Technological Advances Make Ski Goggles Better Than Ever
If you ski or snowboard, ski goggles are an essential part of your sports equipment. A day on the slopes without a good pair can be uncomfortable. Add in the extreme weather and it can be downright miserable. Your ski goggles offer many types of protection: UV protection, glare protection and, because they are relatively large, they offer protection against the wind over a good part of the face. In addition, the large lenses of the ski goggles offer excellent vision, including peripheral vision.
Advances in the materials used for frames have resulted in flexible materials that retain their shape and, as they do not become brittle in the cold, offer optimal protection for the face. These materials include some rubbers, nylons, and a variety of compounds.
UV protection, anti-fogging, and wide vents are considered a must, but only within those categories are there plenty of options, thanks to advances in technology. Now you can choose specific ski goggles for the activity, the light conditions and the weather. While there are many manufacturers that offer advanced technology in their glasses, we will take a look at Smith’s Performance Series to get an idea of the type of technical advancements that have taken place.
Smith has set the industry standard for consistent air management. There is a microelectron fan that runs silently and continuously for up to fifty hours at low temperatures. Strategically placed vents draw in air to eliminate fogging, offering a seamless, continuous view. In extreme situations you can activate the high setting.
Distortion-free Carbonix-X lenses are ideal for regulating airflow and, when combined with shaping foam, you get the perfect combination for perfect vision without distortion. This type of lens is also capable of increasing air circulation, thus eliminating fogging, making the goggles perfect for high speeds and deep dust.
PMT or Perforated Membrane Technology allows moist air to escape from inside the glasses, thus preventing it from fogging up. If you are one of the people who is unhappy without reliable anti-fog lenses, you will want to make sure that your glasses incorporate this technology.
Another advanced technology that is hitting the slopes can be found at Recon Instruments. trail maps that can even provide the locations of your ski buddies; the ability to answer a cell phone call halfway through; Statistical feedback that can provide you with your performance in terms of speed and jump height; ambient temperature and altitude in the mountain, and probably more. That is just the tip of the iceberg.
Smith goggles have introduced what is called stabilizer positioning. These designed strap accessories can offer optimal comfort and maximum performance. The goggles are designed to transfer pressure through the nose and forehead to provide a complete seal. They can be used with or without a helmet.
Sweatbuster foam has become very popular because it is designed to wick moisture away from your face, keeping you comfortable and dry. When combined with hypoallergenic foam for an optimized temple fit, you’ll wonder how you lived without these features in the past.
Advances in ski goggle technology have made great strides, resulting in skiers and snowboarders enjoying a safer and more comfortable day on the slopes. There are likely to be many more advancements in the future.