WHAT ARE BLIZZARD LENSES?

In the interchangeable lenses article we were explaining when to use each type of lens, but we left a lot behind along the way. For this reason, in this post we come to tell you about them all. We talk about the VLT (Visible Light Transmission) and its classification using the terminology CAT 0, CAT 1, CAT 2, CAT 3 and CAT 4 (this range varies depending on the light, from worse visibility due to darkness or cloudiness, to more days sunny and clear).

And is this why some lenses are more translucent than others? Indeed, you are correct, and this is called the "VLT category". The VLT rating specifically refers to the amount of light a lens will allow to pass through it: the higher the rating of the lens, the less light will pass through. That is, CAT 3 or 4 for sunny days and CAT 0 or 1 for when there are clouds or blizzards. In the case of mirror lenses, their function is to reflect the rays of color, thus preventing them from blinding us by dazzling us.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BLIZZARD GLASSES

On these occasions it is especially important to wear a good mask. This will insulate us from the cold and the wind and will prevent, now more than ever, foreign bodies from entering our eyes. And it is that blizzards are very strong winds that reach speeds of more than 100 km / hour in general and are very feared in the mountains, since they cause many accidents due to the very bad visibility in which skiers are involved. At the same time, we don't need gale force winds to blow up the snow and spoil our vision, as a gust of wind will already be enough to orchestrate a dance of flying snowflakes at our eye level.In the middle of a snowdrift? With our interchangeable masks in a matter of seconds you will have this problem more than solved to continue enjoying your boards.

What we will have to take into account to ensure that our vision will be of quality when a little breeze (or gust) rises that shakes the snow is to be using a translucent lens, of CAT 0 or 1, with which we can see from outside the eyes of the other person. It will be this and that they have UV protection, and not so much the color (yellow, gray, pink, etc.), that is important.

WHICH MASK SHAPE IS BEST FOR ME?

Since we know that you are very observant, we imagine that you have noticed that, in addition to different colors and transparencies, there are also different lens shapes, the most common being spherical and cylindrical.

On the one hand, the spherical lenses follow the shape of your retina, which will give you panoramic visibility, without depriving you of part of the field of vision that you would have without wearing glasses. These curve both horizontally and vertically, resembling your actual vision. The goggles with spherical lenses are the ideal for freeride, reducing possible distortions. Although, of course, due to its greater complexity in manufacturing, its cost will be higher.

On the other side we find the cylindrical, which curve only horizontally, which gives the appearance of a straight and more square crystal. These are much more affordable, but the field of vision is fragmented on the sides. This doesn't mean you won't see other skiers coming! Rather, it is less faithful to your actual field of vision, so you will have to be aware and turn your head a little more to look to the sides. The advantage is that these are somewhat more flexible, which is why many professionals continue to opt for them. Likewise, aesthetically placed they like this type of mask more.

Having said everything about the lenses, we have to remind you of the importance of their good maintenance so that they last several seasons. This is why at Uller we always include a cover (in addition to, of course, its rigid case) where to store them to protect them from any type of perforation when they are out of their case. We also include an anti-fog cloth to clean them at any time. It should be said that you should never clean or defog the lenses with the gloves, since the material of these will scratch them. Finally, it is vital to avoid placing them on surfaces that could damage them or leave them exposed to the sun for many hours. These tips may seem small, but they will help maintain your glasses well and help them last longer without fogging up.

Moving on to the next feature of a quality mask (yes, there are more to come), weight. Don't worry, this part is simple: we just have to make sure that they are as light as possible so that they are more comfortable for us. After all, there are many hours with them on.

Speaking of comfort, we already talked in the other article about the importance of a good support strap and ventilation to avoid fogging as much as possible, on the latter we can add the importance of Dual Layer technology (double layer of lens) and the Antifog (anti-fog) treatment, both present in all Uller goggles. The double layer of lenses works as a barrier or filter, separating the external cold from the heat of your skin and, by leaving an air gap between the two lenses, prevents condensation. Yes, these premium glasses are pure chemistry!

Well, this comfort can be perfected with a comfortable inner frame. Imagine the pain of wearing a rigid item for hours on your face, and that's not to mention the possibility of a fall or impact. What would it be like if it wasn't properly padded? That was going to really hurt. Normal frames usually have only one padding, however, at Uller all our goggles have not two, but three. It is important that the material of this is of quality so that it does not irritate your face or make it uncomfortable while you are wearing them.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

• WHAT IS A BLIZZARD LENS?

Blizzard goggles are category 0 or 1 goggles. They are translucent, letting in a lot of light and are usually pink or gray.

• WHY DO SKI Goggles HAVE DIFFERENT COLORS?

This is not aesthetic, but each color works for a different weather condition. Those that are clearer will be for days with low visibility and the most opaque ones for sunny days.

• HOW DO I MAKE MY MASK LAST LONGER?

Proper maintenance is important: keep them in their case when we don't use them and in their rigid case whenever we can; do not clean them with gloves, if necessary use the chamois included in the cover; Do not expose them to high temperatures or leave them under direct sunlight.

• IS A DUAL LAYER OR DOUBLE LAYER REALLY IMPORTANT?

The double lens works for ventilation and prevents fogging of the lenses.