Why switch between ski goggles when you can use the same goggle in all light conditions?
The photochromic ski goggles have a special lens mechanism to adjust to the surrounding light. The lenses get dark when exposed to sunlight and adapt to give you a much clear view when you are in flat light or white out. The photochromic (or photochromatic) lenses undergo a chemical reaction when exposed to ultraviolet rays and the colour of the lens hence changes.
Advantages of Photochromic Lenses
You may have to ski under the two extremes – bright sunlight that arises the need of an anti-glare ski goggle, and also days of overcast when all you can see is an undistinguishable white surrounding of snow, fog, clouds, and winds, commonly known as the flat light or white out conditions.
Best for Men
Best for Women
Best Value for the Money
ChromaPop Lens
Anti-Fog Coated Lens
Anti-Fog Coated Cylindrical Lens
Interchangeable Magnetic Lens
Bonus Yellow Lens Included
Replacable Lens with Bonus Yellow Lens Included
Best for Men
Interchangeable Magnetic Lens
Best for Women
Bonus Yellow Lens Included
Best Value for the Money
Anti-Fog Coated Cylindrical Lens
Replacable Lens with Bonus Yellow Lens Included
Having your photochromic lenses is the solution to all your light related goggle problems. These lenses are great for different levels of light, both outside as well as inside. They are clear lenses that have the ability to change their colors after reacting to the UV rays depending upon the intensity of these rays. Here are some of the advantages of using photochromic lenses in your ski goggles:
- The photochromic lenses reduce your eye strain by reducing the impact of the glare of the sun.
- These lenses are highly adaptive and they adapt to the change in surroundings – high brightness, low brightness, indoors, and outdoors, etc.
- You do not need to juggle between your ski goggles. With photochromic ski goggles now available, you can enjoy skiing in all types of light conditions.
- These lenses can be obtained with prescriptions. If you use glasses in daily life, you can get them made using photochromic lenses as well.
- The photochromic lenses absorb all the Ultraviolet-A and Ultraviolet- B rays, hence protecting us against these harmful rays.
- These lenses are available in multiple colors, shapes, and sizes to suit your style.
- Now with the latest development in photochromic ski goggles, your lenses can change their colours very quickly from dark to light and vice versa when the light around you changes.
The 5 Best Photochromic Goggles for Cross-Country Skiing
The photochromic lenses work great in our daily life, but they are even more beneficial in your cross country skiing trip. That is the reason why most of the in-demand ski goggles come equipped with photochromic lenses as up on the mountains the right light can well be the difference between life and death.
With the advantages mentioned above, you do not have to worry about switching between ski goggles or worrying about the glaring or blurry surroundings when you can get one of these 5 most-recommended photochromic ski goggles:
1. Smith I/O MAG Goggles – Men’s
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One of the top manufacturers of optics, Smith stepped into the magnetic lens arena with their I/O MAG Goggles and have successfully continued with their high-quality products.
Specs
These photochromic goggles for men have magnetic lenses that lock your optics into place. They are available in 2 spherical ChromaPop™ carbonic-x lenses with Tapered Lens Technology (TLT). Ideal for low as well as bright light scenarios. These lenses are given an anti-fog coating and not only that, they are properly ventilated to save your goggles from fogging up.
The Smith I/O MAG Goggles are 5 inches in height and has a display width of 7 inches. Weighing 404 grams, the length of these goggles is 9 inches. The spherical lenses are based on the shape that matches the curvature of your eyes to reduce any form of image distortion.
Key Features
- The Smith MAG lens changing mechanism uses 8 magnetic points that have 16 powerful magnets. These contact points easily self-guide the goggle lenses into the right position.
- Lenses are equipped with 5X™ anti-fog system.
- ChromaPop™ lenses for both low light as well as bright light.
- QuickFit strap and clip buckle adjustment system.
- Large spherical lenses covering the maximum field view you can get.
- Compatible with ski helmets.
- Available in different sizes: small/ medium (Smith I/O MAG S Goggles) and XL (Smith I/O MAG XL Goggles).
List of Color Possibilities
- Black frame/ ChromaPop Everyday Red Mirror
- Black frame with CP Everyday Green Mirror
- Spruce Flood frame with CP Sun Green Mirror
- Cloud-grey frame with ChromaPop Sun Platinum Mirror
Pros
- User-friendly ski goggles – the mechanism of changing the lenses is pretty straight forward.
