Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles for Men 2019-2020

Here is our list of reviews for the best ski and snowboard goggles for men. 

Being able to see while flying down a snow-covered mountain is pretty important. Duh right?

Goggles, of course, make this possible.  So, if you’re looking for reviews of the best ski and snowboard goggles for men then you’ve come to the right place.  We know there are a ton of options out there. So how do you make the right choice?

Prior to any hasty decision in buying your perfect pair of snow goggles, it is essential that you consider a few aspects. The purpose must not just be how cool you might look in a particular pair of goggles, rather how comfortable and protective they are to help you avoid hazards you may encounter during your journey on the mountain.

I’m sure you will agree that taking necessary precaution is better than being stuck on the mountain with snow flying in your eyes or being unable to see due to extremes in brightness and contrast levels you might encounter!

We’ll answer your questions regarding what you need to know before buying and show you our list and reviews of the top options we’ve put together to help you make an informed choice.

Comparison Table: Best Rated All Mountain Snowboard Boots for Men

Photo	Brand/ Model	Lens Shape	Frame Size	Our Rating
	Oakley Flight Deck	Spherical	Large
	Dragon Alliance X2	Spherical	Large
	Smith Optics I/OX	Spherical	Medium/Large
	Giro Semi	Cylindrical	Medium
	Bolle Carve	Cylindrical	Small/Medium
	Electric California EG 3.5	Spherical	Medium

Oakley Flight Deck
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Spherical
Frame Size	Large

Dragon Alliance X2
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Spherical
Frame Size	Large

Smith Optics I/OX
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Spherical
Frame Size	Medium/Large

Giro Semi
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Cylindrical
Frame Size	Medium

Bolle Carve
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Cylindrical
Frame Size	Small/Medium

Electric California EG 3.5
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Spherical
Frame Size	Medium

Buying Guide: How do you choose the best ski and snowboard goggles?

Here are the basics of what you need to know when you are shopping for the best goggles for skiing or snowboarding.

What goggle size frame and fit is right for me?

Choosing the right size is critical!

Now, the question arises, how would you know what size is right for you; by trying them on, of course. Snowboard goggles come in various sizes. Women’s goggles are slightly smaller than those for men. And of course, smaller ones for kids are available too. However, that alone should not make you decide what size you need to buy.

fit tips

What you need to consider is both the size of your head, face, and helmet.

Generally, for smaller faces, best goggles are those with smaller frames and larger frames for larger heads/helmets. Helmet compatibility must not be ignored.

In addition to size, you need to look out for any gaps between the goggles and your face curvature. Neither should there be a gap, nor should the goggles be so tight that they make you feel uncomfortable. The strap must be adjustable, so they can be compatible with varying helmets.

For those that wear glasses I would also like to mention Over the Glasses (OTG) snowboard goggles. Unless you’re a contact lens wearer, those with vision correction glasses must go for the OTG style goggles that are designed with enough space to accommodate glasses without any discomfort. Many of the larger framed goggles available today will work.

What goggle lens shape is best?

Goggle lenses generally fit into two major categories of shape:

• Cylindrical Lens
• Spherical Lens

Cylindrical goggle lenses are flat in the vertical direction (forehead to the tip of nose) and are only curved in the horizontal direction reaching temple to temple.

On the other hand, spherical goggle lenses are curved in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

If you are looking for better peripheral vision with reduced glare and distortion and you have the budget, then spherical lens goggles are the clear winner.

Cylindrical lens goggles are easier to manufacture and are therefore usually considerably cheaper. But they represent a compromise on peripheral vision performance that you’ll have to weigh depending on your individual needs.

What effect does google lens color have?

Goggle lens color is another significant factor that must be taken into consideration.

Now it’s time for a little physics lesson. Different lens colors are optimized for peak visual performance dependent on the intensity of ambient light available which is most affected by the weather conditions and/or the time of day. Lens color affects the visible light transmission rate and plays a big part in the color, brightness and contrast levels you observe through the goggles.

The best low light snowboard goggles are usually yellow, rose, amber, or blue. For sunny days black, grey, and mirrored lenses are most appropriate. Many skiers and riders choose to buy multiple pairs of goggles for different needs or buy goggles with interchangeable lenses, which can obviously gets a little expensive.

If you are on a tight budget, then we suggest opting for something that is geared toward low and medium light levels. This is because you can always squint when it is really sunny but if the light is low then there is nothing you can do.  

Getting down the mountain in low light with dark goggle lenses can make it quite difficult to recognize the terrain and slope angles and see objects in your path.

Some manufacturers bundle a second lens with their goggles which is something to look for to save some money.

How important is goggle ventilation?

I once had a friend give me a pair of goggles he wasn’t using anymore since he had upgraded to a new pair. They looked in pretty good shape. Such generosity I thought!

I first tried them on a heavy powder day and with all the hard work cutting up some turns my body started to get heated up. Next thing I knew I couldn’t see a thing because fog had completely covered the goggle lens. I tried wiping it off but that only lasted for a few seconds before they fogged up again. Later after inspecting the goggles I realized they were designed with terrible vents. Thanks, buddy!

The moral is you must buy goggles that have good ventilation in order to prevent fogging. The goggles on our list all have acceptable venting designs. But it’s something to be aware of before you buy. You may even consider helmet compatibility here such that the vents in your goggles are not blocked by your helmet.

Quick Tips for Choosing Ski and Snowboard Goggles

1. Size: Consider size and shape of face/head and helmet compatibility.
2. Shape: Choose a cylindrical design for better visual performance.
3. Color: Choose a low-medium light lens if you can only afford to buy one lens.
4. Ventilation: Make sure the goggle has a good vent design.
5. Silicone Strap Backing: Look for silicone strap backing unless your helmet as a solid goggle clip design.

