Ski goggles category 3. Ski goggles as the basis of equipment. Mirrored ski goggles

The main winter entertainment is skiing. It's wonderful to walk down a sparkling snowy slope from a mountain on a sunny, clear day, enjoying fresh air And wonderful nature around. But few people think about the fact that when skiing in winter, we do not replenish our health, but, on the contrary, sometimes we lose it. Especially when we forget that ski goggles- required attribute good rest Outdoors. They will protect our eyes from bright light, strong

Wind, snow blowing in the face, and sometimes from tree branches and from a sharp tip will help protect your eyes from eye burns, the so-called “mountain blindness.”

But this ski accessory will only be useful if in its choice we are guided not only by fashion trends. To choose the right glasses for winter recreation, you need to know some selection criteria.

The first thing you need to pay attention to is that they must “sit” correctly on your face. Do not press, do not squeeze your face, do not make breathing difficult, be comfortable and comfortable. The edges of the mask are usually protected with foam rubber so as not to harm the skin.

We must not forget about the possibility of side viewing. After all, goggles are worn not only by skiers, but also by snowboarders, for whom a wide view is very important.

It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of ventilation channels or holes so that air under the mask does not accumulate, but is well ventilated. Such channels are usually located around the entire perimeter or on top.

If you are a real skier, then you definitely have a helmet. So, ski goggles should only be tried on together with it and selected so that the mask fits easily onto the helmet, but at the same time fits tightly and does not fly off the face. The belt, which is usually well adjusted, stretched and fixed, will help you adjust your glasses.

Those who have ski goggles need to choose them so that they can fit corrective lenses. Skiers with good vision insert ski masks into double lenses made of polycarbonate. This material does not scratch or break, protects well from ultraviolet rays and reduces glare on the snow.

To reduce visual distortion, masks use lenses of different thicknesses. But before you buy ski goggles, mandatory it is necessary to check whether they accurately display the surrounding objects. This is easy to verify if you look at a tree, bench or something else through glasses moved 30-40 cm away from your eyes.

The color of such lenses may vary, because each of them is designed for certain weather conditions. It is best to buy glasses with gold, amber or yellow lenses. They perfectly neutralize sunlight reflected from snow and are comfortable in foggy or cloudy weather. Dark lenses are usually used in very bright and active environments.

m sun, and colorless ones - for riding at night.

If you want to buy ski goggles, please note that they must reflect more than 95% sun rays. IN mountainous area ultraviolet light is reflected even from stones, and in bad weather its strength does not change. The danger of eye burns is especially great at altitudes of more than 2 kilometers. Category 4 goggles are used to ride at this altitude.

Different lenses have different purposes, which means you need to have two masks or a mask with a set of different lenses. And then skiing from the mountains will bring real pleasure! Although it’s worth protecting your eyes in winter even in your free time from skiing.

For those who have been riding for a long time alpine skiing ah, there is no need to tell you how important and why they are needed ski goggles, 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, and mechanical damage from 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.

Main detail ski goggles- this 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 famous 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.

Every experienced skier or snowboarder knows how to choose ski goggles wisely, how much skiing comfort increases with them and how much the likelihood of injury is reduced. However, the criteria for choosing ski masks are unknown to novice ski lovers. What should you focus on when purchasing?

Options for choosing ski masks

Wanting not to spoil your vision and protect your eyes from negative external factors, you should use further guidance.

Polycarbonate lenses

Don't skimp on high quality polycarbonate lenses. Any error in lens production implies distortion, especially in ski areas where there is a high probability of excessive amounts of blue color. Then the skier rushing down the slope faces the most tragic consequences. This is why lens quality is so important! When producing high-quality lenses, maximum precision is taken into account; the base material is polycarbonate, which has a filtering effect on intense blue-violet rays.

The polycarbonate lens is impact and crack resistant. Any mechanical impact in the form of snow, the smallest fragments of ice, tree branches, the neighboring tip of a ski pole - will not cause any harm if the eyes are reliably protected. The basis of the polycarbonate lens is high-quality optical plastic, which is quite popular due to its characteristics. Japanese manufacturers have taken care of complete safety the negative influence of ultraviolet radiation, so visually invisible. Otherwise, the eyes would react to an increase in UV intensity by constricting the pupil.

