Expert Review: Giro Contour Goggles
This review is my honest opinion of the goggles, which I purchased with my own money in June of 2021.
All photos courtesy of Raphael Alland
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the goggles, which I purchased with my own money in June of 2021.
My take
A top-of-the-line goggle, the Giro Contour has everything I would expect from a $200+ goggle. High-quality lenses are easy to change out thanks to the magnetic lens-change system.
Vivid Infrared Lens
About the goggle I own
- Model: 2022 Giro Contour
- Size: Large
- Does it feature lens replacement?: Yes
- Fit: True to size
About me
- Helmet: 2021 Giro Emerge and 2022 Giro Grid
- Wear glasses with goggles: No
- Experience: Five years of skiing
Test conditions
- When I bought them: June 2021
- Days used: 70
- Lenses I own: Vivid Jet Black, Vivid Rose Gold, Vivid Infrared
- Weather conditions used in: High sun, whiteout blizzards, and everything in between
- Where I’ve used them: Colorado and California
- Terrain: Resort
How it performs
What I was looking for
I had numerous problems with Smith goggles (I/O and Squad XL) and decided to not purchase from them again after the strap failed to work. My wife had significantly preferred her Giro goggles to her previous Smith goggles (as seen in her reviews for the Smith I/O and Giro Lusi), so I decided to get Giro goggles as well.
Why I chose this gear
I’ve found lens changing to be a pain in the past, so I really wanted a goggle with a magnetic lens-change system. I preferred the frameless design and large sizing of the Giro Contour over the other goggles they offer.
Vivid Jet Black Lens
What I love about it
- Fit: The large size and frameless design are very stylish while being functional.
- Comfort: I found these goggles to be comfortable for the entire day. They stay firmly in place—even through the bumpy patches.
- Lens replacement: The magnetic lens change system is very easy to use. It takes just a few seconds and can be done anywhere. I would never buy a non-mag goggle again.
- Ventilation: The anti-fog on these is above and beyond any goggle I’ve ever used. I can’t think of a single time that they have fogged up.
- Visibility: Giro’s expansive view technology has a huge field of view. The peripheral vision allowed is insane. I never have to worry about someone blindsiding me.
- Experience with glasses underneath: I don’t wear glasses, but these goggles are compatible with glasses.
- Helmet compatibility: These goggles fit seamlessly with both my Giro Emerge and Giro Grid. There is no gap at all.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Durability: The only downside to these goggles is that they aren’t scratch resistant. I’ve gotten a few scratches from skiing in the trees. They are pretty on par with other brands: they could be more durable but aren’t bad.
Vivid Rose Gold Lens
Favorite moment with this gear
I ended up purchasing the Vivid Rose Gold lens just because I wanted a third option. The rose gold matched perfectly with my hot pink helmet and ridiculous snowsuit that I wore for Winter Park’s retro day. I got a free fanny pack at the event to complete the look!
Value for the money vs. other options
$270 can be hard to stomach for a pair of goggles, but this price is on par with other retailers for a goggle with magnetic lens changing. I think it is worth the price, especially since it has outperformed any goggle I’ve used before (including Smith I/O Mag and Squad XL). Additional lenses can also be purchased for a very fair price.
Final verdict
If one is willing to spend the money, the Giro Contour is worth it. The frames are high tech to match the quality of the lenses. I would buy this pair again.
