Check out my complete guide to Oakley Prizm Lenses for everything you need to know. Purely from an optical perspective, the Torch Iridium lens impressed. When I say it focuses on style, Im not begrudging the way they perform on the hill. Field of view is a step down from the M series goggles, and its something we especially noticed looking directly down and in the peripheral vision. Offering a mid-size fit, the Oakley Flight Deck XM ( Product Link) is inspired by fighter pilot helmets - and it shows! Other factors matter like polarization and lens color, but these are the general parameters. Fall Line goggles have a larger fit compared to Flight Deck goggles and are available in a few more colorways. Interchangeable lenses dominate the high end of the market with systems that are getting quicker and easier by the by the year. Check out our complete guide to The Best Lens Colors for Skiing & Night Skiing [In Any Weather]. It's really a personal preference as to whether you prefer the look and feel of framed vs frame-less . While you cant go wrong with any of the features or Oakley Ski Goggles listed here, it is important to understand your specific needs. I have been a keen skier for a number of years, skiing in different locations around the world, and have a real passion for snow sports. And the build quality also fell short of what were used to from the I/O linethere was a noticeable gap between the lens and frame in one corner. Scott has brand recognition on its sidemany skiers know and love their productsbut theyre typically associated more with their hardgoods rather than accessories like goggles. But once youve found the right pair, you may want to look online. In addition, there will be notches in the sides of the frame to accommodate the arms of the glasses. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? . For those with persistent fogging issues during down times (such as on the lift) or if you want to wear your goggles during high-output activities like ski touring or sidecountry hiking, Julbo has an innovative answer with their SuperFlow technology. Slipping in at $166-$206 depending on lens choice, the Oakley Fall Line XM includes one of the brands premium Prizm lenses. Weve been consistently impressed with the build quality of Oakley gear, and the Fall Line XM is no exception with a noticeably solid and confidence-inspiring feel. Theyre not X-ray vision or cliff detectors, but they can help make out little details when the light is flat. Oakley Flight Deck vs Fall Line Snow Goggles: Full Comparison These compact liners fit right on the inside of the lens, which greatly improves airflow and allows your venting system to function normally. Support the site and become a premium member today! Frame size: LargeNumber of lenses included: 2Lens shape: Toric (cylindrical available)What we like: The fastest lens change on the market and excellent field of vision.What we dont: Expensive; not everyone needs the quick-change system. The cost is somewhat high at $90 for a standard insert, but its a good investment for those that want to maximize all-around performance. These cylindrical goggles bring the comprehensive quality in-line with any premium model on the market- with proven features such as Oakleys RidgeLock lens swap system. PRIZM is Oakleys method of tailoring their products for a range of environments, by filtering out specific wavelengths of light. Further, the relatively low-profile shape pairs well with most ski helmets and doesnt have the tunnel-like feel that you get with the pricier Scott LCG Evo below. And the flexible O Matter frame material conforms to your face for the perfect fit. But all of the other key components are there with the M4 MFI, including triple-layer foam and a variety of lens options to cover you from bright to cloudy. This, more than anything else, puts them out of reach for budget-conscious skiers. Designed to be a one-lens solution, photochromic goggles automatically adjust their tint based on light conditions. More specifically, it seems the vents along the top and bottom dont allow air to flow as freely as you get with an open design. I have been passionate about snow sports since I was very young and have been fortunate to have visited many resorts around the world. However, this has now been changed to just L at the end of the name, but these are the same size as the goggles formally named XL . Frame size: MediumNumber of lenses included: 1Lens shape: CylindricalWhat we like: Cheap.What we dont: Everything about them is cheap. Speaking of the frame, comfort is a category where the Fall Line XL shines most. TOP 3 Oakley Snow Goggle Picks for 2020 | SportRx 32K views Oakley O Frame 2.0. Our reviews: We can make the world a little bit better with great in-depth reviews. Oakley Men's Ski Goggles | REI Co-op Frame size: MediumNumber of lenses included: 1Lens shape: SphericalWhat