Photo credit: Fullmarks
Goggles are indispensable for enjoying skiing and snowboarding safely on snowy mountains, where visibility is poor due to snowfall and blizzards, and light makes it difficult to see the unevenness of the slopes. Important features are anti-fogging and easy-to-see lenses. Each manufacturer has released models that make full use of various technologies, and we will introduce the 2022-2023 season goggles selected by the STEEP editorial department.
Goggles that have evolved with advanced lenses and anti-fog functions
Sweet Protection｜Clockwork
Equipped with an innovative RIG lens that reduces eye fatigue and has many fans
"Clockwork" features high strength and RIG lens unique to Sweet Protection. RIG lenses are excellent because they minimize color distortion with excellent contrast and reduce eye fatigue. Equipped with a 2.8 mm thick premium toric scalp lens with overwhelming impact resistance, it has a compact shape that fits snugly with low volume while ensuring a wide field of view. The double lens is equipped with GORE® Protective Vents, which prevent the inner lens from deforming due to changes in air pressure and provide the optimum environment for your eyes.
*Bonus lens set includes Rig Light Amethyst lens (¥37,400). The World Cup version comes with a race cover (¥38,500)
◆ Official HP / https://sputnikshop.jp/pages/sweetprotection-toppage
Sweet Protection｜DURDEN
Equipped with a cylindrical lens in a wide frame and lightweight!
'22-23 season first appearance model.
Equipped with a cylindrical flat lens on the wide frame, it achieves a relatively wide field of view among the Sweet Protection goggles. It features an innovative RIG lens that minimizes color distortion with excellent contrast and reduces eye fatigue. It is an all-mountain use and can be used widely from the slopes to the backcountry. The model developed in Japan is a low bridge Asian fit with pads added to the nose bridge, which minimizes air gaps even for people with a low nose bridge and provides a secure fit. In addition, a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating is applied to the outside of the lens, which prevents snow and water droplets from sticking to the goggles even in wet snowy Japan.
◆ Official HP / https://sputnikshop.jp/pages/sweetprotection-toppage
POC｜NEXAL Clarity
A flat type newcomer with ventilation that can be opened and closed at the top of the goggles
Attention is focused on the new model "NEXAL Clarity" that appeared in the 2022-23 season from POC. The feature is that the frame of the outrigger is a soft frame, and it fits softly on the edge of the helmet. Its design is impressive. The frame protrudes a little at the cheekbones, and the surface is widened along the cheekbones for a better fit. It is also attractive that it has a ventilation that slides under the inner sponge so that cold air can be shut out. When it snows, it can get snowy and condense here, but it's an excellent product that prevents that.
◆ Official HP / https://www.full-marks.com/poc/
DRAGON｜R1
A frameless model with a wide field of view and an excellent fit that makes it easy to remove snow from the goggles.
¥25,850
A true medium fit frameless model with an excellent balance of field of view and fitting size is born.
By attaching a breathable cover to the ventilation, it is equipped with a "Hydro Armored Vent" that makes it easy to remove adhering snow and prevents damage to the sponge part. Considering the drainage of moisture, the durability has also been improved. Equipped with Super Anti-Fog 2.0, an ultra-strong anti-fog technology that is also used by NASA. Japan fit that matches the Japanese skeleton. "JAPAN LUMALENS", which has the optimal brightness and color for Japanese people and has a visible light transmittance of 55%, is also very reliable. Compatible with eyeglasses. Scheduled for release in September 2022.
◆Official HP／ http://www.dragonalliance.jp/
SPY | RAIDER
A model that demonstrates strength with great confidence in the backcountry.
Made from a special flexible and durable polyurethane with a SCOOP® ventilation system that allows airflow and eliminates fogging-causing sweat and moisture.
