Julbo has been engineering high-quality performance eyewear since 1888. The French company designs sunglasses, mountaineering eyewear, and ski goggles for athletes looking for uncompromising performance.
After a century, Julbo is still looking for cutting edge ways to improve outdoor enthusiasts’ eyewear experience. The Lightyear ski and snowboard goggles are an exemplary Julbo product with innovative technology.
Highlights of the Lightyear ski goggles are the excellent fog mitigation and contrast. Dive in to see if these snow goggles are the go-to choice for every condition.
Things we like:
-
Transition lens technology is suitable in all lighting conditions
-
Anti-fog technology is superior to other ski goggles
-
Grippy and waterproof goggle strap
-
Lens material is very clear and durable
-
Over-the-glasses design
-
Ultra-wide field of vision
-
They come with a protective bag and microfiber cloth
Things we don't like:
-
It takes a while for the lens to transition back to low-light visibility
- Lens Material: Trivex
- Strap Material: Silicone with silicone strips
- Foam Material: Dual-density foam
- Lens Size: X-Large
- Over-the-Glasses (OTG) Design: Yes
- UV Protection: 100%
- Polarized: No
- Unisex:
SuperFlow PRO, the Best Fog Mitigation Ever?
Easily unclip the lens from the frame to get an influx of air
Julbo brings advanced technology to these ski and snowboard goggles that is Lightyears ahead. The Lightyear ski goggles are equipped with SuperFlow PRO, providing state-of-the-art fog mitigation just a hand movement away. Julbo uses a magnetic system with a hassle-free hinge to separate the lens from the goggle frame to create optimal airflow.
Julbo designed the Lightyear ski goggles with ski touring in mind, but they work just as well for the resort ripper. Switch the lens open while hiking uphill or waiting at the bottom of the run for ultimate fog and moisture management.
Every ski goggle, from the most expensive to budget-friendly, forms fog inside the lens at some point, including these. However, SuperFlow PRO immediately disperses the fog collected in the Lightyear ski goggles. Other ski goggles take effort, time, and eventually scratching the inside lens coating to clear the moisture.
Slamming is a part of the sport sometimes, especially in powder. During falls or face shots, snow can become lodged inside your goggles. Inside the lens of other ski goggles, like the Smith I/O Mag, the snow will melt, turn to water droplets, and then stay forever or form fog. This problem is avoided in the Lightyears due to SuperFlow PRO.
Julbo includes an anti-fog coating on the inner surface of the lens. However, breathing with a face mask tucked under the goggles caused moisture to collect inside the lens when the lens was sealed. Other goggles, like the Vallon Freebirds, seem to have a more efficient anti-fog coating. But the fog collected on the Julbo’s is immediately dispersed when Superflow PRO is activated.
Trailblazing Ski and Snowboard Goggle Photochromic Lens Technology
Julbo is the creator of REACTIV™ Photochromic Lens Technology. Julbo claims the REACTIV tech in the Lightyear ski goggles is the fastest reacting transition lens available. After testing, the flawless, quick transition to UV light proved true, but reaction time seems to be one way.
In full sun or tree shadows, the contrast of the Lightyear Julbo’s is great
These specific Julbo Lightyear ski and snowboard goggles in Black/Violet are equipped with REACTIVE 1-3 High Contrast. The Visible Light Transmission (VLT) fluctuates from 15% to 75%. These Lightyear goggles are designed to be worn in many lighting conditions. Other color options offer 7% to 80% VLT.
The REACTIVE 1-3 High Contrast lens particularly excels on cloudy days. The high contrast makes seeing every little bump and detail of the snow easy, regardless of the lighting. The Lightyear lens contrast elevates confidence while ripping through trees. The light transition technology and exceptional contrast make these the #1 pick for days with low light conditions.
However, something noticeable while testing was that the Lightyear ski goggles struggled with transitioning back to low light. When waiting inside for about 30 minutes after the lens was in its darkest tint, it barely transitioned back to the low light tint. So when the sun disappears quickly behind a cloud, the lens will not adjust as quickly as when it is exposed to UV rays.
Other Important Aspects of the Lightyear Snow Goggles
The Julbo Lightyear ski and snowboard goggles have a large fit. The lens is x-large. However, both men and women can enjoy these ski goggles.
The frame complements the XL lens size by staying out of users’ peripheral vision. The spherical lens of the Lightyear provides a superb field of view. When comparing peripheral vision accessibility to another spherical goggle, like the Wildhorn Roca ski goggles, the Lightyear stands above.
Julbo uses dual-density foam in the Lightyear ski and snowboard goggles. The dual-density foam is designed to maximize comfort. While wearing the Lightyears, the soft-touch layer doesn’t itch or irritate the skin even after extensive wear or sweating. The base layer helps support an optimal fit for different face shapes.
Ride confidently in low-visibility conditions while wearing the Lightyear’s
The Lightyear ski goggle strap is made of silicone. The silicone strap is fully waterproof, helping support its lifespan. Inside the strap are three silicone strips to provide a secure grip. Wearing the strap over or under your helmet is possible due to the double-adjustable buckles.
Excellent Value and Quality from Julbo
Julbo has been around for over 130 years, endeavoring to supply high-performance athletes with high-quality eyewear. In their commitment, Julbo offers a lifelong warranty to each customer, flexing on us that their gear is durable and long-lasting.
The value of the Julbo Lightyear ski goggles is high. These goggles are priced similarly to Smith, but the fog mitigation technology is better in the Julbos. The contrast and lens clarity can also confidently compete with popular ski goggles.
The Lightyear ski and snowboard goggles bring extra value due to the transition lens technology. The Lightyear goggle lens shifts between VLT percentages to match the lighting conditions. These goggles can be worn with confidence in all light, unlike the Wildhorn Pipeline snow goggles; however, the Wildhorn’s are a fraction of the cost.
Julbo uses Trivex as their lens material to improve vision clarity. Trivex is very durable, as helicopter windshields are made of this material. The Trivex lens is nearly as clear as glass, but glass is not shatterproof. The clarity of Trivex is higher than that of a polycarbonate lens but is more expensive and less scratch-resistant.
Julbo Lightyear, a Ski Goggle for Every Condition
Our recommendation concerning the Julbo Lightyear ski and snowboard goggles comes after testing in various light conditions. Testing was done in shadows, bright sun, clouds, snow, and high humidity. After, we can attest the Julbo Lightyear ski goggles can be worn in every condition while resort riding or ski touring.
The Lightyear REACTIV™ photochromic technology takes under 15 seconds to fully transition to the darkest VLT
To secure the claim, “a ski goggle for every condition,” Julbo uses a UV-reactive lens. The REACTIV photochromic lens technology creates a lens great for low light conditions and bluebird days.
Julbo also brings superior fog and moisture mitigation with SuperFlow PRO technology. When moisture is stuck inside the lens, use the SuperFlow PRO feature to watch evaporation occur in seconds. If you are sweating, unlock the lens to maximize airflow.
Things we like:
-
Transition lens technology is suitable in all lighting conditions
-
Anti-fog technology is superior to other ski goggles
-
Grippy and waterproof goggle strap
-
Lens material is very clear and durable
-
Over-the-glasses design
-
Ultra-wide field of vision
-
They come with a protective bag and microfiber cloth
Things we don't like:
-
It takes a while for the lens to transition back to low-light visibility
Comments