Byron:
I have the Smith Variant helmet and Smith OTG goggles and they fit together well. I've been using Turbo Fan goggles for several years now, and really like them. There are two models for different size/shape faces; and I use the larger sized models but if you have a narrower face then you should try them on. The corners of my frames hit the inside of the lens on the narrower models.
I have found that since I started riding bicycles in the summertime my goggles don't fog up as much in the wintertime, however.
I looked at and tried the OSBE helmets at Vail in December. I found a size that fit me pretty well, but they didn't fit Lynn's head as well -- so as with all helmets good to try before you buy. I think that there is an OSBE-like helmet in my near future, possibly before next year. My concerns are whether or not the lens quality for low light is as good as my current Smith sensor mirror (and similar from other manufacturers). Classic goggle manufacturers have been fighting for the best flat and low light capabilities in their goggles for a number of years.
From what the store (and Meput) described, swapping visors isn't an outdoor or in the lodge activity -- wish it were easier without small lose-able pieces. Also, a modification that Meput says they have made (and his goggle has) is a foam dam added to the bottom of the visor to better block air. That may explain the other review complaining of watering eyes from too much wind at speed.
I think the OSBE is a good enough new product that there may be significant introductions/reactions by the classic helmet manufacturers. Like system skis where they no longer had to compete for skis and bindings, this presents the opportunity for helmet manufacturers to sell a single item that is price comparable with what has normally been a two purchase transaction (goggle and helmet). I'm waiting to see what the classic manufacturers do to react to the OSBE helmet. (and I've heard that VIST has a similar helmet, I don't know anything about it).
Svend: I've considered corrective inserts in the goggles, but I'm so near sighted that I would be blind every time I removed the goggles, which I sometimes do on the lift and always do in the lodge. I decided it was too much of a headache to go hunting for real glasses as soon as I walked indoors. Obviously, people with lesser corrections wouldn't have this problem.
Also, once you reach the age of 55 plus your near vision starts changing pretty frequently and it would a pain to also have to get new prescription inserts every two years along with new glasses.
Of course, the biggest advantage of wearing glasses is that I never have trouble finding them when I need them because they are on my face.
PS. But MOST OF ALL, I'm glad you are going to wear a helmet no matter what the inducement.
Home
Login
Register