Meet the reviewer
Goodr Snow G goggles: first impressions
It’s difficult not to have a smile on your face when you unpack Goodr Snow G goggles. The brand’s mascot is Karl the Flamingo, and he’s featured on the goggle bag, and in all the brand’s communications. When you get your goggles, whether in a store or on the internet, thanks to Karl, you’ll likely have a smile on your face before you even hit the slopes.
Then there are the various names the brand assigns to all its eyewear, which are fun, fanciful, flighty and determinedly irreverent. For the Snow G, there are four, one for each colorway: the limited edition Neon Zebra (silver lens, black and white strap), Bunny Slope Dropout (blue lens, pink strap), Apres All Day (black lens, black and white strap), and Here For The Hot Toddies (red and yellow lens, khaki strap).
• List price: $75 (US) / £90 (UK)
• Gender specification: Unisex
• Sizes: One size
• Materials: UV 400 Polycarbonate lenses
• Weight: 6oz /175g
• Colors: Blue & Pink / Black / Red & Yellow / Khaki & Silver / Black & White (limited edition)
• Compatibility: Skiing and snowboarding
The Snow Gs come in a semi-rigid foam case which is a lot nicer than the cases that come with some of the pricier best ski goggles on the market. The Snow Gs also include a soft case decorated with Karl the pink flamingo, which holds your goggles and a spare lens. Also in the case is Goodr’s guide to proper eyewear care and maintenance, which has standard, practical and useful information on how to use and care for your new goggles, and also a whole lot of sass.
When you remove the goggles from the case they feel high quality, not at all flimsy. They feature oversized venting panels across the top and under the eyes, and the sliding strap has a silicone back to keep it from sliding off your helmet. And lastly, the thick foam around the perimeter of the goggles looks like it will conform well to a variety of face shapes.
The materials Goodr uses in the Snow G are pretty standard. Magnetic polycarbonate UV400 lenses block the sun’s harmful rays and reduce glare, and the goggles come with a second lens for low-light days. What’s remarkable about the Snow G is the quality of the materials and optics for the price.
Goodr Snow G goggles: on the slopes
Hitting the slopes in these goggles was a great experience. They were dark enough to make it easy to see in bright conditions, but not too dark for the overcast, variable light winter conditions typical in the Northeastern US, where I tested the Apres All Days.
The lenses give the world a gray tint when I look through them. Lens color is a personal thing. Some make the day seem cheerier, but these were pretty neutral. The color didn’t bother me, but I do prefer a lens that pops colors a bit more. Of course, those lenses are much more expensive.
The Snow G noticeably cut down on glare on bright days, making it easier to see. And when the light was flat or the day was dark, I swapped the primary lens for the yellow one on the go, even with gloves on. When I was wearing these goggles they felt very roomy, and comfortable.
I often have trouble keeping goggles on all day, but these goggles were so light and comfortable I almost forgot I was wearing them. The foam conformed to my face nicely, but it’s too early to tell if it will compact or break down over time.
In above freezing temps, while doing laps in the park, the goggles fogged. I wasn’t working overly hard when they started fogging. Above-freezing conditions are prime for goggle fogging, but not all goggles would have fogged in this scenario. I cleared the fog by taking them off for a few minutes and letting them dry.
