Yamamoto Kogaku is a long-established Japanese manufacturer that boasts high technical capabilities built up over a tradition spanning more than 110 years since its founding. We spoke to them about the 2024-2025 season for their goggle brand SWANS and sunglasses brand OUTLAND at JSP SNOW EXPO JAPAN 2024 (held February 13-14, 2024 at Pacifico Yokohama)
These are the SWANS "OUTBACK" goggles for the 2024-2025 season
The "OUTBACK" model, which was released last season as a "breathing goggle," attracted a lot of attention. It features SWANS's proud "A-BLOW System" and cylindrical lenses with minimal distortion. For the 2024-2025 season, the frame shape and functionality will remain the same, but the design has changed
The A-BLOW system allows the lens to pop up from the frame when the side frame parts are pushed forward, allowing moisture inside the goggles to escape and ventilate. Even in side country or backcountry, if the hike up is less than an hour, you can climb with the pop-up on, or switch it on and off to ski with clear visibility without fogging up
We also highly recommend the new yet classic old-style "FZ911" and "FZ619"!
SWANS goggles boast a powerful lineup, including models like "OUTBACK," "RIDGELINE," "RACAN," and "ROVO," all featuring excellent lens performance and ventilation functions such as ULTRA LENS and photochromic lenses. However, for the '24-25 season, a new model with a "different twist" will be added to the lineup.
FZ911
The FZ911 features a distinctive rounded silhouette and a classic feel. The large curved shape eliminates blind spots and provides a wide field of view. The soft, three-dimensional foam on the face ensures a comfortable fit. The glasses feature photochromic lenses that react to the amount of UV rays and automatically adjust the brightness of the lenses to suit the surrounding light
FZ619
It features a compact frame. The shape has an old-school silhouette that will bring back memories for skiers of the past! The retro feel is irresistible. The small size and thinness of the glasses means the lenses are close to the eyes, ensuring a wide field of view. What really catches your eye is the strap of the FZ-619-MPDH, which features the Swan mark and emblem, befitting the old-school look. It is said to be the same design as when Yamamoto Kogaku first introduced SWANS to the world, celebrating its 100th anniversary. The frame color is coordinated with the strap, and this retro feel is now refreshingly fresh!
Stylish prim model "HSF-251" helmet
The newest addition to SWANS' freeride helmet line for the 2024-2025 season is the "HSF-251." At just 19,800 yen, this is an incredibly cost-effective model, under 20,000 yen. Despite its high cost performance, it still offers sufficient impact resistance and safety for a helmet
Another major feature is the front brim. Yamamoto Kogaku staff call it "a little brimmed," but it improves the fit with the goggles. It prevents snow from getting in through the gap between the goggles and the helmet when it's snowing. It also looks stylish
OUTLAND - A popular sunglasses brand produced by Yamamoto Kogaku, the company behind SWANS
OUTLAND is a sunglasses brand developed by Yamamoto Kogaku. It has a strong following in outdoor field sports, fishing, and street sports, but it is also popular among skiers and snowboarders, with many snow athletes and backcountry guides saying they "must have" OUTLAND sunglasses. The reason behind this must be Yamamoto Kogaku's excellent lens technology and the comfortable fit and wearing comfort that only a Japanese brand can offer, which is perfect for Japanese people. We were introduced to the new and noteworthy products that were unveiled at the exhibition venue along with SWANS
"SELENGA" - Foldable sunglasses that fit perfectly in your hand.
OUTLAND's current top recommendation is the foldable sunglasses "SELENGA." They are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but when unfolded they become regular compact sunglasses. The titanium frame makes them lightweight, and they feel very light and comfortable to wear. It's convenient and reassuring to carry them with you so you can use them in an emergency. The lenses are SWANS's proud ULTRA LENS, so you can be sure of their quality
New! "WABASH"
The newly released WABASH model is also a staff favorite. Unlike conventional models, it is a hybrid of plastic and titanium frames, making it extremely soft to wear. The frame is shaped to fit the face, making it suitable for people with large or small faces. A particularly attractive feature is the ADJUSTABLE NOSE, which can be adjusted to fit the shape of your nose. There are three types of lenses: ULTRA LENS in two colors, ice blue and light green, and photochromic lenses that change brightness depending on the amount of UV rays
The photo shows the new lenses that were just released this March. They are bright lenses that allow your eyes to be seen from the other side, but they are polarized so you can see what you want to see clearly
Night lenses will also be released. For example, when driving at night, the headlights of oncoming cars can be dazzling, but these night lenses are a great way to cut out dazzling white LEDs and make the lights appear brighter than they actually are. Wearing these lenses will make night driving safer, and they could even be used for night skiing on the slopes
Information
SWANS
Official Website:https://swans.co.jp/
SNS:Instagram|Facebook|X|YouTube
OUTLAND
Official Website:https://yamamoto-kogaku.co.jp/outland/
SNS:Instagram