How to Choose the Right Ski Goggle Lens
Your ultimate guide to lens tints, VLT, and weather-specific visibility
Choosing the right lens isn’t just about color, it’s about seeing better, reacting faster, and riding smarter. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, so you can pick the perfect lens for any mountain condition.
1. What Is VLT and Why Should You Care?
VLT (Visible Light Transmission) indicates how much light your lens lets through a crucial factor when dealing with bright sun, flat light, or stormy days.
| VLT % | Category | Best for | Lenses: |
|---|---|---|---|
| > 80% | 0 | Whiteout or night | Clear |
| 43-79% | 1 | snowy or whiteout | Contrast-enhancing tints |
| 19-42% | 2 | Cloudy / mixed conditions | Allround lenses |
| 8-18% | 3 | Sunny conditions | Mirror lenses |
| <8% | 4 | Extremely sunny conditions | very dark/blackout |
Tip: Each Aphex lens is labeled with VLT info, easy to match to your riding style.
2. Lens Tint Breakdown – What Each Color Does
Different colors filter light in different ways. Here’s what to look for:
- Mirror lenses – Best for bright days, reduce glare.
- Yellow / Gold / Rose tints – Enhance contrast in flat or cloudy light.
- Clear lenses – Perfect for night skiing or heavy snow.
- Photochromic lenses – Automatically adjust to changing light levels.
- Qview – High contrast lenses designed to enhance visibility and depth perception in flat or cloudy light.
→ Check out our Photochromatic Collection
→
3. Photochromic vs Magnetic Interchangeable Lenses
| Feature | Photochromic | Magnetic Interchangeable |
|---|---|---|
| Light adjusting | ✅ Auto-adapts | ❌ Manual switch |
| Speed | ✅ No hands needed | ✅ Swap in seconds |
| Weather flexibility | ✅ Sunny / Partly cloudy | ✅ Choose your tint for perfection |
| Cost | 💰 Slightly higher | 💰 Budget customizable |
→ Explore goggles like the XPR or Orion for both options.
4. Pro Tips to Keep Your Lens in Top Shape
- Always use a microfiber pouch
- Never wipe the inside when wet
- Store in a goggle case when not in use
- Avoid leaving goggles on your helmet in the sun
→ Check our Accessories to keep your lenses fresh.
5. Still Not Sure? Here’s Our Quick Guide
- Want one lens for almost everything? → Go photochromic
- Like to swap depending on weather? → Go interchangeable magnetic for perfection
- Shopping for kids? → Start with the Kepler Junior
Shop with Confidence
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to upgrade your ride:
→ Shop all spare lenses
→ Explore our ski goggle collection
→ Need help? Contact our gear experts
