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Best Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

Chosen by the Whitelines Test Team

  • UPDATE: Check out our review of the Best Snowboard Goggles for 2019/2020 by clicking here.
  • The past couple of seasons has seen something of a leap in ski and snowboard goggle technology, led by the arrival of Oakley’s “PRIZM” technology.

    Prizm – as well as the inevitable rivals that followed such as Lumalens (Dragon), Chromapop (Smith), Vivid (Giro) and SONAR (Anon) – works by filtering out certain light wavelengths in order to optimize the available spectrum for the mountain environment. In layman’s terms, you can expect greater contrast and clarity when gazing at shadowy powder chutes or freshly groomed pistes.

    The Whitelines Test Team has put all these new lenses through their paces in a variety of conditions throughout the winter. We’ve also tried a bunch of classic tints, and just about every conceivable frame shape, to bring you this list of the best snowboard goggles for 2018/19.

    When choosing your next pair, consider first the kind of conditions you’re likely to encounter. It’s no use buying a reflective lens meant for bright sunshine, only to travel out in January and encounter a week of thick cloud. Of course many goggles these days come with a spare low light lens (usually rose or yellow) for those ‘greybird’ days in the trees, but if you can only take one then an all-round shade like bronze is usually a better bet.

    “When choosing your next pair, consider first the kind of conditions you’re likely to encounter”

    Speaking of spare lenses, there are now some awesome quick-release systems for switching them out, using anything from magnets to levers. If the ability to adapt to the conditions (or just pop in a fresh lens after a stack) is important to you, then there’s really no excuse to be fiddling with awkward notches and rubbery seams any more.

    Oakley have even released a brand new system that does away with lens changing altogether. Oakley PRIZM React uses battery-powered technology to alter the strength of tint at the push of a button.

    Aside from cutting edge lens tech, the best snowboard goggles will offer superior peripheral vision and comfort – though bear in mind that your face shape will suit some models more than others, so it pays to try a few on. Venting, too, will always be crucial. Gone are the days when every lens had a line of holes drilled through them, but look for plenty of breathable zones above and below, and robust construction that won’t break or clog easily.

    Style, of course, is subjective. Framed or frameless, spherical or cylindrical, it’s up to you. Just bear in mind that frameless lenses are a little more exposed – so look after them when you set them down at lunch – and that spherical lenses claim to suffer less from distortion.

    Scroll down to view all the best snowboard goggles, or skip to a particular brand using the links below

    Anon | Dragon | Drop MFG | Giro | Head | Oakley | Quiksilver | Shred | Smith | Spy | SunGod | Zeal

    The Best Ski & Snowboard Goggles For Winter 2018/19

    Anon M2 Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £199-259/€229-289

    Magnets! Anon’s hi-tech lens changing system remains best in class, although great features like that don’t come cheap.

    An optional integrated facemask also uses magnets to provide the perfect seal against the elements. Say goodbye to wind burn and fogging goggles; the Anon M2’s system really works.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Anon M2 here

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    Anon M4 Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £259/€289

    Cylindrical lens, or toric lens? With the new Anon M4 you can have either – or even both, if you want.

    Anon’s most advanced goggles to date offer amazing peripheral vision in a lower-profile package. The Sonar lenses by optics specialist Zeiss ensure that everything is pin-sharp, too.

    Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Anon M4 here

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    Anon WM1 Women’s Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £199-229/€229-259

    All of Anon’s best features in a more female-friendly design. The frame of the ANon WM1 is a little smaller (and therefore lighter) than the M2, but the spherical lens still offers up amazing visuals.

    Then there’s the magnetic face mask, which can be a game-changer when thing turn shitty on the hill.

    Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Anon WM1 here

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    Dragon D1 Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £75/€99

    This no-nonsense model from Dragon is an affordable alternative to the techier options in the line.

    If you like a chunky lens, you’ll enjoy the Dragon D1 goggles, especially as they feature much of Dragon’s proven anti-fogging and UV protection features. There’s also room for a pair of glasses underneath.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Dragon D1 here

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    Dragon NFX2 Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £149/€199

    With its subtle frame and strong strap graphics, this is for the snowboarders who want goggles with some personality. There’s a laundry list of top pros who put their faith in the Dragon NFX2.

    The Swiftlock lens change system is one of the quickest around, and Dragon’s in-house lens tech is right up there with the best in the business.

    Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Dragon NFX2 here

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    Dragon PXV Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £159/€209

    With a new ‘Panotech’ lens shape, the Dragon PXV goggles offer cinema-screen visuals at an impressive price.

    The wide lens is as tough as they come, and the hard plastic venting means these can take a beating. Durable as well as comfortable, these are definitely worth checking out.

    Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Dragon PXV here

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    Dragon X1 Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £149-199/€199-259

    With stellar anti-fogging properties and clever venting tech, alongside the heap of lens and strap options, the Dragon X1 goggles are a perennial favourite. Be sure to check out Dragon’s new auto-adjusting lenses too.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Dragon X1 here

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    Dragon X2 Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £185/€239

    The X2 both looks great and works great, with Swiftlock technology to allow quick and easy swapping of lenses. The on-and-off mechanism is probably the easiest out there.

    That, combined with the armoured venting and that classic frameless look, make the Dragon X2 goggles a modern classic.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Dragon X2 here

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    Drop Traffic Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: $100

    A smart and reliable magnetic lens-changing system makes adapting to varying light conditions a piece of cake with these goggles.

