often arises among novice athletes is the difference between goggles for snowboarding and a model for skiing.

The main difference lies in the fact that snowboard masks give a maximum viewing angle, since this is very important in the sport itself. And if ski masks sometimes provide minimal visibility, then this is not a problem, because when skiing, the most important thing is to see what is in front of the athlete. In the case of a snowboard, a person must have the widest possible viewing angle to avoid the possibility of injury.

Now there are many categories by which masks and glasses are chosen. First, you need to list these categories, and then you should focus on the most important of them. How to choose a mask or goggles for snowboarding? What to look for Special attention when choosing a mask for alpine skiing?

On the quality of the lenses, and this is perhaps the most important criterion.
For size, shape and frame.
On the quality of fit to the face.
Check for ventilation and compatibility with the helmet.
Lens and filter selection

Lenses

There are masks on the market now with one and two lenses, fastened to each other. Masks with two lenses are much more practical and reliable, because they help reduce fogging of the model, improving visibility.

It's great if the lenses have coating antifog, since this is what helps prevent the mask from fogging.

Lens shape. Good lenses usually have a spherical shape, that is, they are concave not only horizontally, but also vertically. This allows for much less distortion of the visible image. To reduce distortion, lenses are often made different sizes, resulting in them being thicker in the center and thinner on the sides.

Filters

The color of the lenses is also important - the filter. For example, models with black lenses are ideal for riding in sunny weather, but models with blue or clear lenses are suitable for cloudy days or evening riding.

Special polarized lenses are considered one of the best. They have a small grating on the surface that allows only vertical light waves to pass through, which reduces the amount of glare from snow and ice.

Particular attention should be paid to filter type. What kind of filters are there?

Transparent, suitable for night skiing, transmits up to 98% of sunlight.
Dark brown version, transmits up to 10% of light.
Pink filter allows 59% of light to pass through, improving depth of field.
The yellow filter, best suited for bad weather, transmits 68% of light.
Gray, improves depth perception even in the sunniest weather, transmits 25% of light.

Antifog

It was already mentioned above that many manufacturers to reduce fogging glasses, a special liquid called antifog is applied to the lenses. It absorbs moisture so quickly that it does not have time to condense on the lens.

This anti-fogging system is considered very effective, but with it Do not wipe lenses from the inside, otherwise this very coating can be damaged. If a person accidentally damages the antifog coating, the glasses will quickly become unusable.

Ventilation

Very important characteristic when choosing a mask, it is the presence of ventilation. It will be great if the ventilation is regulated, which means that a person will be able to remove accumulated excess moisture outside. Now there is a simple ventilation option, which is holes in the mask, with the help of which air circulation is carried out. This system is a little inconvenient, because too large holes let in a lot of cold air, and therefore, using a mask brings discomfort to skating.

And yet, much more popular are the models in which it operates small fan on batteries. Its operation can be adjusted, thus creating ideal wearing conditions. If ventilation works well, a person may be pleasantly surprised complete absence fogging.

Face fit and perfect fit

During the purchasing process it is important try on a mask, securing it correctly. If the model does not pinch anywhere, does not put pressure on the bridge of the nose, then you can purchase it, because it fits perfectly in size.

You also need to pay attention to the shape of the mask, because it must provide viewing angle at least 120 degrees.

It is very important that the mask fit tightly to the face, there were no gaps between the surface of the model itself and the skin. If there are such gaps, the mask will allow cold gusts of wind to pass through, and this will also cause discomfort. It is especially worth checking whether the nose slot does not interfere with normal breathing. If a person feels discomfort, it is better to refuse to buy a mask.

Shape and frame

Now they allocate three frame options:

Children's with adaptation to children's face shape and size.
Women's are slightly smaller in size than the general ones, which take into account the average size of a woman's head.
General is perhaps the most popular option for masks.

The frame itself on masks should be thin, but the lenses must be attached securely. This is why frames are usually made from practical polyurethane terpolyurethane. This material retains flexibility and strength even with large temperature changes.

The mask itself usually has a slightly rounded shape, and also involves the use of a well-stretchable strap. Strap It should be perfectly adjustable, fit snugly to the head and not cause discomfort. The inside of the mask should have a soft layer, usually foam rubber, which improves the fit of the model and softens the impact of a fall.

Helmet compatibility

It is important that the mask also fits perfectly with the helmet. That's why you can take a helmet with you to the store to actually check the quality of compatibility.

The mask should fit snugly to the helmet, not dangle or fall off. The safety of the mask and its condition often depend on this. If the model does not attach well to the helmet, if it does not lock onto it, then it is better to refuse the purchase.

If a person wears glasses that improve vision, then he should purchase special masks that allow him to wear them over his glasses. Such models are usually more expensive, but they are very convenient to use.

Mask care and instructions for use

Since the ventilation system and especially the lenses in such ski masks are sensitive, it is important to know rules, helping to extend the life of any model.

You can wipe both the inner and outer surfaces of the lenses only with a special optical cloth included in the kit.
After use, the mask should always be thoroughly cleaned of snow and ice, dried, and then stored warm.
The mask should always be stored in a special case, as this prevents the risk of mechanical damage to the model.
It is very important to thoroughly clear the ventilation system of snow and ice before they harden, otherwise the mask itself will begin to fog up heavily, which will increase the risk of injury when skiing.
Many experienced skiers advise always having two masks with you. If one becomes unusable during the ride, a person can always continue the journey without risk to his health.

The most important The rule here is to always wipe the lenses with the cloth included in the kit, do not try to clear them of snow with anything you can get your hands on. Lenses are very sensitive to external influences, and when improper care, the mask can quickly fail.

Top 5 best mask manufacturers

Of course, when selecting models, experienced skiers also pay attention to the manufacturer, knowing which of them have proven themselves well on the market. So, which manufacturers are considered the best, and which masks will meet all customer requirements?

Ski goggles from the brand have proven themselves to be excellent Uvex. (average price 2000-3000 rubles)
Masks are popular Dragon.(average price 5-8 thousand rubles)
Ski goggles from the manufacturer will also be an excellent choice. Oakley. (average cost 3-6 thousand rubles)
Masks Anon are relatively affordable (average cost 3-6 thousand rubles)
Marker is another popular manufacturer of quality masks. (average cost 5-8 thousand rubles)

How to choose a mask - video

Let's now watch a video where they will tell you how to choose the right ski mask, what filter to use and how to care for it.