TL;DR: When buying Giro snow goggles, consider the style, lighting conditions, size, and lens needs. Notable Giro technologies include the Snapshot Magnetic and Quick Change lens systems, EVAK Vent Technology, Expansion View (EXV) frame design, and Zeiss optics for supreme clarity. Balance these factors against your budget.

Are you ready to purchase your own pair of Giro goggles but are not sure which pair is right for you? Don’t worry; this guide is a great place to start! I’m Lauren, a Ski Expert on Curated and a Giro enthusiast. I’ve been using Giro goggles and helmets for many seasons, and they are by far my favorite brand! I’m not paid or sponsored by Giro, so my love for this brand is entirely based on their outstanding performance. I’ve owned several different pairs of Giro goggles in my lifetime, so I understand that finding the right pair for you can be tricky. Hopefully, by the end of this guide, you will know your perfect pair. Let’s get started!

Who Is Giro?

Giro, an American brand founded in 1985, is renowned for their innovative sports gear (particularly in cycling and skiing). Based in Santa Cruz, they revolutionized helmet designs in the 1990s and further expanded into snow sports. Recognized for superior design, quality, and safety, Giro is a top choice for athletes worldwide. Customers choose Giro goggles for their cutting-edge technology, including enhanced visibility features and comfort-driven design, making them a reliable partner for extreme sports enthusiasts. Their unwavering commitment to performance and protection places Giro at the forefront of the sports gear industry.

What to Consider When Buying Giro Goggles

1. What is the right size and fit for you?

Comfort and fit are essential for goggles to function effectively. Giro goggles come in various sizes suitable for just about anyone, and they have adjustable straps to fit every head/helmet. Understanding your face size and shape will help you choose a model that won't be too tight or loose. Here are some goggle descriptions to look out for:

• Gender-specific: Men’s and women’s specific designs are created to account for the size differences between these genders (as well as typical color preferences). Unisex goggles will fit a wide range of standard faces.
• Large or Medium: In addition to gendered nomenclature, Giro goggles are produced with either medium or large frames. While this sizing may be more stylistic by choice, keep your face shape in mind before selecting the right size for you.

2. Do you have a preferred lens shape?

Giro goggles come in a few different lens shapes. While these styles are more about personal preference than performance, it is important to be aware of the differences. Here’s some lens options to keep in mind:

• Cylindrical: Goggles with cylindrical lenses have a more retro look. They are flatter and curve around the face to give a large peripheral view.
• Toric: Toric lenses are a blend of cylindrical and spherical (a bubble style that Giro doesn’t use). They are rounded, allowing for a reduction in glare. Toric lenses are a fairly new design, and they are predominantly used in Giro’s higher-end models.
• OTG: OTG is an abbreviation for “over the glasses.” These goggles are designed to protrude enough to be worn over prescription eyewear. If you need glasses to see, look for goggles that are OTG-friendly in the description. If you don’t wear glasses, you can still wear OTG goggles (just keep in mind that they will stick out further). OTG options are available in cylindrical and toric lenses.

3. What are the lighting conditions you typically encounter?

Depending on whether you often face bright sunlight, dim light, or varied conditions, you may need goggles with a specific lens color or even multiple lenses. Giro offers models suitable for various light conditions, from full sun to night skiing.

4. What’s your style?

Consider your personal style when choosing goggles. Do you prefer a modern frameless design or a traditional framed goggle? Giro sells each of their goggle models in a wide range of colors, so don’t be afraid of being picky!

Features to Look for When Buying Giro Goggles

Here are some of the proprietary features and technologies Giro employs in their ski and snowboard goggles that set them apart:

1. Lens Change Systems: All models of Giro goggles feature a lens swap system. While only some models are sold with an extra lens, replacement lenses for any pair of goggles can be found on Giro’s website. Here are Giro’s lens swapping systems:
   1. Snapshot Magnetic Interchange Lens System: The Snapshot system uses self-locating magnets to quickly change lenses on the go. The key difference here compared to Giro’s other magnet system is the inclusion of a secure locking button that gives you added confidence in the lens staying put, even during the most intense downhill runs. Lenses easily snap in place and can be released with a push of the shutter button. This system allows for rapid lens changing, making it a breeze to adapt to varying lighting conditions on the slopes.
   2. Quick Change Magnetic-Assist Lens Interchange System: This is another lens changing system that relies on magnets to secure the lens to the frame. The self-locating magnets allow for an easy snap in and out of the lenses. Incredibly easy to use by almost any individual, these lenses can be quickly swapped even while wearing mittens. It's a game changer for those unpredictable weather days.
   3. Slash Seal Lens Interchange System: The Slash Seal lens swap system removes the costly magnets while still being easy to use and maintaining a strong seal. To swap lenses with the Slash Seal system, you just need to align the lens with the frame and push it into place. This system is much more intuitive and quicker to use than a traditional swap system.
   4. PressFit Lens Interchange System: The PressFit system is a traditional lens swap system. This system uses cutouts to click the lens into place. This system offers great value with the flexibility to use multiple lenses for varying weather conditions.
2. EVAK Vent Technology: This advanced venting system minimizes the chance of lens fogging by releasing moisture while preventing snow and elements from entering the goggles. This has been a lifesaver in maintaining clear vision on active days or in wet conditions.
3. Expansion View (EXV) Technology: This frame design maximizes your field of vision, reducing blind spots and giving you an unparalleled panoramic view of the mountain. Some new models now include EXV+, which boasts an even greater field of vision. As someone who values safety as well as performance, I've found EXV to be an essential feature.
4. Triple-layer Face Foam with Microfleece Lining: Giro incorporates this in many of their goggles. It ensures a snug fit, wicks away moisture, and provides added warmth. As someone who spends long hours on the mountain, the comfort this provides makes a huge difference. Some models include a plush max fleece facing for additional comfort. Cheaper models still maintain the microfleece lining on a double-layer foam to help reduce the price.
5. Zeiss Optics: Giro partners with Zeiss, a leader in camera and telescope optics, to provide top-notch optical clarity and contrast in their goggle lenses. Premium models use VIVID lenses by Zeiss for superior contrast and clarity. From firsthand experience, this truly enhances your ability to read the terrain and conditions.
6. Anti-Fog Coating: Giro goggles feature an anti-fog coating on the inside of all of their lenses. This further helps to prevent fogging, ensuring clear vision throughout your skiing or snowboarding session.
7. Seamless Compatibility: All Giro goggles feature seamless compatibility with Giro helmets, meaning any model of goggle will perfectly align with any model of helmet. This prevents the dreaded gaper gap, which causes wind and sun exposure on the forehead. While Giro goggles will work with helmets from other brands, purchasing both goggles and a helmet from Giro is the best way to ensure a perfect fit.

