When skiing or snowboarding, the goggles protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays while securing your field of view on the pure white snowy mountains. It is one of the important items to protect your safety, such as preventing getting lost due to poor visibility and preventing collisions with other people and trees. That's why I want to know the basics again. Frame shape, fit, ventilation and anti-fog technology, and lens technology. In addition to the points to check when choosing goggles, let's introduce the lens technology that each manufacturer is competing to develop. Use it as a reference when choosing your next goggles.
Functions of each goggle
flame
The frame is there to define the contours of the goggles and protect your face. For this reason, the main material used is TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), which is easy to process, durable, and lightweight. Some brands use carbon or plant-derived plastics. This is used to further increase strength and protect the face, and is used to make products that are considerate of the global environment.
Japan fit
Many goggle brands originated overseas. For that reason, they are made to fit the face shape of Westerners, and the roundness of the forehead and the height of the nose do not suit Japanese people. If you use something that does not fit your face, snow and wind will enter through the gap between the goggles and your face, causing the lenses to fog up. The Asian Fit and Japan Fit models solve this problem. The amount of sponge used adjusts the height of the forehead and nose to match the Japanese face.
Of course, there are things that suit Japanese people even if they are not Japan Fit, and everyone's face shape is different, so I would like to add that just because Japan Fit does not mean that everything will suit all Japanese people. When considering purchasing goggles, there are many things you won't know until you actually try them on.
ventilation
Ventilation, that is, the ventilation system.
If the lens fogs up, your visibility will be poor and you won't be able to ski with confidence. Many goggles have vents on the bottom and top of the lens to allow air circulation. Some of the holes are simply covered with sponge, while others are covered with a high-strength material. From the shape of the vents to the cover material, each manufacturer has elaborated various technologies and developments. Also, there are technologies other than ventilation to prevent the lenses from fogging up. The lens itself absorbs moisture to prevent the vapor inside the goggles from saturating. Manufacturers are competing to completely eliminate the "fogging" of lenses, which is the natural enemy of skiers and snowboarders.
sponge
A sponge that provides cushioning to the face. Different types of sponges are used, and many have a two- or three-layer structure. The sponge on the side closer to the frame is hard and strong, while the sponge on the side that touches the face is soft and has high shock absorption.
lens shape
Lenses are broadly divided into two types: flat lenses and spherical lenses.
Flat lenses have less distortion during lens processing and maintain a clear field of view. Spherical lenses, on the other hand, have the advantage that the curvature of the lens is close to the roundness of the eyeball, so the field of view is close to reality no matter what direction you look at, and the space volume between the lens and the face is less likely to fog up. As mentioned in the section, most people think that there is no big difference because anti-fog technology has improved recently.
band
This band is used to keep goggles securely attached to the head and prevent them from slipping. Most are made of rubber. In recent years, many models have adopted larger frames to widen the field of view, and as the frames get larger, they become heavier, so the bands are also made thicker to accommodate them. Some models have anti-slip silicone on the inside for a more stable fit, and some even have silicone bands.
lens technology
About double lens
Many people probably already know that most goggle lenses use double lenses. If there is only one lens, the inside of the lens is warmed by body temperature, while the outside is exposed to the outside air, so the part of the goggle near the lens becomes saturated with water vapor, causing fine particles to form on the inner lens. It becomes water droplets and sticks together. This is the same principle that causes the windshield to fog up when you drive in a car in the winter.
The reason for bonding two lenses together is to reduce the temperature difference between outside and inside air and prevent fogging. The material of the outer lens is polycarbonate, which has excellent thermoplastic properties. It has characteristics such as being easy to apply mirror coating. Many brands use a material called Lexan Butrate for the inner lens. This is because it makes it easier to process things such as anti-fog.
Difference in appearance due to lens color
Different color coatings can be used depending on the weather to improve visibility. It also has the effect of increasing the unevenness and contrast of the slope. The main lens colors are used as follows.
[Orange]
Easy to see from sunny to cloudy weather
[Yellow]
Ideal for snowfall and cloudy days
[Blue]
Easy to see from sunny to cloudy days.
