We are usually pretty good at sniffing out exceptional products: you might recall a little ski company named “Renoun.” Well, another company contacted us in a similar fashion, asking us to review its product and help create awareness. First of all, we’re getting these requests more and more, and quite frankly we have to be more selective. Second, the product needs to have some redeeming characteristics. Well, Sport Optics Labs goggles do: a full spherical goggle for the super-low price of $39.99. These are not just any inexpensive goggles; they are pretty damn good inexpensive goggles for, again, thirty-nine ninety-nine…. and in late-night informercial (or now Facebook ad) form, Wait, there's more! If you order now, you also get a microfibre cleaning rag, a nice hardshell case and free shipping!
Yes, it is easy to dismiss inexpensive goggles, something we in the industry usually do quickly because we are talking about not just an accessory, but a piece of gear that is designed to protect our eyes in inclement weather and from the sun. Most of the entry-level goggles in this price point have a flat, single, nonspherical, non-UV lens and don’t work well over glasses (OTG). Many cost $69 to $129 and at the lower range look like oversized kiddie goggles. Sport Optics Labs is offering a stylish alternative to such goggles with its X3, a goggle that not only looks sharp but performs very well -- and for half the price of many entry-level goggles.
Now, let me get the shortcomings out of the way: the band does not have a silicon bead, which would be nice, since many times goggles are put on the top of the helmet and can (and will) slide off. The strap could be a bit longer, it is snug on some helmets. Finally, the clips could be slightly better designed because most helmets have a clip dead center in the back of the helmet. With those minor negatives, I still remind myself that these goggles cost $39.99.
On the snow, I first let @Andy Mink put the X3 Black/Yellow Revo through its paces since he wears glasses and wanted to see how they worked as an OTG, a feature that is not mentioned anywhere on the site. Andy used them for a couple of days over his larger-than-average prescription glasses and felt that they were comfortable. I will have Andy add more of his experiences.
No, these are not $200+ goggles, and they don’t claim to be. No, Sport Optics Labs doesn’t play the game that they are selling $400 goggles at 90% off. No, the X3 doesn’t have replaceable or interchangeable lenses (heck, the whole pair with case costs less than most extra lenses). What they are, are inexpensive, well-built goggles that cost less than a nice lunch at most ski resorts and still leave you enough change to buy beer at après. People complain that skiing is an expensive sport and, sure, it can be, but here is a way to save (more than) a couple of bucks.
Now it was my turn. I took out the X3 on the day where visibility went from bright light to snow and fog so thick that would have given a full-pedigree Yeti vertigo -- and then back to bright sun again. This happened not as the day went on, but multiple times in the course of one run. The flat light was so bad it would have challenged even the the most expensive low-light lenses. The X3 performed admirably in this extreme range, especially considering that I usually gravitate to a lighter lens whenever possible. In the range of conditions, this goggle was fantastic and performed well above its uber-modest price point.
The VLT (visible light transmission) percentages are as follows:
- Smoke: 8%
- Red Revo: 10%
- Yellow Revo: 9%
- Umber: 48%
- Who are they for? The price conscious (these really are a fantastic value), or someone looking for an OTG goggle that fits well and does not look like a movie theater screen on their face.
- Who are they not for? Brand snobs. Don’t worry, many name brands out there will be happy to sell you goggles that cost many times more, even on sale, and do not perform as well.
- Insider tip: For this price, buy an extra pair or two just to have around.
https://www.sportopticslabs.com