Goggle Buying Guide

If you're hitting the slopes this winter, goggles are the way to go! Not only do they provide superior protection for your eyes from the elements, but they also offer improved visibility, a better fit, and even the option of interchangeable lenses. With sunglasses, you may not get the same level of versatility in terms of lens tints and styles.

So, if you want to make sure your eyes are safe and comfortable while you ski, make sure you're wearing goggles!

In addition to protecting your eyes, goggles can also help to improve your visibility on the slopes. Skiing can be a very fast and dynamic activity, and it's important to be able to see clearly in order to react to changes in the terrain and avoid obstacles. Goggles can help to reduce glare and improve contrast, making it easier to see the slope in front of you.

Goggles can also provide a measure of style and personal expression on the slopes. There are many different styles and colours of goggles available, so you can choose the pair that best matches your ski gear and personal style. So, it is important to wear goggles while skiing for your eye protection, visibility, and style.

Picking your goggles.

When picking ski goggles, consider the fit, lens tint, lens material, ventilation, style, and price. Choose a pair of goggles that fits well, provides the level of protection and visibility you need, and fits your budget.

1. Consider the fit: It's important to choose a pair of goggles that fits well and feels comfortable. Goggles should be snug but not too tight, and they should stay in place when you move your head. You'll also want to consider the size and shape of the goggles in relation to your face. If you have a larger or wider face, you may want to look for goggles with a larger frame.

2. Consider the lens tint: The lens tint of the goggles can affect the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the lens, which can impact visibility and comfort. Choose a lens tint that is appropriate for the lighting conditions you'll be skiing in. Lighter tints (higher VLT) are better for low-light conditions, while darker tints (lower VLT) are better for bright, sunny days. Scroll down to learn more.

3. Consider the lens material: Goggles are made with different lens materials, and the material can affect the durability and performance of the goggles. Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and shatter-resistant, making them a good choice for skiing. Other options include CR-39 and polyurethane lenses, which are also lightweight and durable.

4. Consider the ventilation: Goggles can fog up when you're skiing, which can be annoying and reduce visibility. Look for goggles with good ventilation to help prevent fogging. Some goggles have vents on the top and bottom of the frame, while others have vents along the side of the frame.

5. Consider the style: Goggles come in a wide range of styles and colours, so you can choose the pair that best matches your ski gear and personal style. Some goggles have a more traditional look, while others have a more modern or sporty look.

6. Consider the price: Goggles can range in price from a few pounds to several hundred pounds, depending on the features and materials. Determine your budget and look for goggles that offer the features you need at a price you can afford.

The main difference between an expensive pair of ski goggles and a cheap pair is the quality and features of the goggles. Expensive ski goggles tend to be made with higher-quality materials and may have more advanced features, such as a larger field of view, better ventilation, more durable lenses, and more comfortable and adjustable straps. These features can improve the overall performance and comfort of the goggles, making them a better choice for serious skiers or those who ski frequently.

It's important to note that price is not always an indicator of quality, and there are some affordable ski goggles that offer good performance and features.

At Funky Yeti we have good goggles, and we have better goggles!

Protect your goggles with a Gogglesoc.

A Gogglesoc is a protective cover or sleeve that fits over a pair of ski goggles. It is used to protect the goggles when they are not being worn and to keep them clean and scratch-free when they are being stored or transported. Gogglesocs are a popular accessory for skiers and snowboarders, as they can help to extend the life of the goggles and add a bit of style.

Want to know more about goggle tech?

Keep reading!

Lenses

In general, the lens is an important factor to consider when choosing ski goggles, as it can significantly impact the performance and comfort of the goggles. Goggles with high-quality lenses may be more expensive, but they can offer better protection, improved visibility, and a longer lifespan. On the other hand, goggles with lower-quality lenses may be cheaper, but they may not provide as much protection or visibility and may not last as long.

Lens tints

When choosing a pair of ski goggles, it's important to consider the cat rating and the corresponding VLT value. A lighter tint (higher VLT) is generally better for low-light conditions or cloudy days, while a darker tint (lower VLT) is better for bright, sunny days. It's also a good idea to have goggles with different tints so that you can switch out the lenses depending on the lighting conditions.

The "Cat" rating system is used to classify the level of lens tint in ski goggles.

The Cat rating system uses a scale from 0 to 4, with 0 being the lightest tint and 4 being the darkest. The specific tint of the lens is determined by the amount of visible light transmission (VLT) that is allowed through the lens. A lens with a higher VLT will allow more light to pass through, while a lens with a lower VLT will block out more light.