we like: Great optics and ventilation at a solid price.What we dont: Many competitors include two lenses. fall line. VLT is the amount of light that is allowed to pass through a lens (measured from 0% to 100%). Oakleys Fall Line XM goggle packs their premium lens technology into a trimmed-down shape. Plus, with a wider strap than some of the other Oakley Ski goggles, this frame provides maximum comfort. In wearing the Squad Mag back to back with the other Smith options, however, some complaints popped up. But if you match it with a Scott helmet and arent as picky about your optics, the rest of the LCG Evos performance and build quality stack up well to the class leaders.See the Scott LCG Evo. Unlike it's predecessors, the Fall Line's frame is a bit more subtle. Frame size: LargeNumber of lenses included: 1Lens shape: SphericalWhat we like: Massive field of view and quality optics.What we dont: Only comes with one lens; old lens change system. Because great in-depth gear reviews will help you select the right products for your specific needs, budget, and interests. The lens blocks a fair amount of glare and sun with 17-20 percent VLT (visible light transmission), and as such, does run pretty dark on heavily clouded days or when dipping into the trees. Smith doesnt have a lot of holes in their snow goggle lineupthey pretty much cover it allbut the Proxy manages to fill a gap with its a framed look, spherical lens, and medium fit. Youll want to buy the goggles that align best with your snow and ski preferences and use. They are also fully compatible with other helmets, such as Bolle, Giro, Anon, K2 or Smith. Or have a question? This goggle features a large frame (the womens Drift offers a medium fit) with decent edge-to-edge visibility that minimizes the tunnel effect you find on many cheap designs. The Competition. Snow and Ski Goggles | Oakley GB We brought the latest model to Crested Butte, Colorado, for some late-season testing and found it to be a notable improvement in field of view and all-around comfort with its trimmed-down build. However, weve had mixed experiences with photochromic lenses over the years: On our Smith Skylines, for example, a section of the lens refused to change the tint, which rendered them useless. But, if youre worried about optimizing your fit, you could always try to match a pair of goggles with their manufacturers helmet. Though the Flight Deck may be a long standing industry favorite, I enjoyed both the look and the feel of the Fall Line much more. Though I didnt have many issues with fog buildup while skiing, I cant speak for how they hold up in warm weather or very high-exertion scenarios. In swapping between the various models, the difference is noticeable, and those that put a premium on field of view will be happier with the Smith options (or Oakleys own Flight Deck XM). Smith is an indisputable leader in the snow goggle market, and the fifth design of theirs to make our list this season is the Squad Mag. Enter Julbo and their simple yet effective SuperFlow System: The lens on their Aerospace goggle is attached to a set of small hinges, which can be pushed forward to separate it from the frame. All in all, if Giro is able to fix the fogging issues, the Axis would make a big jump up our list Read in-depth reviewSee the Giro Axis See the Women's Giro Ella. With big players like Anon (Burton), Smith, and Oakley dominating the goggle scene, its a tough place to break through. 1. Thats because of the well-designed, thinner frame. That being said, if you aren't able to try the goggles and helmets on before buying, it's safest to stick to a single brand (i.e., purchase both a Giro-brand helmet and goggle). Priced right at $150-$170, the Proxy adds up to a goggle that should satisfy the needs of a good chunk of the resort market. The temperatures in Colorado were consistently warm (in the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit), but I didnt deal with any fogging issues. A third shape that is gaining traction is the toric-style lens. Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. But Glades lens tech is the best weve used, with a super wide VLT range of 16 to 65% (for the Photochromic Green and Purple Mirror lenses) that excels even during heavy snowfall. For more on goggles and to see side-by-side comparisons of more of our favorites, take a look at our buyers guide. Oakley Forum is the largest and most reliable platform for Oakley news, updates and any information you are looking for about Oakley sunglasses and other products. Oakley Airbrake XL Review | Switchback Travel On the other side, their Flight Deck goggles offer a similar quality experience, ramped up to maximum proportions. With the growth of large-frame goggles has come a corresponding jump in field of view (also referred to as field of vision). For those willing to pay the higher price, with the cylindrical, Prizm