It’s starting to cool down for the year, which means it’s a great time for snow trips. So, when you’re outside getting active on your snowmobile you’ll need a good set of goggles that won’t dry out your eyes and will allow you to see better in the snowy terrain. But first, you need to know how to choose the best pair of snowmobile goggles. Here’s a quick list of our top picks:
Things to Consider
Just like with any purchase, you should know what you’re looking for before you buy. The first thing you should know is that the two main parts of snowmobile goggles are the frames and the lenses. But, there are so many different things that go into making the perfect pair of goggles.
Frame
When looking at the frames of the goggles you need to consider both the material and design. You should know if you want bigger frames or smaller frames (if you wear prescription glasses, you are going to want a pair of goggles that fit over them). Also, bigger frames mean more protection against the cold. You should also look to see what the frames and straps are made out of. Some of this is preference but you don’t want to pay overprice for a not-so-good material.
Lenses
In my opinion, the lenses of the goggles make or break them. You should definitely consider the shape of the goggles. I like lenses that are bigger because that means more of my face is going to be protected from the cold air. Also, you’ll want to consider whether or not you want tinted or clear lenses. If you’re using these goggles at night, you’ll want to get clear glasses because the tinted lenses will make it harder to see. But, if you’re going to be using these goggles in the daytime I would definitely recommend tinted lenses. Also, the best goggles have both UV protection and polarized lenses. The polarization allows you to see better when the sun is shining on the white snow, but will typically make the goggles more expensive. Finally, you’ll want to know if the goggles have double or single lenses, most of the time double lenses will be stronger.
Our Top Picks
Oakley O-Frame MX Goggles
Description: These clear lens goggles are a cheap and comfortable option for your next pair of snowmobile goggles. Although Oakley offers a winter sports line, this pair of goggles is a great and more affordable but still has the same Oakley quality you know and trust. They come in a variety of different colors so you can personalize them to your style. The clear lens is great if you don’t want the colors of your environment altered while on your snowmobile, they are also great if you’re planning on using your snowmobile at night. They have triple-layer face foam fleece that wicks away sweat. The lenses are not only anti-scratch resistant they are also anti-fog lenses. These goggles have a rounded design that allows for a maximized peripheral view of your surroundings. These goggles will stay secure on your face and are comfortable enough for. you to wear them all day. They are great goggles that are big enough to fit over prescription glasses. The elastic band is thin and comfortable and will fit under a helmet. Because these are a cheaper option and not winter sports-specific they may fog up if going from freezing temperatures to on your face but the anti-fog technology helps the fog go away quickly.
Pros
- Clear lenses are great to use during the night
- Fit over prescription glasses
Cons
- Not made for severely cold temperatures
Klim Viper Snow Goggles
Description: These Klim Viper goggles are designed for the snow. They have built-in ventilation to fight against the goggles fogging up. The frames on this design are extremely thin so you should have no problem fitting them under most helmets. These are the cheaper options from this goggle line but they get the job done. These goggles have a removable nose piece so you can choose to use or take it off depending on the intensity of your ride on your snowmobile or how they fit on your face. These goggles are comfortable because they are lined with both foam and fleece. Unfortunately, the lens in this goggle is not polarized so you may still have to deal with glare on the snow during super sunny days. Just like the Oakley glasses, these glasses also come in a number of different colors.
Pros
- Removable nose piece allows you to design your own comfort that fits your face
- The fleece lining eliminates discomfort
Cons
- Lenses are not polarized
Smith Optics Scope Goggles
Description: These are medium-sized goggles specially designed to be used with snow vehicles. The lens offers great visibility in a number of different types of lights. The lenses are also great because they are UV protected chrome mirror lenses. You’ll be able to see even when surrounded by miles of snow and won’t have to worry about the glare. But, if you’re going to extreme negative temperatures, you may see some problems with moisture buildup. Works great in temperatures 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. These goggles are small and comfortable and will fit under most helmets but they won’t fit over prescription lenses. Just like the other options, these goggles have foam and fleece lining for comfort and ventilation.
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Increases visibility in snowy terrain
Cons
- Not great for extremely cold temperatures
Castle Eyewear Stage OTG Blackout Snow Goggles
Description: These snow goggles are great to use if you’re looking for a pair of goggles that can catch moisture well. They have are lined with an oversized foam and fleece lining to protect exposed skin, absorb moisture and keep you comfortable. The lenses are UV protected, anti-fog and scratch-resistant. The thick foam lining makes fitting prescription glasses under these goggles extremely comfortable. The strap on these affordable goggles is made out of silicone which means they will stay in place even with excessive movement. These goggles also come with a removable nose guard and a microfiber carrying case.
Pros
- Silicone strap stays in place throughout the entire day
- UV protected lenses
- Can fit on top of prescription glasses
Cons
- Lenses are dark so not great to be used during the night
Bollé Carve Snow Goggles
Description: These snow goggles work great and are comfortable to wear. No doubt you’ll get what you deserve with this product at a low price point. The goggles flow-tech venting helps to reduce fog, while the double-layer face foam keeps you comfortable and doesn’t dry out your eyes. The lenses are a double lens, made out of carbo-glad and are anti-scratch. Easy to wear all day long. While they are wonderful goggles, they will not fit over a pair of prescription glasses. Luckily the lenses are build so that you can see better in snowy terrain, this means that you’ll see better with these goggles on than without anything over your eyes. Since these goggles are larger in length, they help to keep your face warm in colder temperatures.
Pros
- Fits comfortably on your face
- The larger surface area keeps the face warm
- Doesn’t fog up when you use them
Cons
- May not fit over prescription glasses
Conclusion
As you can see, it is completely possible to get a pair of snowmobile goggles for under $100. These are great options for someone who doesn’t live near snow and is just going to be using their goggles once a year for ski or adventure trips.