August 07, 2023 6 min read

A quick guide on finding the best pair of snowboarding goggles for you and how to get the most out of them

Introduction

Man wearing a orange snow boarding goggles

Welcome to our blog post on the best goggles for snowboarding! If you've hit the slopes before, you'll be well aware that having the right gear can make or break your day on the mountain. And when it comes to keeping your eyes protected and clear in snowy conditions, a good pair of goggles is essential. 

Here at GILI Sports, we've done the hard work for you and researched, what we believe are the top-performing goggles that are sure to enhance both your vision and style on the slopes.

Types of snowboarding goggles

Man holding a snowboard and wearing goggles

One of the most popular types is the frameless goggle. These goggles have a large lens that gives you a wide field of vision and they don’t have a frame around the lens. The benefits of this include lighter weight and improved comfortability. Another popular type of goggles is the split-lens goggle. These goggles have two lenses separated by a narrow plastic or metal strip. This allows you to have one lens for looking straight ahead and one lens for looking down at your feet while riding.

These types of goggles can be helpful if you tend to get dizzy when you ride or if you want to be able to see more clearly while you’re riding. Finally, prescription snowboarding goggles are available for people who need to wear glasses or contact lenses while riding. Prescription snowboarding goggles have a special insert that lets you insert your own prescription lenses into the goggles. This way, you can have clear vision while riding without wearing glasses or contact lenses underneath your goggles.

How to choose the right pair of snowboarding goggles

Firstly, you'll want to think about the climate and conditions you'll be riding in, as this will mostly dictate the type of goggles that'll best be suited for you. If you're mostly riding in cold, dry conditions, then you'll want a goggle with good ventilation to prevent fogging. 

Next, you'll want to consider the lens type. Typically, a darker lens is better suited if you're sensitive to light. Conversely, if you prefer to ride in brighter conditions, then you'll want a goggle with a lighter lens. There are also mirrored lenses that can help reduce glare.

Finally, make sure to try on different goggles before making your purchase. Although the goggles might look like the pair you've always envisaged wearing, they might just not be the right for you. Once you've found the perfect pair of goggles for your needs, enjoy hitting the slopes and shredding up the powder!

The best snowboarding goggles for 2023

Here at GILI Sports, we've put together a list of the best snowboarding goggles for 2023. 

1. O-Frame® 2.0 PRO XM Snow Goggles

This is by far one of our top favorites at GILI Sports! Oakley has raised the bar for entry-level goggles by using injection molded, high-impact lens protection. This improves visual performance, but most importantly, safety. One of the best features of this pair of goggles is its wide compatibility with helmets and its impressive field of view.

Oakley O-Frame 2.0 PRO Ski Goggles

Where to buy:

Features & Specs:

  • Injection molded, high-impact lens protection, wide compatibility with helmets, and an impressive field of view.

What we like:

  • Provides exceptional safety and visual performance, versatile compatibility with various helmets.

What we don't like:

  • May not have as many high-tech features as other models, and the entry-level price point might mean less durability over time.

2. Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop+ Snow Goggles

These goggles have all the bells and whistles you need. From their magnetic quick-change lens system to their ChromaPop+ lenses that provide enhanced color recognition and contrast, they'll help you see the terrain better than many other goggles on the market. Our favorite feature is the simplistic, yet effective and smooth-looking design, with everything, tucked behind the reflective lens.

Smith I/O MAG S Snow Goggles

Where to buy:

Features & Specs:

  • Magnetic quick-change lens system, ChromaPop+ lenses for enhanced color recognition and contrast, streamlined design.

What we like:

  • Makes lens changes swift and easy, exceptional color and contrast enhancement for superior visual clarity, sleek design.

What we don't like:

  • The magnetic lens system, while convenient, might not be as secure as traditional methods.

3. Dragon NFX2 Snow Goggles

Get ready to stand out on the slopes with these stylish snow goggles. With their large double spherical lens design, dual anti-fog coatings, and 100% UV protection, you know you're getting top-of-the-line performance when you sport these bad boys.