The principle of protection is significantly different between cheap plastic and high-quality one. In the first case, the pupil dilates, because it reacts to a decrease in ambient light, resulting in unhindered penetration of UV rays directly to the retina. As a result, a burn occurs, sometimes retinal detachment occurs, and vision function is impaired or another serious eye disease develops. The degree of blackout, the color of the lens, the mirror coating on it have nothing to do with protection from ultraviolet radiation, which is determined by the characteristics of polycarbonate - filtering blue light, blocking the penetration of ultraviolet radiation.

Double lenses

Any model of mask is equipped with lenses directly with the layer; their design is based on creating a comfortable heat limit. This explains the resistance to fogging of glasses. Cellulose propionate with double-sided Anti-Fog coating is a special component of the inner lens. Impact-resistant carbonate combined with a protective surface treatment against scratches are the materials used to make the outer lens. There are models with the addition of ventilation micro-holes in the lenses, the purpose of which is to increase air circulation and prevent fogging of the lenses.

Features of lens colors

Features of lens colors. Orange, yellow and pink are good to use to reduce the flow of ultraviolet radiation. This helps to increase color contrast, improve the clarity of object boundaries and uneven lines. In foggy, cloudy weather or insufficient lighting, the relief lines of the descent are better perceived by the skier.

Smoke lenses reduce the light pressure directly on the eyes in bright light, often found at mountain altitudes.
Clear lenses are perfect for riding in the dark or in artificially lit areas. They have nothing to do with reducing light intensity.

Mirror-coated lenses provide additional eye protection from intense light. The high-tech coating is based on a composition of chromium, titanium and silicon, which ensures resistance to dirt and all kinds of scratches, and a long service life.

TPU frame

Such a frame will be a light and reliable shield around the eyes, without causing discomfort to your vision. The material is easy to paint, allowing developers to apply a variety of paints to it. In addition, TPU is always flexible and durable regardless of temperature fluctuations.

The elastic properties of the three-layer jacquard strap are maintained even during periods of prolonged and strong stretching. In some models, you can adjust the tension on both sides of the strap, thus individually adjusting the location of the clasp and the length of the strap itself. The simplicity and convenience of the fastener design allows it to be used with gloves.

Gasket fittings

The hypoallergenic foam fittings of the pad have open cells that promote air access and moisture absorption. The production of gaskets involves 2 technologies:

“triple layer”;
thermoforming.

At the end of the process, the finished product has a comfortable fit directly to the face due to the mixed thicknesses of the anatomical relief in the nasal and temporal areas. Three different layers (patterns) make up a “triple pad”, which contributes to a comfortable feeling and reliable fixation of ski goggles on the face.

Ventilation system

The principle of operation of the ventilation system is a limited supply of air flow under the mask; in this situation, the eyes are not affected, but only the internal lens is blown, thereby eliminating fogging. There is single and double ventilation. In the first case, the air is ventilated through the corresponding channels of the mask frame. Dual venting involves adding vents directly to the top area of the lens to increase airflow. All vents have a foam filter layer that blocks out tiny particles of ice, water droplets and snow flakes.

Storing glasses

Storing ski masks in a personal bag protects them from contamination and unexpected damage to the lenses. Sold complete with safety glasses for long shelf life.

What kind of ski goggles to buy and the necessary care for them

First of all, you should feel as comfortable as possible in your ski goggles and have a tight fit to your face without any gaps.
If you use a protective helmet when skating, try on the mask directly with the helmet.
Depending on the riding conditions, select a mirror coating, if necessary, and, most importantly, the color of the lenses.
You should not move your ski mask onto your forehead, because touching a steamed forehead has a direct bearing on its fogging.
If there is no need for a mask, a protective bag will serve as its storage place. Under no circumstances use a pocket or pouch to carry ski goggles, otherwise you risk damaging the lenses with foreign elements.
Avoid hitting ski masks against hard objects.
Do not leave ski goggles in places where people could sit, lie down, or step on them. The result is obvious.

How to remove stains from lenses

First, wash the outer surface of the lenses with warm water, then wipe dry with a clean cotton napkin.
The inside of the lenses is not wiped to avoid damaging the properties of the specially designed Anti-Fog composition, which protects it from fogging.
The use of gasoline, kerosene and chemicals, as well as ammonia solvents are strictly prohibited.
Natural drying or a warm air flow - a hand dryer - are ideal for ski masks.
Heating devices - heating systems, convectors, radiators, as well as microwave ovens, are not suitable for drying a ski mask.
Wear glasses only as intended! Driving or skydiving is strongly discouraged.

