Goggles for low light conditions ...

[Volkl carve]

I intend purchasing another pair of goggles this year to complement my Carrera Kimeriks - Polar C Rose lens. A fantastic goggle in general conditions.

However in real low light conditions, honestly I could hardly see at times :eek: Admittedly this wasn't too far from a whiteout, however other people had more clarity. In general though in low light, I find they don't provide the definition you need.

Any comparisons with the Carrera Kimerik Yellow lens in low light conditions or any can anyone recommend a low light lens goggle ?

[ 11.05.2008, 03:29 PM: Message edited by: Volkl carve ]

[kort]

+1 and I both bought the Oakley A Frame with high intensity yellow lens whilst overseas and they worked incredibly well in flat light/low light conditions.....Prior to this I had a pair of Arnette goggles with yellow lens and I can safely say the Oakley Lenses kicked a$$ over the Arnette ones

[SA]

I've used both the rose and yellow for Kimeriks.

Yellow is a bit better in really flat light, but the rose really isn't far behind. I wouldn't bother carrying both around.

[Volkl carve]

I've been checking forum sites and two goggle lenses predominantly mentioned are the Oakley High Intensity lens and the Smith sensor mirror lens ! The HI Yellow are mainly only for low light conditions, whilst the sensor mirrors are more versatile.

As weather conditions are quite variable in the mountains, I would prefer another pair of goggles unless they were designed to change lenses quickly. Besides I don't think the Kimerik polarised lens which reduces glare - in Yellow would make that much difference - thanks SA. Given at the moment I only ski a few weeks a year, if you have low visibility days, that can significantly reduce how much skiing you do !

I have at least two to contemplate now, any other low light lens recommendations appreciated.

Cheers

[skichic]

I use a polarised lens...dunno what colour or brand or nuffin off hand. But the polarisation helps with definition in low light. Can't see the camera screen though!

[John Deere]

I have a yellow lens in my old Smith Triads (5 years old and still going strong....Smiths rock!)

Works as well as any lens in low light!

[kort]

Originally posted by Volkl carve:

As weather conditions are quite variable in the mountains, I would prefer another pair of goggles unless they were designed to change lenses quickly. Personally I wouldn't bother having just one frame and different lenses - when you are on the mountain could you seriously be bothered trying to change lenses? They are so dam fiddly and you end up with finger prints all over the lens (As well as getting cold hands). I carry 2 sets of goggles - much easier to swap!

[SA]

^Tell me one of them isn't arcteryx tongue.gif

[Paul Oberin]

I have one set of goggles, it has the best bad light lens for use in whiteout conditions, I have also used the same set of goggles in bright sunlight using the same lens.
In my work I get to test almost all goggles with all lens combinations, and have been able to test most of them in horrific weather, some of them were very poor even though more expensive.
New product comes out all the time, but right now what I have is the best I have found to date.

[Volkl carve]

Yeah agreed the lens swapping is not really a viable alternative when your skiing ! Really convenient to be able to swap when you want too and be able to ski in virtually all conditions.

Thanks for the advice, some good suggestions.

[kort]

Originally posted by SA:
^Tell me one of them isn't arcteryx tongue.gif hehhe Arc'teryx don't make goggles, however if they did...... :)

[Gummy Knee]

The Best low light Goggles I have used are the Alpina with the QUATTROFLEX lenses.


Dead set awesome.

On a lift at Buller(BB2) with the 'normal' low light conditions the plus one had Kimeriks and couldnt see the ground. I could see the ground and some detail. She didnt believe me so tried them.. she no longer doubts them

[ 17.05.2008, 10:26 PM: Message edited by: Gummy Knee ]

[Paul Oberin]

I do think The Quattroflex lens is better than the Kimerik lens, but Alpina refuse to allow their ski goggles to be sold anywhere but at selected Optometrists now, and the Optometrists in Australia don't want to sell them, so they are very hard to find, I have about 4 or 5 left and can't get any more even though I contacted Alpina about becoming the importer myself.

[Paul Oberin]

It is amazing how many people are prepared to buy two sets of goggles, one for each light conditions, when you only need the one, if it is the right one.

Thanks to the strength of the Ausssie dollar the good goggles will be way cheaper this season, you can buy adult goggles with the same lens as the Kimerik for Rec retail of $80.

[booter]

i bought SMITH PHENOMs last year cause the fit was perfect. they came with a "sensor mirror" tinted lens and i should have done some research, cause they looked mirrored so i assumed they would be good for sun but after about 10 minutes i was back to the car to get rid of them, my eyes were burning. i later tried them in low light and couldnt really see anything at all, went back and got the old full mirrored lensed goggle and could see better with that. i have a slight colour deficiencey in my eyes so maybe they really dont suit me. anyhows gotta get a new lens now cause the frame was great!!!

