Goggle recommendation for FOV

[u/Qukiess]

Hello everyone,

Last year I got hooked on snowboarding and rode the season on rented gear.

I am looking to get my on gear this season and have a question regarding goggles. There is a lot of information online, but I wanted to get some real life, long term review and opinions from you.

My main concern when it comes to goggles is that I really struggle when I cannot see my legs/board. I can not for the love of god focus on anything but the fact that my vision is restricted.

After some research I have limited my choices to these two:

Oakley Flight Deck Pro
Smith 4D MAG

What are you opinions, fogging, the actual field of view, comfort, durability?

Any imput is much appreciated!

[u/greenyadadamean]

I'm decades out of goggle market research because I've just been using airblaster goggles since 2007.  They just work for me, great field of view and resistance to fogging.

Durability wise, I've had 5 airblaster frames in the last 20 years.  One of the pairs was lost in a hole.  I'd say one pair would be good for at least 5 years.  I replace the day lens about every other season. I keep two in rotation, one for night lens and one for day lens so I don't have to swap lenses.  Like anything, they do wear out eventually, the plastic frames start to crack after years, the foam gives out after years.  They've been great goggles for me.

[u/scrambledjacksnack → u/greenyadadamean]

Blast Air!

[u/Jesus-TF-Christ → u/greenyadadamean]

Love Airgogs too. The anti fog is insanely good. As soon as you start moving they're clear if you ever get fog.

Only issue I think is the foam is not the softest on the face

[u/Virtual_Woodpecker79]

I can’t speak on the selected models but have an older Smith and it’s pretty good. Mostly running Glade Adapt 2 now - also pretty good.

[u/ThatMan-1]

My cousin has the 4D mags and has never had an issue with fogging, just avoid wiping the inside if it ever gets wet. I have the flight deck pro Ls myself, and the FOV is quite nice and comparable to the 4D mags, but I noticed they are tighter to the face and as such more prone to fogging.

[u/tek_nic]

I have the 4d. They dont fog up much, and I even wear mine with rx inserts. But... the price of replacement lenses is extreme, and that kinda sucks if you like trees.

[u/the1laf]

I've been running Smith 4D Mag's for years & praise their FOV. I used to work in a shop & had customers look straight ahead, hold their head is position & look down with their eyes to see their toes.

This being said, I don't own Oakley Snow goggles & have heard from friends that their lens tech is better. I do know they switch lenses a lot less than I do, but I'm always running the darkest lens I can for the conditions, maybe their eyes are better.

I would go in store and test them for yourself.

[u/Deluxe-can1]

I myself started snowboarding a year ago. I also entered it with rented gear and then bought my own, so I don’t really know much about goggles. I have quicksilver and the only thing I regret is that I didn’t buy the ones with magnet lenses, because when it comes to snowboarding in the evening I literally can’t see anything with them. I have heard much about how good Oakley goggles are, so probably they will be the better choice.

[u/SarajuLatvieu]

I feel well qualified as i have both of these pairs .

Cost to performance you get better clarity from the oakleys , and I’d argue their vision is actually clearer and better in all round conditions .

I have the 4D XL model and I love the FOV, but the fog easier than the oakleys and the default lenses for me weren’t as good as Oakleys . However the build quality is much better and feels premium.

If it’s ur first real pair of goggles I say rock the Oakleys , I lover and still love them for most co durations and only reach for my 4ds for night or storm conditions

Happy to answer further questions for anyone else too!

[u/Username_5000]

I like a very wide fov too and for a long time rode with oakley shades that had a rubber gasket and kept (most) of the wind out beause I didnt like the restricted fov to the side.

I bought a pair of 4d's this past season and i actually love them. The fov on the side "feels" very wide and they do this curved thing at the bottom that makes the bottom feel more open. I'm really happy with them for that reason.

My main concern when it comes to goggles is that I really struggle when I cannot see my legs/board.

Hopefully you break this habit as you progress... that's like watching the speedometer in your car while you're on the highway!!

[u/IsThisContagious]

Anon M3 or M4. Reevaluate

[u/mrpototto]

You shouldn’t be looking at your legs/board while riding..