[What You Need to Know]. The Flight Deck Prizm lenses are fairly well rounded for daily use, but are available in a variety of shades and VLTs to give you more options for your specific conditions. Field of view is a step down from the M series goggles, and its something we especially noticed looking directly down and in the peripheral vision. Oakley Prizm Snow Jade Lens | Ski Review | Oakley Forum Below are the best ski goggles for the 2023 season. I see most models favoring a field of view and features approach; the Fall Line XL shifts its attention toward comfort and style. No matter your experience level or budget, there is a great ski goggle waiting to be found. Oakley Flight Deck ( Product Link) goggles feature a rimless frame design with a wide silicone-lined strap for maximum comfort and a secure fit. I'm Heather the owner of ontotheslopes.com. Tech Talk | The Oakley Goggle Breakdown - Whitelines Trying to decide between the Smith I/O Mag and our upgrade winner, the Oakley Flight Deck, see our section on that below. Most prominently is build quality: The Dragons frame is rather stiff and prone to creaking, and the semi-rigid shape meant that it never completely conformed to our face (there was a small but noticeable gap along the cheeks). It's important to note these upgraded lenses are most valuable in difficult lighting and aren't a necessary feature, but the difference is noticeable and can be worth the extra investment for the committed skier and snowboarder. Anon is a leader in the quick-change lens world, and the Sync model utilizes their M-Fusion design. In addition, it's only sold with photochromic lenses, which weve found run a bit dark in general and can be problematic in changing light conditions (such as going in and out of trees). One of the newest additions to their collection, Dragons PXV2 addresses a common complaint in the goggle market: field of view. Its hard to fully verify that claim, but the difference is immediately apparent when trying it on back-to-back with alternatives like the I/O Mag and Oakley Flight Deck. Snow and Ski Goggles | Oakley GB There was noticeable and performance-impacting fog buildup accumulated from nothing more than milling around a parking lot waiting for some friends to get ready. The final technology is photochromic lenses, which adjust automatically to lighting conditions based on the intensity of light. If you intend to purchase a goggle with two lenses and swap them a fair amount, even during the middle of a ski day, opting for a modern, quick-change design is worth it. The coloring isnt as natural as some of Smiths ChromaPop designsits a bit too artificially pink for our tastesbut the optics are clean and very crisp with no noticeable distortion. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Smith, Giro, Anon, and others also have a range of eyewear-ready models, including the Smith I/O Mag XL and Anon M4 MFI. oakleyflightdeck() flight deck. On the other side, their Flight Deck goggles offer a similar quality experience, ramped up to maximum proportions. Manage Settings For example, the difference between the frameless Anon M2 and framed Anon M3 and M4 is basically nilwith the M3 and M4, the extra effort required is a slight twist to expose a corner of the lens from the frame. And it definitely succeeds. Here are all the key features and technologies that the Fall Line and Flight Deck goggles share: Check out my comparison between the Oakley Flight Deck, Flight Path and Flight Tracker goggles. If you want the best of both worlds, get a toric lens. Fog buildup is an issue that Ive noticed consistently with the Oakley goggles that Ive tested. More visibility makes for a safer day on the mountain, so were completely on board with this trend. they'll fit very similar as well so cop what you think looks cooler, I honestly could be wrong but from what I understand is the flight deck is a more curved bug eye lens which gives a slightly better view while the fall line is a slightly larger flat lens which is better for over glasses, in my opinion the flight deck is sicker but im not really an oakley guy. In terms of optical quality, it may lack the HD-like effect of some of the premium options from Smith or Oakley, but its not far behind and roughly half the cost. More specifically, it seems the vents along the top and bottom dont allow air to flow as freely as you get with an open design. Income disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy via links found on DIVEIN.com: If you find a good deal on our site, you click to the retailer and you buy the product, we get a commission of the sale. We brought Oakleys Fall Line XM to Crested Butte for testing, and the collection also includes the larger Fall Line XL. Im willing to bet its that they usually have larger lenses and give more surface area for moisture to build up upon and that it would be hard to build a frame with enough ventilation to do a comparable job to smaller goggles. The Competition. I have the fall line and