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Choose a lens shape: Cylindrical lenses look flat and are curved around the face on the vertical axis. These are cheaper to manufacture than spherical lenses, and when used on a large pair of goggles can offer a vast field of view. Spherical lenses are curved both vertically and horizontally and give the goggles a bug-eyed look. Spherical lenses help to open up more of the view, especially the up and down aspects. You’ll pay more for spherical lenses, but they can be truly impressive.
From an aesthetic point of view, cylindrical lenses are more popular, but the latest (and most expensive) toric lenses offer a compromise. This hybrid lens combines a sweeping widescreen cylindrical style with a tightly curved spherical section at he edges. These do a great job of increasing the amount of peripheral vision, especially when looking down the slopes in front of you.
Oversize goggles: Oversize goggles have been popular for a decade, and while there’s been a shift back to a thick framed ’90s style for some, large goggles do offer bold looks and the biggest possible field of view. Don’t worry, however, if you have a small head and face, as all our best-buy options also come in a smaller size boasting the same proportions and features.
Children’s goggles: 100 percent UV protection is obviously the most important factor when choosing goggles for your kids, but comfort is also key, so look for designs with soft fleecy padding around the face. Given how much abuse kids goggles tend to receive it can be tempting to buy the cheapest pair. But cheap goggles have poor antifog coating, which means a higher chance of your kids not being able to see properly—and complaining. Grumpy kids means less time for you on the mountain.
OTG (over-the-glasses) goggles: An essential for people who wear glasses, these ski goggles have extra space for your spectacles, with cut-out sections in the foam for the arms so they’re not pressed uncomfortably against your face. Some OTG goggles won’t fit large-framed glasses, so it’s worth trying before you buy. If you can’t wear contact lenses, another option is to invest in a prescription insert, which clips inside compatible goggles.
