TL;DR: Anon, a subsidiary of Burton, produces ski goggles for every occasion on the mountain. When deciding on which pair of Anon goggles to buy, consider the fit, lens type, typical conditions you ride in, and your budget. Anon features technologies like Magna-Tech for quick lens change, SONAR by ZEISS for enhanced contrast, and MFI for seamless facemask integration. With so many options, there’s likely a pair that will suit you well.

I'm a lifelong snowboarder — I've been riding for over half my life at this point and usually average about 50 to 80 days on hill per season. When I first started snowboarding, I rode mainly in Massachusetts, which has a mild enough winter climate that you can get away without wearing proper goggles. However, as my snowboarding journey progressed, and I began riding in places like Alaska, Colorado, and Oregon, I quickly discovered that a good pair of goggles was non-negotiable.

Fast forward to today: I've been able to test over a dozen different pairs of goggles and hone in on the features that matter and the features that don't. While I enjoy geeking out on these things on my own, I also really like sharing this knowledge and helping other people improve their gear kits! I'm able to do that right here as a Curated Snowboard Gear Expert and give people free snowboard recommendations! Today I want to explore one of the most prominent goggle brands: Anon!

Why Anon?

Anon Optics was established in 2001 and is now a brand renowned for its snow sports equipment, primarily with a focus on goggles and helmets. Anon is actually a subsidiary of the most well-known snowboard brand in the world: Burton! The partnership between these two companies means Anon's gear benefits from Burton's decades of winter sports knowledge and expertise, and it has allowed Anon to become a leading goggles and helmet brand despite being a relatively young company in the snowboard industry.

What to Consider When Buying Anon Goggles

1. Are the Most Expensive Anon Goggles Going to Be the Best?

Well, it depends! There’s a common misconception in snowboarding that the more expensive the gear, the better it is. However, it simply isn’t as cut and dry as that. Sure, a more expensive pair of goggles from Anon might have lots of cutting-edge technology, but it’s important to ask yourself if you really need the top-of-the-line ones. The answer may well be no, you do not need all that fancy tech, and a more basic and affordable option would suit your needs better. The rest of this article will help you determine what features you ACTUALLY need, as well as what options from Anon might be best for you!

2. What Type of Lens Is Suitable for Where You Ride?

Not all goggle lenses are created equal, and the ones you’ll want depend on the conditions you typically encounter at the mountains you ride/ski. At the very least, you should have a pair of goggles for both bright and sunny conditions and also for cloudy conditions when you’re snowing/riding at night.

Luckily, many Anon goggles come with a bonus lens, so if you pick the right pair, you’ll get goggles that can handle the full spectrum of lighting you might encounter. If you find yourself frequently switching between lighting conditions (multiple times a day), you might consider goggles with a magnetic system for easy lens changes or photochromic lenses that adjust to light conditions.

3. How Much Should Anon Goggles Cost, and Are They Worth It?

Anon goggles range from around $100-$150 for basic models up to $400 for top-tier ones. However, most of their bestsellers (aka, the ones the majority of people should consider) fall in the $200-$300 range. Now I know you can go on Amazon right now and find goggles that look “just as cool” for a fraction of the cost, but take it from me and DON’T DO THIS. This is a trap I fell into when I bought my first pair of goggles: I got what I thought were a cool pair (see photo below), and I was stoked on them until I tried them out.

Cheap goggles like these are flimsy, scratch easily, and don’t fit properly. Even if you can find a pair that seems sturdy, they’re still not going to work well because these goggles rarely have any anti-fogging properties, so you’ll more than likely be riding blind from fogged-up goggles within a couple of minutes of hitting the slopes. All that is to say, quality goggles from a professional brand like Anon are worth their weight in gold. Visibility is vital for obvious reasons, so make the proper investment and do it right if possible!

What Are the Different Types of Anon Goggles?

Anon offers several different goggle lines, each with unique features designed to enhance performance on the slopes. Here are a few:

1. M Series

These are designed with Anon's MAGNA-TECH technology for seamless and quick lens swapping. They are well known for their wide field of view and options for spherical or cylindrical lenses.

• Benefits
  • Offers quick and easy lens changeability with MAGNA-TECH technology
  • Wide field of view enhances peripheral vision
  • Usually includes high-end lens technologies for optimal vision clarity

• Keep in Mind
  • Can be more expensive because of high-end features
  • Extra lenses don’t always come standard and can increase the overall cost

2. Sync Series

These goggles also feature MAGNA-TECH quick lens change technology and are designed with a secure channel that helps keep the lens in place.

• Benefits
  • Provides the convenience of MAGNA-TECH lens change technology
  • Secure channel helps keep the lens in place in harsh conditions

• Keep in Mind
  • Not all models in this series may offer the same level of comfort
  • Mid-range to high-end pricing

3. WM Series

This series is designed specifically for women, combining the latest in goggle technology with feminine designs and proportions.

• Benefits
  • Designed specifically for women, ensuring the best possible fit and comfort for female riders
  • Combines functionality with sleek, feminine design elements

• Keep in Mind
  • Style options and colors are limited compared to unisex lines
  • These are a specific fit and may not be comfortable for all face shapes and sizes

4. OTG (Over the Glasses)

This series includes models designed to fit comfortably over eyeglasses, providing a solution for skiers and snowboarders who wear prescription eyewear.