the line miner and they are both equally as good but I like the look of the line miner. Oakley PRIZM Snow Lenses | The Complete Guide Oakley Flight Deck goggles have spherical lenses which produce less glare and distortion in the periphery compared to Oakley Fall Line goggles which have cylindrical lenses. The Best Oakley Ski & Snowboarding Goggles | 2022/2023 Season Fortunately, they cleared out entirely when I started moving downhill. Its worth noting that a goggle thats labeled as OTG does not guarantee your glasses will fit inside, particularly if theyre bulky and large. Its the reason why a total of four Smith goggles with ChromaPop lenses made our 2023 list. Taken together, the Syncs long-lasting construction, included back-up lens, and MFI compatibility earn it a midpack ranking on our list.See the Anon Sync Goggle. Flight decks are better goggle. For those who put a premium on maximum field of visionsuch as riders who spend a lot of time in difficult terrain off-piste or in the bumpsthe 4D Mag is a nice option. For me, they were a leader in style and comfort, but this may not be the case for every rider out there. And for those with larger facial features, you can step up the Fall Line XL (more on this model below). The only major difference is fit: while the XM we tested is a medium size, the XL sports a large frame that boosts field of view and is a good match for those with larger features. Finally, the goggles interchange system can be temperamental, and its easy to leave fingerprint smudges on the lens while making the swap. When buying goggles, its usually best to try them on in person so you can find the perfect fit for your face and skiing style. And its quick and easy to push the lens back into place (even with gloves on) for the descent. We usually recommend bringing your helmet when youre trying on goggles; that way, youll know they fit. Flight Deck L Snow Goggles . Made of durable O Matter, the Oakley Target Line (Product Link) features a large cylindrical lens shape with a low profile thats perfect for a beginner or expert. If they seem interesting, but you're worried about the oversized frame, I'd encourage you to check . But all of the other key components are there with the M4 MFI, including triple-layer foam and a variety of lens options to cover you from bright to cloudy. Read more about us. Customize Now. If the goggle still feels tight after loosening, its time to move up in size. Oakley Prizm Snow Sapphire Lens | Mountain Review Target Line. Oakley Flight Deck XM has an anti-fog coating on the inside of the lens preventing from fogging too. When I say it focuses on style, Im not begrudging the way they perform on the hill. Youre probably already daydreaming about hitting the slopes as the temperature begins dropping. More Colours. Weve found Giro comes up a little short of Smith, Oakley, and Anon at the premium end of the market, but they excel in the sub-$200 category. We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. My favourite ski resorts are Lake Louise in Canada and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl in Austria. Advances in lens technology (covered below) are decreasing the negative impacts of the cylindrical shape, and many of our top models have this lens type, including the Giro Method. Specifically, you have to make sure youre lining up the top and nose bridge portions of the lens before securing or else it wont seat properly. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Frameless goggles, like the Oakley Fall Line XL, have soared in popularity in recent years, and . It's still expensive for only including single lens, but it's nevertheless a stylish and high-quality option. Flight Deck Highlights Rimless goggle design inspired by the helmet visors of fighter pilots Join today, share your Oakley collection or even find new Oakley sunglasses for sale. Quick-Change Lens Systems The lineup for their snow series is designed to deliver optimal performance in alpine environments. Like its predecessor, the classic Mojo, the goggle is very basic with a thick frame, small field of visionperipheral visibility is especially compromised with the cylindrical lensand dull optics. Most notably, the Squads bulkier frame has a pretty big impact on field of view, particularly along the sides and in the bottom corners. Moreover, there's a faint line and a small amount of distortion right at the curve in the lens (while skiing, however, the line is not noticeable). Its semi-framed look is immediately recognizablethe standard Squad has been a go-to for years among snowboardersand we found that it fits nicely with a wide range of helmet models. The main deciding factor between the two . Speaking of lenses, my biggest issue with the Fall Line is that they only come with one pair. Oakleys premium competitor is their Prizm lens, which does a great job in making details stand out, although it can look a little more artificial than ChromaPop in certain tints (some are overly pink, for example). For hard chargers or those that hit the slopes without regard to the weather report, this adaptability is a big upside. It also will retain more smell and moisture and break down quicker. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. The final verdict on their fog-resistant qualities is complicated- sure, they could do a little better job of staying clear from a convenience standpoint, but when the stakes are high and youre underway, they never seem to have any issues. The guidelines below will give you an idea of the right size for your head. From the 2020/2021 season Oakley changed the sizing names used on their goggles, moving to Small/Medium/Large names from XS/XM/XL. For more background, see our ski goggle comparison table and buying advice below the picks. We tested both their Challenger and MagFlight models and came away impressed. Oakley consistently delivers when it comes to visual clarity in rapidly changing mountain conditions. That said, most medium to small glasses with low-profile arms will work. But if you match it with a Scott helmet and arent as picky about your optics, the rest of the LCG Evos performance and build quality stack up well to the class leaders.See the Scott LCG Evo. . Width: 17.5cm; Height: 10.5cm; Strap Width: 50mm; Flight Path L Flight Path L Size/Dimensions. Flight Deck - rimless design. If you only get out a couple times a year or plan your trips around favorable conditions, these arent big compromises. Oakley are an industry-leader in the snow goggle market, with loads of different models available to suit different requirements and face sizes. Theyre not X-ray vision or cliff detectors, but they can help make out little details when the light is flat. Smiths 4D Mag takes it to another level by curving the bottom of the lens to increase visibility straight down (for easily accessing things like a jacket zipper) and in the bottom corners. If they seem interesting, but youre worried about the oversized frame, Id encourage you to check out the aforementioned Oakley Fall Line XM. The current leader in this technology is Anon, which uses a magnetic system on their M collection that allows you to swap out lenses without taking the goggles off your head. In what region Burton-owned Anon only makes a handful of snow goggles, but their lineup is truly a study in quality over quantity. Why hasnt the 4D Mag overtaken the I/O Mag as our top-rated goggle? all with different lenses. 183.99. Read more in our full Oakley Line Miner review. In the end, the Dragon isnt one of our favorites, but it's a solid pickup if you happen to find it on sale.See the Dragon PXV2 Goggle. But Glades lens tech is the best weve used, with a super wide VLT range of 16 to 65% (for the Photochromic Green and Purple Mirror lenses) that excels even during heavy snowfall. Frame size: Large. We have a step-by-step tutorial for you right here! That said, the Fall Line still doesnt sit as close to your face as competitors like Smiths I/O Mag and Skyline, and it cant match either of those in overall visibility. Its really a personally preference as to which you prefer. However, weve had mixed experiences with photochromic lenses over the years: On our Smith Skylines, for example, a section of the lens refused to change the tint, which rendered them useless. And if youre somehow still not wearing a helmet, its time to change that: check out our article on the best ski helmets. Interchangeable lenses dominate the high end of the market with systems that are getting quicker and easier by the by the year. Typical Oakley build quality: the XM is well-made and has a confidence-inspiring feel. As with many types of outdoor gear like ski helmets and backpacks, the quality of padding differs significantly on ski goggles and gets markedly better the more you spend. More Colours. Oakley Fall Line: How to Interchange Lenses || SportRx Designed specifically to provide color and contrast-enhancing on the mountain, Oakley Prizm Technology is the latest in lens innovation. If youve beenputting offreplacinga helmet thatsyears old or are new to the sport,recentadvancementshave Building on Smiths popular I/O Mag snow goggle, the newer 4D Mag features a curved section at the bottom of the lens designed to greatly increase downward visibility. This has added some confusion as some retailers havent fully updated their websites and inventory. Overall, weve found that premium helmets are the most compatible with a wide range of goggle sizes, but keep an eye out for features like a baseball hat-like bill that could interfere with the goggles. And the Flight Deck features Ridgelock technology that allows you to swap lenses based on conditions, all while providing a complete seal for your goggles. Goggles: Snow and MX | Oakley US Top-notch comfort from a three-layer foam build, easily adjustable strap, and well-rounded shape. On the other hand, photochromic lenses excel in areas with a lot of sun, including some popular regions of Colorado. fall line flight deck. All