- Stylish frameless look.
- Magnetic lenses.
- These ski goggles come with a magnetic balaclava that can be used with other goggles as well.
- Anti-fog coating on lenses along with a proper ventilation system in goggles.
Cons
- Though they may seem pricey, but the price of this I/O MAG goggles is less than many top competitors out there in the market.
2. Smith Riot Goggles – Women’s
Smith introduced its exclusively designed line for young women – the Smith Riot Goggles. These goggles boast a much-refined frame with an oversized lens. When style meets performance, you get Smith Riot Goggles for women to enjoy their cross country adventures.
Specs
The Smith Riot Goggles come with one extra lens, a sleeve for your replacement lens in case you are carrying it as well as a microfiber goggle bag. They feature a cylindrical lens made with molded carbon-x to add to its strength. They boast the Tapered Lens Technology (TLT) for a clear view and are ideal for low as well as bright light scenarios. The Fog-X technology gives them an anti-fog coating.
Key Features
- The lens changing mechanism uses 8 magnetic points with 16 powerful magnets. These contact points easily self-guide the lenses in the right position. Includes an extra lens.
- Lenses are equipped with a 5X™ anti-fog inner lens.
- ChromaPop™ lenses for low light and bright light.
- Cylindrical carbon-x lenses and TLT lenses for a crisp vision.
- Double layer of DriWix face foam.
- The ski goggle has a dual-slide strap adjustment feature. The silicone backed strap is ultra-wide for comfort and security.
- Also compatible with ski helmets.
- Large spherical lenses covering the maximum field view you can get.
- Responsive Fit™ frame design.
- These photochromic ski goggles come with a lifetime warranty.
List of Color Possibilities
- Metallic Ink frame with ChromaPop Everyday Green Mirror
- White Edges frame with CP Sun Platinum Mirror
- Adele Renault frame with CP Everyday Green Mirror
- Metallic Ink frame with ChromaPop Everyday Rose Gold
- Black frame with CP Everyday Violet Mirror
- Black frame with CP Storm Rose Flash & Yellow.
Pros
- User-friendly goggles with interchangeable lenses.
- Great quality magnetic lenses.
- Clean and chic design.
- Moisture-wicking capabilities.
- Anti-fog coating on lenses.
- The strap can be adjusted on both sides of the head which makes it super-easy for both right-handed women skiers as well as left-handed ones.
Cons
- They could have increased the level of padding.
- The goggles would be best suited with a Smith helmet.
3. Smith Knowledge OTG Goggles – Unisex
Most of the goggles do not fit well on prescription glasses – but not this one! The Smith Knowledge OTG Goggles are specially designed keeping many factors in mind including your comfort when wearing them with your eyewear. There is a floating membrane that makes additional room across your temple to alleviate pressure to give space to your eyeglasses.
Specs
These Unisex goggles have a great ventilation mechanism. In order to eliminate fogging, Smith has included its Regulator Adjustable Lens Ventilation system that uses a toggle switch present at the top of the lens to increase or decrease the air flowing inside to prevent your goggles from fogging up.
The articulating outrigger positioning system makes the Smith Knowledge OTG Goggle highly compatible with any ski helmet. These goggles come with a microfiber bag.
Key Features
- ChromaPop™ lenses for bright and low light.
- Patented lens ventilation mechanism.
- Cylindrical carbonic-x lens.
- TLT lens technology for a clear view.
- Unisex design with a large fit.
- Compatible with ski helmets. Features rotating outrigger positioning system.
- 2 layers of DriWix face foam for comfort and breathability.
- Compatible with eyeglasses.
- Floating foam membrane that takes care of the temple pressure due to eyewear.
- Also comes with a microfiber carry-bag for goggles.
List of Color Possibilities
- Black frame with Ignitor Mirror Lens
- Black frame with Blue Sensor Mirror Lens
- Graphite frame with Ignitor Mirror Lens
- Graphite frame with Blue Sensor Mirror Lens
Pros
- Great with eyeglasses on. The floating foam membrane takes the pressure off the temple.
- TLT lens with 2-layer DriWix face foam.
- Unisex goggles – great for a large fit frame.
- Compatible with helmets.
