10 Best Ski Goggles Under $100 In 2020

How To Choose Ski Goggles Under $100 – Buying Guide

Even if you’re skiing on a budget, you are still allowed to have excellent gear – the trick is knowing how to pick. Snow goggles come in many different shapes, so learning more about their features can go a long way when making your choice. Take a look.

Size and Fit

Unlike kids ski goggles, models for adults usually come in one universal size. However, all of the inexpensive ski goggles models we’ve featured come with an adjustable strap, allowing you to create a good fit. In addition, many manufacturers also give information about the maximum length of the strap, so you can check whether it will fit. A good fit is important and not only in terms of comfort, but function too (prevents snow and wind from coming in).

Frame

As you’ve probably noticed, most of the best snow goggles under 100 featured here have a frame made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). In fact, this material is the most common choice for making goggle frames because it’s soft and bends, making it adapt to the face better. It also improves the overall protection, because it’s unlikely to crack and injure you.

The size of the frame is also important. Goggles should be able to sit well on the face (nose bridge and other facial structures), without causing discomfort. It’s also a big plus if the frame is lined with foam (or several layers of it) because it makes the goggles feel much softer. Also, some frames are intentionally made wider to allow you to wear the ski goggles over glasses, so you don’t have to leave your eyeglasses behind.

Ventilation and Fog Prevention

Vents are an incredibly useful part of goggle design and we really like to see them on a pair. They allow air to circulate and help eliminate moisture from inside the goggles. The best snow goggles under 100 bucks have several vents, placed either on the top and bottom or on the sides. If possible, get a vented model because it will help prevent goggles from fogging up.

Helmet Compatibility

Both the goggles and the ski helmet are necessary pieces of you’re ski equipment, so you need them to be compatible with each other. You want to avoid the helmet pushing down on the goggles, or having a big gap between the edges. We’ve picked our cheap snowboarding goggles with this in mind, so almost all of them have good helmet compatibility.

Some manufacturers make goggles that are compatible only with helmets from the same brand, but we like it better when the goggles are universal so you can pair them with a helmet you might already have. In addition, small patches of silicone on the strap are a big plus since they prevent the strap from sliding on the helmet.

Lens

The lens is the crucial part of any ski goggles – a good lens allows your eye to adapt to different skiing conditions. There should be no compromise here, meaning that you should look for a high-quality lens even if you’re buying affordable ski goggles. Every lens should block out the unwanted UV rays from reaching your eyes and causing damage. It’s also desirable that the lens is polarized (reduces glare) and that the cheap polarized ski goggles have a mirrored surface (makes it easier on the eyes when it’s bright).

Most lenses on the market today are made of polycarbonate. This material is an excellent choice because it’s very tough and difficult to shatter and scratch. Because it’s hard to crack, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged and injuring your eyes.

On a different note, some manufacturers equip the goggles with a dual-layer lens which helps prevents condensation and fog caused by the temperature differences. Of course, it’s always great if the goggles have an anti-fog coating inside.

Tint

Lenses come with different tints for better performance in various light conditions. Lighter-colored lenses allow more light to pass through, making them a great choice for skiing in low-light conditions (days with heavy clouds or night skiing). On the other hand, darker lenses block most of the light, making them better for days full of sun. The amount of light that goes through is presented with VLT% (visible light transmission). A higher percentage means that the goggles allow more light, while a lower percentage means they allow less.

Field Of Vision

A good field of vision is necessary for your safety on the slopes. The shape of the lens and the frame type have big influences on this. For example, a spherical lens gives a wider and less distorted view compared to a cylindrical lens. Also, frameless goggles don’t block your view, unlike models with thick frames. Seeing where you’re going is important, and you want to avoid bumping into obstacles and other skiers.

Eye Protection

In addition to the protection from harmful light, the goggles give your eyes physical protection too. You’ll be reaching high speeds on your skis and you want to avoid a piece of ice, rock, or anything else you’ve picked up flying into your eye. This is also one of the main reasons why you need ski goggles in the first place. You don’t need to risk it, and even the best ski goggles under 100 will do a great job.

FAQs

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A limited budget doesn’t mean you can’t have good things. As you’ve had the chance to see, there are many excellent models that most of us can afford. Many of them have neat features like interchangeable lenses, anti-fog coatings, etc. With some careful choosing, your ski gear budget package can be equipped with great items that will serve you well on the snow.