When you are looking for a new pair of ski goggles or snowboard goggles, you often read about different lenses and categories. Why is this even there? There is no ski goggle for every weather. Therefore, you can also equip your ski goggles with replacement lenses. The different lens colors not only look good, they also have an important function: protecting the eyes. The respective filter category shows which glass is suitable for which light conditions and weather conditions. Check out our NAKED Optics category guide to learn how much light comes through the lenses and when to use them.
What does filter category mean for ski goggles?
The respective category serves as a guide and helps you to find the perfect lens for sunshine or snowfall. The VLT value (visible light transmission) tells you how much light comes through the glass. The values of light transmission are usually given in percent (%) and classified into five categories (CAT.). The higher the light transmission %, the more light comes through the glass. This is particularly important in fog, snowfall or when skiing at night. Again, the lower the value, the less light gets through the glass. Such glasses are perfect for sunny ski days on the mountain.
What categories are there for ski goggles?
You can find an overview of the respective categories and glasses in the table:
|
Light Transmission (VLT) |
Category (CAT.) |
conditions |
Suitable for |
|
100-81% |
CAT. 0 |
Very little light |
Night skiing |
|
80-44% |
CAT. 1 |
Little light and bad conditions |
Snowfall and fog |
|
43-19% |
CAT.2 |
Variable to normal conditions |
Cloudy and partly sunny weather |
|
19-9% |
CAT. 3 |
Normal to fair conditions |
Bright daylight |
|
8-3% |
CAT. 4 |
Very nice conditions |
Bright sunshine / glaciers |
Which glass color should I use?
In addition to the category and the light transmission, the lens colors also serve as a guide to finding the perfect lens.
|
glass color |
area of application |
|
Clear/Transparent Glass |
You should use such glasses in low light or when skiing at night. With the glasses you have the clearest view.
|
|
Partially transparent glass (bad weather glass) |
These lenses are best used in fog, snow or generally poor visibility. You can use it to better recognize contrasts and bumps in poor ground visibility.
|
|
Blue/Red/Yellow Lens |
These glasses are perfect all-round glasses on the slopes. They are suitable for normal or changeable conditions. Contrasts are clearly visible in both sunny and darker conditions.
|
|
Purple/Black glass |
Lenses with a low light transmission are best suited for very nice and bright conditions. In intense sunshine, purple or black lenses are used. |
It's the mix that counts
In order to really be prepared for all conditions on the slopes, you can also equip yourself with different lenses. Thanks to the SnapTech magnet exchange system of our models The STORM, The TROOP EVO and The FORCE EVO, you can exchange the lenses within a few seconds. You get the best deal for ski goggles with different lenses with our bundles. Everything else you need to know about eyeglass lenses can be found here.
Credits: Florian Dorn