How to Buy Snowboard Goggles

How do you tell snowboarders from skiers? Snowboarders never wear sunglasses on the slopes. We know goggles are where it's at. Snowboarders have always appreciated technical gear and snowboard goggles are no exception. We know that goggles are an important piece of protective equipment.

If you've been looking for some new goggles lately, you know the challenge. Which goggle should you buy? There must be hundreds of models out there. Yeah, we need to look stylish and steezy, but what else should we be looking for? Here are some items to check off at your next purchase.

UV protection
Save your eyes. The sun can burn your eyeballs with all that reflected sunlight off the snow. Make sure the goggles have a coating that offers protection from UVA, UVB, and UVC sunrays. This juicy bit of information should be listed on the box. Goggle design can also provide some protection.

Good range of vision
Make sure you can see where you are going. To stomp that landing or make that sick move, you need to spot where you're going. Snowboard goggles should offer good vertical and peripheral vision. When you try them on, check to see if they limit your vision in any way. High performance snowboard goggles should provide first-rate downward vision.

Goggle fog prevention
Don't get lost in the fog. When you're riding hard and rocking the pow, the last thing you want is to have fogged up goggles. Look for features that make them ready to shred right off the shelf. The goggles should have an anti-fog coating and double lens construction. The goggle frame foam should also give excellent ventilation.

Lens options
Get goggles with options. As the light changes, keep your game on with different lens colors. Bright daylight needs maximum filtration with a dark lens. If you rock the park at night, you'll need a clear lens for maximum light infiltration. For the ultimate in glare protection and accurate vision, treat yourself to polarized lenses. To protect your investment, make sure the lenses have an anti-scratch coating. Buy a goggle case and you're dope to travel.

Face fit
Make sure they fit your face. They come in different sizes - small frames for women riders to larger frames for those who are putting Bigfoot to shame. Try them on in the store. They should fit comfortably around your face without any pressure points or gaps. Check the foam construction for durability and impact protection.

Helmet compatibility
Check for lid protection compatibility. If you wear a helmet, not all goggles offer a snug fit. Bring your helmet when you go shopping. Make sure the goggles fit the shape of the helmet so you don't get stuck with that goofy gaper gap. The head strap will also need to reach around the helmet.

OTG fit
If you wear glasses, you can still get your game on without being fashion challenged. Most manufacturers offer a over the glasses (OTG) model of their most popular styles. If you need an extra boost of fog protection, check for models with a battery powered fan. They'll suck out the extra moisture that's ruining your day.

Buy quality brands
Buy goggles that are going to let you rip all winter. Who wants to keep spending time or money inside? Look for brands built for riders. Brands such as Anon, Smith Optics, Spy, Dragon, Von Zipper, Swans, Bolle, and Oakley will have you styling and stomping. Consider it an investment.

Don't get caught short this winter. You have the dope now. When you are looking for your next set of snowboard goggles, think of flash and functionality. If you invest in quality equipment, you'll be making those sweet hits all winter long. Now get out and shred the gnar.

More on snowboard equipment:
How to Attach a Snowboard Stomp Pad
How to Mount Snowboard Bindings
Tips for Choosing Snowboard Boots
How to Buy a Snowboard

Sources:
personal knowledge and experience