What You See Is What You Get
You know that saying, “perception is reality”? It means that how we interpret or understand something is how we define it. Regardless of the truth. Our vision is the number one tool that we use to perceive what is around us.
Now let us take this concept and apply it to the mountain:
You are carving up a storm, sending white waves crashing down on either side of your board’s tail. Last minute, hair-splitting turns saving you from imprinting your body shape into a tree. Things seem great but in life, everything changes and it changes quickly.
You notice that your vision is getting blurred, it’s coming from inside your goggles. Lens fogging but you can still make out shapes, you press on.
A few moments later the trees align just right and the sun’s rays strike through. The rays blade the surface of your goggles, the glare yet another blanket on your sight.
You can’t see and in a few moments, you’ll smash into a tree at top speed.
Want to avoid this fate? You could have, with the Smith 4d mag goggles or the Oakley flight deck goggles. Below, we have got the right goggles to not only safeguard your vision but improve it.
Product
Details
Best Overall
Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop
- Frame Size: Medium
- Lens Type: Spherical
Best Toric Goggles
Anon M4 Toric MFI
- Frame Size: Large, OTG
- Lens Type: Toric
Best Peripheral Vision
Smith 4D Mag
- Frame Size: Medium
- Lens Type: Spherical
Large-Sized Goggle
Oakley Flight Deck L
- Frame Size: Large, OTG
- Lens Type: Spherical
Best Looking
Dragon NFXs Goggles
- Frame Size: Medium
- Lens Type: Cylindrical
Great All-Arounder
Anon Sync Goggles
- Frame Size: Medium, Large
- Lens Type: Cylindrical
Frameless Goggles
Spy Marauder Goggles
- Frame Size: Large, OTG
- Lens Type: Cylindrical
Budget Friendly
Wildhorn Pipeline Goggles
- Frame Size: Large
- Lens Type: Sperical
8 Best Snowboard Goggles Available Right Now
Ouch! Let’s do our best to stay away from scenarios like the one above. It’s possible. We only need the assistance of the Anon M4 Toric MFI goggles and their new toric lenses. Don’t like that middle ground design?
No problem because we’ve got everything from cylindrical to spherical options that are sure to get you what you are looking for. As long as you ain’t looking for trouble.
1. Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop
The I/O mag ChromaPops wears its best feature right in the name. That ChromaPop lens gives you an excellent color contrast that’ll make you want to wear them even when not on a board.
The inside of this snow goggle(ski goggle) is glazed over with a Hydrophobic coating. This coating makes sure that moisture and grime won’t even get the chance to build up.
Other high-tech features include a triple-layer face foam that massages your face while cleaning up any moisture that dares come up.
Let’s throw in a bonus lens with your purchase because yes, the Mag ChromaPop has interchangeable lenses.
What’s not to love?
Thanks to the spherical lens that these goggles have your peripheral vision will be greatly enhanced. This snow goggle isn’t just here to do the bare minimum. It wants to pamper you and enhance your peepers.
Features:
- Frame Structure: Magnetic, rimless, 3-layer DriWix face foam
- Goggle Face Size: Medium fit
- Strap: Wide, silicone-backed
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Interchangeable Lens: Yes
- Lens: ChromaPop lenses
Pros:
- No visual distortions thanks to Porex filter.
- The magnetic lens system makes swapping lenses a cinch.
- Fantastic visual quality.
Cons:
- The lens can scratch easily but every purchase comes with a spare lens.
Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop
The price of “Smith I/O Mag ” varies, so check the latest price at
2. Anon M4 Toric MFI
These bad boys were very close to getting a first-place finish but ultimately their higher price point stopped this from happening. Worry not because every dollar will be well spent on the Anon m4 goggles.
These goggles have a toric lens style which has the curves of the spherical lenses with none of the bug-eyed look.
The lens change system here is the best that we could find in any ski goggle. Seven magnetic connection points are used to secure the lens in place.
If you wish to swap lenses then you only need to prod at these connection points to get the process started.
The Sonar lens technology enhances the contrast of the terrain. Truly shaping and highlighting your path for you, even at top speeds.
