Ski Masks: 5 Trusted Brands That Know a Thing About Technology, Ergonomics, and Safety

The market of protective equipment for sports has long been defined by leaders. These are well-known companies: OARLY, SMITH, APLINA, UVEX, CARRERA, DRAGON and others. But there are also lesser-known brands that produce high-tech, comfortable, safe ski masks and replacement lenses at affordable prices. Among them is the Ukrainian brand FREEVER.

If you are planning to buy a ski mask, but have not yet decided on the manufacturer, pay attention to 5 reliable brands that know a lot about technology, ergonomics and safety. When buying ski masks from these companies, you can be 100% sure of their reliability and functionality.

We did not distribute places between brands. It is difficult to do, since they all use similar technologies, their products meet high quality standards, and the range amazes with a variety of models, no less than the prices. Our goal is to get acquainted, so that you have an idea and the right to choose.

OAKLEY MASKS - INNOVATION CHAMPION

The best manufacturer of sports optics, dictating high standards of quality and visual comfort. The masks of the American company have gained wide popularity due to innovations and unrivaled quality, thoughtful design, style and creative design, comfort and durability of use.

The lenses are made from unbreakable Lexan plastic and Oakley's proprietary Plutonite polymer - high-quality optical polycarbonate used to create crystal clear, durable and scratch-resistant lenses. All Oakley masks are marked HDO - High Definition Optics - high definition optics. The company has several series of lenses with unique technical features.

• Oakley Iridium lenses (mirror) - they muffle the glare of reflected light well, make the image more contrasty and darken it a little.


• Oakley Prizm lenses - enhance the visual perception of depth and volume in order to easily "read" a snowy slope and distinguish small details of the relief. The indisputable advantage of such optics is versatility. One filter covers a fairly wide range of lighting - there is no need to change the lens or mask when the weather changes during the day.


• Anti-fog coating is protection against condensation. Two options are offered: "Fog Free" - "without condensation" and "Fog Free Forever" - "forever without condensation".

The frame is made of durable and flexible polymer, which does not lose its elastic properties in the cold. Three layers of foam provide an even fit of the mask, and a layer of microfleece is laid in the place of contact with the skin. The holes along the frame contour provide the necessary level of ventilation. Oakley Airbrake XL series goggles are equipped with the Switchlock system - a lever mechanism for quick lens replacement, neatly hidden in the frame. This is perhaps the most reliable system on the market.

SMITH MASKS - THE CHOICE OF PROFESSIONALS

Professional skiers appreciate Smith masks for:

• an anatomical frame that guarantees an extremely comfortable fit;


• a comprehensive system of protection against glare, ultraviolet and infrared rays;


• panoramic image with excellent edge-to-edge visibility, which minimizes the tunnel effect;


• no distortion - with any angular deviation of the mask, the image does not lose clarity and accurately matches the depicted objects in shape, size and color.

The ChromaPop technology used by the manufacturer is the most advanced polarized lens technology in the world. It guarantees high-quality vision and natural color perception. As a result, greater perception of depth and detail reduces eye strain. Goggles with such optics offer HD-like color quality in a wide range of conditions. The ability of the lenses to highlight fine details in low light is impressive. For off-piste skiing, this is a huge plus.

The most advanced Smith Optics masks are equipped with forced ventilation. They have a small fan built into their design. It operates in two modes: the normal mode for eliminating fogging and turbo mode for instant evaporation of moisture, for example, when snow falls or the humidity changes dramatically. Control is via a button on a small battery pack, which is located on the mask strap.

ALPINA MASKS - UNCOMPROMISING CLARITY IN ANY WEATHER

Alpina is a subsidiary brand of Uvex. Despite the common technical base of the two German manufacturers, Alpina offers self-sufficient high-tech products. The range includes ski masks for professionals and amateurs in various size gradations, using advanced optical technologies. Among them:

• Frameless masks with panoramic view.


• Models with single-layer and double lenses.


• With 100% protection from UVA, UVB and UVC rays (radiation of different wavelengths).


• Masks with double polarized lens - clear and contrast image without glare.


• Thin curved sports lenses with a polaroid filter - excellent visibility both in front and on the periphery.