lens, vision performance will be appreciated on the front and backside of any mountain. Add Flight Deck M Snow Goggles to Compare Oakley Line Miner M Snow Goggles. On this note, my very first impression of the Fall Line wasnt very promising. If youre an Oakley devotee and like the styling, the Fall Line certainly wont be a letdown, but we think there are better alternatives out there. Check out this comparison review between the Flight Deck, Flight Tracker, and Flight Path. Oakley Prizm Snow Persimmon is a Prizm Snow lens tuned specifically for overcast, cloudy and snowy conditions with a 38% Visual Light Transmission (VLT). Income disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy via links found on DIVEIN.com: If you find a good deal on our site, you click to the retailer and you buy the product, we get a commission of the sale. Frame size: MediumNumber of lenses included: 2Lens shape: SphericalWhat we like: Vents well, easy-to-use lens change system.What we dont: Disappointing field of view. The XL costs the same at $1606-$206depending on lens choice and sports an identical feature set and construction including triple-layer foam, cylindrical shape, Ridgelock lens-change system, and single Prizm lens (again, you can purchase a secondary lens separately). Advances in lens technology (covered below) are decreasing the negative impacts of the cylindrical shape, and many of our top models have this lens type, including the Giro Method. Frame size: Medium/largeNumber of lenses included: 2Lens shape: CylindricalWhat we like: All-around quality build with an easy-to-use lens-change system.What we dont: So-so field of view. Line Miner L Snow Goggles 11 Colors. Sitting atop Arcteryxs venerable ski lineup is the Macai, a Gore-Tex-equipped, down-insulated ski shell built for frigid conditions and serious resort use. This translates to how bright the world around you looks. front line . Best Overall: Oakley Flight Deck. how to read your prescription in our full guide, The Best Lens Colors for Skiing & Night Skiing [In Any Weather], 7 Best Womens Ski & Snowboard Goggles for 2022/2023, Oakley Apparel, Accessories and Goggles Discussion, Oakley Goggles Size Guide 2022 [Full Dimensions Included], Oakley Target Line Goggles Review: Fun with Something Missing, Oakley Flight Path Goggles Review: Built for Speed, The 13 Must-Have Oakley Helmets, Goggles & Apparel For Winter 2022, Wide 5mm adjustable strap and triple-layer face foam, Ridgelock lens change technology for fast lens swaps on the mountain, Large spherical lens meets impact requirements based on, Low-profile design with a full frame provides increased visibility and helmet compatibility, Discreet frame notches provide compatibility with most prescription eyewear, Available in Youth Fit, Medium and Large sizes, Wide 5mm adjustable strap for a comfortable fit all-day, Triple-layer foam padding with moisture wicking helps to keep you warm on cold days, and sweat-free on warmer days, Built for high-performance skiing with enhanced upward visibility and a large field of view, Semi-rimless lens design featuring Oakleys Prizm technology, Designed to integrate seamlessly with most helmets on the market, Available in Small, Medium, and Large sizes for every face shape, Full-rim ultra-sleek frame design for an incredible field of view, Available in Prizm and non-Prizm lenses so you can adapt to varying conditions from snow to sunny bright days, Available in Small, Medium, and Large sizes. Choosing the right ski jacket is all about managing the conditions that you might encounter on the mountain. If youve beenputting offreplacinga helmet thatsyears old or are new to the sport,recentadvancementshave Building on Smiths popular I/O Mag snow goggle, the newer 4D Mag features a curved section at the bottom of the lens designed to greatly increase downward visibility. they'll fit very similar as well so cop what you think looks cooler, I honestly could be wrong but from what I understand is the flight deck is a more curved bug eye lens which gives a slightly better view while the fall line is a slightly larger flat lens which is better for over glasses, in my opinion the flight deck is sicker but im not really an oakley guy. If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. Weve had mixed experiences with photochromic lenses over the years: The adjustable tint can be slow to react to changing conditions, and they often run too dark. comparison between the Oakley Flight Deck, Flight Path and Flight Tracker goggles, Matte Black Strap + Snow Jade Iridium Lens, Matte Black Strap + Rose Gold Iridium Lens, Matte Black Strap + Sage Gold Iridium Lens, Matte White Strap + Snow Sapphire Iridium Lens, Matte White Strap + Rose Gold Iridium Lens, Matte White Strap + Snow Torch Iridium Lens, Matte White Strap + Snow Jade Iridium Lens, Factory Pilot Black Strap + Snow Sapphire Iridium Lens, Poseidon Strap + Snow Sapphire Iridium Lens, Poseidon Haze Strap + Snow Sapphire Iridium Lens, Jasmine Crystal Strap + Sage Gold Iridium Lens, Red Crystal Strap + Snow Torch Iridium Lens, Grey Haze Strap + Snow Black Iridium Lens, Blue Terrain Strap + Snow Sapphire Iridium Lens, Injection-molded Plutonite lens material for UV resistance, Flexible chassis to conform to face shape. 