    Complete with anti-fog and a slick design, the Drop Traffic goggles tick all the boxes – and the price is right too.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Drop Traffic here

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    Giro Contact Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £239/€279

    “Click it & Rip it” is the Contact’s tagline, and we fully agree. The Contact offers an outstanding field of view, and has a secure magnetic lens system that’s easy to use on the go, so you’ll be able to see the piste or the backcountry no matter the weather.

    They may not be cheap, but they’re definitely worth it.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Giro Contact here

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    Giro Ella Women’s Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £179/€199

    Clean. Bold. Frameless. This is a medium size women’s goggle that’s on the upper end of the price range, but it’s perfect for women who value top-of-the-line performance and style.

    Throw in Giro’s magnet-assisted lens changing system, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic pair of goggles.

    Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Giro Ella here

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    Head Globe Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £69-145/€139-199

    The toric lens of the Head Globe goggles provides an excellent field of view without going over the top.

    It’s a great option for those who like a subtler look, especially in the none-more-black colourway. Performance-wise, it ticks all the right boxes too.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Head Globe here

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    Head Horizon Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £65-139/€79-189

    Developed by Head’s ski race team, you know these will do the job even at breakneck speeds.

    The frameless design and wide, cylindrical lens offer up unobstructed vision at all times, and the different levels of lens tech means that you can upgrade them according to your budget.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Head Horizon here

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    Head Infinity Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £55-99/€69-129

    These goggles are pretty simple on the surface, but our tester’s couldn’t believe how well they performed for the price. Zero performance issues, even in some of the most challenging conditions we had all year.

    The Head Infinity goggles punch well above their weight, and are so light you’ll forget they’re even there.

    Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Head Infinity here

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    Oakley Fall Line Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £139-179/€159-209

    The wide cylindrical lens of the Oakley Fall Line goggles sits close to your face, which improves your view and makes you less aware of it as you ride.

    Then there’s the Prizm lenses, which continue to rule the roost. The crystal-clear optics simply have to be tried to be believed.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Oakley Fall Line here

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    Oakley Fall Line XL PRIZM React Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £269/€299

    The future of goggles? This battery-operated marvel from the big O can change its lens tint with the touch of a button, with three variants of the celebrated Prizm tech incorporated into one lens.

    The whole system is discreetly integrated into the Fall Line frame, too. A clever idea, executed perfectly.

    Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Oakley PRIZM React here

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    Quiksilver Hubble TR Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £125/€159

    Travis Rice’s signature goggles are by far the lightest pair we’ve ever come across. It’s not come at the expense of quality or durability, though; these things are built for the backcountry, after all.

    And if it’s peripherals you want, the Quiksilver Hubble TR goggles deliver like few others.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Quiksilver Hubble here

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    Shred Amazify Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: €199

    Designed to offer a wilder field of vision than your average cylindrical lens, you’ll see everything coming in a pair of Shred Amazify goggles.

    The enhanced-contrast lens plays its part too, making these a strong contender in the optics stakes. The anti-fogging treatment on the inner lens surface is pretty clever too.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Shred Amazify here

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    Shred Simplify Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: €149

    This one is big, so if you value field of vision over everything else, here’s a pair to consider. Outriggers on each side add to the Shred Simplify’s oversized look.

    The lens is always distortion-free thanks to a valve system, and the face foam is tapered to better match the contours of your face.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Shred Simplify here

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    Smith Squad XL Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £119/€139

    All the proven tech of the Smith Squad, but in a bigger frame for riders that need one (as well as those who prefer the super-sized look).

    With a top features package including enhanced Chromapop lenses and superior anti-fogging, these continue to be a top choice for big heads.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Smith Squad XL here

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    Spy Bravo Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £165/€215
    Featuring Spy’s Happy Lens and Lock Steady swapping system, the Spy Bravo goggles perform brilliantly in all conditions.

    The tapered nature of the lens makes eliminates distortion, and the moisture-wicking face foam is kind to your skin in the harshest of environments. There’s also very lightweight, and malleable enough for the perfect fit.

    Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Spy Bravo here

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    Spy Legacy Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £165/€185

    These new, almost-frameless goggles have many of the same great features as the Bravo, but in a bigger size.

    It’s perfect for those who prefer a larger fit, including those who wear glasses under their goggs.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Spy Legacy here

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    SunGod Revolt Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £95

    The Sungod Revolt goggles allow you to customise every aspect of your goggles, and even change up straps on the fly.

    With several options to choose from (we especially like the Freeride World Tour collab) and an attractive price, these are worth checking out if you hate compromising on style.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 SunGod Revolt here

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    Zeal Hatchet Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £134-239/€169-295

    Another new model for 2018/19, the cylindrical Zeal Hatchet goggles come with a variety of options.

    The base-level lens isn’t too shabby, but an upgrade to the either the polarised or auto-adjusting photochromic versions will give you even better visuals on the mountain.

    Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Zeal Hatchet here

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    Zeal Portal Snowboard Goggles 2018-2019

    PRICE: £134-239/€169-295

    The ‘Rail Lock’ lens-changing system on the Zeal Portal goggles is their standout feature; it’s a great system that can be used even when the frame is still on your head.

    That’s just one thing to like about these; they’re also comfortable, look great, and can take a hell of a lot of abuse.

    Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Zeal Portal here

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