What kind of lenses are there?

Imagine you are standing at the top of the slope, the sun is shining brightly, and you squint your eyes to see. The next day, it's snowing so heavily that you can barely distinguish the sky from the ground. Have you ever experienced this? Poor visibility can not only be frustrating but also dangerous. That’s why choosing the right ski goggles is crucial. The goggle lenses are designed for various weather conditions and enhance contrast, allowing you to better see the slope in low visibility. In this blog, we’ll tell you all about it!

Lenses for every weather condition

Whether it’s bright sunshine or overcast skies, a well-chosen lens makes all the difference. To select the right lens, we look at Visual Light Transmission (VLT), the percentage of light that passes through the lens. The lower this percentage, the darker the lens, which is ideal for sunny days but less suitable for cloudy weather. A higher VLT, on the other hand, is better for cloudy and dark conditions. These lenses let in more light, helping you maintain clear vision in low sunlight. The lens color is tailored to a specific weather type, ensuring optimal visibility and contrast.

Lenses are categorized into five groups:

Category Light Transmission Ideal for
0 80-100% Heavy clouds or night skiing
1 43-80% Cloudy skies and light snow
2 18-43% Partly cloudy skies
3 8-18% Sunny conditions
4 3-8% Very bright sunlight

Special lens features

Photochromic Lenses

Many ski goggles feature lenses optimized for one of the five weather types. For those who don’t want to constantly switch lenses, photochromic lenses are the solution. These adaptive lenses automatically adjust their tint based on lighting conditions. Is the sun shining? They darken. Are clouds rolling in? They lighten up. This makes them perfect for a day with changing weather.

Interchangeable Lenses

Many ski goggles have lenses that are easy to swap out. This allows you to quickly adapt to changing weather. Check the forecast in the morning and choose the most suitable lens, which can easily be clicked into the frame using clips or magnets.

Polarized Lenses

Sunlight reflecting off the snow can blind you. Polarized lenses filter out this glare and enhance contrast, allowing you to see the slope's details more clearly. Ideal for those who prioritize safety and comfort.

OTG (Over The Glasses) Goggles

Do you wear glasses? OTG goggles are the answer. These ski goggles have extra space inside and special cutouts on the sides for your glasses' temples. This allows you to wear your regular glasses without discomfort. Even without glasses, OTG models can be comfortable due to their spacious fit.

Single vs. Double Lenses

Fogging on your lens is one of the biggest annoyances while skiing. Single lenses are often cheap but prone to fogging, even with an anti-fog coating. Double lenses solve this issue. They feature an air layer between the lenses that insulates and prevents fogging.

Which lens shape suits you?

  • Cylindrical Lenses: A cylindrical lens is curved in one direction, giving goggles a classic and rugged look. However, vision at the top and bottom of the lens can be distorted since it doesn’t curve with the viewing angle. In practice, skiers rarely notice this as they mostly look through the center of the goggles.
  • Spherical Lenses: A spherical lens curves in all directions, offering a wide field of view without distortions. Additionally, the curved shape reduces glare and increases the distance between the lens and the skin, which helps prevent fogging.

Think about comfort too

Ski goggles should not only provide good visibility but also feel comfortable. Ensure they fit snugly against your face and helmet to avoid pressure points and cold air. Choose goggles and helmets from the same brand to ensure compatibility. And don’t forget: a stylish pair of goggles complete your ski outfit! With the right goggles, you can enjoy every descent to the fullest, regardless of the weather. Check out the online collection and get ready for a worry-free time on the slopes!