Note

So, we have looked at the features of a ski mask, how to choose it, the selection options and the main prohibitions. Remember about the intended purpose of ski masks; use them strictly for the safety of comfortable skiing.

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 appear snowboarding and alpine skiing use larger goggles, 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 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 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 a well-known brand 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 dimming the brightness of snow and sun is of fundamental importance for a skier, the most important indicator is the visible light transmittance (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.

In terms of its beauty, alpine skiing can only be compared with diving: only at the top of a mountain or at the depths of the sea does an athlete experience those stunning “cosmic” landscapes that most people see only in the movies. “This is space,” say skiers who find themselves on the slope on a piercingly bright sunny day. And just like a diver needs scuba gear, and an astronaut needs a spacesuit, a skier needs a mask: it protects his eyes and saves him from falls. Today we will talk in detail about how to choose the right mask, how different models differ, what the cost depends on, and, of course, we will choose the 10 best ski masks and snowboard goggles.

First, let's understand the terms. There is no difference between the names snowboard goggles, ski goggles and ski mask. Both of these involve a mask - a lens on a strap that is worn on a hat or helmet.

Sometimes there is confusion with the name Electric snowboard goggles. It may seem that these are some fashion glasses with “electricity” – heating or enhanced ventilation. Masks with such functions do exist (from serious brands like Smith Optics), but they are not called electric. In the case of Electric snowboard goggles, we are talking about the name of a popular brand from California. The Electric company produces sunglasses, ski masks, watches and clothing, taking into account the latest fashion trends and in different price categories - perhaps that is why the interest in the brand is so high.

Is it worth overpaying for a well-promoted brand of ski goggles?

I’ve been skiing for more than 10 years: I started with alpine skiing, then I switched to snowboarding. From my own experience, I can say that the best equipment is the one that is tailored to you, in which you are comfortable - and here the brand and price do not matter. For several years in a row I skied in old ski boots, bought almost at a second-hand store. I liked them, but I knew that these boots were “wrong”: not a single ski pro would approve of them. As a result, I bought new boots, which I had already chosen, following the recommendations - with foot measurements and in a ski rack. But, alas, they did not pass the test on the slope! I never got used to tight boots, and the thought of their high price only deepened my dislike. Maybe that's why I eventually switched to snowboarding?

The same thing can happen with glasses. If you sweat a lot while skating, then glasses for 15,000 rubles. they will fog up just as hopelessly as glasses for 1500 rubles. Alpine skiing is by no means cheap - you can spend hundreds of thousands of rubles on full equipment. If this is not part of your plans, then, in my opinion, it’s not worth overpaying for glasses. First, ride in simpler glasses and formulate your complaints, and only then, if necessary, look for a branded model. Have a fogging problem? Forced ventilation glasses are required. Not happy with the contrast? Try, for example, Oakley glasses with Prizm technology (this technology is indicated in the lens color column, like Oakley Men's Airbrake XL Snow Goggles (~17500rub).

These goggles are endorsed by Olympic downhill champion Lindsey Vonn, and the company even has a model named after the athlete - the FLIGHT DECK™ XM LINDSEY VONN PRIZM™ SNOW GOGGLE. Lenses mute unwanted colors in the spectrum, making the picture more contrasty. However, this does not eliminate the need to change filters, so for a mask for 10,000 - 15,000 rubles. you will have to buy at least one more lens. If you don’t do this and use the wrong filter, the image will still not be perfect. So, before you shell out about 25,000 for a branded mask, try a simpler option that may be best for you.

Rules for choosing a ski mask

Choosing the best ski or snowboard goggles, especially for the first time, can be very difficult. If you prefer skiing rather than extreme sports, then perhaps there is no point in spending money on expensive models from famous brands Oakley, Smith, VonZipper, Anon, Spy for 15,000 rubles or more. At the same time, critically evaluate offers less than 1,500 rubles. The lens of such masks may be of poor quality: it is easy to scratch, fog up and, worst of all, distort the image. In this case, you risk damaging your vision or falling when you hit an unexpected obstacle.

