⛷Best ski goggles and masks for 2020

Amateurs and professionals for skiing on snowy slopes need such an attribute of equipment as a mask. Special protection for the eyes will protect them from adverse factors, be it snow, sun, wind, or injury in the event of a fall.
The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" will tell you about the differences in models and how to choose the right ski mask, as well as a rating of popular models.

Glasses or mask - functions and models

The selection of equipment for skiing must be treated responsibly, because the safety and success of the descent depends on it.

Ski equipment manufacturers sometimes divide goggles and masks into different categories. So, the glasses can look like ordinary sunglasses. But they will not fit snugly to the face and fix well. Not suitable for downhill skiing. The oversized lenses on the strap are classified as a mask. Therefore, there is no significant difference in how to name this attribute. The only difference is that the mask has a better view and can be worn over regular glasses.

The main functions of the riding attribute include:

• protection of the face from mechanical damage, from getting into the eyes of foreign objects: ice floes, branches;
• protection from sun glare on the snow, from ultraviolet radiation;
• protect eyes from wind and snow;
• improves the visibility of the slope relief, helps to better navigate in bad weather conditions.

Products are made from hypoallergenic polymers. The sizes are:

1. Men's - strict design and dark colors, massive. This type can be attributed to universal, women also acquire such models.
2. Women are smaller in size, have a bright palette of colors. Additional design solutions are possible. Not found in every store.
3. Children's - made taking into account the small head of the child, colorful colors, complemented by drawings.

There are masks for snowboarders that differ from ski masks in that they have a larger viewing angle.

Criterias of choice

Choosing a ski mask for the first time, you can get confused. The stores offer a large selection of shapes and colors of this attribute.

The main criterion is convenience. The glasses should fit snugly to the face, without any gaps. But pressure on different parts of the face is not allowed. What should you pay attention to?

1. The cutout for the bridge of the nose may be different in models, but should not cause discomfort or difficulty breathing. The equipment is designed to follow the contours of the face as much as possible. Pay attention to the hardness and elasticity of the materials. The frame should not be too soft, it threatens to fall out of the glasses.
2. If there is a helmet on the head, then the forehead must be closed, that is, make up a single whole with the glasses. In this case, do not rest against each other, but a loose fit is also not permissible.
3. On the inside of the frame there is a seal made of hypoallergenic foam rubber. Can be applied in two or three layers. It provides a snug fit to the face, protects against dust and snow particles from getting inside. In the event of a fall, it will soften the impact force. In more comfortable models, an additional layer of fleece is used between the foam rubber and the face.
4. The case with lenses is attached to a strap or elastic band in different ways.Reliable fixation will affect the comfort of a person while riding. A long strap will allow you to securely attach an accessory to your head or helmet, adjusting it to the required size. Wide elastic will rub less, spreading pressure over a large area. The pluses include the presence of a silicone coating on the strap. Check the clasps, they should open easily and comfortably.
5. The ventilation will prevent the glasses from fogging up due to temperature differences outside and inside the glasses. Presented in the form of membranes, windows or mini-fans on batteries. They are located mainly on top of the product, there are models with holes along the entire perimeter. Thanks to the normalization of the internal microclimate, the glass does not fog up. For this purpose, you can choose a model with double lenses or with an anti-fog effect - an inner coating with a special substance. It wears off when rubbed, but it is possible to apply it yourself.
6. The review also plays an important role. Ski goggles have front visibility. For a side view, you need to pay attention to the snowboard models.
7. With poor eyesight, if a person does not wear contact lenses, there are special products that can be worn over glasses. The glasses are placed inside, and openings are made for the temples. Or purchase a model with additional diopters. These products are labeled OTG.
8. Lenses are the main element of glasses. It is made of polycarbonate - a durable type of plastic that can withstand low temperatures.

Let's pay special attention to the characteristics of the lenses. They differ in shape, color (filter), bandwidth.

