Have a pair of Bolle googles , ten years old, dark lens
They dont fog up
are comfy
Even though lens is dark, seem to help in low light..I think flat light lenses might be better
Has goggle technology come on, would it be worth changing
I am interested in dual lens, one for sun, one for flat light, whiteouts
However that means bringing two lenses
how easy is to swap lenses, magnetic attached or clips
Are lenses that brighten, darken when conditions change a good idea ....photochromic
Is polarized worth getting for snow
is mirrored a good idea
I wear a helmet and usually contacts. Have tried glasses, which fog up under goggles
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Bolle do good cat 1-3 lenses, as do many firms now
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
@dublin2, Look at Oakley Flight Deck Prizm's awesome. We've got them last season, great buy. We have Sapphire Iridium for go-to lens, and Rose Pink for bad viz days. Used to have Oakley A Frame polarised, loads of lenses configurations, Prizms are another level. Awesome, and great peripheral vision too. There's a thread all about the Oakley Prizm lenses on here somewhere.
I think there's a bit of a if it ain't broke, don't fix it... However some of the options out there are pretty impressive, especially in the low light scenarios.
Personally I've only ever really used Oakley, who have some of the best lenses out there, unfortunately not the easiest to change. I don't mind that trade off as their customer service is excellent and the quality of the product is second to none. I use contacts as well.
Anon has an amazing lens change system and Smith have some great options too. I think you have to just try some on - everyone is different. I'm often surprised by the condition of some skiers goggles or the fact that some no name brands probably offer no protection past keeping the wind out, but then I'm quite tuned into small changes in my peripheral vision and get distracted easily.
Personally I prefer glasses unless it's snowing so where dark sunglasses most of them time and flat light lens sunglasses when it's dull or late in the day. I wear Oakley A frame goggles when it's snowy. They have flat light lenses in. It's my second pair of Oakley's. The last pair I had both dark and flat line lenses. Changing wasn't too bad but as mentioned above I got to preferring to wear sunnies most of the time.
Some people say photochromic lenses don't change quick enough, some say they do.
I think if you have the money you can get some great gear.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@haigie,
Quote:
I've only ever really used Oakley, who have some of the best lenses out there, unfortunately not the easiest to change
Flight Decks super-easy to change, even on a lift.
@Layne,
Quote:
Personally I prefer glasses unless it's snowing
Surely not with a helmet?
After all it is free
After all it is free
Markymark29 wrote:
@haigie,
Quote:
I've only ever really used Oakley, who have some of the best lenses out there, unfortunately not the easiest to change
Flight Decks super-easy to change, even on a lift.
Just got some FD's for my Chrimbo with a Sapphire and Rose lens Definitely a bit easier than my previous Crowbars but there are definitely better systems out there. However, I've never heard of an Oakley lens popping out...
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
dublin2 wrote:
tell me about cat 1-3 lenses please
for flat light cat 1 lenses help improve the contrast and therefore the definition of the snow that you are gliding over, but they are not good for bright sunlight, which is why photochromic lenses have evolved, so they can darken and provide more protection in the sun.
The problem with swapping lenses (in my opinion) is that its a faff, you have to carry the spare lens, you have to change them over if it gets overcast, and then you have to change them back again if the sun comes out again.
a photochromic lens should stop this.
I use a yellow lens when I go mountain biking through the woods as they really provide great contrast, and I assumed that all cat 1 would be yellow, but my friend bought cat 1-3 lenses while we were in Sweden and her's were blue and they worked really well in the flat light. Didn't get a chance to see how well they did in sun
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
@haigie,
Quote:
I've never heard of an Oakley lens popping out...
Me neither
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Markymark29 wrote:
@Layne,
Quote:
Personally I prefer glasses unless it's snowing
Surely not with a helmet?
Correct, no helmet
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
My first choice would be Oakley with Prizm (Rose or Saphire/Torch/Prizm). My second would be Bolle with Modulator 2 Light Control.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Which Oakley lenses are hard to change then, @haigie?
@Markymark29 seems to think flight decks are easy to change, and I can assume you that Air Brakes are dead easy as well.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
I have the Anon M3 which uses magnets and it takes less than 10 seconds to swap lenses. They have never popped out.
They also came with a fleece face mask that clips to the goggle frame using magnets. Thought it was a gimmick and would never use it but now use it all the time.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
I used the interchangeable lens systems for a few seasons and they worked fine. They are easy enough to change, although I would never change them in the middle of a run, it's just the faff of getting the other lens out etc. Typically I'd just switch to the low light lens in the late afternoon etc.
These days I use a photochromic lens, so I have no need to carry a spare. I like them a lot, but obviously it's personal choice. The one place you will notice them changing is when going from bright sunshine to deep forest; you notice it's a bit darker until the lens adjusts, which takes.... I don't know, a turn or two.
To me the important thing is the amount of flight the lens allows through... which is quoted as a percentage usually. With photochromics you can compare the min/ max values to see if the range is likely to work for you, and also the time it takes to make the transition. To me, the range is the most important thing... the time it takes for you to swap lenses or goggles is way larger than any transition time.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Thanks Folks, plenty of good advice.
