Ski goggles: how to choose and buy. Ski goggles as the basis of equipment. Dragon dxs fw16 mask

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, anti-ultraviolet coatings, which makes them stand out in separate species goggles for skiers.

Most people who like to show off snowboarding and alpine skiing They 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 this category is referred to as ski goggles.

Focus on price

If you want to know how to choose mining ski goggles, and what to focus on first, then the most accurate 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 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, the general rule applies: 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 snowboard goggles or skiing, then 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 and amber lenses filter out blue light. 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 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 conditions with medium and low light levels.

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 the inside of the frame. 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 riding. Most mining ski goggles Helmet compatible. 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.

Release large quantity A variety of new ski and snowboard goggles is a huge cause for celebration, so choose the right ones and wait for the snow to fall. The latest models feature a new design style - companies are now releasing more frameless models, which makes it easier to change lenses on the fly. These removable lenses and sleek rimless designs often don't add anything new to the glasses themselves, but if they're so popular, who are we to criticize them?

Finding the perfect ski goggles is simply impossible. Some cannot be worn without a helmet at all, others are suitable only for those skiers who descend during the day and want more eye protection so as not to lose their vision from glare. You can vote for very strong, unbreakable models, while others buy only one appearance. Therefore, in order not to make a mistake with your choice, consider the list of five best ski and snowboard goggles, which we have compiled for you.

Zeal HD2 – glasses with camera

Pros: built-in viewfinder
Cons: expensive

If you want to capture the entire descent from your point of view, then a regular camera is not the best tool for this. And the problem is not even that you will have to ride with a tripod tied to your head, you can simply damage your delicate and expensive equipment. Of course, you will have to pay a little extra, but in the end you will get good ski goggles with a built-in camera that can track your gaze. Not only will they save you from losing footage, but you can also ride as much as you want and wherever you want without worrying about your device. The large buttons on the side panel (which, by the way, are very easy to press even with gloves) are much simpler and more convenient to use compared to the OG HD lens. Moreover, the built-in camera is anti-fog and works with different lenses, allowing you to shoot in different lighting conditions.

Price: 21,000 rub.

Bolle Mojo – a bargain

Pros: inexpensive
Cons: poor ventilation at high speeds

If the glasses are good, then they are really good in any conditions, but if not, then you are facing blind descent down a hill with unforeseen consequences. Mojo is one of those glasses where you can save some money while still getting a quality seasonal product. They are just regular, sturdy glasses with anti-glare coating - nothing more. The vintage style of the frame allows air to flow through, which creates ventilation and fights fog (by the way, this frame is one of the cheapest, which cannot but affect the overall price of the product). What's more, these goggles work well in both bright light and night light, so you can go skiing at any time of the day without the fear of hitting a tree. Therefore, if you need simple glasses without unnecessary features and for little money, then this is exactly what you are looking for.

Price: 1000 rub.

Anon M2 – to see is to be convinced

Pros: improved optical performance
Cons: not suitable for everyone

Glasses Anon It is produced by the same company that produces Burton snowboards, so there is no doubt about their quality. The M2 made a splash when it debuted and has remained popular ever since. These glasses have improved optical characteristics, in particular, the Wall-to-Wall system, in which the frame has minimum dimensions. You will be able to see everything clearly and clearly, without the need for binoculars. To expand the viewing angle and radius of vision, the glasses use spherical lenses, so you won't lose sight of any detail. They're curved like human eye, therefore, they allow you to avoid those optical illusions that occur in snowy areas. True, they have a specific style, which most likely will not appeal to everyone.

Price: 10,000 rub.

POC Lobes – miniature and minimalism

Pros: Suitable for people with small faces
Cons: no interchangeable lenses

Most ski goggles are designed to either have a large skull or be worn over a helmet. If you have a small head and are looking for small glasses, then POC Lobes will be the best choice for you. The minimalist style is sleek and pleasing, and the image clarity is so good you'll forget you're wearing glasses. The accessory has a limited belt length, so it is not suitable for everyone, but only for those with a small head. The glasses have darkened lenses, so you won't have to change lenses or glasses in bright light. And the unisex style and several colors to choose from make the goggles a great accessory for skiing or snowboarding.

Price: 5500 rub.

Smith Optics Sentry - Maximum Protection

Pros: excellent protection
Cons: Slightly limited vision range

Goggles are probably the most important thing when going downhill (well, besides warm socks, of course), so you can't skimp on this essential item, otherwise it could end up costing you huge medical bills and expensive medications, or even completely make him disabled. Since Smith specializes in both protection and visibility, it's no surprise that they offer you wide choose products in the mid-price category with excellent characteristics (of course, you won’t get premium glasses with big bells and whistles, but you won’t find regular basic ones either). The goggles have mirrored lenses that combat glare and UV penetration during descent, giving you a better idea of what exactly you're seeing and where exactly that object is (though it's worth noting that the viewing range is slightly limited). The wide strap and easy adjustment are ideal for both beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders looking for easy-to-use goggles.

Price: 2000 rub.