[Pink type]
Easy to use on slightly sunny to cloudy days
[Black and gray]
to see on sunny days, and the natural color looks as it
Clear ]
Dark with little light such as night games in the situation
"Visible light transmittance" that determines the brightness of goggles」
The higher the altitude of the snowy mountains, the stronger the sunlight. The reflection from the snow surface is also strong. Snow reflects 80% of UV rays compared to 10% of asphalt. In addition to being dazzling, it also has an undesirable effect on the eyes. So the lenses also act like sunglasses, regulating the amount of light.
"Visible light transmittance" is a guideline when adjusting the amount of light that reaches the eye with a lens. The numerical value is adjusted by applying color coating and mirror coating to the lens. 100% for the naked eye and 0% for no light. 10% to 20% on sunny days because the glare is strong. 20% to 40% will be easy to use on snowy days. 60% is recommended for night games.
What is a high contrast lens?
©Lotus International CO.,Ltd.
In recent years, manufacturers have been focusing on the development of "high-contrast lenses." It's a new technology that has become standard in every brand's level of goggles. This technology emphasizes unevenness and shadows on the snow surface by emphasizing, reducing, or intensifying shadows of specific colored rays that enter through the lens. Even in cloudy weather with little light or when it is snowing, the unevenness of the slope can be seen more clearly, making it easier to slip.
For example, as a function of the human eye, it is easier to see the shape and depth of objects in red and green colors than in blue light. Therefore, by cutting blue light and amplifying red and green light, the unevenness of the snow surface and terrain can be seen clearly. Depending on the manufacturer, there are various methods such as which colored light beams are adjusted and how. There are various processing methods for high-contrast lenses.
What is a photochromic lens?
Photochromic lenses are lenses that change color in response to the amount of ultraviolet light or visible light. It is characterized by a darker color when exposed to strong light or ultraviolet rays, and a lighter color when indoors. The lens is coated with a light-modulating film, or a coating containing a photosensitive substance that changes color when exposed to ultraviolet rays or when the temperature rises. Therefore, when you look at the dazzling snow surface under the sun, the color becomes darker, making it easier to see the unevenness of the slope. It is convenient because there is no need to change goggles or lenses according to the brightness.
What are polarized lenses?
"Polarized lenses" are lenses that eliminate glare by cutting diffused reflection of light. A film called a polarizing film sandwiched in the lens cuts only the reflection of light and improves the field of vision. When it's sunny on the snow, it's very dazzling due to the reflection of light. Photochromic lenses do not have a function to suppress diffused reflection, so this is the major difference between photochromic lenses and polarized lenses.
Lens technology boasted by a goggle maker
The deciding factor in the quality of goggles is the lens. Lens technology continues to evolve as each manufacturer competes to develop lens technology. Let's take a look at some of the lens technologies that manufacturers are proud of.
GIRO｜VIVID Lens
Developed jointly with ZEISS, a world authority in the optical field
GIRO and ZEISS, a world authority in the field of optics, jointly developed the "VIVID lens". It is an excellent lens with the ability to skillfully control blue light, which is generally said to make things difficult to see, and to clarify the contrast. "Skillfully controlled" means that blue light is effectively manipulated by letting in blue light, which enhances contrast in blue light, and blocking harmful UV light.
VIVID lenses also have the advantage of eliminating blurry vision and reducing eye fatigue. By giving an accurate vision without color saturation, the field of view becomes clearer, and you can see the running line firmly and enjoy a comfortable ride.
▼Explanatory video of VIVID lens technology
Model equipped with VIVID lens | COMP
The COMP, a high-end model that brings together GIRO goggle technology, features VIVID lenses. EXV+ technology provides a wide field of view comparable to the naked eye. It comes with two VIVID Infrared lenses: one for sunny days and one for cloudy days. Carry a spare lens with you and you can instantly switch lenses to suit any weather.
