The winter ski season is here again, and now is the time to ensure that you have the right equipment to maximise your comfort and safety on the slopes.
Black Run double lens ski goggles - also available in a prescription version
Ski goggles are one of the most essential pieces of equipment to protect you from hazards in snowy environments. You need them to protect your eyes from glare and harmful UV radiation, as well as protecting them from debris and possible impact from tree branches or rocks.
It is well worth shopping around now to get well designed, comfortably fitting goggles that will meet your particular needs, rather than leaving it till you get to your ski resort, where prices will be much higher.
So what should you be looking for in a ski goggle?
Basic requirements for your ski goggles should include at least 95% UV protection, and anti-fogging features so that your vision is not obscured by your eyewear misting up. Look for goggles with double lenses and vents, such as the Dixon Black Run goggles, great value at just £24.95 from Eyewear Accessories online store and also available as a prescription ski goggle glazed to your prescription for only £79.95.
Most goggle lenses are made from polycarbonate and provide good impact resistance. To ensure highest levels of safety from impact, look for goggles that have been ballistic tested.
It is also important to consider what light conditions are likely to prevail when you are skiing or snowboarding, and to select an appropriate lens tint. Bronze lenses offer excellent protection against UV rays and can be used from sunny to cloudy conditions, but if you plan to ski in low light conditions you should use clear lenses.
Some types of goggles have interchangeable lenses, which may be a good option if you are planning a range of winter sports activities in different light conditions. If you need glasses to correct your vision, look for prescription ski goggles.
Low profile goggles can be a versatile option
Many ski goggles are too large, covering the nose giving a claustrophobic feel. You will also have to carry more than one pair for changing weather conditions.
An alternative is to buy low profile multi-function goggles, such as those in the Dixon range worn by the man in the picture below. They are light, vented against misting and come with range of lenses options to suit different weather conditions.
Check out these high spec low profile winter sports goggles
Check out the SKI-1 low profile eyewear kit which offers versatility and comfort, great peripheral vision and a sporty wraparound look. With the press of a button the temple bars can be fitted, changing them into a sporty wraparound pair of ski sunglasses – all for just £49.99.
Remove the foam seal and they will make the perfect pair of holiday sunglasses. Ideal if you want a single eyewear kit that you can use for a range of sports in addition to skiing, such as cycling or rock climbing.
Prescription ski goggles
Stylish RX TAC-3 mirror goggles are well regarded by skiiers
If you are looking for a prescription goggle equivalent of the SKI-1, take a look at Dixon RX TAC-3. It can be worn as a low profile goggle, with the gasket attached helping to protect your eyes from the wind and elements. Remove the gasket and you have a stylish pair of ski sunglasses which are equally useful for driving and other sports.
A good range of tinted lens options is available, including cat 4, polarized, mirror coated, light reacting, clear and light-enhancing yellow. The Dixon RX TAC-3 is supplied glazed to your prescription (it can handle prescriptions up to sphere + or – 4.0) and starts at £95.00. Check it out on the Eyewear Accessories website.
Snow trekking and Arctic expedition goggles
The Dixon Eyewear range also includes snow trekking goggles with category 4 filters that are ideal eye protection for anyone considering Arctic or mountain trekking expeditions or climbing in bright, snowy conditions.
Normally referred to as glacier glasses, Eyewear Accessories sell the Glacier Trek snow goggles for only £29.99 and £84.95 for direct glazed prescription glacier glasses.
For more information, visit www.sports-sunglasses-eyewear.co.uk.
Ski sunglasses
As the weather improves in the run up to Easter, many people prefer to use ski sunglasses rather than full face goggles. Look for light, secure, impact resistant sports glasses with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses. Go for cat 3 polarized or mirror coated or cat 4 lenses and wraparound frames to give your eyes sufficient protection from the bright sunshine and reflected light from the snow and ice. Our favourites are:
Comments on this entry are closed.