Because it has a high anti-fog effect, it is a model that demonstrates great reliability and strength, especially in the backcountry. Cylinder dual lenses (with anti-fogging) that make full use of SPY's proud "HAPPY lens technology" can give you a sense of security and enjoyment of skiing by clearly recognizing the colors and contrasts that enter your eyes. In addition, scratch-resistant coating against impact, 100% UV protection shield that protects eyes from strong sunlight, moisture-wicking dry force fleece and urethane foam drain sweat generated from the face, prevent lens fogging and provide comfort. keeps it good. Still, the price is in the 10,000 yen range and the cost performance is also high.
SWANS | RIDGELINE-MDH-CU-LG
NEW! Dimmable lens "PHOTOCHROMIC ULTRA LIGHT GRAY"
¥33,000
SWANS' popular model "RIGELINE" has a new lens for the 2022-23 season. A surprising all-weather type that changes the transmittance of the lens from a clear appearance to a deep smoke lens-like darkness. Visible light transmittance ranges from 15% to 55%, allowing you to get a natural view in all situations, from fine weather to snowy days and night games. The gray-based lens makes the shadows of the snow surface stand out well. This lens will be installed in the "RIDGELINE", "RACAN" and "ROVO" series.
◆ Official HP / https://www.swans.co.jp
SMITH｜Squad MAG™
MAG lens change stem enables instant lens replacement
Squad MAG is SMITH's icon model equipped with MAG lens change stem.
The MAG lens change system is a unique technology in which N52 magnets are magnetically attached to fix the lens. The lens can be easily removed by pressing the left and right locks, so the lens can be replaced instantly according to changes in weather and conditions. Equipped with the brand's first 5X™ anti-fog technology as a flat lens.
In addition, by controlling the three primary colors of light, it is equipped with a "Chromapop lens" by SMITH's unique technology that brings more vivid vision. It is very highly evaluated for its outstanding clarity of fine unevenness. Two Chromapop lenses in different colors are provided as standard equipment (excluding the dimmable model).
◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/
SMITH｜4D MAG S
S version of "4D MAG" that fits from small-faced men to female users and youth
"4D MAG", which has a design that covers the bottom of the goggles, not only has a wide field of vision in front, but also clears up to the feet, has reached season 4. In the 2022-23 season, the small size "4D MAG S" has been added to the lineup. The 4DMAG™️ function and system have been successfully reduced to a smaller size. Fits from men with small faces to female users and youth.
The viewing angle is increased by 25% in the downward direction, providing unprecedented visibility. The lens uses SMITH's Chromapop lens and 5X™ anti-fog technology. Equipped with two ChromaPop high-contrast lenses, you can get a clear view in any weather. The AirEvac™️ function makes it an excellent fit with a helmet.
◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/
ELECTRIC｜ROTECK
It tunes the light conveniently and gently on your eyes.The widest field of view is the largest in the history of ELECTRIC.
In the 2022-23 season, the revolutionary lens "TUNED LENS" from ELECTRIC.
This is how the name "tuning" comes from. This lens removes certain colors from the wavelengths of light that cause eye fatigue, like blue light, and are prone to diffuse reflections that obscure uneven snow surfaces. It tunes the light that enters the eye into something that is easy on the eyes and convenient. This function makes it easy to clearly see the ever-changing snow surface conditions and terrain unevenness. Another advantage is that the lateral width is wide due to the outriggers without side frames, and the field of vision is wide. The area is the largest level in the history of ELECTRIC! Made of TPU (Thermo Plastic Urethane) material that does not harden even at low temperatures, it is soft and adapts to the face even in the extremely cold weather conditions of snowy mountains. There is a slit in the nose bridge, so it fits any face shape. ELECTRIC's confident work, which is popular among connoisseurs, is a new product that you should definitely try.
◆ Official HP / https://charlie-trading.co.jp/brands/electric/
Collaborative model with plenty of topicality
GIRO | GIRO X FENDER
A stylish collaboration work with world-leading guitar maker FENDER
"FENDER" continues to attract guitarists and bassists around the world. As you can see, the goggles designed by GIRO together with FENDER are stylish flat lens models. In addition to the VIVID lens that can grasp gaps in the snow surface, EXV technology provides a wide field of view. A magnet system makes changing lenses quick and easy. It can also be used with glasses (depending on the size of the glasses), and comes with one ZEISS VIVID lens for fine weather and one for cloudy weather, making it convenient to use in a variety of situations.
