Are Motocross goggles and Snow goggles for Skiing or Snowboarding more or less the same? To the untrained eye they might look pretty similar.
No, they are not the same. In fact there are several differences between them, but also some similarities.
Let’s dig in…
The main difference between MX and Snow/Ski goggles
One of the main differences between them is that snow goggles have dual lenses, while dirt bike goggles tend to have a single lens.
The reason for the double lens system is to stop the lens from fogging in cold snowy climates.
You have one cold area, the lens facing outside, and one warmer area, the one closest to your face. To prevent these two to meet the second lens creates a thermal barrier between them. This is filled with air that stops the inner layer from getting cold and condensate (fogging).
Note: Some MX Goggles offer double lens as an option. Especially for Off road and Enduro riding a vented dual pane lens that prevent fogging is very helpful.
Other significant differences
The double lens is just one of many features that sets them a part.
UV Protection
All Snow goggles of quality come with UVA and UVB protection.
These are harmful rays from the sun that are bouncing off the snow and being blasted back into your eyes and face. When skiing you’re also up in the mountains and thus closer to the sun. This is also an issue for UV radiation.
Some MX goggles and lenses have UV protection but not all of them.
Ventilation
Both types of goggles of course have ventilation. But ski goggles have more robust ventilation that are designed specifically to deal with the cold wind and the heat from your face.
Motocross goggles need ventilation, but it must be finer to block dust and sand from entering inside the goggle. The key is also to transfer sweat and heat from your face away from the lens.
Peripheral Vision
Snow goggles will provide you a very wide vision that will allow you to see all the areas surrounding your peripheral vision.
Skiers and snowboarders zigzag down the mountain and need a full view of all the different obstacles around them.
Motocross goggles previously only provided you more of a straight vision. Going at high speed you need to watch where you are going, no distractions.
This is changing though. All high-end mx googles are equipped with wide peripheral view lenses.
Lenses and Clarity
Snow goggles usually come with tinted lenses and most moto goggles come with a single clear lens.
The snow lenses have been optimized specifically for the pure white glare of snow and ice. The perfect lens tinting should block out all glare and provide perfect clarity and depth perception.
Motocross goggle lenses are optimized for dirt bike terrain. Here you want contrast–enhancing vision, so you miss nothing in your way.
Outriggers and strap attachment
New mx goggles are designed to fit better with a helmet. This is done by using outriggers.
The strap attach to these outriggers and creates an angle of attachment. They come off the goggle wider and creates a better overall fit.
Snow google straps come out the back of the frame farther to fit on a bare head or on slim fitting snow helmets.
Silicone Strap
Mx goggles have thin silicone beads or ribs on the strap. These helps make the strap and goggle stay in place.
Some snow goggles have these as well but most are intended to be used under the helmet, not over.
Tabs for Tear Offs
Mx goggles have tabs for tear offs.
Tear offs are thin laminated pieces of plastic that go on the outside of the lens. Once it’s dirty you pull that one off and again have clear vision.
And of course the possibility to swap the lens and use Roll Offs.
Protection
Ski goggles are designed to keep wind and airborne snow out of your eyes.
Motocross goggles on the other hand need to protect your eyes from sand, rocks, sticks, and other debris that might end up hitting you. Plus the wind.
You need shatterproof and impact resistant goggles and lenses.
But both types have been designed to the same high standards in impact resistance and to meet global standards for impact resistant plastics.
FAQ
Well, you can but it is not recommended. They are different goggles with different purposes for a reason.
You can, but using you Dirt bike goggles in snow and cold conditions will result in massive fog issues. On sunny days you’ll also struggle with your vision if you’re not using a tinted lens.
Snowmobile goggles tend to be more like motocross goggles but with a double lens. You use more or less the same helmets, so the goggles are designed to fit these types of helmets.
Conclusion
There are several differences between mx and ski/snow goggles.
Some being:
- The lens
- UVA & UVB protection
- Ventilation
- Peripheral Vision
- Lenses & clarity
- Outriggers and strap placement
A simple way of thinking about this:
Ski goggles are meant to keep the wind/cold/snow out of your eyes. MX goggles are made of beefier material to protect your eyes from dust, roost, rocks, etc that might hit you.
Makes sense? Do you have any experience using either of the two pair of goggles? Let us know.