Features:
- Frame Structure: Lightweight dual molded PC-ABS/TPU frame
- Goggle Face Size: Medium to large
- Strap: No-slip silicone strap
- Warranty: One-year
- Interchangeable Lens: Yes
- Lens: Toric
Pros:
- Swap lenses with no problems thanks to magnetic connection points.
- Maximum airflow thanks to channel venting.
- Sonar lens for defining your terrain.
Cons:
- Higher price point but this is due to their amazing quality.
Anon M4 Toric MFI
The price of “Anon M4 Toric MFI” varies, so check the latest price at
3. Smith 4D Mag
Though it may not be proudly displayed in the name rest assured that ChromaPop is back. Not only does this lens tech mark its return but it does so with the best field of view out of any goggles on this list.
In fact, you can count on a 25% increase in vision when compared to the topped ranked I/O Mags. Most of this new territory comes from your improved downward view.
Birdseye vision.
This boost in sight is possible thanks to an opening that has been added to these medium-sized goggles.
Adorning the edges is AirEvac technology that reduces any fogging that wants to occur. The AirEvac works in tandem with a 3-layer DriWix foam that seals this ski goggle right onto your face.
No gaps, no problem.
Features:
- Frame Structure: Responsive fit
- Goggle Face Size: Medium
- Strap: QuickFit, silicone-backed
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Interchangeable Lens: 4D Mag
- Lens: ChromaPop
Pros:
- Quick fit silicone strap secures the 4d Mag goggles onto your face.
- The Smith 4d Mag has a fast lens swapping system.
- Best field of view.
Cons:
- Some may find the enhanced view doesn’t justify the price.
4. Oakley Flight Deck L
Take a glance at the product page of these Oakley goggles. Any color combination that you could think of is available. You know that we are off to a good start here. And these good vibes continue with an all-day comfort frame that was developed with 3D CAM to ensure a pinpoint precise fit.
The Flight Deck has three-hundred and sixty-degree frame venting that makes it compatible with a wide assortment of helmets. That is something that larger goggles can not boast about.
Thoughtful design.
The HDO tech in the single lens gives it great visual fidelity while strengthening its structure. Making it quite impact-resistant. But should your one lens suffer a crack or fracture then use the sub-frame attachment to quickly slot in a new second lens.
Features:
- Frame Structure: All-day comfort with rimless lenses
- Goggle Face Size: Large
- Strap: Silicone-backed strap
- Warranty: Two years
- Interchangeable Lens: Yes
- Lens: Prizm™ Lens
Pros:
- Sub-frame attachment for rapid swapping of lenses.
- Larger goggles have nowhere near the amount of helmet compatibility of the Flight Deck.
- Large range of color options.
Cons:
- Comes with one, not two high-quality lenses.
Oakley Flight Deck L
The price of “Oakley Flight Deck L” varies, so check the latest price at
5. Dragon NFXs Goggles
Nothing will ever beat the aesthetic design of the Dragon NFXs. The silicone-backed strap that you use to put these on has two dragon symbols on either side of the lens.
The armored venting at the top of the goggles resembles the slits in a knight’s helmet.
The blood-red sunset color pattern will blaze through the white snow. And the tiny NFXs name imprint on the bottom left stops these from looking like generic off-brands.
It doesn’t just look good, it’s damn good.
Okay, we have established that these goggles are the best looking but are they any good?
Certainly!
How does a “Super Anti-Fog” treatment coat applied to the inside of the lens sound? How about a cylindrical lens that blocks out 100% of ultraviolet light? And for your comfort, a microfleece lining with a triple layer of face foam.
Features:
- Frame Structure: Frame less
- Goggle Face Size: Medium
- Strap: Silicone-backed
- Warranty: Two years
- Interchangeable Lens: Yes
- Lens: Cylindrical
Pros:
- Armored venting at the top.
- 100% UV protection lens.
- Microfleece lining and three layers of face foam.
Cons:
- Cheap feeling strap.
Dragon NFXs Goggles
The price of “Dragon NFXs” varies, so check the latest price at
6. Anon Sync Goggles
It seems like the Anon Syncs were created to satisfy the largest amount of riders possible.
With a unisex frame design that fits all manner of face sizes, I’d say they hit the mark. M-Fusion technology allows for rapid swapping of lenses thanks to its magnetic latch system and fast lens alignment.
