What to look for when choosing a ski mask?
Skiing is the most popular winter sport and recreation worldwide. Along with innovations in the production of ski equipment, there is a constant improvement of ski accessories, an integral element of which are ski masks. For those who choose a mask for the first time, it is quite difficult to decide on the right option, especially if you do not know anything about it and do not have the opportunity to compare different models in practice. Therefore, we have prepared an article in which we answered the question:
What to look for when choosing ski mask?
- Lens Features.
- Frame Features.
- Strap and Mount.
- Helmet Compatibility.
WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN CHOOSING A SKI MASK?
Snowfall, fog, bright sunlight, flickering shadows, and glare are constant problems on the ski slope. At high speeds, visual acuity deteriorates: the contours of objects blur, it is difficult to discern the condition of the snow and the relief of the track in order to adjust the descent line.
In addition, falls and collisions are not uncommon on the slope, and an icy crust, small branch or stone flying from under the edges of the skis is a completely normal phenomenon. Skiing in such conditions without proper eye protection does not add pleasure and increases the risk of injury. There is no doubt that a ski mask is the most important accessory in a rider's equipment. It is equally necessary for both professional athletes and amateurs.
A good quality accessory meets a number of requirements for modern ski optics.
- Clear view and impact resistance.
- Anti-fog coating and UV protection.
- Reliable fixation and compatibility with helmets.
Features of lenses: pay attention to the shape - this affects the quality of the image and the overview
Lenses for masks come in three shapes:
- cylindrical,
- spherical,
- toric.
Most entry-level ski goggles are cylindrical, meaning they curve horizontally across the face, but are flat vertically. This shape is easier and cheaper to manufacture, so cylindrical goggles are cheaper. And that's their main advantage. There are two disadvantages: a large amount of glare and slight distortion at the top and bottom of the lens.
Spherical shape means that the lenses bend in two planes - horizontally and vertically. Such a lens imitates the shape of the eyeball to provide better image quality (without distortion) and maximum peripheral vision. Many premium goggles are spherical. This shape works well with a helmet. However, not everyone likes the convex design of the mask, although this is a matter of personal preference.
A toric lens is noticeably curved in the horizontal plane and only slightly in the vertical plane. It is something between a cylindrical and a spherical shape. The advantage of a toric lens is largely aesthetic. At the same time, it provides optical correctness, reflects glare well, and is less prone to fogging.
Features of lenses: pay attention to the color of the lens and the degree of darkening - this improves the optical quality
The dazzling sun, sparkling snow, clouds and shadows greatly distort the view of the terrain on the descent. A lens filter helps to qualitatively improve visual perception. You probably noticed that lenses come in different colors. Each of them cuts off a certain part of the spectrum, significantly increasing the clarity and contrast of the image of the slope. Here's how they work.
Yellow lenses increase slope contrast in cloudy weather
Orange - provide good slope perception in cloudy weather conditions with variable cloudiness.
Pink - conveys the volume of objects well and emphasizes shadows when riding in cloudy weather.
Black lenses - for riding in sunny weather: do not distort colors, but simply muffle their brightness
Our list of filters would not be complete without mentioning such optical technologies as polarization, mirror coating and photochromic coating. The first two reduce the glare of light reflected from snow and ice. Visual perception of the slope on a sunny day reaches a qualitatively new level: the eyes do not get tired at all, and the "picture" through high-quality polarized lenses looks especially clear.
The difference between polarized and mirrored lenses is that the latter not only remove glare, but also transmit less sunlight, i.e. darken, which makes riding in bright weather more comfortable. This parameter is designated VLT - Visible Light Transmission or literally "visible light transmission". It is measured in percent. Depending on how much the lens darkens, it is assigned its own index. Today there are 5 of them: S0, S1, S2, S3 and S4.
Unfortunately, polarized and mirror lenses are not able to cover all weather conditions, but this can be done by "chameleons" - photochromic lenses. They automatically change the color of the optics, adjusting to lighting conditions: in bright sunlight, the lenses darken, and in cloudy weather they remain transparent.
It may seem that this is a universal solution that allows you to get rid of the practice of using a second mask or interchangeable lenses with different filters. This is partly true, but photochromic lenses have a number of disadvantages that prevent them from conquering the protective optics market.
- Photochromic lenses impair visibility in fog.
- The filter takes a long time to change its darkening - from 20 to 90 seconds.
- It is very rare for photochromic lenses to combine contrast enhancement technology.
Regardless of the lens color and its various bells and whistles, almost all modern masks, even very inexpensive ones, have 100% protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Features of frames - frameless or frame, lens replacement mechanism, anti-fog coating and mask ventilation
The design of the mask can be framed (frame) or frameless. The latter is a low-profile frame, with a minimalist frame or almost no frame. These fit perfectly with the helmet and look cool. However, a stylish look is important, but not the most important thing on the slope.
The frame must be flexible. On its inner side, layers of foam of different densities are attached. Budget models have one layer, premium models have 3. They ensure a tight and uniform fit of the mask. The third layer (in the place of contact with the skin) is microfleece. The soft and pleasant to the body material does not rub or irritate the skin, absorbs and evaporates moisture well, which additionally prevents the lens from fogging.
Ski masks use single and double filters. The vast majority of them are double optics. Masks with single lenses are used only in professional models for high-speed descents. The air flow coming in at high speed provides good ventilation of the interior, due to which the lens simply does not have time to fog up.
Using double lenses solves the fogging problem only partially. Therefore, manufacturers strive to ensure an optimal air flow for ventilation of the internal space between the two lenses (in the photo - a row of holes in the end of the mask), and also apply a special anti-fog coating to the inner side of the filter, which prevents moisture condensation.
If you plan to ride in different conditions, it is better to buy two masks with different filters or one that includes several replaceable filters. Check how convenient the mechanism for changing optics is. Currently, the leader in technology is the magnetic system, which allows you to change lenses without removing the glasses from your head. At the same time, many manufacturers offer a lever-clamp technology. It is less convenient and faster, but more reliable - the lens will not be knocked out if it is severely deformed.
Strap and fastening
Be sure to check how conveniently the length of the strap is adjusted and the convenience of using the clasp. Pay attention to the design of the outriggers - the attachment points of the strap to the mask: they should ensure a tight fit of the mask to the face with and without a helmet.
Helmet compatibility - helmet and mask must fit together
What are the risks of a loose fit between the mask and helmet? At a minimum, the gap between them will cause discomfort when riding at high speeds or in cold weather. At a maximum, the mask may fly off in the event of a fall or collision, with all the consequences that follow from this situation.
These days, most helmets and goggles work pretty well together. However, unless you can try on the goggles and helmet before buying, it's safest to stick with one brand (i.e. buy a FREVER ski helmet and buy a FREEVER goggle).