Paruta Irina

There is no need to tell someone who has been skiing for a long time how important ski goggles are and why they need them, so this article is not for them. It is for those who are just about to conquer peaks and speeds. A novice skier must first of all remember that ski goggles are not a decoration or a tribute to fashion, they are a purely functional piece of mandatory equipment, and the approach to their selection should be appropriate. This means that before you buy ski goggles, you should evaluate their practical features and only then their appearance.

What should you know when choosing? Firstly, it protects the eyes and face from snow crumbs, ice, branches, mechanical damage in case of falls and impacts. We should not forget that the fastest non-motorized sport, and even a banal hit of a piece of ice in the eye at speed can result in a fall with the most unpleasant consequences. Therefore, ski goggles must have the shape of a mask that fits tightly and comfortably to the skier’s face. The mask should not interfere with free breathing or block the materials from which the ski goggles are made must be light and at the same time durable, and the entire structure is reliable. You should pay attention to the possibility of adjustment and adjustment, as well as the general quality of the elastic band of the glasses, because it will have to be constantly adjusted and stretched greatly when putting it on the helmet.

The main part of ski goggles is a transparent plate, or lens. Of course, it is impossible to determine by eye what it is made of, so here you should trust the inscription on the label, which means you need to buy glasses only from well-known manufacturers with an excellent reputation. But what can and should be determined by eye is how transparent the lens is and whether it gives distortion.

In addition, you need to know in what conditions the skiing will take place. The color of the lenses depends on this. After all, ski goggles are also designed to protect your eyes from the sun, which is very important on bright white snowy slopes. There are a lot of filters, but since these recommendations are intended for beginners, the most suitable for them would be a yellow filter, which is considered universal and suitable for riding in any acceptable lighting conditions.

Of course, so that the skier does not lose visibility during the descent, the glasses must have ventilation and protection against fogging. To do this, there must be ventilation holes around the entire perimeter of the mask. Their shape, location and quantity are specially calculated, and this is another reason why you should purchase equipment only from a reputable manufacturer. A little thing like fogging may seem insignificant to a beginner, but he should think about the fact that in between descents the mask periodically rises onto the helmet and cools, and when it is lowered again onto a hot face, it can easily fog up and blind the skier rushing towards him. high speed. Another rule worth mentioning here is that you should never wipe inner surface do not touch the lenses with a handkerchief, much less with your hands, as you can easily damage the special anti-fog coating.

I hope mine personal experience will help you choose the right ski equipment, which, in turn, will allow you to get the most out of your skiing.

Ski goggles are an important piece of equipment for skiing and snowboarding. They can make or break your time on the mountainsides, as excellent visibility in such conditions is key. Others important factors The main considerations in eyewear are comfort, breathability, durability and, of course, style.

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 sandwiched together to prevent fogging, glasses with UV protection and anti-reflective coating. Photochromic lenses, “chameleons”, masks with replaceable filters and glasses with polarized glass.

Other than color and style, there is no significant difference between the men's and women's models. The same can be said about masks and goggles designed for snowboarders or skiers. Although there is an opinion that for people who snowboard, the mask should have a greater angular view. And of course, men's models are available in large sizes.

Criteria for choosing glasses for alpine skiing and snowboarding

The choice of glasses for skiing depends on several factors, including:

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 are curved not only horizontally, but also vertically, from the forehead to the nose. You can spot them right away because they have a “bubbly” appearance.
Peripheral vision. The wider the mask, the better its side viewing angle. This is important to prevent collisions, which are especially common when merging multiple tracks.
Blinding, harsh light and distortion. The best ski goggles have special coatings that can reduce glare caused by sunlight reflecting off snow. Distortion is caused by imperfect lens quality. It should be noted that spherical lenses reduce distortion due to their shape.
Anti-haze. General rule, the further the face shield mask is from the face, the less fogging there will be. The “fogginess” 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.
Replaceable lenses. A 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 feature like this you can quickly change your lens.

Video about the rules for choosing mining ski mask:

General selection rules for colored lenses (filter)

There are ski masks with photochromic lenses“chameleons” that adapt to the light intensity; the filter darkens or brightens depending on the brightness of the sun. This is an excellent purchase for those who often ski in different conditions. For other points the following rules apply:

Yellow, gold or amber glasses filter out blue light and emphasize the 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.
The 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! Using polarized lenses reduces glare and protects your eyes from UVA and UVB rays.

