Snowboard goggles with laser coating. How to choose the right ski goggles. Criteria for choosing glasses for alpine skiing and snowboarding
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 a wide variety of frame shapes and sizes, the OTG mask will fit fine over your 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.
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, ski goggles 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 the translation of the 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.
Higher level masks use 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
For different conditions, sunglasses manufacturers offer lenses of varying degrees of 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 are to light, the darker the glasses will suit you. An excellent solution for changeable weather and terrain will be photochromic lenses with variable degrees of darkening.
- S 0 Extremely low level of 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 sunny conditions, while lighter tones are good 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 lighting conditions, 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 sunglasses are also very popular among water enthusiasts. 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 goggles include the possibility of using an elastic strap instead of the temples 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 on different models to make sure your ski goggles fit you best.
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 glasses for alpine skiing Not famous manufacturer for a small price, be sure to check this option.
In terms of its beauty, alpine skiing can only be compared with diving: only at the top of a mountain or at the depths of the sea does an athlete experience those stunning “cosmic” landscapes that most people see only in the movies. “This is space,” say skiers who find themselves on the slope on a piercingly bright sunny day. And just like a diver needs scuba gear, and an astronaut needs a spacesuit, a skier needs a mask: it protects his eyes and saves him from falls. Today we will talk in detail about how to choose the right mask, how different models differ, what the cost depends on, and, of course, we will choose the 10 best ski masks and snowboard goggles.
First, let's understand the terms. There is no difference between the names snowboard goggles, ski goggles and ski mask. Both of these involve a mask - a lens on a strap that is worn on a hat or helmet.
Sometimes there is confusion with the name Electric snowboard goggles. It may seem that these are some fashion glasses with “electricity” – heating or enhanced ventilation. Masks with such functions actually exist (from serious brands like Smith Optics), but they are not called electric. In the case of Electric snowboard goggles, we are talking about the name of a popular brand from California. The Electric company produces sunglasses, ski masks, watches and clothing, taking into account the latest fashion trends and in different price categories - perhaps that is why the interest in the brand is so high.
Is it worth overpaying for a well-promoted brand of ski goggles?
I’ve been skiing for more than 10 years: I started with alpine skiing, then I switched to snowboarding. From my own experience, I can say that the best equipment is the one that is tailored to you, in which you are comfortable - and here the brand and price do not matter. For several years in a row I skied in old ski boots, bought almost at a second-hand store. I liked them, but I knew that these boots were “wrong”: not a single ski pro would approve of them. As a result, I bought new boots, which I had already chosen, following the recommendations - with foot measurements and in a ski rack. But, alas, they did not pass the test on the slope! I never got used to tight boots, and the thought of their high price only deepened my dislike. Maybe that's why I eventually switched to snowboarding?
The same thing can happen with glasses. If you sweat a lot while skating, then glasses for 15,000 rubles. they will fog up just as hopelessly as glasses for 1500 rubles. Alpine skiing is by no means cheap - you can spend hundreds of thousands of rubles on full equipment. If this is not part of your plans, then, in my opinion, it’s not worth overpaying for glasses. First, ride in simpler glasses and formulate your complaints, and only then, if necessary, look for a branded model. Have a fogging problem? Forced ventilation glasses are required. Not happy with the contrast? Try, for example, Oakley glasses with Prizm technology (this technology is indicated in the lens color column, like Oakley Men's Airbrake XL Snow Goggles (~17500rub).
These goggles are endorsed by Olympic downhill champion Lindsey Vonn, and the company even has a model named after the athlete - the FLIGHT DECK™ XM LINDSEY VONN PRIZM™ SNOW GOGGLE. Lenses mute unwanted colors in the spectrum, making the picture more contrasty. However, this does not eliminate the need to change filters, so for a mask for 10,000 - 15,000 rubles. you will have to buy at least one more lens. If you don’t do this and use the wrong filter, the image will still not be perfect. So, before you shell out about 25,000 for a branded mask, try a simpler option that may be best for you.