Photochromics seems to be a good choice, any particular recommendations ?
A swappable dual lens system , might technically be better , but I can see a second lens getting damaged etc in a ski jacket ?
PS wheres a good place to buy goggles online
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Fri 5-01-18 20:41; edited 1 time in total
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@dublin2, Julbo's 'zebra' is a good photochromic lens.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
dublin2 wrote:
Thanks Folks, plenty of good advice.
Photochromics seems to be a good choice, any particular recommendations ?
Anything with an NXT Lens (that fits you) eg. Bolle/POC/Smith/Julbo...of which Bolle is usually the cheapest (Modulator 2 Light Control).
The Oakley Prizm Rose (not Photochromic) covers pretty much all conditions imo....and I like the Flight Deck or FD XM
A swappable dual lens system , might technically be better , but I can see a second lens getting damaged etc in a ski jacket ?
Keep it in the soft goggles bag in a chest pocket (to keep it flat and out of harms way) should mean that is not an issue. That is assuming you don't carry a rucksack. Once you've swapped them over a couple of times it should be a quick and easy task. That said, if you don't want that sort of hassle go for photochromic.
To add to Layne's list of online shops:
- Freeze Pro Shop
- RX Sport
- Absolute Snow
- Shade Station
- Surfdome
- Sports-Outlet
- TK Maxx Online
- Igero
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Sat 6-01-18 11:16; edited 1 time in total
I have Uvex goggles which have a low light base lens but a magnet system allowing different grade lenses to be mounted on top. It's described as "take off technology". Takes seconds to swap over, spare magnetic lenses are carried in my inside pocket so stay flat and our of harms way. I have 4 different magnetic lenses that I can choose depending on the daily weather or the colour of my jacket
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Reading the above regards carrying spare lenses in jackets pockets and keeping them nice and flat surprises me somewhat. The spare lenses are not flat they have a curve on them and as such are quite bulky in a pocket I’d think? Also would need a fairly baggy jacket to accommodate them?
I just keep mine in the soft pouch thing provided and wrap it in a soft hat or spare layer I carry in my rucksack.
One other point regards the Oakley Rose lens above....I think that the rose lens doesnt offer enough protection in bright light, nor is as good as the pink in flat light. I’d deffo go for a 2 lens solution as above. I’ve never considered photochromics as a cost effective solution tbph.
http://uk.oakley.com/en/prizm/snow
After all it is free
After all it is free
For what it's worth. I have flight decks and found the green lenses fine for just about everything until it was so dark in Sweden recently I went out and bought some light pink. Changing the lenses is fast once you've got the knack but I generally don't carry a spare lens with me. As I said before as the green seem to work for everything except very low light I'll only change to pinks if it's going to be really dark and that will be done in the room.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Why arent the photochromics cost effective, are they more expensive than a dual lens system,
or
for the money , are they less effective
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
I was really tempted by the Oakley AirBrakes (£245) - they are a dual lens goggle (come with a balanced lens and a low light one). I ended up buying a pair of Dragon X2s - they do the same job, look better and cost £60 less. Dragon also do an "all light conditions" lens which apparently adjusts itself depending on the prevailing light. Not planning to carry the 2nd lens on the mountain - I'll look outside the window and as long as the forecast is not for a drastic change over the course of the day I will choose a lens and stick with it.
@dublin2, I would definitely try a few pairs on with your helmet before you commit to a purchase.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Markymark29 wrote:
One other point regards the Oakley Rose lens above....I think that the rose lens doesnt offer enough protection in bright light, nor is as good as the pink in flat light. I’d deffo go for a 2 lens solution as above. I’ve never considered photochromics as a cost effective solution tbph.
http://uk.oakley.com/en/prizm/snow
The Prizm Rose will never be as good as a 2 lens option...but if you only want one lens (that isn't photochromic), it copes well across the spectrum (and the best I've come across).
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
dublin2 wrote:
Why arent the photochromics cost effective, are they more expensive than a dual lens system,
or
for the money , are they less effective
Mark will answer for himself - but my view is as follows:
- Bolle are very good value and usually cheaper than getting Goggles + a Spare Lens. A couple of years ago, I bought some Bolle Gravity Light Control for 40 Quid (for my Son).
- Older Photochromics were often slower to change - made worse in very cold temperatures...but every year, they improve, to the point that, as was said above, they change within a couple of turns.
- NXT Lenses are clearer to look through and are lightly Polarized (help with glare, but not to the extent that ice isn't discernible).
- Personally, I find Oakley Prizm technology allows me to have one lens for most conditions.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
dp wrote:
Which Oakley lenses are hard to change then, @haigie?
I guess to clarify, it's a bit of faff, rather than difficult. It's hardly a click in compared to say, Anon.
The AirBrake uses a different system to the others, doesn't it?
