There are several factors to consider when shopping for new ski goggles. You want breathability, durable materials, and a sleek design.
Visible light transmission, on the other hand, may be the most essential feature of all. Nonetheless, very few individuals are familiar with or comprehend what VLT means.
In this article, we’ll go over VLT to see what it is and how it works, as well as its significance. Getting the wrong light transmission may not appear to be a big deal, especially if you’re unaware of it, but in certain circumstances it can produce significant issues.
The Fundamentals of Visual Light Transmission
A scale ranging from zero to one hundred is used by the VLT. The higher end of the scale allows for greater light penetration, whereas goggles or lenses on the lower end obstruct it.
Understanding the differences between the two is crucial.
However, while the system is intended to be used as broad instructions, it isn’t as concrete as you may believe. VLT varies significantly.
The tolerance range for most goggles is relatively small, usually four to five percent, such as 9 to 13 or 90 to 95. Other versions, on the other hand, can have a 10+-degree range from 50 to 75 or 60 to 75.
The VLT you choose will be determined by your preferences, the location where you ski, and the time of day you’re there.
Some people may require a wider selection to manage various sorts of light, while others may prefer a much more focused pair of goggles.
Why Is Rating Important?
When purchasing a VLT rating, it’s vital to understand what each one does. On sunny or extremely bright days, lower numbers that block out light are preferable.
By creating a cleaner view through the windshield, they not only eliminate unwanted glare, but they also ensure that you can see through a lot of sunshine or blinding snow.
Higher VLT goggles, on the other hand, are best suited for skiers who ski in low-light or dark conditions since they allow in as much light as possible.
Night skiing requires goggles with a VLT of 90 to 100, which allows them to see as much as possible under the light of the moon. Those who ski at sunrise or sunset will benefit from higher numbers.
If you ski on neutral or milder days, a mid-range VLT is ideal. Such goggles are excellent for moderate light conditions that aren’t too bright or too dark.
A Different Color of Goggle?
VLT goggles also have a link to color. Goggles come in a variety of lenses, and they allow you to see through various types of light.
Tints on the other hand are made to let in more light, resulting in a higher VLT value.
If you ski in low light or dark, search for goggles with yellow, green, amber, blue-green, red-orange, or rose-colored lenses.
In comparison, lighter tints are typically associated with low VLT. Copper, brown, silver, dark grey, red, and grey versions are examples of such tints. That’s generally the case if you like to ski in the bright sunshine or during the summer months.
If you wish to night ski, you can choose from completely transparent lenses. These alternatives are not appropriate for any other sort of skiing, but they’re quite advantageous when the lights go out.
While the absolute VLT of a lens is not always directly related to the hue, there is enough of a link that you should be aware of the tint when purchasing glasses.
However, don’t assume that because a pair of goggles is green, they are also VLT50. Always conduct your own study.
The Power to Change
When purchasing goggles, you have a clear alternative in both lens tint and VLT rating. However, what happens if the weather changes?
If you want to be able to change the lens of your diving equipment while underwater, a pair of goggles with photochromic lenses is the way to go.
The most convenient approach to manage a variety of weather conditions is to have many pairs of goggles and swap them out on different days.
However, while it is effective (especially with a good backpack to keep other things), it can be time-consuming.
If you don’t want to swap out your eyewear on a regular basis, photochromic goggles are a good option. Such models feature a large VLT range that allows you to see in both low and bright light situations.
They’re more expensive than ordinary lenses, but they may be worth it if you find yourself purchasing new glasses frequently on the mountain.
Goggle Lenses
How do you choose the best ski goggle lens for the conditions? It all comes down to VLT – Visible Light Transmission. The amount of light that is allowed to pass through the lens and reach your eye is measured on a scale from 0 to 100. The lower the number, the less light that is transmitted; while a higher number indicates more light is allowed to pass through.
Interchangeable Lenses
If you don’t want the hassle of carrying multiple pairs of ski goggles for different conditions, then you might want to consider a pair with interchangeable lenses. These allow you to quickly and easily switch out the lens depending on the current light conditions. Many models come with two or even three different lenses, so you’ll be prepared for anything the mountain throws your way.
Amount of Light
The amount of light that is allowed to pass through the lens is measured on a scale from 0 to 100. The lower the number, the less light that is transmitted; while a higher number indicates more light is allowed to pass through.
Bright Conditions
For bright sunny days, you’ll want a pair of ski goggles with a low VLT – in the 10-20% range. These will protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays and help reduce glare.
Overcast Days
For overcast or flat light days, you’ll want a pair of ski goggles with a medium VLT – in the 30-50% range. These will help increase contrast and make it easier to see moguls and other obstacles on the slopes.
