New Goggles - Snowboarding Forum

**HoboMaster** · 12-22-2010, 10:48 AM

My current goggles are mid-low end Oakley's, and that fact is starting to get pretty apparent,(on top of the fact that they are scratched from being old and yesterday had fog in-between the lens all day long).

I was in the local boardshop yesterday trying to track down a pair of 9.5 32 Lashed, and they had some freaking sweet goggles. I may have the opportunity to get some for Christmas, so I was looking for some opinions on nice high-end goggles.

What goggles do you rock and why do they kick ass? Also, is it worth going over the $100 mark?

I've heard a lot of good things about the I/O which I think they had, but I know their hella expensive.

Leo · 12-22-2010, 11:16 AM

I have a pair of Oakley A-Frame and Splice goggles.

My main reason for having two Oakley goggles is because they are pretty much the only goggles that fit me properly (Asian Fit).

A reason why I have come to greatly appreciate the quality is because of experience with impacts. One occasion, I had the A-Frames on when I caught a toe edge on ice and slammed face first into the ice patch. Thankfully my helmet and A-Frames took the brunt of the damage. I walked away with a bloody lip and a goggle that was still as good as new. I've had cheaper goggles before and they didn't hold up well. There was a tiny little nick that I found the next day, but it was very, very small. Didn't even come close to ruining any visibility. I have always appreciated Oakley's sunglasses for their durability and they don't skimp on their goggle lines.

My favorite is the Splice for it's field of vision. It's the closest I can get to to the likes of the I/O and EG2 (both of which do not fit me properly). Oakley's warranty isn't the best, but if you are within the allotted time, they are very good about replacing defects. I had to get my A-Frames replaced because I removed the foam pieces on the bottom like a noob. They happily replaced it.

The Smith I/O is great in terms of price for what you get. It comes with an excellent hard case, microfiber bag, and an extra lens. The field of vision is the next best from the EG2 and swapping out the lenses is an absolute breeze. Plus it comes with a lifetime warranty.

EG2 is friggen huge. I have a huge head so for me to say it's huge means it's HUUUUGE. If you wear a helmet, you might want to try them both on together before you go asking for a pair. However, this huge design means that you get unparalleled field of vision. Quality-wise, I can't tell you since I never owned a pair.

svwannabe · 12-22-2010, 12:03 PM

I'm rocking some Ashbury Warlocks and love them. Its a lot of goggle for $70 and comes with 2 lenses, its pretty hard to beat considering a new lense for a set of Oakleys almost cost that much.

AlaskaChance · 12-22-2010, 12:42 PM

See what fits your face, but the I/Os are the best goggles i have ever rocked, eg2s are pretty slick as well

SloMo · 12-22-2010, 03:32 PM

I have EG2 and i absolutely love them, i can barely see the bottom frame and nowhere can i see the side frame. Peripheral vision doesn't even begin to describe what you have. They might look a little big but i don't know or care cause i can see and thats what matters.

qwezxc12 · 12-22-2010, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlaskaChance

See what fits your face, but the I/Os are the best goggles i have ever rocked, eg2s are pretty slick as well

I currently wear Smith Phenom's with the Igniter Mirror lens (35% VLT for bright/day riding). They have excellent peripheral vision and I like the tack strip inside the band so they stay put on my helmet. They fit great (they should - it's a Smith helmet) so no gap

I like them so much, I snagged a second pair of last year's at TJ Maxx for $39.00.

They have the blue-ish Sensor Mirror (70% VLT - perfect for overcast days and night riding here in the East).

I tried the I/Os on and they fit great, too... but I couldn't see much difference in the field of view over the Phenoms.

**HoboMaster** · 12-22-2010, 06:11 PM

The Phenom's look awesome, they seem like pretty much the same thing as the I/O's with a substantial discount. Gonna see if they have those at the shop.

rephreshed · 12-23-2010, 04:34 AM

I have a pair of Von Zipper's and I love them. The peripheral is good and they are super light.

Leo · 12-23-2010, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoboMaster

The Phenom's look awesome, they seem like pretty much the same thing as the I/O's with a substantial discount. Gonna see if they have those at the shop.

Phenoms are good, but I disagree with the field of vision comment above. I can see the plastic in my field of vision with the Phenoms. I virtually cant with the I/O. That's because they have very minimal frame plastic. Also, like I stated, the I/O comes with extra perks. If you were to buy a separate lens, and good hardcase, the price will probably end up the same. You can always find previous year I/O models too.

