Mirrored vs Non-Mirrored Ski Goggles

We use affiliate links in this article. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support.

Want to buy ski goggles but don’t know if you should buy a mirrored or a non-mirrored one? Understandable, everyone goes through this phase. 

But not anymore! After reading this article, you’re going to have a clear idea of what are mirrored and what are non-mirrored goggles. So read this till the end before you proceed to buy any of them. 

Let’s get started! 

Mirrored Ski Goggles

These stylish goggles feature a reflective coating on the outer lens, reducing glare from the snow and sun. Mirrored ski goggles feature a specialized reflective coating on the outer surface of the lens, giving them a sleek, metallic appearance. 

Firstly, the reflective coating works on reducing glare from the sun and snow, offering superior quality vision which is, as you might know, important for skiing and snowboarding. Secondly, the mirrored coating enhances the goggles’ UV protection, effectively blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

The coolest feature of the mirrored lenses is the mirrored effect that provides a layer of privacy, as others see their reflection rather than the wearer’s eyes. Mirrored ski goggles should be everyone’s go-to choice for hitting the slopes! 

Non-Mirrored Ski Goggles

Non-mirrored ski goggles are a reliable choice for winter sports enthusiasts like me. Unlike mirrored goggles, they lack the reflective coating on the outer lens. While they might not provide the same glare reduction, they still offer essential eye protection from UV rays, ensuring safety on the slopes. 

Since they do not have the mirror effect, non-mirrored goggles come in various lens colors to adapt to different light conditions and enhance visibility and clarity. Yes, they don’t provide the same level of privacy as mirrored ones, but they still have a highly efficient and extremely functional design along with a comfortable fit that makes them a practical and cost-effective option for skiing and snowboarding adventures.

What Is The Difference Between Mirrored And Non-Mirrored Ski Goggle?

difference between mirrored and non mirrored ski goggles

Well, what do you understand from their names? That one is mirrored and the other one is not? Yeah, correct. But, what else? Well, here’s a clear differentiation between mirrored and non-mirrored ski goggle lenses:

Coating

Mirrored lenses have a shiny and metallic reflective coating on the outer side of the lens. This coating is visible to other people. Non-mirrored lenses lack the reflective coating found on mirrored lenses, giving them a regular appearance.

Glare Reduction

Mirrored lenses provide excellent glare reduction by reflecting a significant portion of the incoming light, making them highly effective in bright and sunny conditions. Non-mirrored lenses provide a little amount of glare reduction, but they generally are not as effective in minimizing glare from bright conditions as the mirrored ones.

UV Protection

You should know that good sunglasses and goggles should always have a good UV ray filter. In ski goggles, both mirrored and non-mirrored lenses offer effective UV protection.

Visibility

Mirrored lenses excel in bright and sunny conditions by reducing intense glare, and providing clearer vision on the slopes. On the other hand, non-mirrored lenses perform better in flat light conditions where excessive reflection from mirrored lenses could be distracting.

Privacy

Can people see your eyes when you have a reflective coating on your lenses? No! You see the specialty? This feature is there in the mirrored lenses. Non-mirrored lenses lack reflective coating and thus, all in all, lack the privacy aspect.

Versatility

Non-mirrored goggles are more versatile and suitable for a variety of light conditions, including bright and low-light situations while mirrored goggles are only suitable in bright conditions and may not give the same level of performance in any other setting. 

Budget-Friendly

The non-mirrored goggles are cheaper compared to mirrored goggles, making them a cost-effective option for skiers on a budget.

Should You Buy Mirrored Ski Goggles, Or A Non-Mirrored One?

Should You Buy Mirrored Ski Goggles, Or A Non-Mirrored One?

Skiers or snowboarders who frequently hit the slopes in bright and sunny conditions should consider buying mirrored goggles. The reflective coating reduces intense glare, providing superior visibility on sunny days. If you value privacy then mirrored goggles will offer an advantage by hiding your eyes from the fellow trekkers present there. 

If you’re keen on trying skiing and snowmobiling in a variety of conditions, purchase the non-mirrored goggles.  These lenses offer good glare reduction while providing more adaptability in different weather conditions. Budget-conscious individuals or beginners may find non-mirrored goggles to be a cost-effective option, as they typically come at a more affordable price point. 

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between mirrored and non-mirrored ski goggles depends on your specific preferences and intended use. If you seek enhanced glare reduction and a stylish appearance for sunny and bright conditions, mirrored goggles are the ones you’ve been looking for! 

However, if you want a versatile and budget-friendly goggle that performs well in various weather conditions, non-mirrored goggles it is. 

Whatever your decision, selecting the right goggles comes down to understanding the features you prioritize most for an enjoyable and comfortable skiing experience. The choice is pretty easy!

Photo of author

Author

Tessa Reynolds
Meet Tessa Reynolds, who lives in Denver, Colorado. She likes to write about sunglasses, and eye makeup so that she can share her knowledge, and help all the people who need something for their eyes. When she is not writing, you can find her skiing in the mountains of Colorado.