Best Ski & Snowboard Goggles: The Definitive Guide

Snow is falling and that means it’s time to look into the best ski and snowboard goggles for the 2017-2018 season.

If you want to have a good day on the slopes you have to select a high quality pair; I’ll show you how to do that and my top picks for both men and women.

Ready?

How To Pick The Perfect Pair Of Goggles

There are a few things to look for when making your purchase. Here are some important factors:

• Frame size
• Lens type
• Ventilation
• Small features

The first thing to consider is the size of the frames. There are four to choose from and they are:

• Small frame: These are narrow and shorter. They are designed for smaller faces or for people that like smaller goggles.
• Medium frame: Average depth, height and width
• Large frame: These are very tall, wide and come with a deep frame. People with large faces or those who like larger goggles will love these.
• OTG goggles: OTG goggles are supposed to be worn with prescription glasses. They are wide, deep and tall and roomy. If you can’t see without your glasses you’ll want this type.

After you determine size, you need to look at the different lens types. There are four different ones and they are:

• Polarized lenses: Polarized lens lessen the glare from the sun and snow; they do this without giving up visibility.
• Photocromatic lenses: These are the most versatile lenses and adjust to the various light conditions. If it’s dark out the lens become lighter and if it’s light out the lens darken.
• Mirrored lenses: Mirrored lenses are darkened and fully or partially reflective on the outside to block sunlight. You will have low visibility on overcast days, however.
• Non-mirrored lenses: These are designed for nighttime skiing or overcast days because they have no reflective properties.

The next thing to consider is ventilation which prevents fog to build up on the inside. There are three varying degrees of ventilation and they are:

• Low ventilation: These allow for little airflow and fogging can happen if you’re standing still
• Medium ventilation: Medium ventilation prevents fogging during low activity
• High ventilation: These allow for the most air flow and prevents all kinds of fogging

Lastly, there are small things to look at. Some goggles have built in, battery operated fans to prevent fogging, GPS and cameras. These features won’t make or break your day but they can make things a little easier.

There are many types of goggles on this list and one that will suit your perfectly. Let’s take a look at my top picks now:

Abom Anti-Fog Goggles

Company: Abom

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.9/5

If you are constantly having an issue with fogging goggles, you should consider the Abom Anti-Fog’s. This product comes with Klair Technology that de-fogs your field of vision easily and fast; all you have to do is press a button. Additionally, these come with:

• A USB cord for quick charging
• A wide field of vision so your sight is never lessened
• 6 hour rechargeable battery
• Scratch resistant lens

The Abom Anti-Fog’s come with a one year warranty too. These are a little pricey (around $250) but worth it if you can afford them.

Take A Closer Look At The Abom Anti-Fog Goggles

Oakley O2 XL Ski Goggles

Company: Oakley

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

Oakley is a phenomenal brand and well known for their eye-protecting products. Although Oakley can get pricey, the O2 XL Goggles are very affordable; they’ll cost around $70. That’s not bad when you consider all the features, which are:

• Highest level of ventilation possible which prevents all fogging
• Large lens and wide field of vision
• Polar fleece liner that is comfortable to wear and will prevent moisture and sweat build up

Also, it has a moto-cross style strap that can fit around helmets. Here’s a video that goes a little deeper:

Take A Closer Look At The Oakley O2 XL Goggles

Smith I/OX Goggles

Company: Smith

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.9/5

You will see plenty of Smith products on the slopes; they’re very well known for their helmets and goggles. Their I/OX Goggles are high quality and sleek looking. They come in 26 colors too, so you can match them to your other equipment. You’ll be happy to know these feature:

• Compatibility with eyeglasses
• Very easy to swap out lens
• Awesome ventilation and anti-fogging system

These will fit around your helmet too. These are definitely one of the best looking goggles available.

Take A Closer Look At The Smith I/OX Goggles

Giro Index OTG Goggles

Company: Giro

Price: $

Rating: 4.6/5

The Giro Index OTG are very affordable (around $50) and are another pair of goggles that can be worn with your glasses. They do a pretty good job with ventilation and:

• Have a snug fit
• Work with your helmet
• Good for average size faces

These don’t have all the bells and whistles of more expensive products and the field of vision isn’t as wide either. More advanced skiers and snowboarders should avoid these.

Take A Closer Look At The Giro Index OTG Goggles

POC Iris 3P Goggles

Company: POC

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

POC is another company that excels at making protective gear for skiers and snowboarders. Their Iris 3P Goggles will keep the sun’s glare from blinding you and features:

• State of the art anti-fog technology
• Fairly priced at around $110
• Color vision boosting filter

Like the last pair of goggles you saw, these don’t have the widest field of vision possible. Definitely not a deal breaker but something to consider.

Take A Closer Look At the POC Iris 3P Goggles

5th Element Stealth Goggles

Company: 5th Element

Price: $

Rating: 4.6/5

If you are looking for a cheap pair of goggles that look good and work well, you should consider the 5th Element Stealth’s. They only cost around $60 and come with a replacement lens (they’re very easy to switch out too). You will also enjoy:

• A wide field of vision
• Micro fiber carrying bag
• Triple Layer Face Foam that is very comfortable

The venting could be a little better and you may get a little fogging if you are standing still. This will drive some people crazy and others won’t mind – it really depends on you.

