Ski goggles with replaceable lenses. How to choose the right ski goggles. Is it worth overpaying for a popular brand of ski goggles?

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?

Find the perfect ones ski goggles It's 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 are bought only for appearance alone. 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, which take place 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

Majority ski goggles designed for the fact that you either have a large skull or you will wear them 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 glasses have mirror lenses, which combat glare and ultraviolet light penetration during the descent, these optics give you a better idea of what exactly you are seeing and where exactly that object is (though it is 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

Correctly selected equipment for a ski resort is the key to a pleasant and comfortable experience. active rest. Glasses play a very minor role. The glare of light reflected from the snow can be so harsh and bright that it can turn skiing into agony. Snow and wind also cause a lot of inconvenience, which can end ski trips early.

You need to select glasses individually, based on:

possible weather conditions,
desired service life,
selected time of day for riding,
own preferences.

It is important that the glasses have 100% protection from ultraviolet rays - this is, first of all, your health. Let's look at the top 10 ski points rating.

The American manufacturer has long established itself in the market for selling ski equipment, in particular glasses. The company's specialists constantly surprise sports fans and athletes with new designs and additional functions. The presence of replaceable lenses allows you to ensure maximum comfort in all weather conditions. Double lenses of the models and their treatment with antifog reduce fogging of the glass.

Oakley ski goggles

Optical lenses produced by Oakley are popular not only among professional athletes, but are also widely used in the military and space industries. Additional lenses can be purchased without the slightest difficulty, as they fit any model of this brand.

The main advantages are:

Possibility of replacing the filter as operating conditions change.
The use of high-quality material allows us to ensure perfect fit and compatibility with .
Wide view thanks to spherical lenses.
Using a 3-layer fleece seal.

Among all the advantages of this brand, perhaps one can be noted possible disadvantage- This individual feature, lens intolerance.

You can buy Oakley ski goggles at price range from 6 to 10 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Salice

If your goal is not only to wear high-quality, but also stylish glasses, the best range is presented by the Italian manufacturer Salice. All details are thought out in such a way as to make it as comfortable and beautiful as possible.

Ski goggles Salice

Main advantages:

The design of the frame allows you to change the temples to elastic bands.
The inside of the frame is covered with a double layer of velvet, which provides good shock absorption and increases comfort.
Double filter and special anti-glare coating.

Flaws: Polarized lenses are not suitable for everyone due to individual eye sensitivity.

The price ranges from 3–6 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Uvex

The production of glasses for the ski resort brand Uvex is carried out in Germany. The main goal is to provide professional athletes and simply outdoor enthusiasts with safe equipment parts.

Uvex ski goggles

Advantages:

The ability of lenses to create the appearance of space with a clear relief without distortion.
Good tolerance to large temperature fluctuations.
The presence of a special coating that prevents damage to the surface of the lenses.
Automatic change in lens darkening different conditions lighting.
Quick lens replacement thanks to magnetic base.

Flaws:

Not everyone can find a comfortable fit.
Insufficient lateral visibility.

You can buy Uvex ski goggles from 4.5 thousand rubles. up to 12 thousand rubles, this is the average price of the most popular models.

Ski goggles (masks) Carrera

These are universal optical glasses that are suitable for both leisure and sports. A wide range will allow you to choose a model for of different ages and your own preferences.

Carrera ski goggles

Main advantages of the brand:

Polarizing filters prevent glare from penetrating. Mirroring gives a stylish look.
The comfortable strap buckle allows for a good fit for people with glasses to improve their vision.
The use of a special ventilation system that regulates air flow prevents glasses from fogging up.
Thanks to the spherical shape of the lenses, the view is transmitted as distortion-free as possible.

Flaws:

Not all models are suitable for use with helmets.
Carrera flexible goggles with a soft fit can only be used with a helmet from this manufacturer.

Cost from 1.5 to 3.5 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Alpina

Shopping range of glasses for skiing German manufacturer Alpina received a high level of trust from users. Lenses have high degree UV protection and infrared radiation. Well suited for extreme sports.

Alpina ski goggles

Advantages:

Turbo ventilation is resistant to temperature changes, prevents lenses from fogging and protects against moisture on inside.
Diamond coating provides good protection from scratches on lenses and condensation.
The use of special orange filters ensures good visibility in fog.
Due to the bending of the lenses, panoramic visibility and excellent lateral visibility are ensured.