Dragon Alliance NFX2 Ski Goggles

Where to buy:

Features & Specs:

  • Large double spherical lens design, dual anti-fog coatings, and 100% UV protection.

What we like:

  • Unique stylish design, excellent visibility and eye protection, and superior anti-fog capabilities.

What we don't like:

  • The larger lens design might not suit everyone's taste or face shape, and it might not be as compatible with certain helmet designs.

4. Anon M4 Toric Snow Goggles

If you're looking for a goggle that can do it all, this is the one. It features an innovative toric lens design that provides maximum peripheral vision, a double-layer face foam for extra comfort and protection, and a variety of lens options to suit different conditions and preferences.

Anon Men's M4 Perceive Goggle Toric with Spare Lens and MFI Face Mask

Where to buy:

Features & Specs:

  • Innovative toric lens design, double-layer face foam, and a variety of lens options.

What we like:

  • Offers maximum peripheral vision, additional comfort from the double-layer face foam, and customization options with multiple lens choices.

What we don't like:

  • Depending on the weather conditions, you might need to swap out lenses frequently due to the diverse lens options.

5. Anon Relapse MFI Snow Goggles

The Relapse MFI is a great choice if you're looking for something that offers more than just style points. They come with integrated magnets for easy lens changes, dual-layer face foam for maximum comfort, and MFI technology compatible.

Anon Relapse Goggle

Where to buy:

Features & Specs:

  • Integrated magnets for easy lens changes, dual-layer face foam for comfort, and MFI technology compatible with various Anon facemasks.

What we like:

  • Easy to change lenses, increased comfort with dual-layer face foam, and seamless fit with compatible facemasks.

What we don't like:

  • MFI technology might only be compatible with certain Anon masks, potentially limiting versatility.

Tips for using snowboarding goggles

The following points are some easy, yet super-effective ways to find the best pair of goggles for you. 

1. Make sure the goggles fit properly. They should be snug but not too tight.

2. Adjust the straps so they're comfortable but not too loose.

3. Choose the right lens for the conditions. Different lenses offer different levels of protection from the sun and glare.

4. Keep your goggles clean and free of fog by wiping them down with a soft cloth after each use.

Conclusion

Woman wearing a black and teal jacket and snow boarding goggles

There's quite like the feeling of meandering down a pristine, white mountain face, with breathtaking views at every glance. Having the right gear helps you stay safe and enjoy it even more. Goggles can either be the medium through which you can visually enjoy all that the slopes have to offer or be drastically hampered by them and simply miss out on all of the fun. After reviewing some of the best goggles for snowboarding available today, we can confidently say that these models provide ample protection while also delivering great performance on the slopes. So if you’re looking for a reliable pair of goggles to wear this winter season, any one of these would make an excellent choice!

FAQ’S

🏆 What are the best goggles for snowboarding?

Some of the most popular brands include Oakley, Dragon, and Smith. the right goggles for you will almost always come down to personal preference and preferred style.


👍 How do I choose the right size goggles?

The best way to ensure a great fit is to go into a shop and simply try them on. They should fit comfortably to the natural profile of your face and head, and should not be pushed out of place when wearing a helmet.


🏝️ What features should I look for in snowboarding goggles?

Some things you might want to consider are lens type (polarized, mirrored, etc.), ventilation, and anti-fog properties.


❓ Do I need to wear goggles when snowboarding?

Most people do, yes. They protect your eyes from harsh elements, such as sun, wind, and snow.


📦 How do I clean my snowboarding goggles?

It's best to use a special cleaning solution and cloth specifically made for goggles. Avoid using anything abrasive that might scratch the lenses.

Jay Regan
Jay Regan

Chief Paddler - Jay has been surfing and paddling for over 5 years. When he's not dreaming up new stuff at GILI, he's writing articles about paddling, out paddling, or often traveling.


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