Snowboard goggles are expensive, so they better do more than just "the job". They must be perfect. Whatever your budget and riding habits, there is a pair of goggles to meet your needs, you just have to know how to find it?
Without putting the aesthetic aside, there are several details you have to consider before buying snow goggles. Depending on factors such as the shape of your face, your budget or any of the details mentioned below, you will be able to find THE pair of goggles that will ALWAYS cover your back when you most need it.
The secret: Combining comfort with functionality, without ever forgetting about style.
Know about your head size and the shape of your face:
It's important to choose a pair of goggles that suits your own face type and that fits your head. If you have a larger head, avoid compact styles that may be uncomfortable and limit your peripheral vision. On the opposite side, if you have a small face, opt for a more compact pair to prevent it from being unstable and floaty on your face.
If you don’t have time to go shopping to try your goggles or if you'd rather just shop in the comfort of your living room, take the time to find out what your head size is and look for models that will most likely fit the size of your face and head.
Know averything about the lens:
Lenses are probably the most important part on a goggle. Make sure you have a lens that matches your riding habits. Either with a clearer vision for the evenings and a little darker to protect your eyes from the sun during the day. It’s also important to check if the goggle has a double lens. Some brands still use the single lens, but it offers poorer results regarding fog and sun protection.
Spherical lenses are a bit more high-tech, curving both horizontally and vertically, like a bubble. These lenses have three advantages: increased peripheral vision, reduced glare and less distortion on the sides. Even if they are a little more expensive, it's always worth checking if the style and fit work for you. If it does fit you and if you have the budget, we recommend the spherical lenses. You won’t regret it.
Cylindrical lenses bend around the frame horizontally, but are flat from top to bottom. They are simpler to manufacture and therefore, a little less expensive, but still offer really good performance and, according to many, are much more stylish. If you have a budget that’s a little tighter, we recommend you to invest in a high-end cylindrical pair of goggles more than in a low-end spherical pair.
Make sure the goggles have a good ventilation system:
A crucial factor, no matter what type of goggles you choose, is ventilation. When the air circulates freely through the goggles, it reduces their chance to fog up. The moral of the story: Pay special attention to ensure that your goggles have a good foam or plastic ventilation system. Because no matter the conditions, fog in goggles is the most annoying thing, not to mention that it can be dangerous.
Look for the quick release lens changing system:
Many goggles models offer two lenses when you purchase them and most goggles allow you to change it very easily. Since you don't want to be caught trying to figure out how to change your lens in the middle of a lit session, make sure that the lens changing process is easy and not time consuming. When visibility changes, it is important to be able to change your lens as fast as possible so you avoid loosing time while staying secure on the mountain. It's easier to do with some brands than others, so keep an eye on the quick release mechanisms.
Check compatibility with the helmet:
Nowadays, most snowboarders wear a helmet so it's important to make sure the goggles fit properly on it. The strap should be easy to wrap around the helmet and the goggles should feel comfortable on your face, especially on both edges.