Snowboard goggles and mountain bike goggles may look similar, but they are made for very different activities. Snowboard goggles are designed to provide protection from the elements, including wind and snow, while mountain bike goggles are designed to provide protection from dirt, dust, mud and debris. While you may be tempted to use your snowboard goggles for mountain biking, there are several reasons why this is not a good idea.
Wind Protection
Snowboard goggles usually have a more robust frame and thicker lenses than mountain bike goggles. This is because they need to provide extra protection from wind chill and other extreme weather conditions experienced on the slopes. The thicker lenses can also make it difficult to see obstacles clearly when mountain biking.
Lens Tint
Snowboard goggles generally have darker lenses than those used in mountain biking. This is because they are designed for use in very bright conditions such as those found on the slopes. Mountain bike lenses are typically lighter so that riders can see obstacles more easily in low light conditions or shadows.
Fogging
Snowboard goggles often have air vents that allow air circulation between the lens and face. This helps prevent fogging when riding in cold conditions. Mountain bike goggles typically lack these vents which can cause fogging when riding in humid conditions or during intense physical activity.
Fit
The fit of snowboard goggles will be much different than that of motorcycle or mountain bike goggles. Snowboarding requires a lot of movement, so the straps need to be adjustable enough to accommodate this range of motion. Mountain bike straps tend to be firmer and more secure since riders tend to stay at one speed for extended periods of time.
In conclusion, while snowboard and mountain bike goggles may look similar on the surface, they serve very different purposes and should not be used interchangeably. Snowboard goggles provide extra protection from wind chill but offer limited visibility due to their darker lens tint and lack of air vents which can cause fogging when riding in humid conditions or during intense physical activity. Additionally, the fit of snowboard googles is not suitable for mountain biking as it does not provide enough security for long-term rides.