Rules for choosing a ski mask
Choosing the best ski or snowboard goggles, especially for the first time, can be very difficult. If you prefer skiing rather than extreme sports, then perhaps there is no point in spending money on expensive models from famous brands Oakley, Smith, VonZipper, Anon, Spy for 15,000 rubles or more. At the same time, critically evaluate offers less than 1,500 rubles. The lens of such masks may be of poor quality: it is easy to scratch, fog up and, worst of all, distort the image. In this case, you risk damaging your vision or falling when you hit an unexpected obstacle.
No less significant is the question facilities– you should be comfortable. No pressure on the nose or other parts of the face is allowed. If you ride with a helmet, your forehead should be completely covered (together with the mask they form a single unit).
In the photos in online stores, ski masks look very beautiful: bright colors, shiny mirror lenses. However, remember that in the mountains the sun, wind, frost and snow will test your strength. You won't be able to shelter from bad weather in the metro or shopping center, so you can't choose ski equipment based on design.
If you cannot afford a model with several replaceable filters, it is better to buy the most versatile brownish-orange filter, rather than blue or black, for example (suitable only for bright lighting). As for mirror lenses, they are good only in sunny weather and are not very suitable for gloomy gray days.
You chose it, tried it on, but the mask is in doubt? You don’t need to convince yourself: “I’ll go down a couple of times and get used to it.” Most likely, after the first 50 meters on the slope, you will indignantly throw off the uncomfortable mask and stuff it further into your pocket, never to wear it again.
We understand the intricacies of how to choose ski goggles
Here we will discuss lens characteristics, fogging and ventilation, replacement filters, photochromic and polarizing lenses, lens shape and viewing angle, special models for glasses wearers and women's and children's masks. And, if you can't wait, skip straight to the Top 10.
Lens characteristics
The quality of a ski mask primarily depends on the lens. Most lenses are made of polycarbonate - this is a durable, lightweight, frost-resistant plastic that will not break even with a strong impact. The only point where polycarbonate is not up to par is optical clarity, i.e. complete absence any visual distortion. There is no limit to perfection in this area, so many manufacturers are experimenting with a polycarbonate base and offering their own types of lenses (Oakley calls its lenses Plutonite, the Smith Optics brand Caprbonic-X). A potential competitor to polycarbonate is Trivex material. It is believed that its optical transparency is better than that of polycarbonate (due to more high coefficient refraction of light passing through a lens). However, Trivex is not yet used in mass production of ski goggles.
The good news is that today almost all ski masks have lenses with full ultraviolet protection (this is indicated by the designations 100% UV Protection or UV 400). Moreover, they protect completely regardless of the cost and color of the filter: even a transparent polycarbonate filter will save your eyes from harmful radiation. Thus, if you are faced with a dilemma: buy an inexpensive model or not buy it at all, there is an additional argument in favor of the purchase. Finding yourself in the mountains on a sunny spring day without eye protection is very dangerous. The bright light reflects off the snow and literally blinds the rider, causing a burn to the cornea (“snow blindness”).
Fogging and ventilation
For ski mask manufacturers, anti-fog is as rich an area for innovation as optical clarity. Today there are even heated ski masks that run on a small battery (for example, lenses from Abom have a heat-conducting layer). The Smith Optics brand offers models with a built-in battery-powered fan that completely evaporates moisture. At Aerospace from Julbo, you can move the lens for ventilation. The disadvantage of such models with forced ventilation is the high price (10,000-15,000 rubles) and some cumbersomeness (you need to place the battery somewhere, monitor the battery charge, take care of the wires). However, Abom glasses are charged from a USB cable, and the charge lasts for three hours (price from 15,000 rubles). The company calls its lens heating system “electronic anti-fog technology.”
To be fair, let’s say that many ski masks have a passive ventilation system, which is quite sufficient. Through special holes in the body, oncoming cold air pushes warm air out of the mask, so the lens does not fog up. In addition, manufacturers apply a special Antifrog coating to the lenses, so it is not recommended to wipe them with a rough cloth. It is noticed that double lenses prevent fogging, but models with a single lens are suitable only for ultra-high-speed descents.
