If you ski or snowboard, then ski goggles are an essential part of your sporting gear. A day on the slopes without a good pair can be uncomfortable. Add extreme weather and you can be just downright miserable. Your ski goggles offer many types of protection – protection from UV rays, protection from glare, and because they are relatively large they offer wind protection to a good part of the face. Also, the large lenses of ski goggles offer an excellent view including peripheral vision.
Advances in the materials used for the frames have resulted in flexible materials that hold their shape and, because they don’t become brittle in the cold, they offer optimum protection to the face. These materials include some rubbers, nylon, and a variety of composites.
UV protection, anti-fogging, and wide vents are all considered a must, but just within those categories are many choices, thanks to advancements in technology. You can now choose ski goggles specific to activity, light conditions, and weather. While there are many manufacturers offering advanced technology in their goggles, we’ll look at Smith’s Performance Series to get an idea of just what type of technically advancements there have been.
Smith has set the standard in the industry in constant air management. There is a micro electron fan that runs silently and continuously for up to fifty hours on low. The strategically placed vents draw air in to eliminate fogging, offering continuous perfect vision. In extreme situations you can activate the high setting.
Distortion free Carbonix-X lenses are ideal for regulating airflow and, when it is combined with molding foam, you get the perfect combination for perfect vision with no distortion. This type of lens is also able to increase the air circulation, thus eliminating fogging, making the goggles perfect for high speeds and deep powder.
The PMT or Perforated Membrane Technology allows moist air to escape from the inside of the goggles, thereby preventing fogging from occurring. If you are one of the people that aren’t happy without reliable fog-free lenses, you’ll want to make sure your goggles incorporate this technology.
Other advanced technology that is making its way to the slopes can be found from Recon Instruments.Their goggles will include a bunch of cool features: built-in GPS to guide rescuers to you if necessary; trail maps that can even provide your ski buddies’ positions; the ability to answer a cell call mid run; stats feedback that can provide you with your performance in terms of speed and jump height; ambient temperature and altitude on the mountain, and probably more. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Smith goggles have introduced what’s called outrigger positioning. These engineered strap attachments are able to offer optimum comfort and maximum performance. The goggles are designed to transfer the pressure across your nose and brow to offer a complete seal. They can be used with or without your helmet.
Sweatbuster foam has become very popular because it is designed to wick moisture away from the face, keeping you comfortable and dry. When combined with hypoallergenic foam for an optimized temple fit you’re going to wonder how you lived without these features in the past.
Advancements in ski goggle technology have made great strides and that has resulted in skiers and snowboarders enjoying a more comfortable, safer day on the slopes. There’s likely to be plenty more advancements in the future.
If you love fitness, including skiing and snowboarding, then check out the ski gadgets section of the author’s blog. We’ve looked at goggles, iPhone aps, shock absorbers, and more ski-related technology.