What To Know When Buying Skiing and Snowboarding Goggles

Snowy peaks are on the horizon! When it comes to skiing and snowboarding gear, having goggles that fit correctly and allow you to see clearly can be the difference between a good day on the mountain and a great one. 

With the seemingly endless variety of brands, shapes, sizes, tints and price points available on the market, selecting the right pair can feel overwhelming. Fear not! We've rounded up a list of essential factors to consider when purchasing your goggles this season. 

Lens Shape

There are two main types of lens shapes; cylindrical and spherical.

Cylindrical lenses are vertically flat and horizontally curved to wrap around your face. Goggles with this lens type offer good protection and are typically the most affordable option.

Spherical lenses are curved vertically and horizontally, creating a cool, "bubbled look." Appearances aside, the extra curvature enhances peripheral vision and minimizes distortion and glare. This lens type is best for skiers and snowboarders seeking a more technical option with performance top-of-mind.

Lens Tint

Regardless of the shape of the goggle lens you choose, the tint of the lens is the feature a skier or snowboarder will most likely notice day-to-day.

Every goggle lens is designed with a specific color and darkness known as Visible Light Transmission (VLT). VLT is the percentage of light that passes through the lens to your eyes. Lighter tinted lenses have a higher VLT, best for cloudy days, while darker tinted lenses have a lower VLT, which is great for sunny days.
In bright conditions, lenses with less than 25% VLT are ideal, while lenses between 20-70% VLT are better suited for overcast conditions. But of course, you can't control the weather, which is why most people opt for more versatile options.

You can purchase goggles that come with two pairs of lenses for the two weather conditions described above. Also known as interchangeable lenses, these goggles use magnets or magnets to switch between the two easily. A lens type known as photochromic lenses changes tint according to weather conditions and is a great option to consider.

Goggle Fit

While the shape and the tint of a lens might be the most significant differentiators, they're certainly not the only factors to consider. The fit,

Choosing a goggle that fits your face shape well might seem like an obvious point, but often there’s more to selecting goggles than just choosing small, medium or large. Each brand varies in sizing, so it's best to measure the width and depth of your face before buying your usual size. Measure the distance between your two temples to determine the width and the length between your cheekbone and the top of your eyebrow to determine the depth.

Our Picks from REVO

Founded in 1985, Revo quickly became a global performance eyewear brand known as the leader in polarized lens technology. The sunglasses were created by utilizing lens technology developed by NASA as solar protection for satellites. Thirty-five years later, Revo continues to build on its rich tradition of technology and innovation by offering the world's clearest and most advanced high-contrast polarized eyewear.

Revo No. 2
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No. 3 | Revo x Bode Miller Goggles
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No. 5 | Revo x Bode Miller Goggles
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