Life hack: if, after going down the slope, you want to warm up in a cafe, take off your mask before entering and let it dry on its own (due to the temperature difference, it will definitely fog up). To reduce fogging while riding, you need to lower your body temperature: unzip the zippers, remove a balaclava or an extra sweater. If you ski in dry, frosty resorts, then the problem of ventilation is unlikely to be relevant for you.
Replacement filters
Ideally, each type of weather and lighting should have its own filter (lens color). In practice, this is impossible to do: firstly, the weather in the mountains is extremely changeable, and constantly changing filters is inconvenient; secondly, each brand has its own line of colors and corresponding recommendations, although in fact everything is very individual. Perhaps the only objective criterion in this matter is the level of light transmitted by the lens (VLT - Visible Light Transmission). Manufacturers indicate VLT as a percentage - from 0 to 100. The higher the indicator, the more light the filter lets in, so on a dark evening, for example, you can ride with glasses with VLT 90% and yellow lenses, and on a sunny morning you should choose smoky filters with VLT 10 %. With modern ski masks, the process of changing lenses is as simplified as possible, so many riders buy two filters to change them right on the slope.
Photochromic lenses (chameleons)
These magical lenses do not need to be changed: they themselves adjust to the light level. The filter darkens in bright sun and brightens in the dark. However, those who have worn prescription sunglasses know that “chameleons” are very slow. When entering a room from a brightly lit street, you need to wait a few seconds before the glasses brighten. The situation is the same with ski photochromic lenses: it takes about 20 seconds to adjust. For freeriding or riding in wooded areas where light alternates with shadow, this is too long. But if you don’t go off the beaten track, you can try glasses from Julbo - the French brand specializes in “chameleons”. There are different models of glasses from Julbo, for example, small and light Women's Luna Ski Goggle (price ~ 11,500 rubles) or large Julbo Universe Goggles with Zebra Lens (price ~ 14,000 rubles).
Lens shape and viewing angle
Sometimes the shape of the lens has a significant impact on comfort. If there is “milk” on the slope - the ground merges with the sky due to the snow swirling from the wind - wearing a mask with a cylindrical (flat) lens becomes uncomfortable, you get the feeling that it limits the viewing angle. At the same time, wide lenses are not always a plus. The image may become distorted around the edges, making it more difficult to see. Therefore, convex spherical lenses, which seem to follow the shape of the eye, are considered to be of higher quality. As a rule, spherical lenses are more expensive than flat ones.
Life hack: it may seem that the larger the mask, the less likely it is to get frostbite on your face. In fact, when there is wind and frost, the tip of the nose freezes the most, which in any case sticks out from under the mask. To avoid frostbite, you need to ride in a balaclava.
Polarized lenses
This is another factor that affects the price. Polarized lenses are famous for the fact that they not only save you from the blinding sun, but also eliminate glare, increase contrast and image clarity. This is why polarized lenses are often chosen by amateurs aquatic species sports: everyone remembers how bright it shines in summer water surface. As for alpine skiing and snowboarding, polarized lenses are not always useful, because it is not always sunny in the mountains.
Such models are designated by the abbreviation OTG (Over the Glasses). There is additional volume inside and there may be a special adapter to which you need to select lenses. Of course, choosing an OTG mask is more difficult than a regular one: you first need to carefully measure the frame. In addition, the problem of ventilation is aggravated. If other riders at your ski resort are simply fogging up their masks, then your mask and goggles will also fog up. In this case, a forced-air OTG model (such as the Knowledge Turbo Fun OTG from Smith Optics) will help.
Women's ski goggles
Most modern ski masks have an adjustable strap, so they are suitable for men, women, and teenagers. As you already understood, you shouldn’t focus on color: a brutal snowboarder in a bright pink mask is quite normal phenomenon on the slope. The main thing is that the filter matches the weather conditions. When I was choosing glasses for myself, I considered models with two filters included, which seems to me the most convenient option for amateur skating. For example, such models include the Oakley Airbrake Xl 2018 (~ 17,500 rubles), which is sold with two filters: a colored mirror lens is designed for sunny days, and transparent - for gloomy ones.
TOP 10 ski masks and goggles for snowboarding
Here we have collected 10 best models from 1000 to 5000 rubles, which are suitable for different skiers and snowboarders: for wide and narrow faces, cheap and not so cheap models, magnetic lenses and filters with technology borrowed from NASA. And in the TOP there are also glasses from Marilyn Monroe’s favorite brand and a mask with forced ventilation for the “hottest” riders.
