Following the release of their helmet last season, DAKINE has announced snow goggles for the 2025-2026 season. "That DAKINE again!" is the talk of the town. How have the brand's philosophy and technology evolved? We trace their roots and get to the bottom of their true value.
It all started with a Hawaiian surfer's idea
1979, Maui, Hawaii. Rob Kaplan, a native surfer and craftsman, was fixing broken leashes for his friends when he decided to make truly strong leashes himself, and founded DAKINE, which stands for "the best of its kind." His philosophy that the "best" is something that easily solves the user's problems eventually spread to the creation of trusted gear across various fields.
In 1986, DAKINE moved its base from Maui to Hood River, Oregon, and met a top snowboarder at Mt. Hood who said, "I want a small pack that can hold only the bare necessities for heli trips." DAKINE responded to that request by creating a custom pack, which later evolved into the "Heli Pack," a product that would become iconic in the snow category.
Speaking of DAKINE...
For skiers and snowboarders, the DAKINE brand is strongly associated with backpacks and travel bags, and some users may think of it as a bag brand.
Indeed, DAKINE has been developing its travel bag series since 1982. It is easy to imagine that the reason behind this was a demand from the field that, like a leash cord that never breaks, "riders traveling around the world in search of the best waves and wind need a sturdy bag that will not break no matter how roughly they are handled."
DAKINE Philosophy
Live it. Build it. Test it. Improve it. Live it, build it, test it, and continue to improve it.
This is the manufacturing attitude that DAKINE has always adhered to.
If there are any issues, we put ourselves in the field and create something that only someone who lives and breathes in that field can create. We then continue to test and improve, aiming for greater freedom, greater comfort, and even greater heights.
DAKINE has always listened intently to the "challenges" that arise on the ground and shaped the answers.
Helmets and goggles are an extension of that.
DAKINE's release of a snow helmet in the 2024-25 season had a major impact on the industry. Why DAKINE?
However, for DAKINE, which has been listening to the voices of those on the front lines and solving various problems since its founding, there are no boundaries. Whenever there is a request, we simply respond, no matter what it is.
Blizzards, low temperatures, intense glare, and blurred visibility... In addition to the harsh environment of snowy mountains, there's also the possibility of crashing or getting injured while skiing... You want to avoid these risks as much as possible. That's why DAKINE's "thorough on-site gear manufacturing" is what you need.
This is how DAKINE helmets and goggles were born. Let's take a look at some of the hottest models this season.
CHARGER MIPS
This helmet combines safety, comfort, and sustainability at a high level. It features a durable hard shell and MIPS technology, meeting strict European safety standards. It's reliable even in tough environments like the backcountry. Four openings and seven fixed ventilations make it easy to regulate temperature, and the rear dial allows for an adjustable fit. The Fidlock® magnetic buckle allows for one-handed fastening, and the shell and fabric are made from recycled materials. This model embodies the philosophy of "RESPECTFUL PRODUCT."
Size: XS/S, M/L, L/XL
\24,200
The helmet released in 2024 was well-received worldwide, resulting in a flood of voices from riders, pro shops, and users saying things like, "I want goggles that fit seamlessly with DAKINE helmets," "I want to show off my style with the same DAKINE brand," and "Next, I want goggles that are as cost-effective as the helmet."
DAKINE is sure to be able to meet this demand, as their actions are always focused on problem-solving. I think you can imagine what kind of features the goggles they create will have, without any further explanation.
SECTOR SNOW GOGGLE
¥19,800
The SECTOR is a mid-range model in the DAKINE goggle series, which consists of three models. It features flat lenses that capture the trends in the goggle market in recent years, and a bold and functional semi-frameless design.
The lenses are equipped with the latest high-contrast technology called "DK APERTURE OPTICS," which precisely controls the wavelengths of the three primary colors of light: red, green, and blue, resulting in clearer contrast and colors.
The unevenness of the terrain and differences in snow quality are clearly visible, and information can be obtained quickly, allowing you to always optimize your riding.
The powerful anti-fog coating, "5X ANTI-FOG," lasts five times longer than regular lenses, and ventilation at the top and bottom of the goggles ensures natural airflow, ensuring clear vision even over long periods of time and comfortable wear.
The frame and face form are made from plant-derived bio-based materials, while the straps, adjustment parts, and even the storage pouch are made from recycled materials, demonstrating a sustainable approach down to the smallest detail.
The design ensures a wide field of view while not compromising the fit to the face line, and it also works perfectly with DAKINE helmets. The seamless connection between helmet and goggles makes it stress-free, safe, comfortable, and easy to wear. Another attractive feature is that it is available at an affordable price, despite having such a wide range of functions and sustainability.
DAKINE's Vision
For DAKINE, the release of helmets and goggles is not simply an expansion of their lineup. The fusion of safety, comfort, and functionality with the pursuit of sustainability is a response to the needs of the field and a way to enrich the snow styles of today's users.
DAKINE is well known in Japan for its backpacks and gloves, but also sells outerwear in North America. With the addition of helmets and goggles, you can now create a full-body outfit that is unique to the DAKINE brand.
The spirit of "commitment to problem-solving," "originality," and "craftsmanship" that founder Rob put into the first leash cord remains at the core of DAKINE today.
Run through the sea, fly through the sky, cut through the earth, and race through the snow.
Surfing, windsurfing, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding... DAKINE has created countless "world firsts" to date, responding to on-site "challenges" and supporting riders in "spending the best time in nature."
DAKINE. Product problem solvers. A history of innovation.
DAKINE has continued to solve problems. Its innovative progress will continue to evolve.
Information
DAKINE
URL: https://www.billabongstore.jp/dakine/
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Photo: Go Ito