• QuattroVarioflex dual lenses - polarized and photochromic at the same time. The lens changes its darkening depending on the light intensity, providing high contrast in all weather conditions

Most frames are made using Comfort Frame technology, which connects the inner and outer parts of the structure with zigzag-shaped bridges made of flexible and frost-resistant polymer. Such a mask precisely follows the contours of the face without excessive pressure on individual points. The flexible nose support is also made using this technology.

UVEX MASKS - WORTHY COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY AT A GREAT PRICE

UVEX is a family-owned company headquartered in Fürth, northern Bavaria, Germany. The holding company's activities are related to the production and sale of protective equipment. One of its main areas of activity is protective equipment for winter sports - Uvex masks for professionals and amateurs.

Uvex masks are durable, flexible and do not lose their elastic properties in a wide range of negative temperatures. Several layers of foam of varying density are attached to the frost-resistant frame. They are responsible for the tight and uniform fit of the mask, provide the proper level of ventilation and cushioning. The German brand has four proprietary optical technologies:

• Supravision® - anti-fog coating for optimal vision in any humidity. A special layer on the inside of the lenses prevents fogging even during sudden temperature changes.


• Colorvision® - a color filter transforms a soft, diffuse image into a high-contrast one for clear perception.


• Polavision® - eliminates distracting and annoying glare.


• Variomatic® - automatic smooth shading provides perfect vision and improved visual performance in any weather.

FREEVER GOGGLES - READY FOR ANY UNEXPECTED THINGS ON THE DESCENT

The leading Ukrainian manufacturer has been working in the market of high-tech clothing for sports and active recreation since 2012. The basis of its winter collection is ski equipment and accessories for the whole family, an important component of which is the FREEVER ski masks.

The manufacturer knows a lot about ergonomics, safety and fashion trends. Ski masks Freever with a double spherical lens are ready for any surprises. They combine uncompromising protection, sporty design and unrivaled comfort for the owner. Reliable, lightweight and comfortable accessories will become an excellent companion for amateurs and professionals of extreme winter sports.

• The FREEVER mask protects your eyes from cold, wind and penetrating blows from branches, snow, ice and stones.


• The optics are made of high-quality polycarbonate, resistant to scratches. It is distinguished by high purity, durability and flexibility (can be twisted).


• The basis of the mask is a convex flexible frame that fits tightly to the face, providing a comfortable fit.


• The tight contact of the frame with the skin does not cause discomfort: a triple cushioning layer on a fleece backing evenly distributes pressure on the bridge of the nose.


• The spherical shape of the lens provides a good view in the horizontal and vertical planes, close to panoramic.


• Anti-fog coating and ventilation system of the internal space (special openings on the ends of the frame) eliminate fogging.


• Lenses with a light filter easily cope with glare, reliably protect from ultraviolet waves.


• FREEVER produces masks with removable lenses. As a rule, the standard kit includes: a mask, two lenses with a light filter (one for sunny weather, the other for partly cloudy weather), a durable case and a dust bag for storage.


• The replaceable lenses are attached with magnets. They are easy to replace and can be done right on the slope.


• The strap (wide mask band) securely fixes the protective accessory on the rider's head, preventing the mask from slipping off the helmet during any activity. It has one-sided or two-sided tension adjustment, and can be either with or without a latch.


• The mask can be used separately (on a hat) or together with a helmet: the FREEVR mask mount is compatible with FREEVER ski helmets.

FREEER ski masks are divided into adult and children's. "Adult" ones do not have a clear gender distinction - these are universal models that are suitable for both men and women. "Children's" are smaller copies of ski masks for adults, which are in no way inferior to the latter in terms of ergonomics, protection and functionality. The only difference is the frame size: it takes into account the anatomical features of the young skier.

The brand's range includes a wide selection of modern ski masks, including those with polarized and mirror coatings. The use of innovative materials and technologies in production, as well as constant analysis of product quality and sensitive response to consumer feedback, allow the Ukrainian brand to produce safe, comfortable, stylish and functional protection at affordable prices. Even relatively budget models of FREEVR ski masks “keep the brand” at a high level.