The silicone strap on the back has been constructed with no-slip materials so that it stays on when needed. This is often a weak point that other goggles that try to go for the one size fits all design suffer from. It’s commendable that they got it right here.
When it comes to visual fidelity, you get the same high-quality contrast and pop that you would with any of the other models on this list. Granted, that it’s not the best. Only good enough.
A very solid option.
Features:
- Frame Structure: Thermoplastic Polyurethane
- Goggle Face Size: Medium to large
- Strap: No-slip silicone strap
- Interchangeable Lens: Yes
- Lens: Cylindrical Injected Lens
Pros:
- No-slip silicone strap that doesn’t falter.
- Unisex frame design.
- Fast lens alignment.
Cons:
- Not the best field of vision in some low light conditions.
7. Spy Marauder Snow Goggles
Finally, a frameless option has arrived and one with an anti-scratch coating applied to the lens. Now, how good is that combo?
Ever felt like your lens was not secured in place? Peace of mind is an important thing and the Deadbolt lens system here grants you it.
The Deadbolt lens system lets you quickly swap out lenses by using magnets to help guide them into place. Then a locking lever firmly secures it all into place.
What’s more, is that you can wear your prescription glasses with these goggles.
This is because special notches in the temple area have been added to accommodate your prescription glasses.
Features:
- Frame Structure: Standard Fit
- Goggle Face Size: Large
- Strap: Silicone-lined XL (45 mm) strap
- Interchangeable Lens: Yes
- Lens: Antifog-injected SIC™ dual-lens
Pros:
- Sleek frameless design.
- 100% UV light protection.
- Anti-scratch coating.
Cons:
Not the best light transmission.
Spy Marauder Snow Goggles
The price of “Spy Marauder Snow Goggles ” varies, so check the latest price at
8. Wildhorn Pipeline Ski Goggles
Rounding off our list is the official supplier of the U.S. Ski & top snowboard team. If it’s good enough for the pros then it’s more than enough for the rest of us.
The Wildhorn Pipelines come with a sizable cylindrical lens that makes for a great field of view.
The Aurora Tech system secures said lens into place and ensures that no matter how many flips (and in my case, falls) you perform everything will stay where it needs to. To top it all off, Wildhorn gives us more than seventy color combinations to choose from for our lens.
Great quality backed by great customization.
Features:
- Frame Structure: Thermoplastic Polyurethane, Low profile
- Goggle Face Size: Medium to large
- Warranty: One year
- Interchangeable Lens: Yes
- Lens: Polycarbonate
Pros:
- Incredibly low price.
- An immense amount of lens color combinations.
Cons:
- Build quality is much lower than other options.
Wildhorn Pipeline Ski Goggles
The price of “Wildhorn Pipeline ” varies, so check the latest price at
What You Need To Know To Buy Snowboard Goggles
Stop! Before you make any final decisions, quickly run through our outline below for a breakdown of what the best goggles should have. From high-quality lenses to how they handle the fog. How can you know what’s top-quality if you can’t define it?
The Shape of Lenses: Spherical, Cylindrical, and Toric lenses
Even the best snowboarding goggles differ when it comes to the shape of their lenses. Whether cylindrical, spherical, or toric, they each have their differences and subtleties.
Cylindrical Lenses
This lens shape is common among cheaper goggles and goggles suited for those just starting out in the world of snowboarding. They are cheap and easy to make due to their shape.
A cylindrical lens curves across your face horizontally and is flat vertically. Traditionally, this lens shape resulted in distortions in the top and bottom of your field of vision as well as reduced peripheral vision overall.
Fortunately, advances in technology have remedied many of these issues. Top-quality goggles such as the Dragon NFXs and the Anon Syncs use a cylindrical lens with little to no issues.
Spherical Lenses
For a while, the best goggles have used spherical lens technology. These types of lenses have a curve both horizontally and vertically. The reason for the dual curve of the lens shape is that the natural shape of your eyes also curves in both directions.
You can expect extended peripheral vision and improved optical quality from these lenses.
The cylindrical style has caught up to the top dog in recent years. Although some minor differences in quality can still be found.