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Excellent advice, thanks folks...plenty of food for thought
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Old Fartbag wrote:
Markymark29 wrote:
One other point regards the Oakley Rose lens above....I think that the rose lens doesnt offer enough protection in bright light, nor is as good as the pink in flat light. I’d deffo go for a 2 lens solution as above. I’ve never considered photochromics as a cost effective solution tbph.
http://uk.oakley.com/en/prizm/snow
The Prizm Rose will never be as good as a 2 lens option...but if you only want one lens (that isn't photochromic), it copes well across the spectrum (and the best I've come across).
Agree, I use the Prizm Rose most of the time and also have Sapphire Jade and hi-yellow in some Oakley Canopy goggles. Had some Smith IOs for a while but prefer Oakley lenses.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
I was going to ask a similar question as I have a pair of cheap Copozz polarized goggles with 2 lenses blue (sunny) and a low light one, but on my last trip I managed to loose my blue lens when it fell out the "lens pocket" in my new jacket.....
So I've been looking to get a replacement lens and it doesn't seem that easy so then I've been googling, came across this page - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ski/gear/best-ski-goggles/ and the term VLT. I've not discovered my blue lens was 18.5% and the low light 34% VLT (which seems very low now, but in the low light they were much much better than the naked eye so did help). On the telegraph reviews page I'm sure there was some goggles with 2 lens VLT 20 & 70% but cant seem to find it now.
Now I'm thinking of getting some completely new ones, I want a lens that will either change automatically or have a lens that works as well as possible in low light because on my last holiday in the poor low light condition it did kind of ruin the experience when I was constantly hitting bumps I just didn't know were there.
I have noticed that a lot of the £150+ goggles still arent polarized though
Edit: Arggghhh I was mistaken my low light lens is actually 54 or 60% VLT not 34%
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Sat 6-01-18 15:45; edited 1 time in total
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
I posted earlier in the thread about my Uvex goggles and the "peel off" lenses. The replacement lenses are flat and flexible, so there is no bulk in a pocket and they are not in any danger of being damaged.
Here is a quick video that shows the flexibility of the lenses and the simplicity of swapping them.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
@fredbob, I'm not entirely sure if there was a question in there...but here is my experience.
- Modern Goggles, from premium brands are really very good, with great clarity (eg. Oakley/POC/Scott/Julbo/Smith/Dragon/Giro/Uvex/Bolle/Anon/Dragon/Spy/Alpina)
- Look for a Spherical Lens (ie. not cylindrical), with wide field of vision (usually means large)...that fits your face and works with your helmet.
- Polarized lenses are not necessary...in fact there is a school of thought that says they don't show up ice, as they cut out the glare from it. Saying that, some love them.
- Re VLT. A Low light figure would normally be 60-80%...but Oakley Prizm are different, which is why they are so versatile.
- Bolle Modulator 2 Light Control cover Cat 1 - 3 (15 - 45). The cheaper Modulator (12-46)....check out models at RX Sport.
Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Sat 6-01-18 16:44; edited 2 times in total
Are there other brands , that offer such an easy to use lens change system
Most of the good brands have models that use a quick change system.
Some like Anon use magnets and others, like Oakley (Airbrakes) and Spy, use a simple lever. My Daughter's ex-boyfriend bought some Spy Goggles, which came with 2 lenses, which could be changed in under a minute - bought from TK Maxx, for about 50 Quid.
Personally, I don't want the faff of carrying an extra lens on the mountain, so would rather have a lens that will stay in for the day. Photochromic means you don't have to change at all. Prizm Torch/Jade/Saphire cover a wide range, with an emphasis on bright conditions; Prizm Rose covers a wide range, with the emphasis on snowy conditions. Generally the same day forecast gives a good idea which to bring.
If the conditions are very snowy and hard to see, I'd rather bring a spare pair of Goggles, which can be changed into, if the pair I'm wearing get filled with snow, due to a wipe out. This covers me until I can get somewhere to dry them out. Wiping the inside of the lens when wet, is the quickest way to ruin it.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
I've always worn sunglasses and carried goggles (or on helmet) for the best combo of vision/protection. FWIW (not a lot) a few years ago I bought a pair of sunglasses from Sportpursuit that are absolutely brilliant: they have dual lens tech in a normal sunglass frame (with a good elastic strap). Unfortunately they are branded "Goggles" which reduces my ability to find if they are still made to zero or below. They are the very best ski sunglasses I have ever used (which include Julbo, Oakley, Bolle among others).
After all it is free
After all it is free
I got Smith I/O 7 ChromaPOP on a really good sale. They come with two lenses. They are the best goggles I have ever used. Lent them to a friend and he went out and bought some.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
snoway. wrote:
I got Smith I/O 7 ChromaPOP on a really good sale. They come with two lenses. They are the best goggles I have ever used. Lent them to a friend and he went out and bought some.
from where and how much, please
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
dublin2 wrote:
snoway. wrote:
I got Smith I/O 7 ChromaPOP on a really good sale. They come with two lenses. They are the best goggles I have ever used. Lent them to a friend and he went out and bought some.
from where and how much, please
I got them on a black friday sale from glisshop.com I paid 110€
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
Definitely a bit easier than my previous Crowbars but there are definitely better systems out there. However, I've never heard of an Oakley lens popping out...
