How to choose the right ski goggles. Ski masks. Face fit and perfect fit


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 of 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 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.

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

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 one ski equipment, which, in turn, will allow you to get maximum pleasure from skiing.

It would be fair to say that ski goggles or a mask are as important a component of a skier’s (or snowboarder’s) equipment as his skis (board) with boots. It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, everyone needs ski goggles for any type of winter activity in the mountains. Glasses or a mask protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays. On high altitude their strength is significantly higher, especially if you take into account the reflection from the snow. And, of course, glasses for skiing Protect your eyes from falling snow and wind when you're flying downhill.

When choosing ski goggles or a mask, you will be faced with a number of characteristics that affect comfort and safety. Most eye injuries from skiing high mountains associated with the lack of glasses (or a mask) or with a poor choice of them.

Ski goggles or mask? IN English version distinguish between ski glasses and sunglasses - ski glasses and Sunglasses. Probably due to the peculiarities of translation English word glasses - a ski mask is often called glasses. But in this material we will talk specifically about glasses (although many characteristics also apply to masks).

For skiing, it is advisable to buy sports sunglasses; not all urban models are suitable. Ski goggles fit better under a helmet and, like masks, come with interchangeable lenses. Let's look at the main characteristics sports glasses.

Ultraviolet radiation is the main reason to buy ski goggles. Therefore, we will start from this point and we will dwell on it in detail.

Ski goggles against UV radiation

Depending on the wavelength, UV rays are divided into three types - A, B and C. For us, only the first two are dangerous.

UV radiation B (range 280-315nm)

It has a relatively low intensity, but has a strong impact. It is those rays that, in small doses, provide us with a bronze tan, can cause burns to the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye. This can cause temporary loss of vision (“Snow Blindness”) and a number of other problems in the future. At high altitudes and in snowy conditions, the risk of getting a burn increases significantly.

UV radiation A (315-390m)

Initially less dangerous, however, rays of this type can penetrate deep into the eye and negatively affect the lens and retina. Long-term exposure to UV-A radiation can lead to, for example, cataracts and macular degeneration, which are the most common causes of age-related blindness.

The degree of exposure to UV rays depends on a number of conditions, including:

    Height above sea level. In the mountains, ski goggles become not just a stylish accessory, but a necessary piece of equipment. The duration of your stay in open space. Times of Day. The intensity of radiation depends on the height of the sun above the horizon. Maximum level, as a rule, happens between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Snow-covered surfaces or expanses of water strongly reflect the sun's UV rays.

In cloudy weather, ski goggles are also necessary. Clouds are not an obstacle to the passage of UV rays, so their intensity does not decrease in cloudy weather.

Considering everything listed factors, it becomes clear that leisure In the mountains, in all respects, it requires the presence of high-quality ski goggles or other sports models with similar parameters.

Filters in ski goggles



Filter material in ski goggles


Despite the fact that glass is the most scratch-resistant and has the best optical transparency, it is not acceptable in sports; if dropped, such glasses can break and damage the eyes with fragments. Glass goggles are more acceptable in mountaineering, where impact resistance is less important. Lenses of almost all modern ski sunglasses made of impact-resistant plastic. Most of polycarbonate. It has good optical transparency and low weight. Most often, polycarbonate is used in the production of ski masks.

More wearing masks high level used polymer NXT - polysilicate quasi-thermoset plastic. This material has extreme impact-resistant properties - such lenses are almost impossible to break. Ski goggles with NXT filters are distinguished by higher optical transparency than polycarbonate, which is as close as possible to glass, and in addition, it is resistant to low temperatures.

These materials absorb 100% of UV rays, providing excellent eye protection even with a clear filter.

Filter darkness level


Sunglasses manufacturers offer lenses for various conditions varying degrees darkness. For consumers, this characteristic is indicated in accordance with the table below. As ski goggles we recommend using models with values ​​S2 - S4(sometimes a marker is used cat - category). The brighter the sun in the mountains or the more sensitive your eyes to light, the more sunglasses will suit you. An excellent solution for changeable weather and terrain will be photochromic lenses with variable degree of darkening.