Spherical Lenses
Most ski goggles these days come with spherical lenses. These are curved lenses that provide a wide field of view and minimize distortion.
Different Conditions
Different conditions call for different VLTs. For example, if you’re skiing in the bright sun, you’ll want a lower VLT to reduce glare and protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. If you’re skiing on an overcast day, you’ll want a higher VLT to help increase contrast and make it easier to see moguls and other obstacles.
Lens Shape
The shape of the lens is also important to consider. Most ski goggles these days come with spherical lenses. These are curved lenses that provide a wide field of view and minimize distortion. If you wear glasses, you might want to look for a pair of ski goggles with an oval or teardrop-shaped lens. These will help reduce fogging and provide a better seal with your glasses.
High Altitudes
If you’re skiing or snowboarding in high altitudes, you might want to consider a pair of ski goggles with a mirror finish. These help reduce glare and protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays.
Low Light Conditions
For low light conditions, you’ll want a pair of ski goggles with a high VLT – in the 60-80% range. These will help increase contrast and make it easier to see moguls and other obstacles on the slopes.
UV Protection
All ski goggles these days come with some level of UV protection. This is important to consider because the sun’s rays are more harmful at high altitudes.
Peripheral Vision
Peripheral vision is important when you’re skiing or snowboarding. You want to be able to see as much of the slopes as possible so you can avoid obstacles and other skiers.
Goggle Manufacturers
There are a few different manufacturers that make ski goggles. Some of the more popular brands include Smith, Oakley, and Dragon.
Bright Sunny Days
For bright sunny days, you’ll want a pair of ski goggles with a low VLT. These will protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays and help reduce glare.
Snow Goggles
Snow goggles are a type of protective eyewear that is worn by skiers and snowboarders. They help to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, wind, and debris.
Less Light
For less light, you want a pair of ski goggles with a high VLT. These will help increase contrast and make it easier to see moguls and other obstacles on the slopes.
Cylindrical Lenses
Cylindrical lenses are less curved than spherical lenses. They provide a wide field of view but can cause some distortion at the edges.
Bright Sunlight
For bright sunlight, you’ll want a pair of ski goggles with a low VLT. These will protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays and help reduce glare.
Clear Lenses
Clear lenses are good for low-light conditions and help to increase contrast.
Goggle Lens Colors
There are a few different lens colors to choose from. Each color has its own benefits and drawbacks.
-Black: Black lenses are good for bright sunny days. They help to reduce glare and protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
-Grey: Grey lenses are good for all-purpose use. They provide good contrast and reduce glare.
-Yellow: Yellow lenses are good for low-light conditions. They help to increase contrast and make it easier to see moguls and other obstacles on the slopes.
-Mirrored: Mirrored lenses are good for high altitudes. They help to reduce glare and protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Ski Helmet
A ski helmet is a type of protective headgear that is worn by skiers and snowboarders. Helmets help to protect your head from impact in the event of a fall.
Goggle Frames
There are a few different types of frames to choose from. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks.
-Plastic: Plastic frames are the most common type of ski goggle frame. They are lightweight and durable.
-Metal: Metal frames are less common but provide better protection in the event of a fall. They are also more adjustable than plastic frames.
-Hybrid: Hybrid frames are a combination of metal and plastic. They offer the benefits of both metal and plastic frames.
Cloudy Conditions
For cloudy conditions, you’ll want a pair of ski goggles with a high VLT. These will help increase contrast and make it easier to see moguls and other obstacles on the slopes.
Bluebird Days
For bluebird days, you’ll want a pair of ski goggles with a low VLT. These will protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays and help reduce glare.
Important Consideration
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a pair of ski goggles is the VLT. VLT stands for “visible light transmission” and it refers to the amount of light that is able to pass through the lens.
-High VLT: For less light, you want a pair of ski goggles with a high VLT. These will help increase contrast and make it easier to see moguls and other obstacles on the slopes.
-Low VLT: For bright sunny days, you’ll want a pair of ski goggles with a low VLT. These will protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays and help reduce glare.
High Contrast
For high contrast, you’ll want a pair of ski goggles with a low VLT. These will protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays and help reduce glare.
Conclusion
A good pair of ski goggles is a must-have for a pleasant skiing experience. They not only protect your eyes, but they also give you a clear view of everything that may arise in the course of your adventure. Of course, that’s only if you have enough vision.
Of course, your prescription plays a role in the selection of ski goggles; it is something you should keep in mind at all times when shopping for snow glasses.
If you’re unsure about your range, it might be tough to see. This is always a bad situation at any time of day on the slopes.
Investigate what time of day you ski, what the weather is most often like, and get goggles that match those conditions.
