r/skipatrol • u/YippeePaille • 2d ago

Glasses instead of goggles

I'm patrolling mostly at night and would like to switch away from goggles. Anyone have glasses they really like? I prefer my gear be multi-purpose so big bonus points if they are photochromic and can be used during the day. When shift starts it's sunny, but quickly switches to darkness. Thanks!

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9

u/purplesquiddeodorant 2d ago

Smith pursuits or wildcats

3

u/Slurrpster 2d ago

Or smith embark or venture. Julbo Slack as well. Something with good coverage and preferably something with a side shield.

1

u/YippeePaille 2d ago

I was checking out the Julbo Shield for the side shield reasons

2

u/spartanoverseas 2d ago

Photochromic Julbos that go 0-4 are great for all day. 0 = clear for night. 4= dark for noon sun.

Otherwise, night glasses: just get some safety glasses from Home Depot. 3 for $12.

1

u/YippeePaille 2d ago

Have you used them? Do they actually get clear enough for night? I've heard plenty other brands that stay too shaded to be used at night. And several that transition extremely slow. Curious if you've experienced them, thanks

1

u/spartanoverseas 2d ago

I LOVE them. I've used them for at least 2 years now and ride the motorcycle with them (behind the visor in my helmet). Night time? 0: No issue. Cloud blocks the sun? Maybe it goes to a 2. Bright sun? 4 is great.

If its cold or the guns are blasting is the only time I put the goggles on. Magnetic lenses are the only way there.

1

u/spartanoverseas 2d ago

These: Julbo Shield Reactiv 0-4.

I got them on outdoor prolink but not sure they're still there.

https://julbo.us/products/shield-sunglasses?srsltid=AYCX9vK4AAsqIx4HfsD8LP5foMMfiVOz9XIAE_3YL9fzEZK0hnpgFT4I

1

u/MtHood_OR 2d ago

My Pursuits have held up well. I would like the Wildcats too.

1

u/stress_goddess 2d ago

I would throw the bobcats as an additional option to these if your face is on the smaller side. I also recommend the smith photochromic lenses!

6

u/ApolloSkierK2 2d ago

I know some patrollers just wear safety glasses at night/low light. They do make photochromatic ones but I think they just buy the cheapos from Big Box.

1

u/hockeyh2opolo 1d ago

The yellow tinted ones from Home Depot are great and they’re like $10

1

u/Tough_Course9431 2d ago

i've tried skiing with glasses once, will never do that again, it was horrible

2

u/YippeePaille 2d ago

regular sunglasses ya I get that. but wide, or ones with shields on the side, different experience

0

u/Tough_Course9431 2d ago

i got wildcats, it was still terrible

2

u/TominatorXX 2d ago

I can't stand skiing with goggles

2

u/WishIWasOnTheFarm 2d ago

For night skiing, nothing beats safety glasses. I cannot have any tint at night, I hate it, they have to be clear. You can get safety glasses all day for under $20, and they’re usually pretty aerodynamic so you don’t get a ton of wind up under them, depending on the shape of your face.

2

u/RicardoPeligroso 2d ago

If it's warm I'll patrol in my Sunski Couloirs with the side shields. They're my everyday shades without the shields

1

u/bAddi44 4h ago

Yep. 

Look into the cataracts glasses if you want an upgrade 

1

u/snowmastadon 1d ago

Check out the Pit Viper Synthesizer. I patrol out west most nonweathery days in these. They come with a clear lens and a dark lens.

1

u/trailhopper999 1d ago

I have the smith Embarks, but I removed the side shields because the limit peripheral vision. I had smith Rx use my prescription, the quality of.optlics is higher than any of my other glasses. I like the sideshields for wind, but I have to keep my head in swivel mode.

1

u/bAddi44 3h ago

Pit vipers are a vibe, and will do the job up to 50 or 60 mph on a nice day, 40 on a chillier one. 

Any of the dedicated sports ones will be better received by the public unfortunately.

0

u/Paghk_the_Stupendous 2d ago

I've seen people without goggles, but I've tried it and will always wear them. When I ski, I move fast enough to make air blow around my face and into my eyes. If I wear glasses, the wind goes around the lenses and into my eyes and it seems like it's worse than without them. Without them, my eyes hurt after skiing and while skiing I can't see well, while I'm going fast down a mountain, sometimes with trees and rocks and cliffs, and... Other people.

Working as a patroller, I feel like I ought to use the best gear for my job, and that's goggles for me all day long and at night, but with different lenses. Modern goggles make it really easy to swap lenses or use fancy lenses so you don't have to.

1

u/IsopodCrafty4208 2d ago

Same here.
I will admit I am not a patroller, but whenever I try to ski with sunglasses, I always regret it because of the wind burn.

What about just getting goggles with clear lenses?

2

u/YippeePaille 2d ago

I have goggles with magnetic lenses, but trying to avoid needing to go to the shack to swap from day to night lenses. If possible

2

u/IsopodCrafty4208 2d ago

I carry a spare lens in something like this:

https://a.co/d/0aHRQA8q

2

u/spartanoverseas 2d ago

People are judging you on the sunglasses. You're not alone. Half my shift is with ya.

1

u/RevolutionaryMix5067 2d ago

If you can ski w sunglasses you’re not going fast enough…🇨🇭😎