No less significant is the question facilities– you should be comfortable. No pressure on the nose or other parts of the face is allowed. If you ride with a helmet, your forehead should be completely covered (together with the mask they form a single unit).

In the photos in online stores, ski masks look very beautiful: bright colors, shiny mirror lenses. However, remember that in the mountains the sun, wind, frost and snow will test your strength. You won't be able to shelter from bad weather in the metro or shopping center, so you can't choose ski equipment based on design.

If you cannot afford a model with several replaceable filters, it is better to buy the most versatile brownish-orange filter, rather than blue or black, for example (suitable only for bright lighting). As for mirror lenses, they are good only in sunny weather and are not very suitable for gloomy gray days.

You chose it, tried it on, but the mask is in doubt? You don’t need to convince yourself: “I’ll go down a couple of times and get used to it.” Most likely, after the first 50 meters on the slope, you will indignantly throw off the uncomfortable mask and stuff it further into your pocket, never to wear it again.

We understand the intricacies of how to choose ski goggles

Here we will discuss lens characteristics, fogging and ventilation, replacement filters, photochromic and polarizing lenses, lens shape and viewing angle, special models for glasses wearers and women's and children's masks. And, if you can't wait, skip straight to the Top 10.

Lens characteristics

The quality of a ski mask primarily depends on the lens. Most lenses are made of polycarbonate - this is a durable, lightweight, frost-resistant plastic that will not break even with a strong impact. The only point where polycarbonate is not up to par is optical clarity, i.e. complete absence any visual distortion. There is no limit to perfection in this area, so many manufacturers are experimenting with a polycarbonate base and offering their own types of lenses (Oakley calls its lenses Plutonite, the Smith Optics brand Caprbonic-X). A potential competitor to polycarbonate is Trivex material. Its optical clarity is said to be better than polycarbonate (due to the higher refractive index of light passing through the lens). However, Trivex is not yet used in mass production of ski goggles.

The good news is that today almost all ski masks have lenses with full ultraviolet protection (this is indicated by the designations 100% UV Protection or UV 400). Moreover, they protect completely regardless of the cost and color of the filter: even a transparent polycarbonate filter will save your eyes from harmful radiation. Thus, if you are faced with a dilemma: buy an inexpensive model or not buy it at all, there is an additional argument in favor of the purchase. Finding yourself in the mountains on a sunny spring day without eye protection is very dangerous. The bright light reflects off the snow and literally blinds the rider, causing a burn to the cornea (“snow blindness”).

Fogging and ventilation

For ski mask manufacturers, anti-fog is as rich an area for innovation as optical clarity. Today there are even heated ski masks that run on a small battery (for example, lenses from Abom have a heat-conducting layer). The Smith Optics brand offers models with a built-in battery-powered fan that completely evaporates moisture. At Aerospace from Julbo, you can move the lens for ventilation. The disadvantage of such models with forced ventilation is the high price (10,000-15,000 rubles) and some cumbersomeness (you need to place the battery somewhere, monitor the battery charge, take care of the wires). However, Abom glasses are charged from a USB cable, and the charge lasts for three hours (price from 15,000 rubles). The company calls its lens heating system “electronic anti-fog technology.”

To be fair, let’s say that many ski masks have a passive ventilation system, which is quite sufficient. Through special holes in the body, oncoming cold air pushes warm air out of the mask, so the lens does not fog up. In addition, manufacturers apply a special Antifrog coating to the lenses, so it is not recommended to wipe them with a rough cloth. It has been noted that double lenses prevent fogging, but models with a single lens are only suitable for ultra-high-speed descents.

Life hack: if, after going down the slope, you want to warm up in a cafe, take off your mask before entering and let it dry on its own (due to the temperature difference, it will definitely fog up). To reduce fogging while riding, you need to lower your body temperature: unzip the zippers, remove a balaclava or an extra sweater. If you ski in dry, frosty resorts, then the problem of ventilation is unlikely to be relevant for you.

