Snowboarding is an exhilarating winter sport that is continuing to grow in popularity. Having the right protective gear, especially snowboarding goggles, is essential for both performance and safety on the slopes. High-quality goggles don’t have to break the bank – there are many excellent budget options under $100. As the 2023/2024 snow season approaches, it’s time to check out this season’s top picks for affordable snowboarding goggles packed with features.
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Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Snowboarding Goggles
When evaluating snowboarding goggles for purchase, keep the following key factors in mind:
- Lens Type – The vast majority of lenses today are either spherical or cylindrical. Spherical lenses offer undistorted optics across the entire lens, while cylindrical provide optimized optics only in certain zones. Cylindrical is typically more affordable.
- Lens Tint – This affects how much visible light passes through to the eyes. Common options are yellow, rose, amber, or brown tints designed to enhance contrast in different conditions. Mirrored lens coatings also reflect glare.
- Frame Size/Fit – Goggles must seal tightly to the face to prevent light permeation and maximize anti-fogging properties. Measure your face and compare it to sizing charts to ensure a snug, gap-free fit.
- Ventilation – Effective venting prevents inner lens fogging and helps regulate temperature. Look for goggles with multiple vents with ventilation membranes to stop air intrusion.
- Helmet Compatibility – Verify that goggle straps and shape properly integrate with your snowboard helmet.
- Extra Lenses – Having spare lenses in different tints for varying light conditions is a valuable asset. Some goggles come packaged with extra lens/es.
Keeping these factors and individual needs in mind, below are the top-rated snowboard goggles under $100 this 2023/2024 season:
| Goggle | Lens Tech | Lens Tint | Strap | Vents | Extra Lenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith Squad | Cylindrical | ChromaPop Everyday | Silicone-backed | 5 | No |
| Bolle Carve | Spherical | Mirrored Vermillion | Standard | 4 | Yes |
| Giro Blok | Spherical | Rose Vivid | Silicone-backed | 5 | No |
| Oakley Fall Line | Prizm Cylindrical | Prizm Snow Jade | Silicone-backed | 3 | No |
Below is a more detailed overview of the top 4 budget snowboard goggles in this comparison:
1. Smith Squad Goggles
- Frame Construction – Injection Molded thermoplastic élastomère
- Helmet Compatibility – Medium to large-size helmets
- Lens Type – Cylindrical Tapered Lens Technology
- Lens Tint – ChromaPop Everyday Green Mirror
- Key Features
- Heat-activated sealed inner lens prevents fogging
- 5X anti-fog inner lens
- AirEvac ventilation system with 5 vents
- Asian fit larger interior for broader facial structure
Overview
A long-time favorite in the snowsports world, Smith offers the impressive Squad ChromaPop goggles that excel at filtering light and visual acuity across the entire mountain terrain, from sun to flat light conditions. The cylindrical ChromaPop Everyday lens delivers excellent contrast and depth perception. It has a durable anti-fog inner lens and triple-layer face foam with microfleece lining for comfortable extended wear. The 5-vent AirEvac airflow technology prevents inner lens fogging by moving hot, humid air outward and regulating the inner climate. An excellent choice for all skill-level snowboarders looking for high-performance optics at a very reasonable price point.
2. Bolle Carve Snow Goggles
- Frame Construction – Thermoplastic urethane
- Helmet Compatibility – Medium-size helmets
- Lens Type – Bolle HD Spherical Double Layer
- Lens Tint – Mirrored Vermillion
- Key Features
- Flow-Tech venting system with 4 vents
- P80+ anti-fog coating
- Triple-layer face foam with micro-fleece
- Comes with an extra Amber lens and carry pouch
- Light-reactive lenses adapt to changing light
Overview
Bolle is well respected for durable performance snowsports optics. The Carve goggles offer excellent quality at a very reasonable price. It has a spherical double lens with anti-fog and anti-scratch P80+ coating to maintain clarity. The light-reactive tints automatically adjust to changing light conditions. Triple layer face foam provides a soft comfortable fit with solid helmet integration. The Flow-Tech system has 4 wide flow vents to circulate air and reduce fogging alongside direct airflow ports. A major bonus is the extra amber-colored lens for low light days included along with a storage pouch. For the price, the Bolle Carve hits well above its class with superb optics and useful features.
3. Giro Blok Snow Goggles
- Frame Construction – Flexible urethane
- Helmet Compatibility – All size helmets
- Lens Type – Expansion View Spherical
- Lens Tint – Rose Mirror with VIVID Clarity Enhancement
- Key Features
- Super anti-fog lens treatment
- Extra long strap for wearing over helmet
- Triple-layer fleece foam face padding
- Silicone strap backing prevents slippage
- Locking quick lens change system
Overview
Giro steps up this season with the versatile new Blok goggles featuring an extra wide spherical lens optimized for peripheral vision. The Expansion View lens technology provides minimized distortion and enhanced clarity across a semi-custom expanded lens dimension. It has Giro’s premium anti-fog inner lens treatment to prevent fogging and condensation. The super soft triple-layer face foam interface ensures a very comfortable fit. An extra-long strap is designed to fit over a helmet with silicone backing to grip and stay secure in place. The Blok also has a handy locking lens change system for fast swapping if carrying an extra lens. Overall an impressive option blending excellent optics, plush comfort, style, and great value.
4. Oakley Fall Line Snow Goggles
- Frame Construction – Urethane with rigid lens frame
- Helmet Compatibility – Medium-size helmets
- Lens Type – Prizm Cylindrical
- Lens Tint – Prizm Snow Jade Iridium
- Key Features
- Prizm lens technology enhances contrast
- Triple-layer fleece face foam
- Flexible O Matter chassis conforms to facial structure
- Silicone backing on strap for non-slip grip
- F3 anti-fog coating on dual lens
Overview
Oakley’s Fall Line goggles incorporates its premium Prizm lens optimized for snow conditions to improve terrain contrast for a sharper vision experience. This cylindrical lens design achieves minimized distortion through precise optical alignment. The chassis shape provides flexibility for adapting around the facial structure while maintaining optic integrity. Triple-layer plush face foam offers lasting run comfort. Overall the Fall Line blends Oakley’s innovative lens technologies with a sharp modern style into an impressive snow goggle that punches above its price point.
Key Takeaways – Best Snowboard Goggles Under $100
- Quality snowboarding goggles don’t need to be expensive – there are many high-performing options for under $100.
- Keep lens type, tint, frame size/fit, and other factors in mind depending on individual needs and preferences.
- Leading options highlighted here from Smith, Bolle, Giro and Oakley offer impressive technology blended with comfort.
- Look for cylindrical, spherical or tapered lenses with effective anti-fog inner lens coatings.
- Extra lens tints, quality ventilation, and helmet integration are bonus features to look for.
- The Smith Squad has a cylindrical ChromaPop lens, a 5-vent anti-fog system, and an Asian fit.
- Bolle Carve features light-reactive spherical lenses, and Flow-Tech vents and comes with an extra amber lens.
- Giro Blok has an expanded spherical lens for increased peripheral vision and a quick lens swap system.
- Oakley Fall Line utilizes high high-contrast Prizm cylindrical lens optimized for snow conditions.
- Carefully compare lens features, fit, comfort, and overall design to choose the best goggles under $100 for your needs.
- It’s worth spending time to try on goggles and ensure a gap-free fit with your helmet to maximize performance.
- With technology continually improving alongside styles, quality, and affordable options are meeting every budget.
Focusing on the lens innovation, ventilation, form factor, and customization needed for comprehensive vision can lead snowboarders to goggles under $100 well equipped for conquering everything the mountain has to offer.