Ski mask with UV protection
This mask is designed for those who rarely go out on the slopes and do not have any special requirements for glasses other than UV protection. The design is the simplest - a non-replaceable lens, a plastic frame, and an adjustable strap. There is no ventilation system. Like all cheap models, the foam inside is single-layer, but contains cotton, which slightly reduces fogging. Sbeedo can be a useful accessory while riding, but at the same time it is not dangerous to lose or damage it.
Budget snowboard goggles
A very budget option, but it nevertheless managed to deserve good feedback from buyers. It is hardly different from those worn by the “grandmothers” and “grandfathers” of alpine skiing - there are no innovations in winter optics here, and there is not even the ability to change lenses. Some buyers note the poor quality of the foam rubber (polyurethane) inside. However, let us pay attention to the fact that the mask has not flat, but double spherical lenses, which are considered more advantageous for skating. In addition, manufacturers guarantee 100% UV protection and there are holes for ventilation. Traverse offers its own light level scale (VLT), based on which you can select a filter from 8 to 100% (from transparent to dark).
Mask for those who wear glasses
Glasses of a classic shape with an open dark frame, quite versatile - again due to the traditional design - and lightweight. The lenses are not removable, but inside there is an unusually high-quality three-layer fleece and polyester lining for the price. The model is suitable for people with narrow faces, as well as those who wear glasses.
The best option for men
A wide, large mask that would probably fit men rather than women (please note the measurements in the product description). The spherical lenses have a REVO coating that “redistributes” the light. Ski optics borrowed this technology from NASA: in 1985 it was developed to protect windows spaceships. REVO lenses make the image more contrast and clearer, and also filter part of the spectrum. This is necessary because the blue-blue shades that predominate in cloudy weather create a flat picture - the relief details simply merge. Buyers acknowledge that these lenses have high optical clarity, but the main complaint is the passive ventilation system, which is not enough for the hottest riders.
Spherical mask with mirror lenses
A spherical mask without an outer frame that does not limit peripheral vision. Mirror lens, high optical clarity, adjustable, detachable strap. Inside there is a passive ventilation system - small holes for air circulation. The design allows you to change color lenses depending on the weather, although you will have to buy a second lens, since it is not included in the kit. You can choose lenses with gold, black, red, blue, green or clear filters with VLT from 7 to 25% (optimal for sun and partly cloudy skies). Some riders even manage to wear this mask along with goggles.
Mask - "cat's eye"
French brand Bollé has been producing sunglasses since the 1950s. It was this company that invented the famous glasses " cat eye“Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly loved such elongated lenses. In 1960, Bollé launched the first line of ski goggles and today offers a variety of models in price range from 2800 rub. Carve Snow Goggles have double lick and double foam padding inside. There are holes for ventilation, and a special coating protects the lenses from fogging and scratches. Although the Bollé brand does not specialize in ski equipment, the company has been producing lenses for more than half a century, so it can guarantee a certain level of quality.
The most versatile model in the mid-price range
One of the most versatile and functional models in the price range up to 3000 rubles. Mirrored spherical lenses, magnetic fastening for quick filter changes and sufficient volume for riding with glasses (OTG). The shape and adjustable strap are suitable for both adults and teenagers. Most often, owners of these glasses are dissatisfied with glare, but, as we have already said, only polarized lenses, which are more expensive, can cope with them.
Wide angle glasses
In addition to the REVO coating, there is the possibility of changing filters. Wide-angle spherical lenses do not interfere with peripheral vision. Especially for extreme sports enthusiasts, DROP BALL technology is used, which provides additional strength and is FDA approved. The three-layer coating on the inside provides a snug fit and protects from wind.