168.99. Anon honed things in even further with the latest model thanks to a very sturdy frame that protects the lens and holds it securely in place (ours has survived multiple crashes without issue). Over the last few weeks, I had an early-season head start riding with their Fall Line XL model. Smith 4D MAG Snow Goggles are some of the most popular on the market. Speaking of lenses, my biggest issue with the Fall Line is that they only come with one pair. The Persimmon lenses do the trick for any conditions short of snowing sideways. The Fall Line XM does buck the quick-change trend and sticks to their somewhat clunky Ridgelock lens-swapping system, but we do appreciate that it provides a very solid seal with no room for wind to sneak through. Unfortunately, the Axis was a letdown in terms of fog prevention. Who doesn't? Manage Settings Another Oakley model to consider is their Flight Deck XM, which is a medium-fit variation of their longstanding spherical design. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. Further, the M4s versatile construction allows you to swap between cylindrical and toric lenses (additional lenses cost extra) depending on preferences in style and performance. Oakley collection of snow goggles prove to be nothing short of the industry's best. Smith, Giro, Anon, and others also have a range of eyewear-ready models, including the Smith I/O Mag XL and Anon M4 MFI. Unfortunately, Oakley does not currently sell prescription lenses or inserts directly. But for those that like to swap between tints frequently as conditions shift, youll likely be happier with a quick-change design from Smith (their Mag), Anon, or even the Switchlock found on Oakley's own Airbrake XL. Our current favorite from their four-goggle lineup is the Adapt 2 (and smaller 2S), which packs in a string of high-end features for a wallet-friendly $149. I see its trendy on this forum to be anti anything big company, but thats a bunch of garbage. fall line. We like the Fall Line XM, and the medium-size fit is a nice way to get a toned-down version of the Flight Deck above, but we do have a couple nitpicks. One of the main aspects that differs between these three goggles is the rim design. More Colours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); DIVEIN.com was founded in 2009 by the two brothers Torben and Nicolai. Our one nitpick with the facemask is that its so thin that it lacks a strong structure, so if youre breathing heavily while hiking, the material can be sucked into your mouth. Every major goggle manufacturer has their in-house take on high-contrast lens technology. You pay for what you get, in other words. This gives them a very wide VLT range (more on that below), and they are great if you dont want to have to swap lenses during the day. I have the fall line and the line miner and they are both equally as good but I like the look of the line miner. His affinity for gear that works and his generosity for guiding people on their own path match his energy as editor of all things travel-related. Both have a sleek, frameless look, although the more angular Fall Line with its cylindrical lens certainly makes more of a statement. If youre getting ready for the ski and snowboarding season, youre probably looking for the perfect fitting goggles. I have the Flight decks xl, Fall line xl, Line miner xl. And for those with larger facial features, you can step up the Fall Line XL (more on this model below). Again, the second lens is enticing, but we prefer the Fall Line for its superior ventilation and higher-quality optics. Second, the substantial frame makes the goggle sit a little too far off the face, which translates to less peripheral vision. On Mount Baker, where snowfall can be patchy and mixed with varying light qualities, theyve worked very well to keep me aware in low-light conditions while staying protected when the sun occasionally peeks through the veil. This lens is enhanced to provide increased upward visibility when in aggressive skiing positions. Its interchange system is not the fastest to useits outdone by the magnetic Anon M4 belowbut the I/O Mag earns its title as the best all-around ski goggle with its excellent ChromaPop lenses. Prizm lenses are everywhere- from fishing glasses, to ski goggles. Like its predecessor, the classic Mojo, the goggle is very basic with a thick frame, small field of visionperipheral visibility is especially compromised with the cylindrical lensand dull optics. And it definitely succeeds. At the low end of the