If properly maintained, a high-quality pair of ski goggles may easily last three years or more. How frequently you ski and whether they are correctly stored can all affect how long your goggles last.
I’ve been skiing for most of my life, and I’ve picked up a few things along the way. I’ve worn a variety of goggles, so I know what kind of long they last.
This post will explain how long ski goggles last and some important points regarding their overall life expectancy.
Ski Goggle Lifespan
If you properly clean and store your goggles, they should last three years or more. The usual lifespan is 2-3 years, but I’ve seen them survive much longer or less than that.
Each goggle shape is a bit different from the next. They are constructed of various materials and using various processes. As a result, they won’t all wear down in the same amount of time or at the same rate.
Each skier has their own approach to caring for their equipment, which affects how long it lasts. This can have a significant influence on ski goggle lifespan, therefore determining an exact pair of goggles is difficult.
Fog vs Anti-fog
Fog resistance refers to a coating or treatment that is applied to the surface of a lens or other optical device to reduce the amount of fogging that occurs when exposed to moisture.
Anti-fog scratch resistance refers to a coating or treatment that is applied to the surface of a lens or other optical device to reduce the amount of scratching that occurs when exposed to abrasion.
Factors that Influence Goggle Durability
How you treat your ski goggles in the real world and their quality have a significant impact on how long they will stay in good working order. These are the sum of two things: the quality of goggles you get and how you care for them in real life.
Skis, like any other skiing equipment (or anything else), come in low-, medium-, and high-quality varieties.
The finest quality choices tend to survive the longest since they are composed of the most durable materials and frequently come with warranties. The less expensive options are made of lower-quality materials that wear out faster.
How you care for your goggles also has an impact on how long they survive. If you bury a high-quality option at the bottom of your equipment pile and never put it back in a carrying bag or case, it won’t last very long.
If you want the longest life from your goggles, you should buy a high-quality pair and treat them well. They may be more expensive up front, but they will pay off in the end.
Always be cautious with ski goggles to avoid damaging or crushing them. When not in use, store them in a transportable bag or case rather than laying them on top of other things.
Can You Fix Worn Out Goggles?
If your ski goggles are becoming old and broken, you might be able to replace the lenses and extend their usefulness.
Some models feature a replaceable lens function, allowing you to change lenses quickly and without hassle. You may put in new lenses if your current ones are damaged or hazy for the same excellent condition.
If the majority of your goggles are damaged or falling apart, there isn’t much you can do. If the strap is no longer elastic, if the foam and/or plastic has broken or worn down, or if it’s time to replace your goggles.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how long ski pants should last.
Replacing foam in ski goggles is quite difficult. While I’ve witnessed it done before, you’ll need specialized materials and equipment to replace the foam effectively. If your foam is worn out or damaged, you’ll probably want a new pair of goggles.
Cheap ski goggles are better than no goggles at all. However, high-quality options that cost more will provide superior overall performance. There are several budget ski goggles on the market, but they don’t compare to the best brands.
If you’ve ever wondered how long ski goggles last and if they wear out, the answer is yes. Goggles will eventually wear out, but usually not after just one season of use. When it comes to replacement, there are a few factors you should consider:
How often do you wear them?
How hard do you use them (e.g., one day per week or every single day)?
Is the material reasonably durable or susceptible to damage?
To determine the life span of your ski goggles, you should consider their construction and design. For example, if you have a pair of plastic or polycarbonate lenses instead of glass, they will probably break sooner. Also take into account how often you use and clean your goggles before deciding when to replace them.
Give them to a friend.
Recycle them.
Make them into something else.
Yes, ski goggles can get scratched. It’s not uncommon for the lenses of your goggle to take a beating during a day on the mountain. The most common way your goggles will get scratched is through use.
The lifespan of a pair of ski goggles depends on how often you use them. If you’re an occasional skier and only use your goggles once or twice per year, they may last for 10+ years.
On the other hand, if you’re a dedicated skier who uses their goggles several times per week throughout winter months (or all year round), then it’s likely that your goggles will need to be replaced more frequently.
If you’re thinking about buying a pair of goggles with only one lens, realize that most models will cost around $60-$80 (or more) at retail stores like REI or Cabela’s. The cheapest ones range from $10-$15; however, these don’t offer any UV protection and may not be the best choice.
A good fit isn’t too tight or too loose. You should be able to adjust the goggles by either the strap or nosepiece and they shouldn’t leave marks on your face after use. If they’re too tight, you risk hurting or damaging your skin; if they’re too loose, you won’t get enough protection from wind and snow.
If you’re noticing marks on your face after skiing, it’s possible that the ski goggles are too tight. Over time and repeated use, the material can stretch or break down in such a way that it no longer fits as snugly against your face. If this happens to be the case for you, we recommend replacing them with a new pair of goggles.
Conclusion
If you take good care of your ski goggles, they can last three years or more. Lower-quality options won’t last as long, therefore it’s worth investing in a pair that you can count on.
While no ski item is completely indestructible, if you take care of your goggles and use them correctly, they should last at least 2-3 years.