Replacement filters

Ideally, each type of weather and lighting should have its own filter (lens color). In practice, this is impossible to do: firstly, the weather in the mountains is extremely changeable, and constantly changing filters is inconvenient; secondly, each brand has its own line of colors and corresponding recommendations, although in fact everything is very individual. Perhaps the only objective criterion in this matter is the level of light transmitted by the lens (VLT - Visible Light Transmission). Manufacturers indicate VLT as a percentage - from 0 to 100. The higher the indicator, the more light the filter lets in, so on a dark evening, for example, you can ride with glasses with VLT 90% and yellow lenses, and on a sunny morning you should choose smoky filters with VLT 10 %. With modern ski masks, the process of changing lenses is as simplified as possible, so many riders buy two filters to change them right on the slope.

Photochromic lenses (chameleons)

These magical lenses do not need to be changed: they themselves adjust to the light level. The filter darkens in bright sun and brightens in the dark. However, those who have worn prescription sunglasses know that “chameleons” are very slow. When entering a room from a brightly lit street, you need to wait a few seconds before the glasses brighten. The situation is the same with ski photochromic lenses: it takes about 20 seconds to adjust. For freeriding or riding in wooded areas where light alternates with shadow, this is too long. But if you don’t go off the beaten track, you can try glasses from Julbo - the French brand specializes in “chameleons”. There are different models of glasses from Julbo, for example, small and light Women's Luna Ski Goggle (price ~ 11,500 rubles) or large Julbo Universe Goggles with Zebra Lens (price ~ 14,000 rubles).

Lens shape and viewing angle

Sometimes the shape of the lens has a significant impact on comfort. If there is “milk” on the slope - the ground merges with the sky due to the snow swirling from the wind - wearing a mask with a cylindrical (flat) lens becomes uncomfortable, you get the feeling that it limits the viewing angle. At the same time, wide lenses are not always a plus. The image may become distorted around the edges, making it more difficult to see. Therefore, convex ones are considered to be of higher quality. spherical lenses, which seem to repeat the shape of the eye. As a rule, spherical lenses are more expensive than flat ones.

Life hack: it may seem that the larger the mask, the less likely it is to get frostbite on your face. In fact, when there is wind and frost, the tip of the nose freezes the most, which in any case sticks out from under the mask. To avoid frostbite, you need to ride in a balaclava.

Polarized lenses

This is another factor that affects the price. Polarized lenses are famous for the fact that they not only save you from the blinding sun, but also eliminate glare, increase contrast and image clarity. This is why polarized lenses are often chosen by amateurs aquatic species sports: everyone remembers how bright it shines in summer water surface. As for alpine skiing and snowboarding, polarized lenses are not always useful, because it is not always sunny in the mountains.

Such models are designated by the abbreviation OTG (Over the Glasses). There is additional volume inside and there may be a special adapter to which you need to select lenses. Of course, choosing an OTG mask is more difficult than a regular one: you first need to carefully measure the frame. In addition, the problem of ventilation is aggravated. If other riders at your ski resort are simply fogging up their masks, then your mask and goggles will also fog up. In this case, a forced-air OTG model (such as the Knowledge Turbo Fun OTG from Smith Optics) will help.

Women's ski goggles

Most modern ski masks have an adjustable strap, so they are suitable for men, women, and teenagers. As you already understood, you shouldn’t focus on color: a brutal snowboarder in a bright pink mask is a completely normal occurrence on the slope. The main thing is that the filter matches the weather conditions. When I was choosing glasses for myself, I considered models with two filters included, which seems to me the most convenient option for amateur skating. For example, such models include the Oakley Airbrake Xl 2018 (~ 17,500 rubles), which is sold with two filters: a colored mirror lens for sunny days, and a transparent one for gloomy days.

TOP 10 ski masks and goggles for snowboarding

Here we have collected 10 best models from 1000 to 5000 rubles, which are suitable for different skiers and snowboarders: for wide and narrow faces, cheap and not so cheap models, magnetic lenses and filters with technology borrowed from NASA. And in the TOP there are also glasses from Marilyn Monroe’s favorite brand and a mask with forced ventilation for the “hottest” riders.

Ski mask with UV protection

This mask is designed for those who rarely go out on the slopes and do not have any special requirements for glasses other than UV protection. The design is the simplest - a non-replaceable lens, a plastic frame, and an adjustable strap. There is no ventilation system. Like all cheap models, the foam inside is single-layer, but contains cotton, which slightly reduces fogging. Sbeedo can be a useful accessory while riding, but at the same time it is not dangerous to lose or damage it.