VLT spectrum are blacks, grays, and blues, which are designed to block out the most light and therefore are the darkest. However even for it's size it's not great at glasses comparability. For hard chargers or those that hit the slopes without regard to the weather report, this adaptability is a big upside. You are using an out of date browser. Like the legendary line from Smith, you get a medium fit, two high-quality lenses, plush three-layer foam, and great all-around visibility. Anons M series has gotten a lot of attention over the years, but their Sync stuffs a whole lot of tech into a reasonably priced package. flight path . OAKLEY Fall Line LRose Gold Iridium In the end, a final decision between the two Oakley offerings will come down to preferences on styling and field of view. Offering a large visor-like field of vision inspired by fighter pilots, the Oakley Flight Deck (Product Link) lenses give you an incredibly wide view of your terrain. Another lens technology is polarized, which was originally intended for use on the water, but it also reduces eye fatigue on a bright day by blocking strong bursts of horizontal light. One exception is tall, large-framed goggles like the Dragon X2 or Smith Squad XL. Frame size: Medium/largeNumber of lenses included: 2Lens shape: CylindricalWhat we like: Retro looks and a good all-around value.What we dont: Limited frame and lens color options. I see most models favoring a field of view and features approach; the Fall Line XL shifts its attention toward comfort and style. The net result is a massive field of vision and pretty darn good clarity thanks to the two ChromaPop lenses. Read more about us. Now that you know exactly what to look for, weve rounded up the best Oakley ski and snowboard goggles for the 2021/2022 season! Another two-lens option at the $190 price point is Giros popular Axis. For me, they were a leader in style and comfort, but this may not be the case for every rider out there. Available in XM or XL sizes, they're a great fit for any shape of face or style. That could be chalked up to a one-off issue, however, and the Squad XL does get you two massive lenses at a very good price of $150.See the Smith Squad XL ChromaPop. My favourite ski resorts are Lake Louise in Canada and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl in Austria. Join today, share your Oakley collection or even find new Oakley sunglasses for sale. Giro turned to Zeiss, a proven camera lens manufacturer for help with their lenses, and weve been impressed with the clarity of the Vivid lens line including the Giro Axis. The wrap-around design of the goggle, combined with a fit that is closer to your face, provides an enhanced field of vision, specifically to the sides and downward. The fan favourite Flight Deck uses a spherical lens to be able to take on a range of terrain while still providing optimum visuals. Further, you get upgrades like multi-layer foam cushioning for comfort and Smiths proven anti-fog coating. oakleyflightdeck() flight deck. Width: 18cm; Height: 11cm; Flight Deck L Snow Goggles . Torben traveled around South East Asia for scuba diving and almost didnt come back. This goggle hits a real sweet spot in the market: The medium shape should fit a lot of faces well, field of view is truly impressive, and the ChromaPop optics perform as expected (i.e., really well). For park riders and beginners alike, the popular Giro is a solid option. With the market flush with options from Smith, Oakley, Giro, and others, it can be hard for smaller players to stand out. It takes the comfort crown out of all of the goggles that Ive tested this season and may well be in the running of the most comfortable goggle Ive ever tried. The spherical is technically more optically correct. Just click on any of the seller links above, and if you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the transaction. And its quick and easy to push the lens back into place (even with gloves on) for the descent. Personalized playlist for you Live:. Nowadays, most helmets and goggles work pretty well together. Moreover, Zeals lenses run pretty dark in general, which can be a problem on snowy or low-vis days (its worth noting that Zeal includes an extra non-photochromic lens for these types of conditions). The most notable downside is that the Flight Deck only comes with one lens (additional Flight Deck Prizm lenses start at $75). Optics fall towards the middle of the packin favorable conditions and for night skiing, the two included lenses covered the bases, but we found the mirrored option (LumaLens Red Ion) was rather dull and made it hard to pull out small bumps and details in shadowed sections on the hill. Typically Oakley Flight Deck Goggles are roughly $20 more than Oakley Fall Line Goggles. Snow Collection: Goggles, Lenses and Snow Glasses | Oakley US Plus, our picks for the top Oakley Ski and Snow