Ski goggles with double glass. Ski goggles. Mask care and instructions for use


Goggles are a necessary attribute for skiers and snowboarders. Many people choose them by 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 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 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 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:

  1. If you are just starting to ride, you should rather opt for entry-level goggles.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 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 riding. Most 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.

Ski mask(glasses) are an absolutely necessary element of a skier’s equipment. 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 everything also 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 - 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!

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, 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.

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 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 that my personal experience will help you choose the right one ski equipment, which, in turn, will allow you to get maximum pleasure from skiing.

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. That is why professionals immediately acquire good, expensive glasses, which 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 should you pay special attention to when choosing a mask for alpine skiing?
  1. On the quality of the lenses, and this is perhaps the most important criterion.
  2. For size, shape and frame.
  3. On the quality of fit to the face.
  4. Check for ventilation and compatibility with the helmet.
  5. 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 models.
  • 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- another popular manufacturer 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.

Optical glasses are one of the oldest inventions of mankind. Glasses on a skier's eyes are a problem that requires, at a minimum, attention. Of course there are a number radical solutions- from surgery to all kinds contact lenses. The trouble is that many don't care various reasons, these solutions are not suitable: surgery is expensive and scary, lenses are not always comfortable, require excessive attention, can cause allergies, and in some cases do not help. In the end, someone is simply not too young, is used to wearing glasses and does not want to change anything - a person has a lot of fundamental rights that no one is inclined to forget about.

And more from personal experience: I consider an appropriate helmet as a mandatory part of equipment when any skating. This, of course, creates some additional difficulties in selection, but health, as they say, is more expensive.

What glasses are suitable for wearing under a mask?

Frame

The title photo clearly shows that, compared to the size of the face, the glasses are quite small. From an aesthetic point of view, it is quite doubtful. From the point of view of selecting a mask, it is optimal - there is a minimum of problems with combining dimensions. The frame is made of titanium wire - minimum weight with maximum strength and flexibility. Not a single sharp corner. The frame completely covers the lenses - this design minimizes the risk of impact. The funny thing is that it was bought on sale at one of the network opticians for absolutely ridiculous money.

Lenses

Obviously, to reduce weight, strength and safety, the lenses should be plastic. The most common lens material today is polycarbonate. It may have different brand names. Size matters. If you ride aggressively, especially if you “go the line”, the requirement for correct distance assessment and reading the terrain become paramount. Excessive lateral visibility in this case is rather harmful. The obvious benefit of lenses of a small area is that they can be quite thin without the use of special technologies, and their shape is relatively simple (biconvex, concave).

For the same reasons of optical correctness, I would not recommend all kinds of bifocal, progressive lenses for sports driving. There is nothing to read on the highway. Safety and safety again!

Alternative

Normal people not only “cutting down landmarks”. Sometimes they just go for a ride to beautiful places in companies, with friends and loved ones, with children, for whom, as you know, you never have enough eyes. In order to provide maximum visibility, large area lenses are needed. Obviously, problems with optical aberrations (distortions) begin at the edges of the field of view. To minimize them, special laboratory lenses with greater curvature are used. Obviously, such lenses (in case of myopia) will have fairly thick edges. They are quite durable. To reduce weight, it makes sense to use frames with lenses attached with a special fishing line. Their strength is more than enough (tested). The safety of the structure in case of impact is ensured by flexible nose supports.


Large glasses also require masks of sufficient volume.

Is it possible to do without a mask completely?


Of course. Especially if you ride slowly, on prepared slopes... Having done this once in a snowstorm, they usually begin to carry the mask with them - you can get a whole range of sensations...


Exception

For me personally, Oakley optics stand out completely. It would seem like a simple massive frame... which, as it feels on the face, weighs nothing, thanks to the peculiarity of the fit.

The sum of fantastic protection and absolute optical correctness is not easy to achieve. Both the frame and the lenses are strongly curved, fitting as closely as possible to the face. Aerodynamic elements direct air flow into the ventilation windows. Custom lenses are manufactured in the Oakley factory. Made from proprietary Plutonite plastic. Expensive. And no distortion.

Photochrome

Have you noticed that in one picture the lenses are almost black, and in the other they are transparent? This is a photochromic coating. In common parlance - a “chameleon” - changing shade depending on the level of UV radiation. A very convenient thing. If the lenses are not “left-handed”, in addition to the shade, the degree of light transmission actually changes. Having a photochromic filter on the glasses, we take a mask with minimal darkening - enough for conditions from night skiing in the Moscow region to spring skiing in the Elbrus region. Verified.

Flip-up System

Experience shows that the surface of lenses with a photochromic coating is scratched much more than a regular transparent one. And the cost often goes beyond reasonable limits. An alternative to photochrome is the Flip-up System. The tinted shield can be raised or removed completely.

OTG masks


Ski mask CEBE INFINITY OTG WHITE YELLOW top

Regardless of the brand, color, type of filter... a mask designed to be worn over glasses must have some additional volume in order to accommodate these same glasses. Externally, this is clearly visible; if you look at the mask from above, you will see a clearly angular shape. These "corners" are where the eyeglass frame hinges are placed. It is also obvious that compared to the standard one, the OTG will have a greater thickness, indented from the face.


Ski mask CEBE INFINITY OTG WHITE LIGHT ROSE

From small details: in the seal (seal) of the mask there will be special slots on the sides for the temples of glasses.

I categorically do not recommend, even with a small face volume, center-to-center distance... experimenting with putting on standard masks over glasses. The hinge of the frame will rest on the light filter and the pressure of the glasses on the nose will be in anyway.

Selection


You can wear optical glasses permanently, you can only wear them for riding. In most cases, with the most in different forms and frame sizes, the OTG mask will fit normally over the glasses.

Much more important:

    how the mask fits into the helmet; Will the helmet move the mask with the goggles inside?

As a rule, by the time you select a mask, you already have optical glasses (at least everyday glasses) and a helmet. Even if you don’t have glasses when you try them on, it’s not a big problem. It turns out that the position of the lower edge of helmets varies. Since the helmet is not a soft cap, it is not always easy to adjust its position optimally. And in general, selecting and fitting a helmet to the head is akin to similar procedures with ski boots. True, boots can be adjusted to a wide extent using bootfitting methods... which cannot be done with a helmet.