Here is a general breakdown of the Cat ratings and their corresponding VLT values:

• Cat 0 (VLT of 80-100%): These lenses are best for extremely low-light conditions, such as overcast days or early morning/late evening skiing. They allow a lot of light to pass through the lens, which can help to improve visibility in these conditions.

• Cat 1 (VLT of 43-80%): These lenses are good for partially cloudy or overcast days, as well as for skiing in tree-covered areas where there is less direct sunlight.

• Cat 2 (VLT of 18-43%): These lenses are good for most everyday skiing conditions, including partially cloudy days and bluebird days (sunny days with clear skies).

• Cat 3 (VLT of 8-18%): These lenses are good for very bright, sunny days when there is a lot of glare on the slopes. They can help to reduce glare and improve contrast, making it easier to see the terrain.

• Cat 4 (VLT of 3-8%): These lenses are best for extremely bright, sunny days when there is a lot of glare and intense sunlight. They block out a lot of light, which can help to improve visibility and reduce eye strain.

It's important to note that the cat rating system is just a general guideline, and the best lens tint for you will depend on your personal preference and the specific lighting conditions you'll be skiing in. Some people may prefer a darker lens for bright, sunny days, while others may find a lighter lens more comfortable. It's a good idea to have goggles with interchangeable lenses so that you can switch out the lenses depending on the lighting conditions.

Lens colours

The colour of the goggles lens can affect the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the lens, which can impact visibility and comfort. Different lens colours can also enhance or distort the colours of the objects that you see through the goggles. Choose a lens colour that is appropriate for the lighting conditions you'll be skiing in and that meets your personal preference. Some goggles come with interchangeable lenses, so you can switch out the lenses depending on the lighting conditions.

Here are some general guidelines for how different lens colours can affect visibility and colour perception:

• Yellow/amber lenses: These lenses are good for low-light conditions, as they can help to improve contrast and reduce glare. They can also enhance the colours of objects in snow, making it easier to see details.

• Rose/pink lenses: These lenses are good for partially cloudy or overcast days, as they can help to improve contrast and reduce glare. They can also enhance the colours of objects in snow, making it easier to see details.

• Clear lenses: These lenses are good for very low-light conditions, as they allow a lot of light to pass through the lens. They can also be used for night skiing or indoor slopes.

• Blue/green lenses: These lenses are good for bright, sunny days, as they can help to reduce glare and improve contrast. They can also enhance the colours of objects in snow, making it easier to see details.

• Grey/black lenses: These lenses are good for most everyday skiing conditions, including partially cloudy days and bluebird days (sunny days with clear skies). They provide good contrast and do not distort colours.

• Brown lenses: These lenses are good for bright, sunny days, as they can help to reduce glare and improve contrast. They can also enhance the colours of objects in snow, making it easier to see details.

Please note that the colour of the goggles lens shown in the images may not accurately reflect the actual colour of the lens due to flash photography and variations in display settings. The goggles lens colour shown in the images should be used as a general reference only.

How to Change Your Goggle Lens (Without Panicking)

Changing goggle lenses isn’t complicated, but not all systems are built the same. Some goggles use magnetic or locking systems, which are great if you’re swapping lenses on a chairlift in a blizzard. They definitely have their place. But let’s be real, most people pick their lens for the day and might only change it at lunch if the weather shifts. For traditional frame-style goggles, this is the tried-and-tested way to do it properly without damaging the lens or the frame.

Taking the lens out

1. Start at the top of the goggle.
   Gently pull the frame away from the lens.
   Yep, it feels scary the first time. That’s normal. You’re not breaking it.

2. Use the goggle bag inside out like a glove.
   This gives you grip and keeps greasy fingerprints off the lens. Win win.

3. Work your way around the frame.
   Once the top is free, keep pulling the frame off the lens, moving around the sides and finishing at the nose.

Putting the lens back in

1. Start at the nose.
   Line up the little tabs on the frame with the matching notches in the lens.

2. Press the frame back on.
   Work from the nose, up the sides, and finish at the top.
   You should feel it pop neatly back into place.

3. Quick check.
   Run your finger around the edge to make sure everything’s fully seated. If it looks right, it is right.

First lens change always feels like you’re doing something illegal. You’re not. After the second time, you’ll wonder what the fuss was about.

If you have any questions, ask us!