Review of manufacturers

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

Smith Optics. Smith Optics has been making ski goggles for over 50 years, they were the first to create goggles with double glazing with sealed thermal lens. Dr. Bob Smith is an orthodontist and skier. I experienced the “skiing problems” myself, got tired of foggy glasses and, as a result, created the world’s first glasses with double glass. Smith Optics is not the latest in a long line of quality ski goggles. But the products of this brand are an excellent option for any skier or snowboarder, regardless of level and ability. These glasses are durable and comfortable, and their lenses combine both anti-glare and anti-fog qualities.
Oakley. The brand was founded by James Jannard in 1975 in his garage with an initial investment of $300. In 1980, Jannard released a glasses model called the O-Frame with the Oakley logo featured on the strap. Their latest and greatest offering to date is the O2 XL glasses. These glasses have a unique design that gives excellent visibility, especially in side vision, allowing peripheral vision to clearly see people and objects. These goggles have a triple layer of polar fleece lining that will continue to function even after a full day on the slopes. They will still remain comfortable and impeccable. Those who wear Everyday life goggles will appreciate the frame cutouts that allow them to be worn comfortably, unlike most other ski masks and goggles. They are great for any ski helmet.
Dragon. Firm American origin engaged in production safety glasses 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 masks, as well as sportswear and accessories. Ski sunglasses from this manufacturer combine bright design and the latest scientific developments.

Rating of the best ski masks and goggles

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

Oakley A-FRAME 2.0 FW MASK

Price: from 9900 rubles

Triple fog protection and excellent air exchange distinguish this model from many similar products. F3 Anti-fog coating and double lenses with an air gap will prevent the mask from fogging up even with severe weather changes. The optics are highly accurate, and the ultraviolet filter has a 100% protection rate.

Oakley A-FRAME 2.0 FW MASK

Advantages:

Durable anti-fog coating;
Microfleece has 3 layers and perfectly absorbs moisture;
Polaric Ellipsoid lenses are ANSI Z87.1 quality standard.

Flaws:

High price.

Oakley O2 Xm mask black

Price: from 7890 rubles.

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

Oakley O2 Xm mask black

Advantages:

The model can be combined with glasses for people with poor vision;
Triple fleece lining guarantees moisture absorption;
Excellent UV protection.

Flaws:

Among the shortcomings, one can highlight the female comment about the color of the model.

МSmith Knowledge OTG

Price: from 7048 rubles.

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

МSmith Knowledge OTG

Advantages:

The model has a QuickFit strap with an adjustable buckle system;
Ventilation has an anti-fog effect;
Replaceable lenses have been created for the model;
The mask is compatible with glasses for people with poor vision.

Flaws:

The Smith Optics brand is poorly represented on the Russian market and choosing the right model is almost impossible.

MASK Dragon Rogue FW17

Price: from 5900 rubles.

The product is durable and has a spherical lens to ensure general view without distortion. The strap fasteners are flexible, allowing the mask to be easily combined with the helmet. Three layers of foam and a microfleece cover provide a soft fit to the skin, and the Super Anti-Fog coating will prevent the product from fogging.

MASK Dragon Rogue FW17

Advantages:

Protection against active ultraviolet radiation is 100%;
Polyurethane frame;
Spherical lenses have correct optics.

Flaws:

The mask is available only in medium size and is suitable as a women's 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 only difference is the price and dimensions. Here the size is even smaller, so the model can serve not only women, but also teenagers.

MASK Dragon DXS FW16

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

Model size;
General design.

Other models have similar qualities, but at a higher price. Therefore, if you do not want to overpay for a “brand”, then you can choose this choice. But it is worth remembering that the survey was conducted among people who do not practice alpine skiing as a regular pastime. This is more of a choice for beginner athletes, but professionals or experts should pay attention to more “famous” brands.

Which ski mask did you like it?

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

Oakley A-FRAME 2.0 FW 44%, 28 votes

МSmith Knowledge OTG 28%, 18 votes

06.10.2017

Errors in selection

Making a mistake when choosing ski equipment means wasting your money and vacation time. To avoid mistakes, you should listen to the following tips:

When buying a ski mask, focus your vision on one object and turn your head in different sides. If the object disappears from the field of view, such a mask is unlikely to provide good review on the slope.
The feeling of discomfort will never go away. Therefore, if there is even the slightest inconvenience, it is better to change the model for another mask.
The nose opening should allow free breathing without blocking parts of the nasal cavity.
A strap of good length is the key to correct 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 try it on the helmet directly.
The mask should not slip, fly off, rub or press. If at least one of these qualities is present during fitting, it is better to look for another model.
Colliding with a tree, rock or 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. This is one of the leading causes of injuries and accidents. It's hard to overstate how important good visibility is on snowy slopes.

Equipment care

Ski equipment has high cost and is used in a variety of conditions. Therefore, caring for it is a prerequisite for safe skating. Ski masks require attention even more than regular glasses with diopters, and the following rules should be followed:

Never wipe the lens from the inside. This can erase the protective layer that works against fogging.
Store the mask only in a special bag. Usually it comes with the product.
Drying glasses is carried out only in natural conditions away from heaters.
While riding, do not raise the mask to your forehead to avoid contact with inner side sweat.
Transportation of equipment must avoid impacts or contact with cutting objects.
At the right conditions storage and care, the ski mask will serve for a long time and will not cause discomfort to its owner.

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

You might also like:

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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 ski goggles cuts off part of the color spectrum, so the snow no longer appears as 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:

You need to try on your ski mask together with your 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 provide 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. Blue color, predominant in the spectrum, conceals 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 - enhances depth perception in the most sunny days, up to cloudy weather.
Transparent - for riding in dark time days 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!