'24-25 Which "snow goggles" does the pro shop recommend?

The staff at pro shops have a strong ability to judge quality by looking across a wide range of brands, trying them out on the snow themselves, and gathering feedback from users. Performance is especially important when it comes to goggles, as they directly affect the quality of your skiing. So, let's ask them to tell us about the "highly recommended snow goggles" from the new models for the 2024-2025 season. If you're looking for a model highly rated by experts, be sure to check this out!

DRAGON｜PXV

◆Official website/ https://www.dragonalliance.jp/

The frame is designed to wrap around the sides of the face, and the hybrid spherical and flat "PANOTECH LENS" ensures a wider and clearer field of view than the human eye. Of course, it is a Japan fit model tailored to the Japanese skeletal structure

ELECTRIC｜KABRU

◆ Official HP / https://charlie-trading.co.jp/brands/electric/

These new magnetic goggles from ELECTRIC are easier to change lenses than the popular "KLEVELAND II." It takes a little practice, but once you get used to it, it's no problem!

ELECTRIC ｜ROTECK

◆ Official HP / https://charlie-trading.co.jp/brands/electric/

The flat lenses provide a wide field of view. The built-in TUNED LENS improves contrast, making it easier to see changes in the snow's terrain and unevenness. If you choose photochromic lenses, the brightness of the lenses will automatically change according to the weather, so photochromic lenses are recommended for those who don't want to change lenses

OUT OF | ELECTRA2

◆ Official HP / https://out-of.com

OUTOF's flagship model, "ELECTRA," has been updated. The sensor-based, instantaneous dimming provides comfortable vision in any situation, from CAT1 to CAT3. The frame itself is also flexible and compatible with glasses, so even those who wear glasses can wear them with confidence. I'm an OUTOF user myself, and being able to ski safely with just one lens means I don't have to carry much, which is really handy!

PIT VIPER ｜ GOGGLES

◆Official website: https://www.pitvipersunglasses.jp/

Put on these goggles and head to the slopes and you'll be transported back to the heyday of the ski boom! Even if they're not high-spec, it's enough to make you a timeless, cool skier! The design sense is so good that even major brands are emulating them, and the nostalgic, soft feel is gentle on the skin. Even if you accidentally drop them, you'll be able to laugh it off. The price is also a plus!

POC｜NEXAL WF

◆ Official HP / https://www.full-marks.com/poc/

It has a wide field of view and the shape of the belt on the helmet when worn is like an outrigger, so it fits very well

POC｜OPSIN WF JAPAN FIT

◆ Official HP / https://www.full-marks.com/poc/

The classic flat lens provides an excellent fit. The Clarity lens, developed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss, offers excellent value for money and provides excellent visibility of the snow surface

SMITH｜4D MAG XL

◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/

The hugely popular "4D MAG" now comes in a larger "XL" size. It's compatible with glasses and can be used by a wide range of people. Bird's Eye Vision eliminates blind spots below for a wide, comfortable field of view, and the Photochromic lenses provide coverage in a wide range of weather conditions

SMITH｜Squad MAG

◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/

This flat lens model has become increasingly popular in recent years. As the "MAG" designation suggests, the lenses are attached to the frame with magnets, and spare lenses are included, so with just one pair of goggles you can enjoy comfortable use in all weather conditions.

Also, starting with the 2024-2025 season, SMITH's photochromic lenses will be available with "PRO" in their name, so keep an eye out! These lenses are twice as fast and offer twice the range of change as SMITH's previous photochromic lenses. PRO photochromic lenses are sure to be a big topic this season!

Interchangeable lenses are instantly secured in place with magnets, and 5X™ Anti-Fog Technology provides five times the anti-fog performance—a first for flat lenses

SWANS｜OUTBACK OB-MDH-CU-LG VEM

◆Official website/ https://swans.co.jp/

Continuing from the 2023-2024 season, the A-BLOW SYSTEM, which allows for one-touch ventilation inside the goggles with flat lenses, is easy to use and functional. My personal recommendation for the 2024-2025 season is the retro Swan model

SWANS｜RACAN-XED

◆Official website/ https://swans.co.jp/

These goggles, equipped with lenses containing an electric heating wire, are nicknamed "Hell Goggles" by some backcountry skiers. This reliable system, which forcibly removes fogging and freezing from the lenses, has made them popular not only for backcountry skiing but also in harsh environments (hellish blizzards) such as mountain climbing in the dead of winter and rescue operations. These high-tech goggles are unique to a Japanese brand that has been battling lens fogging in Japan's humid environment

SWEETPROTECTION｜CONNOR

◆ Official HP / https://sputnikshop.jp/pages/sweetprotection-toppage

One of the first things that attracts me is the cool and stylish design. The streamlined curves are irresistible. And SWEETPROTECTION's "RIGQuartz" lenses are one I highly recommend for backcountry skiers who are at the mercy of the weather. They provide better visibility than you'd expect, even on days with heavy snowfall or heavy cloud cover and flat, light slopes.

Being able to "see" is extremely important in the mountains. Another feature of SWEETPROTECTION is that they cause less eye fatigue even when worn for long periods of time. Personally, I like the "RIGQuartz" and "RIG Obsidian" lenses.