    S 0 Extremely low level protection. Recommended for use in cloudy weather or in the evening, under artificial lighting for example. S 1 The S1 filter is designed for riding in low light conditions, at dusk or in cloudy weather. S 2 For riding in conditions of average solar activity. Cloudy weather and partly cloudy. S 3 For high solar activity. In clear, sunny weather. They protect well from incident and reflected light. S 4 For riding in conditions of very high solar activity. For example, in the highlands.

Filter color

The color of the filter can affect the perception of the real world. The most popular filters for ski goggles are yellow-orange, bronze and black.


Black lenses and shades of gray - The most common tinted lenses. They block glare, reflect bright light and sun without distorting color perception. They are uncomfortable in cloudy weather and artificial light.


Bronze/amber/pink- provide excellent contrast on a white background, improving the perception of snowy terrain with shadow areas on a mountain slope. Ski goggles with such a filter will help you distinguish surface unevenness. A filter with a brownish tint is good for bright colors. solar conditions, and lighter colors for low light conditions, as they block blue light, dominant in cloudy weather.


Yellow/Orange/Golden colors cut off the blue part of the spectrum to increase contrast and increase the depth of perception in different conditions lighting, making shaded areas of the slope better visible. Ski goggles with such a filter increase contrast and provide maximum clarity in low and “flat” lighting (cloudy, poor visibility).

Photochrome


The weather in the mountains is very changeable, especially with changes in altitude. At the top of the mountain the sun may be shining brightly, but on the way down you will find yourself in a cloud. If you want to buy ski goggles for all occasions, we recommend paying attention to goggles with a variable filter - photochromic. People call them chameleons. Depending on the light intensity, ski goggles change the degree of darkness, providing the eyes with a comfortable level of visibility in different conditions. Photochromic ski masks have long been very popular.

Polarized ski goggles


Polarized lenses protect your eyes from sunlight reflected from the snow. Acting as a vertical light filter, such lenses are capable of increasing the level of clarity and contrast of the picture much more effectively than simple mirror lenses, or in other words, the presence of a polarizing filter improves the optical component of the perception of reality. Typically, polarizing filters have dark shades and are not very good in the afternoon when there are long shadows on the snow, but during the day they are second to none. Polarized ski goggles are ideal for winter sports, reducing eye fatigue. Polarized lenses can absorb up to 98% of glare reflected from snow or water surfaces.

Polarized glasses are also very popular among lovers of water recreation. These same glasses will become a favorite accessory in the car; the glare of light reflected from the wet road and reducing the contrast can seriously bother the driver.


polarized ski goggles increase contrast

Mirrored ski goggles


The mirror coating of the lens allows no delay visible light, but to reflect. It also reduces the amount of glare reflected from the snow surface. Dark lenses combined with a mirror coating provide maximum protection against sun rays.

Ski goggle frames


Eyeglass frames are most often made of plastic, nylon or metal alloys. The frame of sports glasses should be as durable, lightweight and non-slip as possible. The most suitable for sports models are plastic and nylon, lightweight and flexible materials that make the frame more streamlined for a tight fit to the face. Frames made of synthetic materials in ski goggles practically do not break, returning to their original position after deformation. Plastic ski goggles can have a significantly larger viewing area, while providing lateral protection from glare and incident light.

Metal frames are initially harder, can become brittle in the cold, are less amenable to molding, and therefore have design limitations.

Ideally, your ski goggles should have a lightweight frame; they will provide greater comfort during long-term use during the day.

The ends of the temples in ski goggles should be made of soft plastic or rubber. The shape of the frame is as anatomical as possible, the arms are curved for better fixation on the head. Often sports glasses imply the possibility of using an elastic belt instead of the arms or together, passing behind the athlete's head, they guarantee a constant position even during freestyle.