What Features Are Included for Each Price Range?

Giro goggles range from around $40 to $250+. Lower-end models provide basic features and protection, while mid-range models may offer more comfort and lens versatility. High-end models often include premium lens technology, optimal comfort, and superior design. As I mentioned before, all goggles will have an anti-fog coating, helmet compatibility, lens swapping capability, and durable face foam with a fleece lining. Let’s look at what features you can expect within each price range:

1. Best of the Best: $260-$270

Goggles that break the $200 mark are the top-of-the-line models offered by Giro. They are fully loaded with the best of the best technology. These goggles feature magnet-assist lens swap with premium VIVID lenses (including a bonus lens). They are stylish with a modern frameless design and toric lens shape. They have triple-layer face foam, Expansion View Technology, and EVAK venting.

• Benefits
  • Exceptionally quick and easy to swap lenses
  • Has all of Giro’s best features
  • Sleek and stylish frameless design is only available at this price point

• Keep in Mind
  • Very high price
  • No cylindrical lens options

• Products
  • Contact
  • Contour & Contour RS

2. High-End: $170-$190

Giro goggles in this price range still offer the magnet-assist lens swap system at a more affordable price point. They still come fully loaded with premium features like VIVID lenses and a bonus lens. The price is reduced compared to the high-end models as a result of their semi-frameless design and lack of large sizes. These goggles come in both cylindrical and toric lens shapes, as well as options for men, women, and unisex.

• Benefits
  • Incredibly popular magnet-assist lens swap system at a better price
  • Still fully loaded with all of the best features
  • Comes in more style and gender options

• Keep in Mind
  • Semi-frameless design is less sleek than a true frameless
  • Large-size options are unavailable

• Products
  • Article II
  • Axis & Ella

3. Mid-Tier: $120-$150

This price range is very popular amongst most recreational skiers and riders. These goggles drop the costly magnetic-assist lens swapping systems in favor of a traditional system. Due to the design of a traditional lens change system, all models from here on out have a frame design. All goggles in this range continue to boast the premium VIVID lenses; however, not every model comes with a second lens. With the exception of the Index 2.0 (which is designed specifically for users who require prescription glasses), all models in this price range still have EXV and triple-layer face foam with microfleece.

• Benefits
  • Can pick and choose the features that are most important to you
  • Wide range of sizes, lens styles, and gender options

• Keep in Mind
  • Lens swapping process is less intuitive than models with magnetic systems
  • Framed design is less stylish than frameless or semi-frameless models

• Products
  • Method
  • Balance II
  • Revolt
  • Blok
  • Index 2.0
  • Ringo & Millie

4. Entry-Level: $45-$95

Giro still offers incredible quality goggles for under $100. These goggles are great for the occasional skier or someone just getting into the sport. While these options still feature EXV and comfortable microfleece on the face foam, they use standard lenses to keep the cost down. These goggles will be limited to cylindrical lenses on a medium frame design, but they still offer numerous color options as well as models for men, women, and unisex.

• Benefits
  • Very budget friendly
  • Still has the high quality expected from the Giro brand

• Keep in Mind
  • Sacrifices a lot of features that more serious users will need
  • No toric lens options are available

• Products
  • Semi & Dylan
  • Roam & Moxie
  • Cruz

Find the Right Giro Goggles for You

Giro makes goggles for everyone! Whether you are a budget shopper or an intense athlete, there is a Giro goggle that will work for you. Make sure you consider all factors when choosing a new pair of goggles, from color and style to fit and technology. Still need help finding your new favorite Giro gear? Reach out to me or another Skiing Expert, or a Snowboarding Expert here on Curated, and we will help match you with the goggles you need!