Take A Closer Look At The 5th Element Stealth Goggles

Giro Balance Goggles

Company: Giro

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

The Giro Balance have a fixed lens, meaning they can’t be taken out and replaced – for most people this isn’t a big deal. The price tag is fair, around $130, and is very comfortable to wear (fleece foam lining). Additionally, it features:

• Expansion View Technology which will give you a complete field of vision
• Anti-fog coating to keep things clear
• Fits perfectly with all Giro helmets

The frame is best for normal size faces. If that’s you and you want a quality product from a well known company, you should consider the Balance.

Take A Closer Look At The Giro Balance

Anon Relapse Goggles

Company: Burton

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

The Burton brand is a favorite of mine and I own a ton of their gear – they always deliver. The Anon Relapse Goggles are well known to snowboarders (skiers enjoy them too). They’re pretty cheap too and will only cost around $70. That’s pretty good when you consider:

• The great ventilation system
• Triple layer face foam that makes wearing them a delight
• Fits well with glasses

These don’t have the widest range of vision though. If you can get past that you will enjoy the Relapse’s a lot.

Take A Closer Look At The Anon Relapse Goggles

Oakley Crowbar Goggles

Company: Oakley

Price: $$

Rating: 4.9/5

The Crowbars are another quality pair of Oakley goggles and one of my top picks. These aren’t overly expensive and will cost under $100. That’s definitely fair when you consider these:

• Have a very wide field of vision
• Decent ventilation
• 100% UV protection

Also, the Crowbars come in a bunch of different colors so you can get the pair you like the most. Lastly, they’re helmet compatible which is very important.

Take A Closer Look At The Oakley Crowbar Goggles

Giro Mens Contact Goggles

Company: Giro

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.9/5

The Giro Men’s Contact are very sleek looking and are one of my favorites – you will really love their sharp design. Besides that they come with:

• Anti-foam coating
• A spare lens case
• EXV technology that gives you the most expansive view imaginable

I know skiers and snowboarders that go through pair after pair of goggles and are often disappointed with what they get. That is not the case with the Contacts and they are favorites of many serious winter athletes.

Take A Closer Look At The Giro Contact

Oakley Flight Deck XM Goggles

Company: Oakley

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.8/5

This is the third pair of Oakley goggles on this list and the Flight Deck’s are the most expensive of the trio at around $200. Is it that much better than the Crowbar’s or O2’s? It’s really hard to say. They are very quality and feature:

• One of the widest field of visions possible
• Multiple lenses so you can adapt to the weather around you
• Fog free technology

They are lightweight and very stylish too; this is another product you’ll be proud to wear. If you’re a serious skier or snowboarder you should definitely consider the The Flight Decks.

Take A Closer Look At The Oakley Flight Deck Goggles

Smith Optics Women’s Transit Goggles

Company: Smith

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

The Smith Optics Transit Goggles are made specifically for women and will not hurt your pocketbook too badly – they cost as low as $35. They don’t have the best field of vision but feature:

• Dual side strap adjustment
• Good airflow ventilation
• Comfortable Compression Molded face foam

If you are very competitive or aggressive when you ski or snowboard you may want a different product. If you rarely push your limits on the slopes, the Smith Transit Goggles will work well for you.

Take A Closer Look At The Smith Optics Women’s Transit Goggles

POC Lobes Goggles

Company: POC

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

The POC Lobes are very modern looking and a delight to wear. I’ve worn goggles that irritated my face, skin and forehead. That won’t happen with the Lobes. They’re very well made and specifically designed to be comfortable. Additionally, they come with:

• Very large lens for unobstructed views
• Can be used by racers (and advanced performers)
• Anti-scratch treatment

These vary in price and can range from around $80 to $200. I found the cheapest price for this product and you can see it by clicking below.

Take A Closer Look At The POC Lobes

Smith Riot Women’s Goggles

Company: Smith

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

Here’s another pair of Smith goggles specifically for women. The Riot’s fit a feminine face perfectly and will cost under $100. They may not give you the widest field of vision but come with:

• Fog-x lens that absorb moisture and keep your sight clear
• Bonus lens that will work in any weather or lighting
• Driwix foam that’s comfortable on your face and will give you a little extra warmth

You also get to choose from 25 different colors and designs. It should not be hard to find one you love and want to wear.

Take A Closer Look At The Smith Riot Women’s Goggles

POC Cornea Goggles

Company: POC

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

The POC Cornea Goggles are very stylish. Although they come in a couple different colors, my favorite is the the grey pair to the right (the red ones are cool too)- definitely one of the best looking goggles available. Also, it will:

• Prevent scratching
• Has triple layer face foam
• Helmet compatible

The Cornea’s come with a decent field of vision too. I really like these and I believe you will too.

Take A Closer Look At The POC Cornea Goggles

Hope This Helps!

You need functional equipment if you plan on hitting the slopes and goggles are essential. The products on this list are the best of the best and no matter your budget or if you are a man or women, you will find a pair that fits you perfectly.

If you have any questions about what you’ve read, comment below and I’ll make sure to respond as fast as possible. Also, if you want your friends and family to see you can share on social media.

How excited are you to ski and snowboard this year?