[Gummy Knee]

WOW! Bad distribution decision from Alpina.

Mine are 3 years old now and going strong. I better get up to see you Paul and have a look for a reserve pair.

The little one still has a pair of Alpina but has the POC Iris Julia comp now... to go with her helmet smile.gif 3 lenses to change... Pain in the butt but the blue lens is pretty versatile



Originally posted by Paul Oberin:
I do think The Quattroflex lens is better than the Kimerik lens, but Alpina refuse to allow their ski goggles to be sold anywhere but at selected Optometrists now, and the Optometrists in Australia don't want to sell them, so they are very hard to find, I have about 4 or 5 left and can't get any more even though I contacted Alpina about becoming the importer myself.

[ 18.05.2008, 12:10 PM: Message edited by: Gummy Knee ]

[Silence]

POC make awesome gear. expensive, but worth it.

[kort]

Originally posted by Paul Oberin:
It is amazing how many people are prepared to buy two sets of goggles, one for each light conditions, when you only need the one, if it is the right one. I actually like to have 2 pairs of goggles with me - one to wear and a spare pair in the backpack just in case :) they weight next to nothing after all.

[Paul Oberin]

One of my biggest disappointments was from Oakley, I had a set of Hi Intensity lens Oakleys, when the sun was out I had to squint all the time and the reflection of the snow was unbearable, and a few days later when the conditions turned to a whiteout I couldn't differentiate the undulations in the terrain due to the flat light.
I haven't worn them since and considering they were a $250 goggle from what is normally a good optical company i was astounded that they could get it so wrong.
Carerra and Alpina at the same time had goggles with far superior lenses at $219 and $179, that are good in full sunlight and white out conditions.

[kort]

Originally posted by Paul Oberin:
One of my biggest disappointments was from Oakley, I had a set of Hi Intensity lens Oakleys, when the sun was out I had to squint all the time and the reflection of the snow was unbearable, and a few days later when the conditions turned to a whiteout I couldn't differentiate the undulations in the terrain due to the flat light.
I actually found the High Intensity Lenses from Oakley to be particularly good in flat light/low light conditions. I was able to distinguish the gradients/bumps of the hill well enough for me not to feel "blind".

I certainly wouldn't wear them on a bluebird day though.....would prolly blind me. I'll wear the fire iridium lenses for those days.

I dont' mind having multiple goggles - very easy to swap around.

[John Deere]

Two sets of goggles is a great idea when going BC. After a huge hike and a fall or two, any goggle will fog, a fresh set is invaluable!

[Volkl carve]

Whilst it's preferable to find a goggle with a lens suitable for as many different possible light conditions as possible, from my experience with the Kimerik Rose Polar C that wasn't the case. I realise individual perception and light sensitivity varies significantly and what works for some does not apply to others.

As mentioned there was no way I could ski safely in really low light conditions and didnt feel that comfortable with it in compromised light either. I did try the Yellow lens though apart from the tint wasnt really much difference. Great clarity on sunny days with the Rose lens though.

Anyway I researched info on the net including forums and reviews and called into quite a few ski shops too, good time to take advantage of sales ! A lot of different opinions concerning the goggles ... lol, including devotees to a certain brand or lens. Some valid some not.

On the basis of that and individual impressions ended up purchasing the new Smith IO Goggle, there is info on the equipment section in this forum, though mine are white. There rimless with a great field of vision and have quick interchangeable lenses. They also come with the Ignitor mirror lens installed and the Sensor mirror lens.

Should be interesting to compare the Ignitor to the Kimeriks on sunny days. Gives me a few options in different conditions now !

Paul, I noticed when I was checking my Kimeriks today that foam on the left and right hand sides of the goggle has lifted about 4 cm and needs to glued down again ... :confused: Their only one year old, I'm not sure how this happened, only thing I can think of is when they got stretched over my helmet sometimes. Not sure what the warranty is or if I can even find that or the purchase docket now ... lol

I'm quite happy to glue them, can you recommend something appropriate ?.

Thanks

[ 19.05.2008, 12:54 PM: Message edited by: Volkl carve ]

[Paul Oberin]

I will ask Carerra about that problem as I know of one other person with the same problem, I know it is easy to fix with some contact adhesive, but maybe Carerra have a better idea.

[Sailor]

Hey Paul,
What Alpinas are they and how much are they?

[Paul Oberin]

Alpina "Fight" is the model if you can find them, I have one set left, but as I can't get spare lenses I may just give it too my kids to use, as I don't think it would be right to sell a goggle that I can't offer replacement lenses for.

[Sailor]

OK, sounds like the right way to go.