Is This the ONE Piece of Snowboarding Gear You Can’t Live Without?
If you’re a snowboarder, you know that having the right gear is essential to a great day on the mountain. From boots to bindings to boards, every piece of equipment plays a vital role in your overall experience. However, there is one piece of gear that ranks above the rest in terms of importance. Can you guess what it is?
It’s your snowboard goggles. Yes, you heard that right. Your goggles are the one piece of snowboarding gear that you can’t live without. In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about snowboarding goggles and why they’re so important.
Table of Contents:
1. What Are Snowboarding Goggles?
2. Why Are Snowboarding Goggles So Important?
3. Different Types of Snowboarding Goggles
– Frameless Goggles
– Cylindrical Goggles
– Spherical Goggles
4. What to Look for When Buying Snowboarding Goggles
– Lens Color and Tint
– Lens Shape and Size
– Frame Fit and Padding
– Ventilation System
– UV Protection
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion
What Are Snowboarding Goggles?
Snowboarding goggles are specially designed eyewear that protect your eyes from the elements when snowboarding. They typically feature a foam padding that fits snugly against your face to keep out wind, snow, and other debris. Snowboarding goggles also have a strap that goes around the back of your head to keep them securely in place.
Why Are Snowboarding Goggles So Important?
There are a few reasons why snowboarding goggles are so crucial. Firstly, they protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. When you’re up in the mountains, you’re closer to the sun, and the snow reflects a lot of UV radiation. This can cause serious eye damage if you’re not adequately protected, so snowboarding goggles are a must-have.
Secondly, goggles protect your eyes from the wind, snow, and other debris that can fly up when you’re shredding down the mountain. You don’t want anything impeding your vision when you’re hurtling down a slope at high speeds.
Thirdly, snowboarding goggles help you see more clearly. The right lenses can enhance your vision in different lighting conditions, making it easier to spot obstacles and changes in terrain.
Different Types of Snowboarding Goggles
There are three main types of snowboarding goggles: frameless, cylindrical, and spherical. Each type has its pros and cons, depending on your preferences and riding style.
Frameless Goggles
Frameless goggles are becoming increasingly popular amongst snowboarders, and it’s not hard to see why. They have a minimalist design that provides a broader field of vision and a sleek, stylish look. Frameless goggles also tend to be lighter, which can be a significant advantage if you’re someone who likes to move quickly and make quick turns. However, they may not offer as much protection as their framed counterparts, so keep that in mind when making your selection.
Cylindrical Goggles
Cylindrical goggles have a rounded lens that’s curved horizontally and flattened vertically. They tend to have a classic look and are the most affordable option on the market. The downside to cylindrical goggles is that they may not provide the same level of peripheral vision as other styles.
Spherical Goggles
Spherical goggles have a lens that’s curved both horizontally and vertically, mimicking the shape of your eye. This design provides excellent peripheral vision and reduces distortion, making it easier to navigate the mountain. Spherical goggles tend to be more expensive than other types of goggles, but they’re worth it if you’re looking for maximum clarity and performance.
What to Look for When Buying Snowboarding Goggles
Now that you know about the different types of snowboarding goggles let’s get into what you should look for when buying them.
Lens Color and Tint
The lens color and tint are two critical factors to consider when buying snowboarding goggles. Different tints are suitable for different weather and light conditions.
Clear Lenses – The best option for night riding and extremely low light conditions.
Yellow/Orange Lenses – Ideal for overcast days and enhancing contrast and depth perception in low light conditions.
Amber Lenses – Enhances contrast and visual clarity in a variety of light conditions, ranging from overcast to sunnier days.
Rose Lenses – Offers good visibility in a broad range of lighting conditions and provides excellent visibility on cloudy and partly sunny days.
Brown Lenses – Ideal for sunny days, reduces glare, and has exceptional visibility.
Grey Lenses – Ideal for sunny days with high brightness levels reducing reduced glare and providing good visibility.
Lens Shape and Size
The lens shape and size will affect your field of vision. If you’re looking for maximum peripheral vision, then go for the spherical goggles. If you prefer a classic look and don’t need as much peripheral vision, cylindrical goggles may be a better option.
Frame Fit and Padding
The frame fit and padding are essential for keeping snow and wind out of your eyes. The foam padding should be comfortable and snug, and the goggles should fit securely around your face. Make sure you try the goggles on before purchasing them to ensure they fit correctly.
Ventilation System
A proper ventilation system is crucial for preventing fogging. When trying out goggles, check to see if they have ventilation slits or double-layer lenses that allow air to circulate and prevent moisture build-up.
UV Protection
As mentioned earlier, UV protection is a major reason why snowboarding goggles are so important. Make sure the goggles you’re considering offer 100% UV protection.
FAQ
Q: Can I Wear Sunglasses Instead of Snowboarding Goggles?
A: No, you shouldn’t wear sunglasses instead of snowboarding goggles. Sunglasses don’t provide the same level of protection and can easily fall off or move around during activity.
Q: Can I Use Ski Goggles Instead of Snowboarding Goggles?
A: Ski goggles and snowboarding goggles serve the same purpose and are interchangeable. However, some ski goggles may have a narrower field of vision, so keep that in mind when making your choice.
Q: Can I Wear Glasses Under My Snowboarding Goggles?
A: Some goggles are designed to fit comfortably over glasses, while others are not. If you wear glasses, look for goggles with an OTG (over-the-glasses) design.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re a snowboarder, the one piece of gear you can’t live without is your snowboarding goggles. They’re crucial for your protection and performance on the mountain. When buying goggles, consider different types and factors such as lens color and tint, lens shape and size, frame fit and padding, ventilation, and UV protection to get the best performing pair that meets your requirements and budget. With the right pair of snowboarding goggles, you’ll be able to see the mountain with clarity, precision, and confidence.
About the Author:
Adam is a snowboarding enthusiast and has been shredding the slopes for over a decade. Outside of his day job, he enjoys reading about snowboarding equipment and testing the latest gear in the mountains.
EndNote:
Thank you for taking your time to read our blog post, feel free to share it with your friends and on social media platforms. Also, let us know if you have any other snowboarding gear that you can’t live without.
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