If you’re on the hunt for the best ski goggles of 2024, the Glade Optics Challenger Goggles deserve your attention. Designed for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, these goggles strike a balance between performance, affordability, and style.
This review covers everything you need to know about these cylindrical lens ski goggles, including their features, pros, cons, and comparisons with other models like the Glade Adapt 2 and Glade Optics Ramble.
Glade Optics Challenger Snow Goggle Features
The Glade Optics Challenger Ski Goggles are designed with the skier and snowboarder in mind, offering a medium-fit frame that works well for most face shapes. With their UV400 protection goggles, they shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, making them perfect for both bright and flat light conditions. Here’s an overview of their standout features:
- Cylindrical Lens Ski Goggles: A flat lens design with great optical clarity.
- Anti-Fog Coating: Double-pane lenses with anti-fog technology ensure clear vision in varying conditions.
- Helmet Compatibility: These goggles fit seamlessly with most ski helmets.
- Stylish Winter Goggles: A mirrored lens finish enhances both appearance and performance.
Price
At just $99, the Challenger Ski Goggles are among the most affordable ski goggles in their class. However, they do not come with a second lens. If you require a low-light lens for overcast days or night skiing, you’ll need to purchase it separately for $45. Unfortunately, additional lenses don’t include a storage case, which is a common feature in higher-priced goggles.
Lens
The lens design of the Glade Challenger is tailored for versatility:
- UV400 Protection: Blocks 100% of UV rays to safeguard your eyes.
- VLT Options:
- Green Lens (24.8% VLT): Ideal for bright and partly cloudy conditions.
- Yellow Low-Light Lens (76.5% VLT): Designed for flat light and night skiing.
- Ventilation: Built-in vent slots prevent fogging while maintaining airflow.
- Durability: scratch-resistant lenses that maintain clarity over time.
If you’re looking for adaptive lenses, the Glade Adapt 2 offers photochromic lens technology, though it’s not compatible with the Challenger frame.
Frames
The frames of the Glade Challenger goggles are crafted for comfort and durability.
- TPU Construction: Flexible and robust, designed to withstand tough winter conditions.
- Triple-Layer Foam: Features a soft fleece lining for all-day comfort.
- Ventilation: Top and bottom vents ensure fog-free performance in varied weather.
Field of View
For medium-fit faces, the Challenger provides an impressive field of view. The frame design allows for excellent peripheral vision, rivaling more expensive options on the market. If you prefer oversized goggles, consider the Glade Optics MagFlight.
Bright Light Performance
The Green Lens (24.8% VLT) offers reliable performance in bright and sunny conditions. If you’re skiing on a bluebird day, this lens reduces glare effectively while maintaining terrain visibility. For even brighter days, the Silver Lens (8.4% VLT) is a better option.
Flat Light Performance
Flat light is one of the most challenging conditions for skiers, but the Yellow Low-Light Lens (76.5% VLT) excels here. It enhances contrast, making it easier to see snow textures. While it doesn’t quite match the advanced light-filtering technology of lenses like Smith Chromapop, it provides solid performance for its price point.
Anti-Fog Performance
Thanks to the double-pane lens design and anti-fog coating, the Challenger goggles are highly resistant to fogging. Their ski helmet compatibility ensures that ventilation isn’t blocked, even during intense activities.
Ski Helmet Compatibility and Appearance
The Glade Challenger goggles fit snugly with popular helmet models, including:
- Anon Echo MIPS
- OutdoorMaster Diamond MIPS
- Giro Nine-C
The silicone-lined strap ensures the goggles stay securely in place. With their stylish winter goggles design and mirrored lenses, they make a statement on the slopes.
Lens Swapping
Swapping lenses on the Challenger can be a challenge. Unlike magnetic lens swapping goggles such as the Glade MagFlight, the Challenger requires manual alignment of tabs and pins. While the process becomes easier with practice, frequent lens swappers may prefer a magnetic alternative or multiple Google sets.
OTG: Over the Glasses
The Challenger goggles include foam cutouts for OTG use, allowing them to fit over glasses. However, due to their smaller frame size, they may not be the most comfortable option for glasses wearers. For a better OTG experience, consider the Glade Gamma OTG goggles.
The Verdict
The Glade Optics Challenger Ski Goggles are an excellent choice for those seeking affordable ski goggles with solid performance and style. While the lens swapping system and OTG compatibility have room for improvement, these goggles shine in terms of durability, clarity, and overall value.
Pros:
- Stylish mirrored lens with UV protection.
- Excellent field of view for medium-fit faces.
- Comfortable frame with triple-layer foam.
- Reliable anti-fog performance.
Cons:
- The lens-swapping system is cumbersome.
- Additional lenses lack storage cases.
- Limited comfort for OTG users.
Where to Buy Glade Goggles
The Glade Challenger goggles are available for purchase on the official Glade Optics website. Currently, no Glade Optics discount code is available, but keeping an eye on seasonal promotions or forums like “Glade Optics Challenger Ski Goggles Test and Review Forum” might help you snag a deal.
For more reviews, check out discussions on models like the Glade Optics Ramble or the Glade Adapt 2. Interested in contacting Glade directly? Check their Glade Optics phone number or customer support options online.
If you’re looking for stylish, medium-fit goggles that perform well across various conditions, the Glade Challenger Goggles are worth considering. Whether you’re tackling bright bluebird days or flat light conditions, these goggles deliver great value and performance for the price.
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FAQs
1. Are the Glade Optics Challenger Goggles suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, they perform well in bright, overcast, and flat light conditions with the appropriate lens, such as the low-light yellow lens.
2. Do the Challenger goggles come with a second lens?
No, additional lenses like the low-light lens must be purchased separately for $45.
3. Are these goggles compatible with ski helmets?
Yes, the Challenger goggles fit securely with most helmets, thanks to the silicone-lined strap.
4. Can I wear these goggles over glasses (OTG)?
Yes, but the medium frame size may not be the most comfortable for larger glasses. For better OTG compatibility, consider the Glade Gamma OTG goggles.
5. Are these goggles anti-fog?
Yes, they feature double-pane lenses, anti-fog coating, and ventilation for excellent fog resistance.
6. How does the lens-swapping system work?
The Challenger uses a tab-and-pin system, which can be tricky at first. It’s not as quick as magnetic lens systems but becomes easier with practice.
7. What is the price of the Challenger goggles?
They retail for $99. Additional lenses cost $45 each.
8. Are Glade Challenger goggles good for beginners?
Yes, their affordability, durability, and performance make them a great choice for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
9. Do Glade Optics offer discount codes?
Currently, no discount codes are available, but seasonal sales might offer savings.
10. Where can I buy Glade Optics goggles?
You can purchase them directly from the Glade Optics website.
Final Words
The Glade Optics Challenger Ski Goggles are an excellent option for skiers and snowboarders seeking high-quality goggles at an affordable price. They offer solid performance in various light conditions, durable construction, and a stylish mirrored lens.
While the lens-swapping system and OTG comfort could be improved, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise impressive package.
If you want affordable, stylish goggles that deliver great clarity and protection, the Glade Challenger goggles are a worthy addition to your gear.
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