Want to experience the best? Any of the Smith goggles on our list or the Oakley flight deck have this lens shape.
Toric Lens Technology
Wherever two extremes exist there is always a third option ready to sprout in between them.
Toric is that third way. Taking the dual curve design of the spherical option and mixing it with the not-so-pronounced front of the cylindrical style.
This style is just as good as the other two and it’s more of an option for those that want the benefits of the spherical design with the non-bulbous look of the cylindrical design.
The Anon M4 Toric MFI put this lens style to great use.
Quality in The Optics: ChromaPop, Prizm, and Others
Vision is everything and most goggles that are considered top quality are going to have either ChromaPop lenses, Prizm lenses, or lenses with the same capabilities. But which lens technology is the best?
Each lens technology has its own key areas of strength. ChromaPop technology can be found in the Smith 4d mag goggles and the Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop. These lenses provide you with vibrant colors and contrast. It’s as if a vibrancy filter has been screened over your eyes.
Prizm technology can be found in the lenses of the Oakley Flight Deck L. These lenses are just as good as the ChromaPop ones. They leave no detail unaccounted for and give you great visual quality.
Although you may find that some snowboarding goggles with these kinds of lenses overdo it with the color correction.
Companies like Anon and Dragon, create their lenses in-house and nearly reach the highs of the top two competitors listed above.
This doesn’t mean that their snowboard goggles aren’t top quality. One only needs to take look at the Dragon NFXs. Their 100% UV protection and super anti-fog treatment scream out top-of-the-line. They are better than most goggles.
Avoiding the Fog
The best ski goggles have a proper ventilation system or feature in place to impede the build-up of fog. Your vision is extremely important, especially when traveling at high speeds through a crowded snowy mountain.
Get a pair of ski goggles that has an anti-fog coating applied to the inside of the lenses.
Keep in mind that this coating will wither away over time. Avoid getting the inside of your lenses wet and if they do get wet then avoid wiping away the moisture. Let them air dry instead.
When on your anti-fog crusade, a pair of goggles that have double lens technology is also necessary.
Lastly, you will want to inspect where the vents on your ski goggles are located. Wear your snowboarding helmet as you are trying out your goggles. This is the only way to ensure that your helmet won’t block any of your goggle’s vents.
The Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop goggles have a fantastic Hydrophobic coating for keeping your lenses crystal clear.
Comfort: What’s There To It?
Each pair of snow goggles (ski goggles) will have its own padding and foam for comfort. The best snow goggles will naturally use higher quality materials than the rest. Not just that. The best snow goggles will have multi-layered foam padding with a flexible frame.
Keep in mind that any pair of ski goggles that has a single layer of padding will feel much worse than premium goggles. They will break down far quicker and lose even more of their effectiveness.
For the best comfort, ski goggles like the Anon M4 Toric MFI Goggles are never a wrong choice. Its triple-layer foam is soft as marshmallows… darn, now I’m hungry.
How Do I Know What Size Is Right?
You know that you’ll need a snug fit but how tight is too tight? Before we can answer this, before you even put on a pair of goggles, you’ve got to put on your snowboarding helmet.
If you are at the store and you don’t have your helmet with you then pick out a similar helmet within the store and put that on. With your helmet secured, then you can try on your snow goggles (ski goggles).
Why?
Because we are checking for helmet compatibility. You want to make sure that your budget snowboard goggles will slot in when you have all of your gear on.
Now, with your goggles on, pay close attention to your nose and around your eyes.
If you feel a pinch or any tight pressure in these areas, even after you have adjusted the sliding clip or buckles, then you need a bigger size.
Anything that feels loose is too big and you need a smaller size.
The feeling you want is that of a firm hug, not a squeeze.
My Final Thoughts
Popular goggles like the Anon M4 Toric MFI and the Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop are highly regarded for various reasons but they aren’t the only ones to choose from.
In my opinion, what you get from the Smith 4D Mag and the Dragon NFXs is just as good and, in some cases, better than the top dogs. But if you want assured quality then pick out something from the Smith range of goggles.
Want something that comes with an extra lens? Then get the Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop. And if you care about getting something with a quick change lens system then any of our options above will do the trick.
Seek out the best deal for yourself, the list above has everything that you need.
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