Pay attention to the fit; ski goggles, in addition to protection from sun rays, also provide protection from wind, which is especially important if you wear contact lenses. The tighter the goggles fit on your face, the better the side protection, the more comfortable you will be riding. Some models of sports glasses include additional removable elements that are placed on the temples.

All people have different faces, forehead height, width and length of the bridge of the nose. It is possible that glasses from one manufacturer will not suit you, but from another they will fit like a glove. Try it on different models to make sure your ski goggles fit you optimally.

Why are cheap ski goggles bad and even dangerous?

    How well do cheap ski goggles protect against ultraviolet radiation? It should always be remembered that for the human eye ultraviolet radiation- only a damaging factor. Often, it is much better to be without glasses at all than to use bad optics. In bright sunshine, your pupils adapt, narrowing and protecting the retina from UV rays; however, covered with dark glasses, the pupils, on the contrary, dilate. Because of this, the risk of getting a retinal burn in the bright mountain sun increases. In the event of a serious fall, glasses made of cheap plastic can break and injure your eyes. The same can happen with the frame.

It is worth noting that all ski goggles from leading manufacturers provide almost 100% protection against UV rays. However, if you decide to buy ski goggles from an unknown manufacturer at a low price, be sure to check this option.

The NovaSport company offers high-quality ski goggles at competitive prices. We work with wholesale and retail customers and guarantee impeccable service.

Range and features of ski goggles

In the online catalog you will find masks from the Italian brand Salice, German brands Uvex and Trans. These ski goggles have the following advantages:

  • provide reliable eye protection from ultraviolet radiation and mechanical damage during skating thanks to special light filters and protective coatings;
  • have a good ventilation system, which prevents lenses from fogging;
  • securely fixed on the face and head using silicone inserts and straps.

We offer ski goggles for children, women and men. Masks have different sizes and shape, which allows you to choose a model to suit any face type and riding style. The products also differ in design. For example, Trans's assortment includes many stylish masks in unusual colors.

On our website, any ski goggles can be ordered wholesale and retail. To do this, add products to your “Cart” and place an order or contact the manager by phone.

Ski goggles are products that will provide increased clarity and protect your eyes from accidental impacts from branches, as well as the sun and simply unfavorable natural conditions. When riding in bright sunny weather, the lenses must cut off at least 95% of ultraviolet rays. Modern manufacturers offer wide choose masks for every taste, which differ not only in design and color, but also in size, shape and degree of protection. For a specific case, you should choose a specific model in accordance with certain parameters.

Consider the filter color

Ski goggles should be selected in accordance with the likely weather, terrain and skiing characteristics. For different weather conditions, special lenses are selected that provide visibility in different conditions. The main thing is to choose the optimal filter, the shades of which will convey colors as efficiently as possible, protecting your eyes and preventing their fatigue. The more light that is blocked by the glasses, the less damage will be done to the eyes. In low light conditions, glasses should be of maximum capacity.

The main thing is to sit

Ski goggles should not only look beautiful, but also fit perfectly on your face. They should fit tightly to the skin so that the wind does not blow and the eyes do not water. There should also be no pressure on the cheekbones or pinched nose. That is why you should choose models that have a comfortable frame. To ensure a comfortable fit and reduce the risk of injury, the frame is supplemented with multi-layer anti-allergenic foam. It does not cause irritation to the skin, and at the same time serves as reliable protection from snow and wind.

The seat, that is, the slot for the nose, must correspond to the width of the nose. The main thing is that ski goggles do not make breathing difficult. The strap should be adjustable without putting pressure on your head or dangling around it. If you also wear a helmet, then you need to try on glasses with it.

Visibility - wide, ventilation - high quality

The actual parameter that plays a role when choosing glasses is the viewing angle, including the peripheral one. To choose the right glasses, you need to perform a series of simple movements: put on a mask, place your palms at eye level on the sides of your head. We look in front of us - if you can see your palms with your peripheral vision, then your visibility is sufficient. The peripheral viewing angle should be at least 120 0 - the most comfortable ski goggles meet this parameter.