**HoboMaster** · 12-23-2010, 10:08 AM

I'll see how much the I/O's are at the shop, I'm not paying for them since it's going to be a christmas present, but at the same time my expiration date on Christmas presents is near I assume, so I don't want to look like I'm milking. Thanks for the advice guys.

12-22-2010, 10:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
HoboMaster Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sandpoint / Moscow, ID Posts: 2,301	New Goggles My current goggles are mid-low end Oakley's, and that fact is starting to get pretty apparent,(on top of the fact that they are scratched from being old and yesterday had fog in-between the lens all day long). I was in the local boardshop yesterday trying to track down a pair of 9.5 32 Lashed, and they had some freaking sweet goggles. I may have the opportunity to get some for Christmas, so I was looking for some opinions on nice high-end goggles. What goggles do you rock and why do they kick ass? Also, is it worth going over the $100 mark? I've heard a lot of good things about the I/O which I think they had, but I know their hella expensive. __________________ PowderHound and TreeNinja

12-22-2010, 11:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
Leo -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Detroit Area Posts: 6,212	I have a pair of Oakley A-Frame and Splice goggles. My main reason for having two Oakley goggles is because they are pretty much the only goggles that fit me properly (Asian Fit). A reason why I have come to greatly appreciate the quality is because of experience with impacts. One occasion, I had the A-Frames on when I caught a toe edge on ice and slammed face first into the ice patch. Thankfully my helmet and A-Frames took the brunt of the damage. I walked away with a bloody lip and a goggle that was still as good as new. I've had cheaper goggles before and they didn't hold up well. There was a tiny little nick that I found the next day, but it was very, very small. Didn't even come close to ruining any visibility. I have always appreciated Oakley's sunglasses for their durability and they don't skimp on their goggle lines. My favorite is the Splice for it's field of vision. It's the closest I can get to to the likes of the I/O and EG2 (both of which do not fit me properly). Oakley's warranty isn't the best, but if you are within the allotted time, they are very good about replacing defects. I had to get my A-Frames replaced because I removed the foam pieces on the bottom like a noob. They happily replaced it. The Smith I/O is great in terms of price for what you get. It comes with an excellent hard case, microfiber bag, and an extra lens. The field of vision is the next best from the EG2 and swapping out the lenses is an absolute breeze. Plus it comes with a lifetime warranty. EG2 is friggen huge. I have a huge head so for me to say it's huge means it's HUUUUGE. If you wear a helmet, you might want to try them both on together before you go asking for a pair. However, this huge design means that you get unparalleled field of vision. Quality-wise, I can't tell you since I never owned a pair. __________________ www.aGNARchy.com Reviews and David Z's rants

12-22-2010, 06:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
HoboMaster Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sandpoint / Moscow, ID Posts: 2,301	The Phenom's look awesome, they seem like pretty much the same thing as the I/O's with a substantial discount. Gonna see if they have those at the shop. __________________ PowderHound and TreeNinja

12-23-2010, 04:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
rephreshed Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: 518 Posts: 276	I have a pair of Von Zipper's and I love them. The peripheral is good and they are super light. __________________

12-23-2010, 10:08 AM	#10 (permalink)
HoboMaster Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sandpoint / Moscow, ID Posts: 2,301	I'll see how much the I/O's are at the shop, I'm not paying for them since it's going to be a christmas present, but at the same time my expiration date on Christmas presents is near I assume, so I don't want to look like I'm milking. Thanks for the advice guys. __________________ PowderHound and TreeNinja

12-22-2010, 12:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
svwannabe Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: West Chester, Pa Posts: 62	I'm rocking some Ashbury Warlocks and love them. Its a lot of goggle for $70 and comes with 2 lenses, its pretty hard to beat considering a new lense for a set of Oakleys almost cost that much.

12-22-2010, 12:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
AlaskaChance Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Posts: 13	See what fits your face, but the I/Os are the best goggles i have ever rocked, eg2s are pretty slick as well

12-22-2010, 03:32 PM	#5 (permalink)
SloMo Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: CNY Posts: 32	I have EG2 and i absolutely love them, i can barely see the bottom frame and nowhere can i see the side frame. Peripheral vision doesn't even begin to describe what you have. They might look a little big but i don't know or care cause i can see and thats what matters.

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