Snowboard Goggles Lens Types

As snowboarders cruise down the mountain, shredding over moguls and preparing for that next big air, goggles rank as the last thing about which they want to worry. A little research can go a long way in determining what aspects -- color, shape and layers -- both novice and professional snowboarders should consider when choosing goggles.

  1. Color

    • The best color for your lenses depends on the conditions in which you'll be riding, according to the "Ski and Snowboard Goggle Buyers Guide" published by Dicks Sporting Goods. Clear lenses prove best for extremely stormy conditions or night riding, the guide says, with yellow lenses ideal for stormy conditions and overcast days. Orange lenses work well for bright days, purple lenses in low-light conditions, such as overcast and snowy days, and pink lenses for most riding conditions.

    Shapes

    • Flat lens, typically priced lower than spherical ones, curve from left to right over your eyes, but push flat vertically over your nose and forehead. While flat lenses typically work fine, they do reduce peripheral vision and can increase glare. Spherical lenses curve both horizontally and vertically, give better peripheral vision and reduce glare, but generally cost more.

    Layers

    • Looking like a one-way mirror, mirrored lenses have a partial or full lens coating that reflects more light, limiting the amount of glare that hits the rider's eyes. Polarized lenses, finished with a thin coating, also reduce glare from both sunlight and snow.

    UV Protection

    • Ultraviolet rays can cause sunburns to the eyes, cataracts, eye fatigue and other issues during outdoor sports. Any lens rated for 100 percent UV protection block all three types of UV rays -- UVA, UVB and UVC. According to industry expert REI, almost all snowboarding goggles sold today come with that level of protection.

    Storage Tips

    • Dick's Sporting Goods also offers tips for keeping your lenses and goggles safe, and suggests storing them in a protective pouch whenever they're not on your head. Regularly clean the outside of your lenses with fresh water and a soft cloth, taking care not to wipe the inside of your lenses, as it can affect the anti-fog coating. If snow or ice get inside, shake the goggles to remove it.

    Considerations

    • REI cites a number of ways in which goggles offer superior protection for snowboarders over sunglasses. Goggles better protect your eyes against falling ice particles, twigs and branches, as well as high winds that cause your eyes to tear and your vision to blur. They also counteract the bright reflection of the sun when it hits snow.