• Benefits
  • Designed to fit comfortably over glasses
  • Provides a solution for riders who need vision correction

• Keep in Mind
  • Not ideal for riders without prescription eyewear as they won’t fit well
  • Typically bulkier and can be less stylish compared to standard models

5. Youth Series

This is Anon's line of goggles designed for kids and teenagers, with fit and performance features similar to those in adult models.

• Benefits
  • Designed for younger riders, they provide a better fit for smaller faces
  • Performance features are similar to those in adult models, ensuring quality vision and protection for the young shredders
  • Typically cheaper than adult goggles

• Keep in Mind
  • Limited in terms of size expansion as the child grows
  • May lack some advanced features available in adult models

6. Asian Fit Series

These models are designed with additional face foam to accommodate different face shapes and provide a comfortable and secure fit.

• Benefits
  • Specifically designed to provide a comfortable fit for individuals with low nose bridges and high cheekbones, common in many Asian facial structures
  • Additional face foam padding can improve comfort and fit, reducing air gaps and cold drafts
  • Offers the same high-quality lens technology and features as standard models

• Keep in Mind
  • Might not be as comfortable for individuals with face shapes not catered to by this design
  • The additional foam padding can cause more heat retention and overheating
  • Models and styles available in this series are limited

Specific Technology Featured On Anon Goggles

Here's a list of distinctive features and technologies that you might encounter when checking out different Anon goggles models:

1. MAGNA-TECH Quick Lens Change Technology: This patented technology uses a magnetic latch system to make lens swapping incredibly fast and easy. It allows for a secure lens-to-frame seal and provides riders the flexibility to quickly adjust to changing light conditions.
2. SONAR Lens Technology by ZEISS: Developed exclusively for Anon, SONAR lenses by ZEISS enhance contrast for the best possible definition and terrain recognition. This technology helps you see more clearly in a variety of conditions.
3. Magnetic Facemask Integration (MFI®) Technology: This tech integrates your goggles and facemask using magnets. It ensures a seamless fit that eliminates the goggle gap, keeps your face warm, and prevents lens fogging.
4. Integral Clarity Technology (ICT): ICT is Anon's anti-fog treatment that delivers crystal clear vision, no matter what the elements throw at you. It ensures consistent performance and prevents your vision from being obstructed by fogging.
5. Full-Perimeter Channel Venting: This design provides maximum airflow for optimal goggle ventilation, which in turn enhances the anti-fog capabilities of the goggles. This will help you maintain a clear, fog-free view throughout your time riding!
6. Wall-to-Wall Vision: This feature involves a low-profile frame design with 40% thinner face foam for an ultra-close fit that provides a wide, unobstructed visual field.
7. Over The Glasses (OTG) Compatibility: For those who wear prescription eyewear, Anon offers specific OTG models designed to fit comfortably over glasses.
8. Triple-Layer Face Foam: This feature provides maximum comfort and a secure fit, and it wicks away moisture. The layer closest to your face is made from fleece that absorbs, stores, and releases heat to control humidity and prevent fogging.

How to Choose the Right Anon Goggles for You

Now it’s time to apply all this Anon goggle knowledge in some real-world scenarios. Below are three examples of Curated customers with their own specific needs and wants. For each example, I’ll cover what features they should look for in a pair of Anon goggles and which actual products from Anon would suffice.

Brad

Needs: Brad is looking for an inexpensive pair of goggles for his first winter season. He wants to keep it simple and get something that will work for him in all conditions. He also wears prescription glasses, so he’ll need goggles that can accommodate for that.

Features to look for:

• Budget-friendly price under $200
• Multiple interchangeable lenses
• OTG-style goggles

Products to consider:

• Anon Nesa Goggles
• Anon Helix 2.0 Perceive Goggles

Cassandra

Needs: Cassandra is ready to step up her goggle game after using cheap goggles for years. She hates having to carry around two pairs of goggles for different weather conditions and has always struggled with her goggles fogging up on her. She’s not too worried about price so long as what she gets her money’s worth.

Features to look for:

• MAGNA-TECH® lens system so she can swap lenses on the go with ease
• Full-perimeter venting system to prevent fogging
• Women’s -specific goggles that will contour to her face better

Products to consider:

• Anon WM1 Goggles
• Anon WM3 Goggles

Derek

Needs: Derek is in search of top-of-the-line goggles. His main criteria are that they have a good field of vision,won’t get hot and sweaty, and will work well with Anon facemasks.

Features to look for:

• Toric lenses for a wider field of view
• Triple-layer foam for comfort and moisture wicking
• MFI technology

Products to consider:

• Anon M4S Toric Goggles
• Anon M4 Toric Goggles

Find the Right Anon Goggles for You

As you can see, there are plenty of different models offered by Anon, and each model has its specific technologies. Hopefully, now you feel more confident in navigating the sea of options, but your research with Curated doesn’t have to stop here! That’s because you can connect with me or any of the other Curated Snowboard or Ski Experts and then get personalized recommendations, all for free! Take the guesswork out of getting the right gear and make this winter the best one yet!