Choosing the right pair of goggles for skiing or snowboarding is essential and helps protect you from the following:
Sun & Ultraviolet rays UV rays can damage your eyes and cause Snow blindness. The combination of high altitude and the reflection of the Snow causes sun's rays to hit you much harder during Skiing or Snowboarding than during other extreme sports due to the high altitude.
Snow and Ice
Theres nothing worse than getting snow or ice in your eyes during high speed descents. A good pair of quality goggles will prevent this
Twigs and branches
For those who enjoy off piste or backcountry skiing will want to protect their eyes from twigs hitting their face as they descend through the trees.
At Designer Sunglasses Store we have a huge range of ski and snowbaording goggles from brands such as Oakley, Electric Visual, Bolle and our current favourite range of ski and snowboarding goggles from Von Zipper
How many Lenses do i need?
Many of our goggles have multiple layers of lenses. Goggles with multiple lenses do not fog as fast as goggles with single lenses. If possible it is always better to buy goggles with multiple lenses.
What other factors can reduce fogging?
Multiple lenses will help reduce fogging. Also, check that the lenses have been treated with anti- fogging chemicals. Another way of preventing fogging is venting. Many goggles feature vents at the top and bottom of the lenses, allowing fresh air circulation which will reduce fogging and provide fresh air for your eyes. The bigger the holes, the better the venting will be.
What Lens Colour should I choose?
Lenses come in many colours with specific colours for specific light conditions:
* Black/Polarized: reduces glare without distorting colours making them suitable for bright sunny conditions, though they might be too dark at the end of the day.
* Green/Silver: Enhances contrast making them suitable for most brighter conditions.
* Yellow/Amber/Gold Lenses: Filters out blue light and brings out shadows making them suitable for most conditions and especially in low to moderate light.
* Purple/Rose: Best used for low-light conditions as it brings out shadows and contours.
* Clear Lenses: Is best used for dark conditions such as sunset or cloudy conditions.
How much UV protection should I get?
If you are going to use your goggles in sunny or bright conditions, make sure to have at least 95% UV rays protection.
if I wear Glasses?
If you wear glasses, you will want to make sure that the goggles fit well over your regular glasses. A better solution would be to buy goggles with lenses that correspond with your regular glasses. Your optician will be able to tell you which goggle frames can be fit with prescription lenses.
What shape and built characteristics should I look for?
Goggles come in many shapes and sizes. Make sure to check for the following:
Peripheral Vision
Make sure that when you buy goggles, you have at least a 180 degree peripheral vision. You will want to make sure you have enough vision to see other Snowboarders and Skiers ahead of time.
Fit with your Helmet
Make sure that your goggles work well with your helmet and that both systems are compatible. You do not want to buy expensive goggles just to find out that they just will not fit with your helmet.
Fit and Strap
Make sure the goggles fit well and have straps that easily allow you to adjust the fit. Make sure the straps are padded and do not irritate your skin or stick to your hair.
Padded for Protection
The inside part of the goggles must be padded so that when you crash on top of them, they will not press too hard or even cut into your face.
Snug fit
Make sure you can adjust your goggles to a tight fit. Likewise, it must fit well on your nose and other features of your face. Bad fitting goggles will flip or lift off your face when you hit bumps.
This intel first appeared on: http://www.designer-sunglasses-store.co.uk/blog/goggles-buying-guide