in all, it seems to be a pretty well-rounded shape and paired fairly well with my Smith Altus helmet. Because of the frameless style of these goggles, its virtually impossible to do without smearing your fingers on the lens. The Fall Line is a solid set of goggles for any serious resort rider, but they're far from the only option out there. What are the Best Lens Colors for Skiing and Snowboarding? Oakley Flight Deck vs Oakley Flight Deck XM snow goggles - are there Oakley Flight Deck vs Path vs Tracker Snow Goggles Its $200 MSRP undercuts the cheapest M models (the M2 and M3) by $70-$80 but retains quality Perceive lens options, compatibility with the brands MFI masks (included with the M2 and M3), and good all-around comfort with triple-layer foam and a well-made TPU frame. Newschoolers has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Flight Deck Highlights If Smith dominates one area, its snow goggles. The fan favourite Flight Deck uses a spherical lens to be able to take on a range of terrain while still providing optimum visuals. Otherwise, features are similar between the two models, including triple-layer foam, cylindrical shapes, medium fits, and a wide array of lens options to choose from. Nowadays, most helmets and goggles work pretty well together. Fall Line L Snow Goggles 20 Colors. The specific size and shape of the vents is goggle-specific, so make sure to inspect the pair that you are considering. His affinity for gear that works and his generosity for guiding people on their own path match his energy as editor of all things travel-related. Bolles Freeze is the kind of cheapo goggle thats perfect for a first-time skier or to keep in your bag as a backup. With the latest XM model, however, they've made substantial improvements by trimming down the thickness of the frame and padding. 8781 Views 13 Replies 11 Participants Last post by AC93, Jan 2, 2021. But if you choose to go the prescription route, all you need to order is a valid copy of your prescription (with PD or pupillary distance measurements). Compare this VLT to the darkest snow lens, Prizm Snow Black Iridium, which clocks in at 5.5%, and you see the difference! Our reviews: We can make the world a little bit better with great in-depth reviews. Oakley collection of snow goggles prove to be nothing short of the industry's best. Like the legendary line from Smith, you get a medium fit, two high-quality lenses, plush three-layer foam, and great all-around visibility. Frame size: Medium/largeNumber of lenses included: 2Lens shape: ToricWhat we like: Great field of view and long-lasting anti-fog coating.What we dont: So-so build quality. While I cant promise a perfect fit with every lid, I can say that it is designed to pair well with most, and thats coming from what I perceive as a very fashion-forward brand. The secret: quality builds with mass appeal at standout prices. The XL costs the same at $1606-$206depending on lens choice and sports an identical feature set and construction including triple-layer foam, cylindrical shape, Ridgelock lens-change system, and single Prizm lens (again, you can purchase a secondary lens separately). For me, they were a leader in style and comfort, but this may not be the case for every rider out there. The technology doesnt translate perfectly to snow when you may want to see the glare of an icy patch, and their biggest downside is costthe Anon M4 Polarized is $380, which is $60 more than a Perceive option. Anons M series has gotten a lot of attention over the years, but their Sync stuffs a whole lot of tech into a reasonably priced package. You may also know this fit by its previous name, Asian Fit.. These sites let you buy, sell and trade directly with other members so you can save big! Find rimless goggles with some of the largest fields and peripheral vision. However, if youre skiing in very bright conditions, youll want to go with a dark black or grey lens with visual light transmission (VLT) of under 14%. Neither are deal-breakers for us, and those that like the look of a cylindrical lens shouldnt be deterred, but the downsides push the Squad Mag to a mid-pack finish Read in-depth reviewSee the Smith Squad Mag. The spherical is technically more optically correct. VLT is the amount of light that is allowed to pass through a lens (measured from 0% to 100%). In use, weve found this to be largely true (especially in peripheral vision), although as mentioned above, the differences between lens types aren't as noticeable as they once were. When you couple the effort it takes to remove your lens and the fact that youll likely need to give them a wipe down after the fact, dont expect to be swapping your lenses out on the lift or in a hurry. Every major goggle manufacturer has their in-house take on high-contrast lens technology. