An important consideration when you're out on the slopes is your eye protection, for safety purposes, clarity of vision, and comfort (not to mention looking good). The main things to consider when choosing a pair of goggles are fit, that you can see properly, including peripherally, and that you have the right lens for the weather conditions, terrain, and activity. You'll often see different goggles described as either ski or snowboard specific, but in reality they are pretty much interchangeable. As with other ski or snowboard gear, each target market often has its particular “in” color and/or design preference.
A good pair of goggles should provide eye protection against UV rays and other impact, should allow for good peripheral vision, should have a decent ventilation system, and should not fog up on you. The best pair of goggles, however, will not work if they do not fit your face! For example, my business partner, Charles Biggers, (co-founder of Beyondski.com, and one hell of a skier) and I have very differently shaped noses. Mine is narrower, his is wider. His goggles fit me, but my goggles don't fit him at all, to the point where it's an unpleasant experience for him to wear them out on the slopes. So remember, when you're buying goggles, don't make a purchase unless you have tried them on for yourself! Also, if you already own a helmet or wear corrective eyeglasses, be sure to bring them with you on your search for a new pair of goggles. The goggles may be too wide for your helmet's face opening or may not fit over your eyeglasses.
The goggles I tested for this review all have additional lens for different weather, terrain, and activity that can be purchased separately. I couldn't test every lens associated with each model of goggle in every condition, but if a particular lens stood out to me regarding clarity of view and lack of distortion I mention it.
Note: I did not test the goggles in combination with a helmet, just my beloved old lucky ski hat.
