Top: Supersonic S with polycarbonate lenses and top and side
venting has a lower profile and is helmet-compatible. Bottom: F501M offers a wide field of vision,
with full peripheral venting and helmet compatibility. Both have double
lenses with anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings and are by Uvex Sports.
Look for good peripheral vision. Newer, lower-profile styles fit better
with a helmet and may look more rad than traditional styles with large lenses. But if
you choose the low-profile look, make sure you have enough peripheral (side) vision some skimp out on that.
Ideally, you should be able to see 180 degrees from side to side, to help you avoid skiers and riders.
If you prefer sunglasses, choose a wrap style
with the least amount of distortion at the sides that you can find.
Make sure they fit. Take the time to adjust the strap to your head. If the strap is a
complete pain to adjust, or if the buckle doesn't stay in adjustment, move on. Some styles have
softer, more rubbery buckles that won't dig into your scalp. Wider bands are more comfortable
than narrower ones. And foam inserts keep out wind, ice and dirt. The foam should be thick
enough to help cushion your face if you fall, but not so dense that it encourages fogging. The
salesperson should be able to help you make this judgment.
If you wear glasses, make sure the goggles will fit over them. Many optical stores, especially
those near ski areas, will make up prescription inserts for goggles, so you won't need glasses at all.
Wrap-style sunglasses can't always accept prescription lenses because of the curvature of the frame.
An optician will know which frames are prescription-suitable and will be able to order and fit them for you.
 |
- Take your time. Don't make a snap decision, because the wrong equipment can ruin your day in the snow.
- Don't shop at a resort unless you have to. There are exceptions, but many resorts have a limited selection at inflated prices.
- Look at lens features first. Lenses are the most important part everything else is the
support system. Consider color, material, coatings, and how much peripheral vision they provide.
- Try them on. And take them outside (with the store's permission), to see how well the lenses work in natural light.
- Ask about warranties and returns. Most stores will take returns only on undamaged goggles. Some won't accept returns at all.
- Don't be shy ask questions. There are so many different products and features out there
that it can be hard to choose. You need a salesperson who has worn them and knows which lenses work best in
which conditions. If the clerk seems uninformed or unwilling to answer questions, try a different store.
|
Look for anti-fogging features. Choose goggles with double lenses
that discourage condensation from forming when the warm air of your breath makes
contact with the cold lens. Anti-fog coating inside the goggles helps, while
vents along the sides, top and bottom clear the warm air out of the inside of the goggles.
Wider vents tend to do this better than narrow vents or tiny vent
holes. But the drawback of wide vents is that your face will get cold in a harsher climate.
At least one manufacturer has placed a tiny fan in its goggles; it sucks air from the side vents and sends it
out through the top vents. It's light, has two settings for different conditions, and runs on two AAA batteries.
Sounds worth a try if fogging is a big problem for you.
Make safety a priority. Most goggles and sunglasses made for fast-moving winter sports have
polycarbonate lenses; this material is much more impact-resistant than glass or regular plastic. Also, the more
flexible the frame and lens, the less likely the lens will break or pop out in a bad fall. Foam inserts at all impact
points are important.
As for sunglasses, look for polycarbonate or other impact-resistant frame materials rather than metals.
Adjustable rubber earpieces and nosepieces will keep them on better when you're tackling bumps and might
be more comfortable than hard plastic ones that don't adjust.
What else? A scratch-resistant coating will help your goggles and sunglasses last longer, especially
if you like glade runs or tend to fall a lot. Always keep your eyewear in a soft pouch or lined case when not in use.
Bring an anti-fogger, such as these convenient single-use packs of
FogTech.
Some goggles have nose guards designed for warmth and to protect your nose in a fall. However, a warm nose
might contribute to fogging, and landing on a hard nose guard might be just as bad for your nose as landing on the
snow's surface. So consider your skiing or riding style before buying this type of goggle.
Understand the return policy. Most stores will take
returns only on undamaged goggles, so be sure not to scratch the lenses
the first time out. Bring an older pair so you can use them for the rest
of the day, if you don't like the new ones.
Some manufacturers will replace your lenses (usually for a fee) if you
send them the goggles or sunglasses. Optical stores can usually replace lenses, too.
See you on the slopes!
[Page updated November 2007]
More articles on sports eyewear & sports vision: |
|