Varieties of lenses

The task of the ski mask is not only to protect the eyes, but also to improve the visibility and visual perception of the road. And this will depend on the quality of the lens. It is made of durable frost-resistant material that can withstand heavy impact. There are single and double. The disadvantage of the former is quick fogging. Manufacturers are increasingly using double glazing. There is an air gap in their device that prevents the product from fogging up.

According to the form, there are:

• Spherical is the best option without visual distortion. They have a large viewing angle, front and side views are visible due to the vertical and horizontal curvature. They repeat the shape of the eyes, do not cause them fatigue. Suitable for snowboarders. The cost is high.
• Cylindrical - the glass is curved horizontally to provide front visibility, but not lateral visibility. Slight image distortion is present. It is cheaper, this option is suitable for beginner skiers.

An important parameter of any mask is protection from ultraviolet radiation, from which the eyes will suffer, even a corneal burn is possible. Currently, almost all manufacturers produce such lenses. Color does not affect this indicator, but for protection from infrared radiation, the range of light transmission is different. It is determined by the darkening of the glasses under different weather conditions. Divided into the following categories:

1. S0 - low level, transmitting visible light by 100-80%. These are transparent glasses designed for cloudy weather, with artificial lighting on night trails.
2. S1 - light transmittance 80-43%. Slightly darkened, used in weak sunlight, cloudy weather, twilight.
3. S2 - transmits 43-18% of light. Has a medium darkening of glass, suitable for weather with variable cloudiness.
4. S3 - high level of protection from sunlight, allows it to pass by 18-8%. Available in different shades. A good option for sunny weather.
5. S4 - light passes only 8-3%. It is used in high-altitude conditions, where the height reaches more than 2 km above sea level. Protects from intense bright light. This category is rare.

Different filter shades are used for each type of weather and time of day. This will help improve the clarity of images, color rendition.

The main types of filters:

• Transparent, light colors - for skiing in the evening and at night when the track is illuminated by lanterns, in cloudy weather.
• Yellow - scatter the blue color spectrum, due to which the contrast of the visible image increases in low light or cloudy weather.
• Pink - enhances shadows and sharpness, giving visibility to individual details on a gloomy day, which emphasizes the volume of objects.
• Orange - enhances contrast in sunny weather, and in moderate light, cloudiness improves color tones. A versatile and popular option among manufacturers and buyers.
• Red - transmit up to 36% of the light. By reducing the illumination, the sharpness in perception increases. Provides a good view in sunny or cloudy weather.
• Gray (black) - does not distort colors, ensuring their real perception in sunny weather.
• Brown - used in active sunlight, transmitting 10% of the light.
• Green, silvery shades reduce the contrast on sunny days, the eyes do not overwork, they reproduce colors well.

On sunny days, polarized lenses will protect your eyes. They eliminate glare from snow, ice, and improve contrast. This is achieved by letting in only vertical light waves, eliminating the horizontal flare. It is not always necessary to choose such a model, because sunny weather does not happen every day in the mountains. With shadows on the road, the visual ability in such glasses, on the contrary, will be worse.

It is worth noting separately the development of the Oakley company - Prizm. Over the course of 15 years, a technology was developed with the help of which some shades of light were increased, others were eliminated to a certain level. Due to this, the contrast of the visible relief increased, and with a sharp change from shadow to light, the eyes do not feel much difference.

There is a mirror lens type. Similar in properties to polarized, but less reflections from snow. Thanks to a special coating on the outside, the glasses reflect light rays. This model is suitable for clear sunny days, but in cloudy weather it is better to choose another option.
Photochromic or chameleons are capable of altering the level of darkness. They adapt to ambient light, let in less or more sunlight. They do not rebuild instantly, but you do not have to change lenses when the weather changes.

In order not to buy several types of products with different filters, versions with interchangeable lenses are available. They allow you to change the filter without removing your gloves. Such models are sold immediately with replaceable glass.

