Skiing can turn not into pleasure, but into real horror if the athlete’s equipment does not include special glasses. An essential accessory is not so easy to choose. You need to know the features of their choice so that skating is safe and effective.
Why are ski goggles (mask) needed?
Just as a girl doesn’t go out without a handbag, a rider doesn’t risk skiing without a mask. Let us consider in detail which ski goggles to choose for snowboarding, alpine skiing and other sports.
The ski accessory performs the following functions:
- Protects from damage. Due to high speed, icy pieces of frozen snow can get into your eyes, and there are also trees on the way, the branches of which are very dangerous. Thanks to a ski mask that protects the upper part of the face, damage can be avoided.
- Protects eyes and face from wind.
- No skier would dare to ski in the mountains without glasses. After all, they protect the retina from burns, which can be easily obtained due to the bright sun, shiny snow surface.
- Provides high-quality image visibility. Drifts, frozen crust, snow, improper lighting, fog, and snowfall impair the vision of the terrain and elevation changes. Poor visual perception deprives the rider of the ability to instantly concentrate to avoid obstacles.
How to choose the right ski goggles?
In order to purchase a good product and not regret the choice, you need to take into account the quality of the lenses, the size of the accessory, the tightness of its fit to the face, as well as the possibility of changing lenses. Experienced riders are already familiar with the nuances of choice, but a novice skier is just about to get acquainted with them.
Lenses
Glasses can fog up, distorting the visibility of the picture, so it is recommended to purchase an accessory with two lenses connected to each other. Conscientious Manufacturers use a lens coating called antifog. It repels moisture, which protects the mask from fogging.
Pay close attention to the shape of the lenses. If they are concave horizontally and vertically, and also have different thicknesses (the central part is much thicker than on the sides), then the microreliefs will be clearly visible, despite bad weather and improper lighting.
Filter quality
Filters are called lens colors, on which the quality of visual perception depends. Black lenses suitable for riding on a sunny day, and blue or transparent are ideal for rental in the evening.
In order not to waste time changing lenses, it is more prudent to purchase models with polarized lenses. They are perfectly thought out and equipped with a special grille on the surface. Thanks to this solution, they receive only vertical light waves, without transmitting the elements of light and shadow arising from the snow.
Lens color
The type of filter should also be taken into account:
- Gray lenses transmit 25% of light. They are used for riding in sunny weather because they improve depth perception several times.
- Yellow transmit 68% of light through the lenses. An ideal model for cloudy weather.
- Pink model, transmitting 59% of light, is characterized by improved depth of field.
- Dark brown lenses transmits up to 10% of light waves.
- Transparent colorless option, transmitting up to 98% of light waves, is used for night vision.
Availability of ventilation
For comfort, a fan should be built into the mask and, preferably, powered by a battery. The modern device can be adjusted, creating excellent riding conditions. Air circulation ensures that your goggles do not fog up over long periods of riding.
Perfect fit
Be sure to try on the mask before purchasing. It should fit perfectly to the face so that there is no empty space between the skin and the mask. Otherwise, cold air will penetrate inside the ski attribute, disturbing the internal atmosphere. Also The mask must fit the size of your face.
For reference! The frame of the glasses has a rounded, comfortable shape. It is equipped with an adjustable elastic strap.
Selecting a ski mask model
Several interchangeable models for all occasions are chic. But not everyone can afford such pleasure. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase a universal model. It is designed so that the skier can easily change the filter. Brown with an orange tint is optimal. It is suitable for riding at any time of the day. Lenses with a mirror surface are only suitable for riding on a clear sunny day.
Attention! The mask should fit snugly, but not put pressure on the face, causing discomfort. When using a helmet, keep in mind that the mask must cover the frontal part.
Ski mask for goggles
People with poor vision are advised to purchase a model that allows them to combine wearing a mask and glasses. You can find it by the abbreviation OTG. Inside such a mask there is an additional volume, as if enveloping the glasses. You should measure the frame in advance and select a ski accessory based on it.
When choosing, you should also take into account that not only the lenses of the mask, but also the lenses of the vision glasses will fog up. Therefore, the model must be built with high-quality ventilation from the Knowledge Turbo Fun OTG brand from Smith Optics.
Attention! Foggy lenses should be wiped with a clean, dry cloth to avoid stains that are difficult to remove.
Optics quality
Professional skiers prefer not to push their luck; when choosing an accessory, they immediately look at who the manufacturer is.
Preference is given to proven brands:
- Brand Uvex has long proven itself and is popular. The cost of glasses of this brand averages 2000-3000 rubles.
- Dragon has a higher price of 5,000-8,000 rubles.
- Oakley and Marker – 3000-6000 rubles.
- Anon - a brand distinguished by excellent quality optics and an affordable price of 3,000-6,000 rubles.
It is better not to save money on a quality product, and to choose a model responsibly. Otherwise, you can get serious damage to the retina due to the blinding sun or other injury due to poor visibility. Spontaneous choices should not deprive athletes of the pleasure of skiing the highest mountain.
0
