The basic function of the goggles is to protect your eyes from the outside elements like snow and other debris and to ensure safety from any hazards you could encounter in your ride like fallen branches or limbs from tress. Nowadays, as the market is getting more competitive, brands are focusing on providing the best in limited budget. There is fast addition of new technologies which are intended to optimize the performance of these goggles when you are out in the snow. Customers have hailed some of the technology updation like goggles frame providing better fit and field of vision, the advanced anti fog and anti scratch coating and lenses featuring automatic adjustment to varying light conditions are to name a few. These updations may cost you a few more bucks. However, if you are looking for budget friendly items, like under $100 you could still get what you want with decent quality.
What To Look For Before Buying A Budget Friendly Goggle?
So you are looking for a budget friendly option that doesn’t mean that you are looking for goggles which are cheap in quality. You always look for the best. Let’s see what are some of the basic features that a good quality snow goggle should provide.
Visual clarity: The high quality optics in the lens will bring out the best possible in terms of the colors and textures in the snow. Also, it should give clear view of the surroundings so as to avoid any obstacles ahead.
Field of Vision: This accounts to if the frame is wide or narrow and the peripheral vision you are capable of. Wide field of vision always helps you see better and prevent obstructions or collisions.
Lens tint: It determines the amount of light coming in and the colors getting through the lens.
Ventilation: Even if your goggles have many promising features and no proper ventilation everything goes vain. Without proper ventilation the goggles may fog up. Now to prevent this, you can look for the ones offering layered foam and anti fog coating with vents. Fogging is avoided as they help in equalizing the air temperature.
Fit: Look for helmet compatible models with good fit. If the goggles are loose this may expose you to wind and other outside elements.
Any Additional Features?
If there are some additional features they can offer then that would be a plus. Some of the additional features may include: better anti fogging features, anti scratch, specialized UV Protection, interchangeable lens support, adjustable straps, goggle bags, etc.
Now let’s have a look at some of the best snow goggles below $100.
Outdoor Master Ski Goggles Pro
They have a frameless design with spherical lens offering a clear unobstructed field of vision. The lens is made from injection molded polycarbonate with UV coating. The frame is made from bendable TPU. The Over the Glass design allows you to wear your glasses under the goggle and that too with comfortability.
The interchangeable lens is an added advantage. You can swap the extra lens for day/night and all other weather conditions (Note that the extra lenses are sold separately).They offer 100% UV400 protection. The lenses have anti fog coating. They offer Universal Helmet Compatibility with the extra long elastic strap. They come with protective case and carrying pouch in addition. The brand also offers one year warranty. They have about twenty different color options to choose from.
Zionor Lagopus Ski Goggles
The number one best seller in Amazon has OTG design and will fit youth and adults. It has TPU frame for impact resistance and the lens are of polycarbonate. The double layer lens has spherical shape. The REVO/ clear lens provides good field of vision across the slopes. They claim to offer clear vision day and night in any weather condition.
The triple layer foam provides good face fitting features. They have anti fog and anti wind capabilities with proper ventilation system. They offer 100% UV protection with anti scratch coating. The lenses are detachable which provides added advantage. They have extra long straps which make them compatible with all the helmet models. They have many different color options.
Smith Squad
Smith Squad has been in the market for quite a long time. They claim to provide crystal clear view whatever be the temperature or the lighting changes. Their semi rimless design with the oversized Carbonic X lens provide wide field of vision. The inner lens which is the Fog X anti fog lens prevents fogging. The Chromapop lens options enhance the natural color and contrast which makes the details pop.
Also, they have the Airflow Technology providing proper ventilation. The Dual slide strap allows easy size adjustment. They have double layer DriWix face foam that wicks moisture away and provides better fog free features. They have the Responsible Fit frame which adjusts to the facial features to bring about the required comfy fit. They are mostly medium fit; they are also available in low bridge fit for those with facial features like lower nose bridge, high cheekbones. They are designed to be used with Smith Helmets to get the best performance. They also come with a microfiber bag. There are many lens color options to choose from.
Oakley Line Miner XM Factory Pilot Snow Goggle
The medium fit cylindrical style designed goggle provides ultimate peripheral vision. The PRIZM Lens Technology provides the best contrast in any light conditions. With the High Definition Optics, you can have the accurate vision better than many of the conventional lenses. They have the triple layer face foam made from moisture wicking polar fleece. They have the F3 Antifog coating.
The slim design increases visibility while improving helmet compatibility. The flexible O matter frame fits like it is made for you. They offer 100% UV400 protection. The straps are wide adjustable with silicone lining providing secure fit.
Giro Roam Adult Snow Goggles
The Giro Roam Adult Snow Goggles feature many of the traits of Giro’s premium line products at an affordable price. The lenses are cylindrical polycarbonate ones with many lens tints to suit your vision in different conditions. The medium fit goggle has EXV frame providing good field of view. The double layer face foam with microfleece facing provides a soft feel to the user. They also have an anti fog coating.
They are anti scratch and offer 100% protection from UV400. They offer seamless compatibility with all Giro Helmets but can also be used with others. They have included a second lens for low light conditions.
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