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Though I didnt have many issues with fog buildup while skiing, I cant speak for how they hold up in warm weather or very high-exertion scenarios. The main difference between the Flight Deck and Fall Line goggles is the lens shape. This goggle features a large frame (the womens Drift offers a medium fit) with decent edge-to-edge visibility that minimizes the tunnel effect you find on many cheap designs. Plus, the Fall Line features Ridgelock Lens change technology for easy lens swaps. And in testing the Proxy, it was clear theyve created another winner. Despite my general distaste for it, there are a couple of good things to be said about the Ridgelock system. Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles of 2023 Treeline Review But those who spend a lot of time on the slopes will appreciate the comfort and fit of a higher-end goggle with superior padding. comparison between the Oakley Flight Deck, Flight Path and Flight Tracker goggles, Matte Black Strap + Snow Jade Iridium Lens, Matte Black Strap + Rose Gold Iridium Lens, Matte Black Strap + Sage Gold Iridium Lens, Matte White Strap + Snow Sapphire Iridium Lens, Matte White Strap + Rose Gold Iridium Lens, Matte White Strap + Snow Torch Iridium Lens, Matte White Strap + Snow Jade Iridium Lens, Factory Pilot Black Strap + Snow Sapphire Iridium Lens, Poseidon Strap + Snow Sapphire Iridium Lens, Poseidon Haze Strap + Snow Sapphire Iridium Lens, Jasmine Crystal Strap + Sage Gold Iridium Lens, Red Crystal Strap + Snow Torch Iridium Lens, Grey Haze Strap + Snow Black Iridium Lens, Blue Terrain Strap + Snow Sapphire Iridium Lens, Injection-molded Plutonite lens material for UV resistance, Flexible chassis to conform to face shape. Oakley Flight Deck L. From. Further, we found the Zeiss lenses to be a bit duller overall than ChromaPop, although we certainly appreciate the natural colors and feel. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? Typically small and Medium goggles will work well for children and women with small/average heads. Given Oakley's strong track record of producing quality goggles, the original Fall Line was a surprising disappointment in terms of field of vision. Snow Collection: Goggles, Lenses and Snow Glasses | Oakley US Oakley goggles are made with a flexible O Matter chassis, and this patented frame material conforms to your face comfortably, even in cold weather. Are Prescription Oakley Snow Goggles Available? Oakley collection of snow goggles prove to be nothing short of the industry's best. Oakley Prescription Ski Goggles | Oakley Prescription Goggles | RxSport What do you give up with the mid-range Anon Sync? Made in three different frame sizes, almost everyone fits an I/O Mag: The I/O Mag S is for small faces, the I/O Mag XL has the largest fit, and the standard I/O fits a medium-sized face perfectly Read in-depth reviewSee the Smith I/O Mag See the Smith I/O Mag S. Frame size: LargeNumber of lenses included: 1Lens shape: CylindricalWhat we like: Decent comfort and performance at a great price.What we dont: Lens comes up short in foul weather and challenging lighting. The Oakley Flight Deck lens beat out other contenders because it comes highly recommended by ski patrollers and search and rescue team members out of the Tahoe area who ski over 100 days each season. flight deck line miner. But those that spend a lot of time on the hill, particularly off-trail and in inclement weather, will be better off with a higher-end model. line miner . The best pick really comes down to your intended use. This goggle slides in under the popular Skyline with its framed look, spherical lens shape, and medium fit, and at $150 A quality pair of ski goggles can do a lot to improve visibility on the slopes, but if they get all fogged up, it doesnt really matter what youre wearing. As expected, however, Smith has you covered there with their frameless Skyline ($180-$200). Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. The Freeze isnt all that comfortable either with simple foam padding, and the straps have to stretch to fit over a bulky helmet. And a frameless goggle like the Oakley Flight Deck admittedly does have expansive views (at the compromise of a little more vulnerability to damage at the edges). Smith 4D MAG Snow Goggles are some of the most popular on the market. ChromaPop surely is not alone in high-quality optics. Width: 18cm; Height: 11cm; Throw in a medium/large fit and available womens-specific and low-bridge options, and you have a versatile and well-sorted goggle for resort skiers and snowboarders. Weve had mixed experiences with photochromic lenses over the years: The adjustable tint can be slow to react to changing conditions, and they often run too dark. TOP 3 Oakley Snow Goggle Picks for 2020 | SportRx 32K views Oakley O Frame 2.0. They have a cylindrical shape that provides just a bit bigger field of view. And with so many lens options, Oakley goggles provide you with enhanced visibility in all conditions. Read more, plus the full-color lineup available in our full Oakley Prizm Snow Lens guide. With the RidgeLock system to swap out lenses that have as good a quality as any other in the market.