Product Reviews: Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles for Men

Oakley Flight Deck Goggles Review

Oakley Flight Deck
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Spherical
Frame Size	Large

OVERVIEW

Oakley is a leader in the industry and is heralded for their lens design and quality. If you want the latest lens design from Oakley, then this is it! Flight Deck goggles come equipped with PRIZM, which is their newest lens technology.

I can tell you from my testing it produces quite a nice visual experience. Oakley’s rimless design results in great peripheral vision. I’ve found this helps reduce fatigue during use because you’re not always cranking your neck around so far when looking up-slope to watch out for people at the edges of your peripheral vision.

PROS

• Rimless, spherical lens producing a wide and clear vision
• It comes with a sub-frame lens attachment for swapping out lenses
• PRIZM lens technology offers nice contrast and color boost
• Great optical clarity for clear vision
• Compatible with most helmets
• Silicone backing inside strap which keeps them from sliding around on your helmet
• Compatible with glasses (OTG)

CONS

• They are pricier especially considering they are sold with only one lens
• When changing lenses some users report popping out the lens is easy but installing the new one is a lot trickier

BOTTOM LINE

The lens quality is unrivaled, and Oakley offers many variations of lens color to work in a wide range of light conditions which may help you overlook their high price. Therefore, we think these are the best snowboard goggles for all conditions.

Dragon Alliance X2 Goggles Review

Dragon Alliance X2
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Spherical
Frame Size	Large

OVERVIEW

The Dragon Alliance X2 serves to provide performance and comfort. With a fantastic clear vision and wider peripheral view through its spherical lens, they come with good UV protection, silicone strap backing and compatibility with most helmets. Its huge visibility and quality lens make it popular among users.

PROS

• Fleece lining prevents moisture build-up
• Swift-lock System for easy lens changing
• Large fit
• Injection Moulded Polycarbonate lens
• Can adapt to changing light conditions due to interchangeable lens
• Sold with 2 lenses

CONS

• While satisfactory, some users feel the venting could be improved. Basically, they have plastic covers over the foam vents which looks nice and protects the foam from damage but also slightly reduces airflow.

BOTTOM LINE

Dragon Alliance X2 goggles have got an excellent lens changing system, are comfortable and offer great clarity and field of vision. In our opinion, these are among the best spherical lens snowboard goggles available on the market.

Smith Optics I/OX Goggles Review

Smith Optics I/OX
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Spherical
Frame Size	Medium/Large

OVERVIEW

The Smith Optics I/OX offers good clarity, ventilation, comfort, and it comes with two lenses which is why it’s easy to see why they are a popular choice for riders and skiers. The frame size is considered medium-large and hence fits well for most.

PROS

• Excellent ventilation
• Anti-fog inner lens along with spherical Carbonic-X lens for fantastic clarity
• 3-Layer face foam for comfort and frame fit
• Compatible with glasses (OTG)

CONS

• Lens changing is not very easy and could be improved

BOTTOM LINE

These extremely comfortable goggles with great optics prove to be quite beneficial for a wide range of users.

Giro Semi Goggles Review

Giro Semi
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Cylindrical
Frame Size	Medium

OVERVIEW

Giro Semi has a medium-fit frame. It offers an expansive view yet in a compact design suitable for smaller faces. It has an interchangeable lens system, good grip on the face which keeps moisture out well.

PROS

• Offers nice clear vision and minimal distortion considering its cylindrical lens design
• A range of frame colors and lens tint are available
• Over The Glasses (OTG) style for people who wear glasses
• Anti-fog coating
• Triple-layer face foam for comfort and better fit
• Sold with 2 lenses

CONS

• People with larger faces may not like the fit
• Lens changing system is not too fast

BOTTOM LINE

A solid performing goggle at a more affordable price than some of the other options on our list.  Giro Semi really shines when used with a Giro brand helmet providing the best fit and worry-free function.

Bolle Carve Goggles Review

Bolle Carve
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Cylindrical
Frame Size	Small/Medium

OVERVIEW

Bolle Carve goggles are one of the top-rated snowboard goggles available in a small-medium sized goggle. The goggles have two layered face foam to give good support. Flow Tech anti-fogging, UV protection, thermal barrier and anti-scratching lens features make Bolle Carve popular and at a very low cost. They are best value ski and snowboard goggles.

PROS

• Great venting for fog reduction
• Protects eyes from sun and glare in snow
• Double-layered foam provides comfort and adjusts well to face
• Scratch resistant
• Dual lens for better eye protection

CONS

• The small-medium sizing is best for small faces

BOTTOM LINE

Bolle Carve goggles offer good fog and scratch resistance while being quite comfortable. Riders and skiers with smaller faces would find them more beneficial which is why these are considered among the best ski and snowboard goggles for small faces.

Electric California EG 3.5 Goggles Review

Electric California EG 3.5
O​​​​u​r Ra​​​​ting
Lens Shape	Spherical
Frame Size	Medium

OVERVIEW

The Electric California EG 3.5 boasts an ergonomic design and numerous features sized down into a more compact size for smaller faces. Silicone strap backing, dual lens, UV protection, anti-reflective coating, along with its premium optics make these goggles a very popular choice.

PROS

• Dual sphere polycarbonate lens for clear and vast vision
• Holds out moisture
• Anti-reflective technology
• Anti-fog and anti-scratch coating
• Face foam is triple-layered for comfort and grip

CONS

• Lenses are difficult to change
• Will not work with glasses

BOTTOM LINE

These are a durable, mid-priced goggle offering a nice combination of style, comfort, and visual performance.