Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport that is loved by many adrenaline junkies around the world. However, there’s nothing more frustrating than having your goggles fog up during your ride. Not only is it annoying, but it can also be dangerous as it impedes your vision. Fortunately, there are snowboard goggles out there that are made to not fog up. But how do they work? What’s the secret behind snowboard goggles that don’t fog up? Let’s find out.
Understanding the Science Behind the Fogging
First, we need to understand why snowboard goggles fog up in the first place. When you’re out in the snow, you’ll inevitably become sweaty. When the sweat evaporates, it produces water vapour. This water vapour then sticks to the colder surface of the snowboard goggles, resulting in condensation. This is what causes the fogging. To get rid of this, you need to balance the temperature and humidity level around your eyes.
How Traditional Snowboard Goggles Tackle Fogging
Before we dive deeper into the science of anti-fogging snowboard goggles, let’s take a look at the traditional approach to tackle it.
1. Anti-Fog Coatings
The most common method snowboard goggles manufacturers use to reduce fogging is by coating them with an anti-fog substance. This coating works by reducing the surface tension of the water droplets that form on the lenses, making them less visible.
However, this anti-fog coating isn’t permanent and wears off over time, especially with regular use. This is why it’s important to clean your snowboard goggles’ lenses properly to maintain the anti-fogging properties.
2. Vents
Another way snowboard goggles can avoid fogging up is through vents. These tiny holes on the top or bottom of the goggles allow air to flow through, which helps balance the temperature and humidity level around your eyes. This, in turn, reduces the condensation that causes fogging.
However, these vent holes can let snow and wind into the goggles, which can be uncomfortable and distracting during your ride.
3. Dual Pane or Double Lens
Lastly, some snowboard goggles come with dual pane or double lenses. This means that there are two lenses separated by a thin layer of air. This layer of air acts as a barrier that prevents moisture from forming on the inner lens. It also helps maintain the temperature inside the goggles, which reduces the chances of fogging.
While dual pane or double lenses do help reduce fogging significantly, they can be heavier and bulkier than single lenses.
The Science Behind Anti-Fogging Snowboard Goggles
Now that we’ve covered the traditional methods of anti-fogging snowboard goggles let’s discuss the science behind the latest and greatest development in the world of snowboarding gear.
1. Hydrophobic Coating
The first method that snowboard goggles manufacturers use to prevent fogging is through a hydrophobic coating. This coating repels water, and the droplets slide off without water sticking to the lens.
Hydrophobic coatings are typically made out of silicon dioxide, a chemical compound that creates a low-friction surface. This low-friction surface reduces the chances of water droplets sticking to the lens, which reduces the chances of fogging.
This coating doesn’t wear off easily and can last for longer periods than traditional anti-fog coatings.
2. Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are another high-tech method that snowboard goggle manufacturers use to prevent fogging. Polarized lenses are made of polycarbonate, and they contain a special chemical layer that blocks horizontally-polarized light waves.
These polarized lenses have a few things going for them, namely that they are more scratch-resistant than glass or plastic, and they also allow for better color perception. This ability to perceive color better doesn’t necessarily have to do with anti-fogging, but it’s still an interesting point.
However, the main advantage of polarized lenses is that they reduce glare. Snow is reflective, and the bright glare it produces can cause eye strain, headaches, and reduce your overall visibility. Polarized lenses solve this problem by blocking out the glare and enhancing contrast, making it easier to see in bright and sunny conditions.
3. Electrochromic Lenses
Electrochromic lenses are the latest and greatest development in anti-fogging snowboard goggles technology. These lenses use electrochromic technology to change the tint of the lens automatically.
This technology consists of a thin layer of electrochromic material sandwiched between two layers of glass or polycarbonate. When an electric charge is applied to the lens, the electrochromic material darkens, reducing the amount of light that passes through.
This isn’t only a way to prevent fogging, but it’s also perfect for those sunny days when you want to switch from a light to a dark tint without having to switch goggles.
Conclusion
The secret behind snowboard goggles that don’t fog up is a combination of different technologies that have been developed to make snowboarding more comfortable and safer.
Hydrophobic coatings, polarized lenses, and electrochromic lenses all work together to provide the best anti-fogging experience possible.
When shopping for snowboard goggles, look for features such as these technologies mentioned above to ensure you have a comfortable and safe ride.
Just don’t forget to take them off occasionally to enjoy the beautiful world around you!
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