◆Official HP／ //giro-japan.com/
GIRO｜GIRO×POW
Collaborate goggles with POW that can participate in environmental initiatives at
A collaboration model of GIRO and POW (Protect of Winter).
A portion of the sales will be donated to POW's climate change activities. By using the GIRO x POW collaboration goggles, you are participating in environmental initiatives. Not only for its message, but also for its functionality.
CONTOUR is a high-spec, high-performance model among GIRO goggles. The sleek, unconventional shape of the toric lens and cutting-edge EXV+ technology provide a wide field of view equivalent to that seen with the naked eye. Equipped with a quick change lens system, it is possible to change lenses instantly. Comes with 1 VIVID Infrared lens (for cloudy weather).
◆Official HP／ //giro-japan.com/
OAKLEY｜LINE MINER
Invincible goggles that won glory on the stage of the 2022 Beijing Olympics
"LINE MINER" is a model equipped with an epoch-making lens that uses the world's first technology that prevents the mirror from peeling off. In addition, by adopting a unique ventilation system in which the lens pops up, it has a high anti-fog effect, making it a highly functional goggle that demonstrates its strength in every scene, from tough snowy mountain conditions to competitions.
At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Ayumu Hirano, who won the gold medal in the most difficult run in human history in the snowboard halfpipe, also used LINE MINER. The model was sold out immediately, but there is no doubt that the popularity of “LINE MINER” will continue in the 2022-23 season.
◆ Official HP / https://www.oakley.com/ja-jp
Unique new model
OUT OF｜Bio Project
All materials other than lenses are recycled or sustainable materials. Proceeds from sales go to support activities
"BIO Project" is what OUTOF is working on as a brand message for the 2022-23 season. It is an environmental initiative to make all materials other than lenses from recycled or sustainable materials. The frame is made from resin made from castor oil, and the strap band and goggle case made from recycled waste materials are all made in an environmentally friendly manner.
Proceeds from the sale of the goggles will be donated to a charity called SHADES OF LOVE. Purchasing these BIO goggles in Japan will help people who are having trouble with eye health and living in the high mountains of Tibet and the Himalayas. You can contribute to society by enjoying skiing with OUT OF goggles.
The lens can be selected from two types, the electronic lens with instant dimming and the Zeiss lens, and the strap has two designs, Leaf and Snow. Electronic lenses are super lenses, so they are in a high-end price range, but Zeiss lenses are very reasonable.
◆Official HP/URL: https://out-of.com
SWANS｜RACAN-XED
Model "XED series" equipped with a heat lens in "RACAN"
A model "XED series" equipped with a heat lens on "RACAN" corresponding to large eyeglasses has appeared. An excellent item that has the function that the lens with a visible light transmittance of 29% heats up and does not fog up even in harsh environments. It is effective when sweating or in bad weather, such as backcountry or hiking. It comes with a battery, and when you press the switch, the lens heats up. Can be used alone.
◆ Official HP / https://www.swans.co.jp
ABOM｜HEET
A built-in special sensor measures the humidity inside the goggles. Efficiently eliminate fogging
GOLD RUSH MIRROR Color: 9 colors ¥46,200
ABOM's unique, innovative technology that uses an electrically heated film to keep the lens from fogging has evolved further. A special sensor is built into the goggles to measure fogging and humidity inside the goggles, and it works amazingly by actively and efficiently eliminating fogging. The active anti-fog that makes full use of electronics is full of goggles of the new generation.
It can work continuously for 6 hours with a maximum charging time of 3 hours. The lenses are polycarbonate lenses on both sides, inside and outside, and use highly reliable Carl Zeiss lenses that are resistant to scratches and do not peel off the coating even when wiped. There are 9 types of optional lenses, and lens exchange is easy. It is no exaggeration to say that goggles are no longer electronic products. It is a product that you will want to use to know its power.
◆ Official / https://www.hasco.co.jp/abom/