Budget snowboard goggles

A very budget option, but it nevertheless managed to deserve good feedback from buyers. It is hardly different from those worn by the “grandmothers” and “grandfathers” of alpine skiing - there are no innovations in winter optics here, and there is not even the ability to change lenses. Some buyers note the poor quality of the foam rubber (polyurethane) inside. However, let us pay attention to the fact that the mask has not flat, but double spherical lenses, which are considered more advantageous for skating. In addition, manufacturers guarantee 100% UV protection and there are holes for ventilation. Traverse offers its own light level scale (VLT), based on which you can select a filter from 8 to 100% (from transparent to dark).

Mask for those who wear glasses

Glasses classic shape with an open dark frame, quite versatile - again due to the traditional design - and lightweight. The lenses are not removable, but inside there is an unusually high-quality three-layer fleece and polyester lining for the price. The model is suitable for people with narrow face, as well as those who wear glasses.

The best option for men

A wide, large mask that would probably fit men rather than women (please note the measurements in the product description). The spherical lenses have a REVO coating that “redistributes” the light. Ski optics borrowed this technology from NASA: in 1985 it was developed to protect windows spaceships. REVO lenses make the image more contrast and clearer, and also filter part of the spectrum. This is necessary because the blue-blue shades that predominate in cloudy weather create a flat picture - the relief details simply merge. Buyers acknowledge that these lenses have high optical clarity, but the main complaint is the passive ventilation system, which is not enough for the hottest riders.

Spherical mask with mirror lenses

A spherical mask without an outer frame that does not limit peripheral vision. Mirror lens, high optical clarity, adjustable, detachable strap. Inside there is a passive ventilation system - small holes for air circulation. The design allows you to change color lenses depending on the weather, although you will have to buy a second lens, since it is not included in the kit. You can choose lenses with gold, black, red, blue, green or clear filters with VLT from 7 to 25% (optimal for sun and partly cloudy skies). Some riders even manage to wear this mask along with goggles.

Mask - "cat's eye"

French brand Bollé has been producing sunglasses since the 1950s. It was this company that invented the famous glasses " cat eye“Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly loved such elongated lenses. In 1960, Bollé launched the first line of ski goggles and today offers a variety of models in price range from 2800 rub. Carve Snow Goggles have double lick and double foam padding inside. There are holes for ventilation, and a special coating protects the lenses from fogging and scratches. Although the Bollé brand does not specialize in ski equipment, the company has been producing lenses for more than half a century, so it can guarantee a certain level of quality.

The most versatile model in the mid-price range

One of the most versatile and functional models in the price range up to 3000 rubles. Mirrored spherical lenses, magnetic fastening for quick filter changes and sufficient volume for riding with glasses (OTG). The shape and adjustable strap are suitable for both adults and teenagers. Most often, owners of these glasses are dissatisfied with glare, but, as we have already said, only polarized lenses, which are more expensive, can cope with them.

Wide angle glasses

In addition to the REVO coating, there is the possibility of changing filters. Wide-angle spherical lenses do not obstruct peripheral vision. Especially for extreme sports enthusiasts, DROP BALL technology is used, which provides additional strength and is FDA approved. The three-layer coating on the inside provides a snug fit and protects from wind.

Model with double spherical lens

Zionor's double spherical lenses are attached using magnets, so changing filters will only take a couple of minutes. The owner of this mask is unlikely to resist buying replacement lenses, because the manufacturer offers as many as 17 options of different shades and VLT levels. If you ride in any conditions and don't wait for warm sunny days, you can choose the right filter for each weather situation. Thanks to its panoramic design, it provides a wide viewing angle without distorting the image on the sides. Inside, unlike cheap analogues, it has thick three-layer foam rubber. By the way, this model looks quite massive, so it may not be suitable for people with narrow faces and teenagers.

Old school design

Each brand with history has its own feature - for SCOTT it is ski poles. It would seem that it is impossible to come up with anything new here, but SCOTT succeeded. The company developed the world's first aluminum poles in 1935 and has maintained a reputation as a master of ski equipment for 80 years. The SCOTT mask is equipped with a battery-powered forced ventilation system. Double spherical smoke-colored lenses provide good visibility in cloudy weather. In addition, the interior is double lined and the silicone Velcro strap ensures a perfect fit under the helmet. For a price of 2800 rubles. There are many advantages, although it does not have a function for changing filters.