Why We Chose The Spy Megalith Photochromic: Modern tech meets throwback aesthetics in a neat package that’s pleasing to – and indeed, for – the eye.

As the name suggests, the Spy Megalith snowboard goggles take inspiration from the brand’s ‘Monolith’ sunglasses and given that they are about as close to a goggle design as a pair of sunnies can be, it’s no surprise that the Monolith provides a damned good foundation from which to craft something that is perfect for hitting the mountain in style.

“The Megalith doesn’t come across as flashy, but under the bonnet it’s about as hi-tech as you can get”

Who Are The Spy Megalith Photochromic For?

The Megalith doesn’t come across as flashy, but under the bonnet it’s about as hi-tech as you can get. The clean lines of its thin frame strike the balance between the two extremes of modern goggle design, and its clever lens tech will suit anyone who craves simplicity and convenience as much as performance.

Buy the Spy+ Megalith Photochromic Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025: $59 at backcountry.com

Lens

As expected for any pair of goggles that aims for a ‘retro’ feel, the Spy Megalith boasts a cylindrical lens – not unlike the one on the pair that flew off Gian Simmen’s head halfway through his winning run at the 1998 Olympics. While spherical and toric lenses have their fans, you can’t ignore the classic cylinder’s old-school appeal.

The tech certainly doesn’t hark back to the previous century, however; the Megalith’s ‘Happy Photochromic’ lens does two important things well. Firstly, it limits which waves of light make it to your eye, giving you all the benefits of enhanced contrast and less chance of eye fatigue. Secondly, it can adjust to the conditions, boosting your vision without the need to fumble with the spare-lens bag.

“it can adjust to the conditions, boosting your vision without the need to fumble with the spare-lens bag”

While we’d stop short of endorsing Spy’s claim that the Happy tech delivers “truly a life-changing visual experience” (come on now guys, it’s not a Grand Canyon vista – or the Kitty Corlis video), it’s still definitely one of the better lens options on the market. Its anti-fog and anti-scratch credentials are pretty great, too.

Frame and Straps

The addition of a photochromic lens to the Spy Megalith is a smart one, given its relatively conventional lens-change system that isn’t as swift as its magnetic and quick-release peers. Given that you won’t be doing much switching up as the light changes, that’s hardly the negative that it could otherwise be, and it keeps the cost down too. Besides, what retro-themed goggles worth their salt would employ the fanciest new tech anyway?

Vents along the top prevent the build-up of the hot air that causes goggle-fog. It’s not just a passive process though; the ‘Rise’ ventilation system creates a vacuum that drives the air out, inspired by a process initially discovered by 18th-century Italian physicist Giovanni Battista Venturi – like we said, old-school…

“The addition of a photochromic lens to the Spy Megalith is a smart one, given its relatively conventional lens-change system”

The Spy Megalith has triple-layer face foam, which is pretty much the industry standard these days, and a nice, fat silicone-backed strap that will sit tight on any helmet or beanie you wrap it round. It’s also big enough to fit a pair of glasses under (although sticking a pair of Monoliths under these would be a meta step too far…).

Roundup

Goggle specs don’t tend to take great leaps forward these days, but the incremental changes made by the top brands each year move us ever closer to perfect visuals on the hill – and no matter your ability level, or number of riding days you get each year, that’s something we all want.

The latest Spy Megalith goggles are right at the bleeding edge of tech, yet don’t look like something from a science-fiction film. As a result, this is definitely a pair to check out in 2024/25.

Buy the Spy+ Megalith Photochromic Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025: $59 at backcountry.com

Pros:

• One of the best-looking designs around for those who like a visible frame and a cylindrical lens
• Now comes with an auto-changing lens that covers a wide range of light conditions

Cons:

• When there is a need to chance lenses (eg. for night riding), it’s a bit of a fiddle

“Fit: Superb, totally comfortable on my face providing protection from the elements without creating any uncomfortable pressure.
Fogging: None, the ventilation seems super effective on these.
Helmet compatibility: Fit well with the stargazer helmet and pretty perfectly with my old Anon helmet. No gaper gaps, no pressure points.
Lenses: This is the big USP clearly, the photochromic lenses change to match the light conditions. The resort I ride is often super variable in terms of light levels, as you ride from the shade of the headwall, onto an open slope and then duck into the trees. This creates a constant variation and often an balancing act in your lens selection most of the time. BUT NOT WITH THESE!

Both myself and Jordan tested these and had absolutely no issues with the changing visibility and brightness. In fact while wearing them, we never actually noticed the lens change in our own perception while riding, and only realised as our crew commented how much they were changing. Overall, one of the best goggles I’ve ever tested. 9/10.”

“I was skeptical about these goggles and whether the tint would change effectively throughout the day…but they were awesome! Took them out for their first spin on a first-tracks session, so the sun was just coming up as we sat on the first lift. From almost-clear first thing, to dark smoke as the cloud cleared later in the day. Size of the goggles and field of vision were bang on, and I didn’t have to faff with lenses as visibility changed on every test. I didn’t think one pair of goggles with just one lens was ever gonna be in my future…I stand corrected! 10/10.”