How to choose a model in terms of its ventilation? This feature prevents the glass from fogging up due to temperature differences. To avoid the formation of moisture, a special composition is applied to the lenses. Sometimes installed double lenses, supplemented by an air gap between them. Another way to avoid the formation of condensation and fogging is special openings that are equipped with mini fans.

If an athlete's vision is impaired, special ski goggles are suitable for him. How to choose? Pay attention to diopter lenses - they are marked with the abbreviation OTG. These glasses either increase the internal volume or have an adapter for special lenses.

Types of lenses and materials

There are several types of lenses in shape: spherical, arc-shaped and straight. The latter are no longer produced, the arched ones are the cheapest, but distort the view, and the most popular ones are spherical lenses, which have good optical visibility. Most often, lenses are made of polycarbonate, which attracts attention with its elasticity and strength, as well as resistance to impacts.

It is worth remembering that when changing height while riding under the influence of a difference in atmospheric pressure glasses may become deformed. In order to avoid this, manufacturers use a special “porex filter” membrane - it equalizes the pressure. Modern ski goggles are classified according to their sun protection index.

Masks-glasses: what are the features?

Glasses for active winter sports must be chosen correctly, especially if you have vision problems. There are a number of requirements according to which you should choose glasses:

  1. The presence of an anti-fog coating inside the mask.
  2. Availability of replaceable lenses.
  3. UV protection.
  4. Flexible frames made of polymer materials that allow you to fit individual facial features while maintaining flexibility even in extremely cold temperatures.
  5. Compatibility with helmets: ski goggles must be chosen in combination with this attribute.

UVEX glasses

The products of this brand are known to many fans active species sports and is characterized by a combination of a high level of safety and excellent quality. Products are manufactured in Germany using modern equipment that meets international standards. The company offers a wide selection of sunglasses that will please even the most demanding customer. Uvex ski goggles have decentered lenses that provide clear, distortion-free vision.

To create lenses, polycarbonate is used, which can withstand high and low temperatures. A special coating is used to protect the front side of the lenses from scratches. The lens material does an excellent job of filtering out ultraviolet rays. The models implement the following technologies:

  • built-in filters providing 100% protection against UV radiation;
  • automatic lens tinting depending on lighting conditions;
  • anti-fog coating;
  • protection against glare and reflections;
  • ease of care and cleaning;
  • Innovative magnetic system that allows you to quickly change lenses.

Salice glasses

Salice ski goggles are produced by a popular Italian brand that focuses on creating high-quality products for athletes. The models attract attention with a frame made of chrome-plated plastic, the function of replacing the temples with an elastic band, a removable internal silicone frame, and an additional nose pad. Ski goggles of this brand are presented in a wide variety of models and an equally wide range of prices and prints. You can easily choose glasses and masks that will allow you to be stylish even in a sporty look.

Oakley

Oakley ski goggles offer a wide selection of models to suit every taste, equipped only with modern and advanced technologies. The glasses have triple glass protection to prevent fogging. In addition, on inside The lenses have a special antifog coating. Special double lenses are an opportunity to reduce fogging, because there is an air barrier between them. As a result, Oakley glasses are 100% protected from sun rays and impacts, the reliable urethane from which the glasses are made is plastic, so they will fit perfectly on your eyes. A special three-layer fleece absorbs all moisture, so the process of playing sports will give you only pleasure.

The company also specially developed lenses. Oakley's new lens features superior clarity and terrain-reading capabilities, and this technology is being implemented in all of the brand's masks and glasses. The company also offers goggle masks that can change the filter depending on the weather. Special photochromic filters ensure that the lenses change the degree of darkness depending on the specific situation.

You should choose glasses for skiing correctly, taking into account both the features and conditions of their use, and your own feelings and preferences in terms of color, design and shape. Modern manufacturers give you the opportunity to choose the perfect models so that your look, even in sportswear, is stylish and bright. But experts advise: do not choose cheap glasses. And take care of the health of your eyes, give preference to products made from quality materials. This is the only way you will choose a model that will meet your requirements.