NIKE KHYBER | £175
The Khyber comes with photochromatic transitions lenses which adapt according to brightness but if
that’s not enough you can swap out the lens and pop another in, all in a matter of seconds, although you will need to remove your gloves.
The Khyber ups the comfort factor by offering a flexible polyurethane frame which moulds to your face shape along with the double-layer face foam. It’s designed to fit a medium-large face, and although it doesn’t off er the widest field of vision available it will certainly be good enough for most. The Khyber also comes with a durable water repellent mesh around three-quarters of the frame to enhance airflow and repel exterior moisture, so fogging isn’t an issue.
VERDICT
Stylish and versatile photochromatic goggles
with great comfort and antifogging but steep price.
+ One lens for all light conditions
– Expensive
BOLLÉ Z5 OTG | £69
You don't have to be a glasses wearer to like the Z5 goggles but with their ‘OTG’ (‘Over the
Glasses’) fi t you can. Indeed, they feel extremely comfortable both with and without glasses, in
large part due to the ample cushioning offered by the thick, double layer face foam.
Venting is via Bollé’s ‘Flow Tech’ system with vents along the top and bottom of the frame,
and the double lens has both anti-fog and antiscratch coatings. It also comes in six different
colours to handle any light conditions (lenses are not interchangeable).
VERDICT
Given the price the fixed lenses are no real surprise but even so,
with or without glasses the Z5 is a good buy.
The Z5 are designed for medium to large faces and have more than
adequate peripheral vision, especially considering the OTG fit.
+ OTG fit and strap are impressive features
– Lens can’t be changed
GIRO BALANCE | £130
Giro’s Balance goggles have combined increased peripheral vision and an expanded overall field of view with a compact frame, by using their Expanded View Technology – an innovation which also ensures the goggles aren’t too bulky for wearing or transporting.
Add to this good comfort from triple-layer foam, and the fact that the Balance is designed to fit seamlessly with Giro helmets and the two make a great protective combo for the slopes
The Balance goggles also feature industry leading optics with injection moulded, torispherical lenses by Zeiss, and there’s an anti-fog coating and all-round venting to keep the lenses clear in the worst conditions.
VERDICT
Stylish and comfortable with excellent peripheral vision
for experiencing the mountain around you to the full.
+ ‘EXV’ technology gives wide, open views
– Not the best for larger faces
SINNER MOHAWK | £103
This new model from Sinner features a photochromatic ‘Trans+’ polarised lens. It also comes with a spare lens, which may seem a bit redundant – still, spares are always good.
That said, when changing the lens you’ll probably end up with fi ngermarks on it as you have to push it out of the flexible frame and then manoeuvre the replacement lens into position, so keep your goggle bag on hand.
The frame of the Mohawk is relatively low profi le and gives good all-round vision, with vents top as well as a coating to combat fogging. Hypoallergenic face foam gives a comfy fit and the Mohawks are also helmet compatible, with the silicon-backed strap.
VERDICT
A photochromatic lens plus a spare thrown in makes the Mohawks
exceptional value for money.
+ Photochromic lens for all conditions
– Changing lens is a bit of a faff
SALOMON XT-ONE | £110
The XT-ONE goggles won an ISPO award earlier this year for their Custom ID-Fit technology, which aims to precisely match each pair of goggles to every individual's face. Salomon analysed structure, movement, and soft tissue in the face to develop these goggles, then incorporated their findings into an articulated frame with varied foam densities which are mapped to specific areas of the face to create a soft, comfortable feel.
The XT-ONE goggles also off er an OTG (Over the Glasses) fit and the lens can be changed, making for remarkably versatile goggles that will work for most skiers and boarders in most conditions.
VERDICT
Good-looking goggles, with versatile fit and function, plus interchangeable
lenses and a not-unreasonable price.
+ Great fit, even if you’re wearing glasses
– Lens changes a tad fiddly
CÉBÉ PEAK | £80
The Peak goggles are designed for large faces, and come with two interchangeable lenses – a dark rose silver mirror category 3 lens and a yellow flash mirror category 1 lens.
To swap the lens, you swivel the outriggers forward, push out the lens, slot the replacement in, snap the outriggers back into place and off you go; it's quick and easy but you will need to remove your gloves for the somewhat fiddly job. In addition, the lenses feature a polycarbonate outer lens/Acetate inner lens, which is the best anti-fogging combo, and good peripheral vision, despite the quite wide frame. Helmet fit is good, and the fleece layer backing the single layer face foam is soft and snug.
VERDICT
Given the excellent price and the versatility of the Cébé Peak
they are hard to fault on any level.
+ You get two interchangeable lenses
– Slightly fiddly lens changing
