'24-25 What are the "snow goggles" recommended by pro shops?

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 Website: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 Website: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 Website: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 Website: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 Website: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 Website: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 Website:https://smithjapan.co.jp/

Flat lens models have been gaining popularity in recent years. As indicated by the "MAG" marking, the lenses are attached to the frame with magnets, and a spare lens is included, so you can comfortably use these goggles in all weather conditions with just one purchase.

Also, from the '24-25 season, SMITH has introduced "PRO" photochromic lenses, which are definitely worth checking out. They change color twice as fast as conventional SMITH photochromic lenses, and the range of change is also twice as wide. PRO photochromic lenses are sure to be a major topic of discussion 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 Website:https://sputnikshop.jp/pages/sweetprotection-toppage

One of the first things that appeals to me is the cool and stylish design. I love the clean, flowing curves. And the SWEETPROTECTION "RIGQuartz" lens is one that I would highly recommend to backcountry users who are at the mercy of the weather. It provides a level of visibility that exceeds expectations, even on days with heavy snowfall or when the slopes are relatively flat and light due to heavy cloud cover.

Being able to "see" is extremely important in the mountains. Another characteristic of SWEETPROTECTION is that it causes less eye strain even after prolonged use. Personally, the "RIGQuartz" and "RIGObsidian" lenses are my favorites.