Flaws: perhaps a high price, as for amateur skiers.

The average price of ski goggles is 6 - 15 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Smith

Smith ski goggles

Pros of Smith ski goggles:

The use of a special membrane between the filters ensures leveling atmospheric pressure at high elevations and prevents terrain distortion and condensation.
Protection from ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Frame flexibility to fit perfectly with helmet.
Possibility of changing lenses.
Applying a special anti-scratch coating.

Flaws: Lenses are not universal, they should be selected for each specific model.

Average price 5–10 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Dragon

Dragon glasses take pride of place among lovers of active skiing and extreme sports. The American company uses the latest technologies in the production of equipment elements. A frameless, modern design model has been created for its customers. It is very stylish and also provides a good side viewing angle. Developed modern technology anti-fog coating of lenses, which allows you to maintain crystal clarity for as long as possible, even in extreme conditions.

Dragon ski goggles

Advantages:

Using a hypoallergenic microfleece lining with two layers of foam, which provides good grip on any type of helmet and fits snugly to the face.
High technology lens coatings ensure long-term use of glasses.
The use of cylindrical double filters provides good visibility and a wide overview.
Special anti-fog coating.
Polyurethane elastic frame.

The disadvantages of a brand can be identified during operation, when the capabilities of the glasses are not met with the conditions of use, or the correct model is chosen.

Average price 4 - 8 thousand rubles.

Less popular among athletes, but they have found their fans, are the models of ski goggles represented by the following brands.

Ski goggles (masks) Scott

A company with an American brand positions itself as a worthy participant in the competitive sporting goods market.

Scott ski goggles

Advantages of ski goggles from the American brand Scott:

Use of hypoallergenic foam seal.
Anti-fog double lenses made of polycarbonate.
100% UV protection.
Convenient lower frame fastening that does not create pressure on the bridge of the nose.

Flaws: Replacement lenses are not always available.

The average price of such an item of equipment is 5 - 9 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Bolle

The French ski goggles company provides a wide range of products for men, women and children. Bolle produces a variety of eyewear designs and colors that can highlight the style of any athlete. The product has the ability to successfully combine cost with needs. This is exactly the option when the glasses are both high quality and comfortable.

Ski goggles Bolle

Advantages:

100% protection from ultraviolet rays.
Using bright, fun prints.
Comfortable soft elastic bands that allow you to easily adjust the fit of your glasses.
Acceptable prices.

Flaws. It is unlikely that such ski goggles should be chosen for professional athletes and fans of extreme sports. They quickly lose theirs protective properties under conditions of frequent use. The use of bright lens colors and their combination can cause pain in the eyes due to different refractions of light.

Among the prices for the most popular models are from 1.5–4 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Sinner

Sinner glasses are a Dutch brand that cares about quality and design along with affordable prices. In its technology, the company uses lightweight carbon lenses, rubberized clips to prevent slipping, and UV protection.

Ski goggles Sinner

Main positive characteristics:

Nice design.
Good technical characteristics that meet the necessary requirements.
Due to the increased space behind the lenses and easy mounting, it is convenient to use with glasses.
A special membrane does not create pressure on the temples.

Flaw. Not very durable. The coating wears off during the first 2–3 years of use. The result is scratches and insufficient protection from sun glare.

You can buy it for an average of 2–3 thousand rubles.

When choosing ski goggles, you need to remember the following:

If you purchase a ski set with goggles, check whether additional lenses are available. It is better to purchase all the components at once, since it is unknown how long the manufacturer will complete and offer this model of glasses for sale.
If equipment is purchased for use on an ongoing basis - important factor there will be stability technical characteristics. As practice shows, cheaper options quickly lose their protective properties: the transmission of ultraviolet rays increases, scratches and abrasions form on the lenses.

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 all the time, or you can wear them only 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.

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 reliable criterion will be their cost. The cost of glasses ranges from $30 to $150.

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

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

Here are some tips for choosing glasses based on price:

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

Lenses are the main element of glasses

If we want to know how to choose 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. The higher the value, the more light the glasses let through.

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 of 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 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 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 weakest 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.

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 may be a problem with them. serious problem. The fact is that it is problematic to choose glasses that fit perfectly without causing discomfort in the bridge of the nose. But the visibility with a mask is much better and can be worn with regular glasses.

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

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

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

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

Lenses

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

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

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

Wipe both internal and outer surface lenses can only be removed using 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.