◆Official HP／ //giro-japan.com/
SMITH｜Chromapop Lens
It can be seen clearly by increasing the color contrast and making the color clear
Smith is proud of its ``Chroma Pop Lens Technology''. This technology controls the crossover of the wavelengths of the three primary colors of light, red, green, and blue, and expresses vivid colors to make objects appear clearer. By increasing the color contrast and making the colors more vivid, it makes the object stand out clearly. The difference between this normal state and the state seen with the ChromaPop lens is obvious.
Another advantage is that the range of coverage is wider than that of a normal lens. When the weather suddenly changes in the mountains, or when you spend long hours from morning to evening, the tone of the light changes constantly depending on the position of the sun. Being able to maintain a wide range of good visibility is easy to use and provides a high sense of security.
▼ Commentary video of chroma pop lens technology (you can understand it better by watching with subtitles set to "Japanese" from about 1 minute)
Chromapop lens equipped model｜Squad MAG™
Squad XL, a large size flat lens model with a particularly wide field of view above and below. The Squad is a simple and compact model that is especially popular with the younger generation. The technology is equipped with SMITH's proprietary "ChomaPop Technology" that allows you to clearly see objects by controlling the areas where the wavelengths of the three primary colors of light, red, green, and blue, overlap to express vivid colors. The quality that can be handled is also perfect. Two chromapop lenses are standard equipment.
◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/
Sweet Protection | RIG® Lens Technology
Innovative lenses that reduce eye fatigue
RIG lenses are excellent because they increase contrast for better visibility and reduce eye fatigue by blocking harmful rays. All made with the same transmittance and curves, but optimized for different lighting conditions, from extreme flat light to extreme sunny weather.
▼Explanatory video of RIG lens technology
Model with RIG lens｜Connor RIG
A new model of freeride goggles with a frameless design equipped with RIG™. Frameless design goggle with CNC machined edges for maximum field of view. Adopts a 2.8 mm thick toric scalp spherical lens with overwhelming impact resistance. The model sold in Japan has a low bridge fit with foam padding added to the nose bridge, which provides a better fit to the face.
◆Official website/ https://sweetprotection.jp/
OUT OF｜"THE ONE" LENS
Innovative super lens with dimming and polarization
OUT OF attracted worldwide attention for its world's first high technology called "instantaneous dimming." OUT OF's iconic model, THE ONE lens, is the world's first super lens that boasts innovative technology that incorporates the functions of a polarized lens and a photochromic lens into the outer lens.
When the light is weak, the color of the lens becomes light, and when the light is sunny and the light is strong, the lens changes to dark. With high-level dimming technology, you can always get a comfortable view by responding to all weather and brightness. In bad weather, the yellow light and high transmittance through a polarizing filter improve contrast and prevent whiteout.
Models equipped with THE ONE | VOID
Equipped with a multi-purpose "THE ONE" LENS that combines polarization and dimming, it can be used in a variety of situations. It is a popular model that represents OUT OF. It seems to be a brand from Italy, and it looks stylish anyway. There are bands with stylish forms and graphics that look like art works, and they have a unique view of the world that combines functionality and fashion.
POC | Clarity LENS
Outstanding visibility that makes it easy to distinguish the terrain and undulations of the snow surface
POC's Clarity Lens is a high-precision lens developed in collaboration with ZEISS, a global optical manufacturer, to dramatically improve the visibility of snow goggles. It controls wavelengths to highlight the shadows on the snow surface and the unevenness of the terrain, providing a clear view that allows you to accurately read the terrain even under flat light. Furthermore, the Spektris specification, which combines optimal tint and mirror coating depending on the lighting conditions, makes it suitable for a wide range of conditions, from sunny to cloudy.
Equipped with features such as scratch resistance, anti-fog treatment, and UV400 protection, they maintain stable, clear vision even during long ski runs. Combining precise contrast with natural color reproduction, they provide ideal visibility for all skiers, from racing to backcountry skiing. This popular lens (brand) is loved by athletes and professional guides across a wide range of disciplines.
Clarity Lens equipped model | Nexal Wide Fit
Apatite Navy/Clarity Highly Intense-Partly Sunny Blue,
Apricot Sunstone/Partly Sunny Ivory｜\39,600
*This is a partial remake of an article released in 2024.