Model with double spherical lens
Zionor's double spherical lenses are attached using magnets, so changing filters will only take a couple of minutes. The owner of this mask is unlikely to resist buying it interchangeable lenses, because the manufacturer offers as many as 17 options of different shades and VLT levels. If you ride in any conditions and don't wait for warm sunny days, you can choose the right filter for each weather situation. Thanks to its panoramic design, it provides a wide viewing angle without distorting the image on the sides. Inside, unlike cheap analogues, it has thick three-layer foam rubber. By the way, this model looks quite massive, so it may not be suitable for people with narrow faces and teenagers.
Old school design
Each brand with history has its own feature - for SCOTT it is ski poles. It would seem that it is impossible to come up with anything new here, but SCOTT succeeded. The company developed the world's first aluminum poles in 1935 and has maintained a reputation as a master of ski equipment for 80 years. The SCOTT mask is equipped with a battery-powered forced ventilation system. Double spherical smoke-colored lenses provide good visibility in cloudy weather. In addition, the interior is double lined and the silicone Velcro strap ensures a perfect fit under the helmet. For a price of 2800 rubles. There are many advantages, although it does not have a function for changing filters.
The main winter entertainment is skiing. It's wonderful to walk down a sparkling snowy slope from a mountain on a sunny, clear day, enjoying fresh air and wonderful nature around. But few people think about the fact that when skiing in winter, we do not replenish our health, but, on the contrary, sometimes we lose it. Especially when we forget that ski goggles are a necessary attribute good rest Outdoors. They will protect our eyes from bright light, strong
Wind, snow blowing in the face, and sometimes from tree branches and from a sharp tip will help protect your eyes from eye burns, the so-called “mountain blindness.”
But this ski accessory will only be useful if in its choice we are guided not only by fashion trends. To choose the right glasses for winter recreation, you need to know some selection criteria.
The first thing you need to pay attention to is that they must “sit” correctly on your face. Do not press, do not squeeze your face, do not make breathing difficult, be comfortable and comfortable. The edges of the mask are usually protected with foam rubber so as not to harm the skin.
We must not forget about the possibility of side viewing. After all, goggles are worn not only by skiers, but also by snowboarders, for whom a wide view is very important.
It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of ventilation channels or holes so that air under the mask does not accumulate, but is well ventilated. Such channels are usually located around the entire perimeter or on top.
If you are a real skier, then you definitely have a helmet. So, ski goggles should only be tried on together with it and selected so that the mask fits easily onto the helmet, but at the same time fits tightly and does not fly off the face. The belt, which is usually well adjusted, stretched and fixed, will help you adjust your glasses.
Those who have ski goggles need to choose them so that they can fit corrective lenses. Skiers with good vision, double polycarbonate lenses are inserted into ski masks. This material does not scratch or break, protects well from ultraviolet rays and reduces glare on the snow.
To reduce visual distortion, masks use lenses of different thicknesses. But before you buy ski goggles, you must check whether they accurately reflect the surrounding objects. This is easy to verify if you look at a tree, bench or something else through glasses moved 30-40 cm away from your eyes.
The color of such lenses may vary, because each of them is designed for certain weather conditions. It is best to buy glasses with gold, amber or yellow lenses. They perfectly neutralize sunlight reflected from snow and are comfortable in foggy or cloudy weather. Dark lenses are usually used in very bright and active environments.
m sun, and colorless ones - for riding at night.
If you want to buy ski goggles, please note that they must reflect more than 95% of the sun's rays. IN mountainous area ultraviolet light is reflected even from stones, and in bad weather its strength does not change. The danger of eye burns is especially great at altitudes of more than 2 kilometers. Category 4 goggles are used to ride at this altitude.
Different lenses have different purposes, which means you need to have two masks or a mask with a set of different lenses. And then skiing from the mountains will bring real pleasure! Although it’s worth protecting your eyes in winter even in your free time from skiing.
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 a reputable manufacturer. A little thing like fogging may seem insignificant to a beginner, but he should think about the fact that in between descents the mask periodically rises onto the helmet and cools, and when it is lowered again onto a hot face, it can easily fog up and blind the skier rushing towards him. high speed. Another rule worth mentioning here is that you should never wipe inner surface do not touch the lenses with a handkerchief, much less with your hands, as you can easily damage the special anti-fog coating.
I hope mine personal experience will help you choose the right one ski equipment, which, in turn, will allow you to get maximum pleasure from skiing.