Goggles of this year! Its general stubbornness makes it pretty burly. As far as fit goes, the Fall Line XM is a little on the large side for a medium-sized goggle. The lineup for their snow series is designed to deliver optimal performance in alpine environments. Oakley Prescription Ski Goggles | Oakley Prescription Goggles | RxSport fall line flight deck. First and foremost, ski goggles come in three general sizes: small, medium, and large. Oakley consistently delivers when it comes to visual clarity in rapidly changing mountain conditions. We have a step-by-step tutorial for you right here! Frameless goggles also can make it easier to remove the lenses, although again, the more important factor is its interchange technology. I have the fall line and the line miner and they are both equally as good but I like the look of the line miner. 166.99. The specific size and shape of the vents is goggle-specific, so make sure to inspect the pair that you are considering. . Spherical lenses do give the goggle a taller profile with its bubble-like shape, and while its a matter of personal preference, we like the look most of the time when its paired with a ski helmet. These sites let you buy, sell and trade directly with other members so you can save big! Read more in our Oakley Line Miner review. My favourite ski resorts are Lake Louise in Canada and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl in Austria. Because im way to lazy to swap lenses. flight deck line miner. For backcountry riders, ski mountaineers, or even those that often run hot on extended sidecountry hikes, the Julbo Aerospace is a revelation. Oakley Fall Line XM Goggle Review | Switchback Travel If they seem interesting, but you're worried about the oversized frame, I'd encourage you to check . Its hard to pinpoint the culprit, but the reinforced vents along the top and bottom of the frame seem to limit airflow more than the open design that you get with the I/O collection (of note, not all of our testers experienced this problem). Next, consider the frame design: Ventilation comes from the sides, top, and bottom of snow goggles, and the more air that moves through, the less fogging will occur. Read more in our complete Oakley Low Bridge Fit guide. Anon and Dragon keep most of their lens development in-house and offer competitive detailing (Anon's top-end Perceive lenses are particularly good), although in general they fall a little short in overall quality. Oakley Flight Deck XM was released in 2015. If Smith dominates one area, its snow goggles. Cost: $$$. Popular on Smiths sunglasses, ChromaPop offers HD-like color quality that translates to the slopes with fantastic clarity in a wide range of conditions (depending on the lens). For an even cheaper option from Smith that has a medium fit but makes some compromises in comfort, check out their $50 unisex Frontier and womens Vogue.See the Smith Range Goggle. Based on the size of your head and preferences, youll want to find a goggle size to match. Learn more in our full Oakley Fall Line review. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest news from Newschoolers and our partners. Nearly every goggle made has the option to change out the lenses, although the difficulty varies by manufacturer and product. For those that purchase a second lens (Oakley does sell them individually for an additional $50-$100), using the Ridgelock system is slow and pretty tedious: you need to pull the lens away from the frame at the top, which requires a fair amount of effort and is difficult to manage without leaving smudges (a compromise of the frameless look). We brought the new womens-specific piece to Crested Butte, Colorado, for testing, and found it to be As the weather cools down each year, the great down-versus-synthetic insulation debate heats up. Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn, Brings the A-grade visual quality that we've grown to expect in Oakley goggles, Leader in comfort and fit, with sizes for differently shaped faces, More subdued style that will appeal to those off put by other options from Oakley, Size Difference: Oakley Fall Line XM vs XL. Giros Axis takes direct aim at the I/O series. That said, Glades photochromic techas seen on their Adapt 2 aboveis quick-reacting, has a super wide VLT range that isnt excessively dark, and has proven to be reliable thus far in testing. They come with plenty of useful features such as triple-layer moisture wicking foam, ventilation, two lenses, and they're made in Anon M4 vs M4S Snow Goggles: The Differences. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Alternatively, Oakley also offers the Flight Tracker line, which has a low-profile frame to improve visibility at the edges. If you intend to purchase a goggle with two lenses and swap them a fair amount, even during the middle of a ski day, opting for a modern, quick-change design is worth it.