Choosing the right option is not so easy, you need to take into account many factors - weather, lighting. Riding comfort depends on the right decision.

Rating of quality ski masks and goggles for 2020

The provided review of the best masks for skiing will tell you about the characteristics of the product, new products on the market. Having looked at the options, having studied the functions, glasses will be selected by both a beginner and a professional.

ANON M4 Cylindrical Sonar Goggle + Spare Lens + MFI

The company produces goods from the most modern materials, cooperates with experts in skiing, the best designers work on the appearance. The technology uses special Magna-Tech magnets, which allow you to quickly change the lens on any terrain.

The model is suitable for both men and women. The glasses are cylindrical, the set includes replaceable glass. Installation of a cylindrical or spherical lens is possible. There is a function of protection against fogging, wearing over glasses.

MFI (Magnetic Facemask Integration) technology, the mask holds the geyter (included) with magnets, and the anti-fog allows you to see the track clearly.
Suitable for bad and sunny weather.

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Dragon NFXS + Lens

The American company is engaged in the production of masks, sportswear, accessories. Create models of rimless ski goggles. This is not only a beautiful design, but also a good side view. The anti-fog coating of the lenses allows you to maintain a clear view for a long time, even in extreme conditions.

This model is a novelty on the sales market. Designed for an adult audience. The NFXS is a smaller frame version of the NFX, suitable for a small face. Equipped with a quick-change double cylindrical lens. LumaLens technology eliminates glare and enhances contrast. Protects 100% from ultraviolet radiation, with anti-fog function. Adjustable strap with silicone coating on the inside to prevent slipping off the helmet. Suitable for cloudy and sunny weather, for evening skiing.

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Oakley Line Miner Goggle

The US-based company produces stylish eyewear popular among experts, found their way into the military and space industries. Quality materials ensure compatibility with the helmet and an even fit to the face.

Model for adults with a variety of colors: green, orange, pink, blue, black. Protects completely from UV radiation. The cylindrical shape gives good front and side visibility. The presence of interchangeable double lenses allows you to ride in all weather conditions. Windscreen fogging is reduced by antifog treatment. Thanks to the three-layer fleece lining, the mask fits snugly to the face and does not let the wind through. Special cutouts allow you to wear it with glasses.

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Sky Monkey SR44 RV

The brand manufactures products for winter sports and recreation. The use of quality materials increases the durability of the products. They are scratch-resistant and fog-proof.

The anatomical shape of the model does not cause discomfort while riding. Mirror finish, S3 protection level - perfect for sunny weather. The belt is wide, adjustable, adapted to the helmet. The mask has internal silicone strips, thanks to which they fit snugly to the face. The cylindrical double lens provides maximum protection against ultraviolet radiation.

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HEAD Horizon Race + Sparelens

The Austrian company is a global manufacturer of clothing and sports equipment.
Functional model for adults with replaceable double filters with snap fastening. The shape is cylindrical. Thin frame allows for 20% more horizon visibility. Misting is prevented by internal anti-fog treatment. High level of UV protection. The mask is helmet compatible. Used in cloudy weather.

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You can buy a ski attribute both in a specialized salon and in an online store. The disadvantage of ordering from the site is the impossibility to try on to make sure that you have made the right choice. But there are special size tables, based on which the model is selected. When ordering online, managers help.

How to store and care

Careful and careful care will allow you to wear the mask for a long time without damage. The service life will be longer if simple rules are followed:

1. Do not dry near fire, heater. This can lead to deformation of lenses, frames.
2. Do not rub the inside of the glass in order not to erase the protective coating.
3. When cleaning from dirt, use special sprays or soap with neutral pH. Wipe off excess moisture with a napkin and do not rub under any circumstances.
4. Do not leave in direct sunlight for a long time.
5. Storage and transportation is carried out in a hard case, soft inside.

If you are an amateur or professional skier, write in the comments about your choice of ski goggles.