Cons
- Does not come with a spare lense.
4. Smith Vice Goggles – Men’s
The Smith Vice Goggles for Men have an oversized spherical lens with the look and feel of traditional full frame goggles. Its semi-rimless style makes its integration with ski helmets a breeze.
Specs
Highlighting Smith’s ChromaPop™ lenses for dynamic color optimization making them perfect for both bright light as well as low light situations. Spherical carbonic-X lenses feature the TLT optical technology.
With Fog-X technology for anti-fog inner lens coating, you do not have to worry about your goggles fogging up. Ideal for medium-sized faces, when used with a ski helmet the rotating outrigger system distributes the pressure evenly.
The triple-layered DriWix foam makes the goggles comfortable and breathable. The goggle has a wide silicone-backed strap with a clip buckle and a quick-fit adjustment. The Smith Vice Goggles come with a microfiber bag and a replacement lens sleeve.
Key Features
- Spherical carbonic-X lens.
- ChromaPop™ lenses for low light as well as bright light.
- TLT lens technology for a crisp vision.
- 3-layer DriWix face foam for more comfort.
- Features rotating outrigger positioning system.
- Wide silicone-backed strap. Quick-Fit strap adjustment system with clip buckle.
- Compatible with ski helmets.
- Includes microfiber carrying case for your goggles along with replacement lens sleeve.
- These photochromic ski goggles come with Smith’s lifetime warranty.
List of Color Possibilities
- Black frame with ChromaPop Everyday Red Mirror Lens
- Black frame with CP Storm Rose Flash Lens
- Flash frame with CP Everyday Green Mirror Lens
- Street Yellow frame with CP Everyday Red Mirror Lens
- Ink frame with CP Everyday Green Mirror Lens.
Pros
- Easy helmet integration. Their low-profile design makes integration with ski helmets exceptionally easy.
- Anti-fog coating on lenses.
- Photochromic technology ChromaPop™ that adapts to the bright as well as low light around you.
Cons
- Does not come with an additional lens.
5. Smith Virtue Goggles – Women’s
Featuring a progressive semi-rimless style, the Smith Virtue Goggles for Women will significantly increase your field of view. With their new 5X anti-fog technology on their inner lens, these chic goggles are specially designed keeping women snow enthusiasts in mind. They give as good a performance as their elegant look!
Specs
The Smith Virtue Goggles feature the spherical carbonic-x lens as well as TLT lens technology to give you as much clarity on the slopes as possible. The ChromaPop™ lens makes skiing pleasure in all kinds of light conditions. Its anti-fog technology of Fog-X makes sure your inner lens stays fog-free. The Smith Riot Goggles come with a microfiber goggle bag and a lens a sleeve.
Key Features
- ChromaPop™ lenses for bright and low light.
- Spherical carbonic-x lens.
- Porex™ filter for preventing optical distortion during elevation changes.
- TLT technology for a crisp vision.
- Three layers of DriWix face foam for comfort, safety, and breathability.
- Fog-X anti-fog inner lens technology.
- Features rotating outrigger positioning system.
- Adjustment strap with clip buckle.
- Wide and comfortable silicone backed strap.
- These photochromic ski goggles come with a lifetime warranty.
- Also comes with a microfiber carry-bag for goggles and a replacement lens sleeve.
List of Color Possibilities
- Black frame with ChromaPop Storm Rose Flash Lens
- White Vapor frame with CP Storm Rose Flash Lens
- Metallic Ink frame with CP Everyday Green Mirror Lens.
Pros
- Greater, smaller fit for women without compromising the peripheral vision.
- Anti-fog coating (Fog-x) on inner lens.
- TLT lens.
- Porex™ filter to prevent optical distortion in elevation.
- 3-layer DriWix face foam.
- Great fit for women. Compatible with helmets.
Cons
- Does not come with a spare lens.
Conclusion
When you are at the top of the mountain with your ski gear, you get the purest form of nature including the sun rays! No matter how much we love the warmth of sunlight during a freezing winter afternoon, we must protect our eyes against the ultraviolet rays. You also need photochromic ski goggles that give you the maximum clear vision when the light conditions are not so favorable.
With the latest developments in photochromic ski goggles, you can find the perfect one in our recommended list of ski goggles. Get the right one for yourself and enjoy skiing in style and comfort!
