Snowboard Reviews, Articles, News & More
Goggles
09-10 Adidas ID2 Review
0A stylish and functional goggle that fits best on a narrow face.
I tested the Adidas ID2 on a typical Colorado winter day. Sunny and bluebird in the morning turning to a snowy flat-light afternoon in a matter of hours. The ID2′s "Shiny black" lens tint worked well all day as light conditions changed.
This goggle vented as well on side country hikes as it did slashing powder in Vail’s back bowls. Standard anti-fog coating on the inside of this lens keeps you seeing clear all day. This goggle is also prescription ready so bring them into your optometrist for a custom lens.
My only gripe with this particular goggle is that it is a bit tight on my face. Though someone with a small to medium (narrow) face, these goggles are for you!
09-10 Smith Optics I/OS Review
0Modern, chic goggle which says no to smeary lenses from sticky hot chocolate covered fingers
This baby sister of the I/OS rocks! At first it looked kinda funny, having spent the past 20 years of my life having only worn goggles with frames around the lens. Then I realized that they actually look pretty cool and ultra-modern, not to mention ultra-comfy and ultra-easy to change lenses. A lot of ultra’s in one sentence I know, but this goggle is ultra-great. I did have to follow the instructions the first time I attempted the lens change (after standing there for a minute or two before conceding that the goggle was smarter than me); but it was a cinch and no greasy marks on the lens from the sunscreen residue on my hands. The integration with the Smith Maze helmet was seamless – no gaper gap for me!
The only possible improvement would be the placement of the strap length adjustment piece to be placed slightly off center for us helmet-wearing folk. It would make it easier to position the goggle on the helmet with equal tension on both straps and without my nose being squished on one side.
09-10 Anon Hawkeye Review
0The Anon Hawkeye is quite possibley the best goggle on the market for winter 2009/10.
I spent most most of March and April 2009 testing out the Hawkeyes, and they very quickly became my favorite goggles. The Hawkeye has an oversized view area, fits great, is helmet compatible, and comes in a variety of killer styles.
The Hawkeye's large, spherical lens is crystal clear with minimal optical distortion, and provides excellent peripheral vision. Prior to testing this frame, I had been wearing Anon's other spherical lens goggle, the Realm. When I made the switch to the Hawkeye, the extra field of view was very noticible. Spherical lenses are generally known for being stiff, and the Hawkeye is shockingly soft for a spherical goggle.
The frame is comfortable, and the foam is amazing. Anon calls it "Variable density, hypoallergenic fleece face foam that provides a perfect goggle to face seal keeping out the elements while providing comfort for many hours of riding," and that pretty much somes it up in my opinion. After weeks on snow, my under-goggle area can get somewhat sensitive, but these never got itchy, even when they weren't fully dried out.
Lens swapping is still a bit of a week point in the Anon line. The Hawkeye lenses is easier to swap than the Realm, but not as easy as the ultra flexible Figment. They have reduced the number of points the lens connects, so it is easier than in the past, but it still takes a few minutes.
Goggle reviews are always a bit tough because, unlike something like a snowboard, there isn't always a noticible performance change between two different products. Foam might wear out faster or slower, lenses might be higher or lower quality, and some people ride wearing sunglasses. The Hawkeye is different though, there's no breakthroughs, no real innovations, but it does everything a goggle should do, and it does it better than most other goggles on the market.
I can't say that buying a pair of Hawkeyes is going to make you a better rider, but they feel like they should.
08-09 Anon Solace Review
0The Solace is just the way any google should be.
The Solace goggle's frame allows for full peripheral vision and makes it so that nothing structural impedes your sight. After wearing these goggles every day in a range of conditions , I find it hard to go back to a more typical or standard frame shape. Not only do I think the shape of this goggle shows a lot of thought in function and its face-fit, it also comes in many attractive styles. Mine are the Premium Iguana Net which will be available next year. The only drawback is the foam, which is not uncomfortable and does hold up well, but could be slightly softer against the face. When it gets at all moist it becomes slightly gritty feeling.
Several lenses come with the goggles; I prefer the Green Solex because they provide excellent sun/ glare protection, but work surprisingly well in flat light. There really is no need to change any lenses out if you have this lens in.
08-09 Spy Optic Zed Review
03 years ago
by User Review
in Goggles
Two lenses are nice and they fit good with my brain bucket.
If its sunny out I can put the dark lenses in. If it’s not I put the low light lenses in. All goggles should have this option but most don’t and thats why i like spy. Maybe one day they will make a pair of goggles that are more durable and won’t scratch, but until that day I will have to settle with the shit that is on the market.
08-09 Spy Optic Bias Review
0Nice looking and great working goggle, but lacking in helmet compatibility.
Spy has built this goggle specifically for women and by looking at them has done a great job. I have never seen a goggle that comes in so many funky patterns before…not just lots of single color choices like Oakley, but lots of choices of pattern.
As far as function went, the first time I wore them I had a beanie on with them and they were great. The inside of the strap has that sticky stuff they put on the bottom of kids socks so they don’t fall over when they are first learning to walk…this serves to keep the goggles firmly in place. The goggle is small so suits a women’s face, but allows good peripheral vision.
The next time I wore them was with a helmet and this time they weren’t so great. While the interface was good with the helmet, the strap was not stretchy or long enough to go over the helmet so I had the choice of squishing my face into my skull or wearing the strap under the helmet, in which case the large plastic clip gave me a headache. This may improve over time once the strap stretches a little, but in the short term it’s gonna be annoying if you're a helmet wearer.
07-08 Smith Optics Knowledge Turbo Fan OTG Review
03 years ago
by User Review
in Goggles
If you need fog free riding while wearing glasses, get these.
Everyone who wears glasses knows what a pain it can be to wear goggles. Either the goggles fog up or your glasses do. I’ve tried several different OTG goggle brands. I’ve got the answer for you!
I bought these goggles three years ago in a desperate attempt to actually see where I was going. A friend had recommended them so I thought I would give them a chance. I ordered them online and they arrived in a few days. I tried them immediately.
These goggles are fantastic. They use a AAA battery that drives a 2 speed fan located on top of the goggle frame. Low speed can be used in ordinary riding, the high speed setting is useful when doing highly aerobic riding and you need that extra venting. On high speed, the fog disappears quickly. You can order replacement lenses or different types of lenses on-line. I really like the sensor mirror lense in low light/flat light settings. I’d recommend getting a lense for bright light too.
Since it uses a small battery, it’s no big deal to carry a spare in a pocket. A battery lasts about a week of daily use. It depends on useage.
My equipment gets a workout over the season. I ride about 50-60 days/season. I use these goggles everyday that I ride. I highly recommend them if you wear glasses.
Negatives: The fan sits on top of the goggle frame so you need the gaper gap between the goggles and helmet in order for them to function. The quick clasp in back broke after one season. This season I had a short develop and discovered that a wire had broken between the fan and battery pack. I did a wire splice and was back in business. They do come with a Lifetime warranty. They are expensive but worth it if you want to see.
07-08 Anon Realm Review
03 years ago
by User Review
in Goggles
This is an amazing goggle.
I bought these and the Anon Figment this year. The Figment is a decent goggle, but the Realm is amazing. It fits perfectly with the R.E.D. Mutiny helmet and has a great peripheral vision.
There are a ton of awesome colors to choose from, so you can match them with whatever your style is.
They're definitely a pricey option, but for a spherical lens, there aren't many better deals. Plus you can find them for way cheaper than retail price.