CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESDays. More of them, and more amazing ones at that. Active Junky wants you to see your way clear to good times with goggles that adapt to varying conditions this season.
Whether clouds are somewhere over the horizon or have engulfed you on the lift, single-lens goggles represent convenience with compromise. Until recently, no workable alternatives existed: interchangeable lenses were exclusively for contortionists or the inordinately patient.
Good news. Major optics companies responded with R&D efforts that converged with on-snow realities. Quick switching with cold hands along with durable attachment tech now make these three editor-endorsed rimless systems worth the change.
Smith’s vision led to their first rimless goggle with a latching lens system seven years ago. Modifications have kept them ahead of imitators ever since. The latest I/O7 is a sleek tribute to the brand’s leadership as a futuristic goggle both in tech and style. The Single Pivot Quick Release System features a notched strap that pops out with a flick. Insert the optimum lens for the weather from an arsenal of spherical, Carbonic-X lenses. Terrain revealed, sharp reflections banished. It feels good to ski with clarity.
Best For: Access to a wide spectrum of lenses for varying and extreme conditions
At first glance, you’ll feel a magnetic impulse slip them on. No wonder; the “Magna-Tech” system employ sixteen rare-earth magnets to keep the beautiful thing locked together. The M2 is arguably among the most progressive goggle on this list with eight magnets in both lens and frame. “Frame” is more a concept as the frameless design puts the oversized lens front and center for great wide-angle visibility. The comfortable M2-compatible Rodan helmet makes the magnetic offering from Anon even more alluring.
Best For: Eliminating barriers to weather-reactive lens changes
There’s no price barrier with last year’s rimless model, one comparable to many 2014-15 offerings. A “bracket and gasket” system is simple, reliable and produces superior peripheral vision. Advanced Projects X (APX) comes from top-secret testing that went down in steep-and-deep zones in Silverton and Alaska. The lid’s off and the results are on faces from Japan to Chile with this revolutionary-but-affordable goggle. Don’t wait to take a look as quantities are limited; stare the Dragon in the eye and charge with confidence.
Best For: Making the move to interchangeable – today
