Expert Review: Giro Lusi Goggles · Women's · 2022
Opening Weekend at Wolf Creek. All photos courtesy of Lauren Dobbins
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the goggles, which I purchased with my own money in June of 2020.
My take
The Giro Lusi Goggles have a women’s specific fit at a mid-range price point. They are a good option for someone looking for a quick-change lens but doesn’t want to pay the price for magnetic lenses. Although my goggles are from the 2020 release, the only changes in the new model are the color of the frames and strap options.
About the gear I own
- Model: 2020 Giro Lusi Goggles
- Size: Women’s fit, medium, OTG
- Does it feature lens replacement?: Yes
- Fit: True to size
About me
- Helmet: 2020 Giro Era
- Wear glasses with goggles: No
- Experience: 20+ years of snowboarding/skiing
Test conditions
- When I bought them: June 2020
- Days used: 75+
- Lenses I own: Vivid Royal and Vivid Infrared
- Weather conditions used in: Colorado bluebird days, white out conditions, rain
- Where I’ve used them: Colorado and Utah
- Terrain: Anywhere inbounds at the resort
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was looking to replace my Smith I/O goggles. I had found those goggles to fog too much, and I also wanted a pair with better peripheral vision. I had a Giro helmet and loved the fit, so I wanted to get Giro goggles to match it.
Why I chose this gear
When choosing the style of Giro goggles, I preferred a frameless pair or semi-frameless. I also wanted blue goggles, and they needed to be women’s specific to fit my smaller face. The Giro Lusi came in blue, and the fit on my face was perfect!
What I love about them
- Visibility: Giro features Expansion View Technology, which allows for a HUGE field of vision. Additionally, both of my lenses work so well in their specific light conditions. I love them for their exceptional contrast.
- Experience with glasses underneath: Although I don’t wear glasses, these goggles are OTG (meaning they can be worn over glasses).
- Strap: The strap is stretchy, and the elasticity holds up over time. The rubber on the underside keeps it in place through rough conditions.
- Helmet compatibility: These goggles fit seamlessly with Giro helmets. There is no gap between the top of the goggles and the helmet.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Lens replacement: While the slash seal lens changing system is much easier than the Smith I/O goggles, they don’t compare to mag lenses.
- Ventilation: While these are very fog-proof compared to the Smith’s, they fog up when I tuck a face mask into them. They are way too hot in hot conditions and will fog up when my face sweats.
- Durability: These goggles lost all anti-fog ability after I used them in the rain. Although I applied a new anti-fog coating, they never were the same after that storm.
Favorite moment with this gear
I used these goggles for the entire 20/21 season and the first half of the 21/22 season. In the 21/22 season, Colorado was lucky to have several resorts open in October. While October skiing is always special, it is extra special to me because my wedding anniversary is in October! After being unable to ski in October 2020, my husband and I were so excited to be back on the mountain for our 3rd anniversary.
Value for the money vs. other options
The price of Giro’s goggles is aligned with other major brands (i.e., Smith). Although they didn’t make it through the rain, I found these goggles to be well worth the money. I ended up replacing these with a pair from Giro that features a magnetic lens change system, and this upgrade was well worth it. While the Lusi goggles are great, I wouldn’t choose them over the mag lens goggles.
Final verdict
I have found success with multiple pairs of Giro goggles, and the Lusi goggles are no exception! Although I prefer the mag change lenses, these goggles are a good option for someone who doesn’t want to pay over $200 for goggles. Overall, I would recommend Giro as a brand to anyone!