Julbo Lightyear Ski Goggle Review
Updated:
Jan 21, 2025
Optical Quality
Field of View
Lens-Change System
Comfort
Ventilation
Sustainability
Fit
Medium/large
Lens Shape
Spherical
Lenses Included
1
Additional Sizes
None
Pros
Cons
Julbo Lightyear
For a breakdown of this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Goggles.
Let’s get this out of the way first: The optics on the Julbo Lightyear are generally clear. Having said that, my testing experience was hindered somewhat by lens choice, as there were limited options available when I purchased the goggle. While not everyone may run into this problem, it’s worth considering that the ideal lens for you (see below) might be out of stock.
Julbo offers the Lightyear with multiple photochromic lens options. (A photochromic lens automatically adjusts to changing light, darkening and lightening as conditions get gloomier or sunnier—for more, read our article on photochromic lens technology.) Many goggle manufacturers rate their photochromic lenses in categories from 0-4 that roughly correspond to VLT, or visible light transmission, which measures the amount of light the lens lets through. Category 0 has a high VLT percentage (roughly 80% to 60%) for visibility on dark days, while category 4 has a low one (roughly 15% to 5%) for protection in bright conditions.
The lens options for the Lightyear are category 1-3, category 2-4, and category 0-4. I tested the cat 2-4 lenses, which correspond to 20%-5% VLT, a range best-suited to conditions from thin cloud cover to bluebird skies. When I wore the Lightyear while skiing at Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming, light quality was flat and generally poor. However, enough sunlight reflected off the snow that the lens adjusted to a darker VLT (closer to category 3 or 4) instead of lighter one, which made it difficult for me to pick out terrain contours and changes in snow quality. Because the lens on the Lightyear is not interchangeable, I was forced to deal with the decreased visibility.
With that in mind, discerning skiers and riders can choose a lens option for the Lightyear that corresponds best to the conditions they think they’ll usually be out in. The category 0-4 lens should cover the vast majority of light conditions (although it still might be subject to the errant darkening I experienced from light reflecting off snow), while the category 1-3 lens is best for environments that experience a majority of dark and snowy days, perhaps such as the Pacific Northwest. Category 2-4 lenses might be ideal for climates with a lot of sun, such as Colorado.
Clarity- and contrast-wise, Julbo’s Reactiv lens lags a bit behind other upper-tier ski goggle competitors such as Smith’s ChromaPop, Oakley’s Prizm, and Anon’s Perceive. It imparts a slight yellow tint, and lacks the HD effect you get with some of its competitors, which translates to slightly worse contrast for helping spot subtle features in the snow. Again, the optics are by and large good, but we are picky at this price point.
While the Lightyear doesn’t have as large of a frame as other models we’ve given high marks to in this category, it still possesses an impressive field of view. I attribute that to the combination of two factors: First, the spherical lens shape—which curves both horizontally and vertically— provides excellent visibility side-to-side as well as up and down; while it doesn’t match the field of view of the Smith 4D Mag and its lenses that curve down at the bottom, I found that the lens shape puts it on relatively even footing with the flatter Anon M5, which has a larger frame.
Second, the Lightyear has a low-profile design. Its padding isn’t overly thick, and the ski goggle utilizes a venting system that eschews huge vents built into the side of the frame (more on that below). This places the lens close to a wearer’s face, which results in largely unobstructed sightlines.
With its fixed photochromic lens, you’re unable to swap lenses on the Lightyear. While having one lens that can adjust to varied light conditions can be helpful, we strongly recommend choosing the lens that fits the categories you’ll most likely encounter on the snow. (Hopefully that will help minimize the chances of a frustrating day out, like the one I had at Grand Targhee.)
It’s also worth noting that photochromic lens tech wears down over time and after extended exposure to sunlight. (Longevity will vary based on usage frequency and general upkeep.) Because you can’t buy a replacement lens, that means the Lightyear’s lifespan may be more limited compared to a ski goggle with a swappable lens.
The Lightyear features three layers of dual-density foam around its frame rather than the triple-density material found in most models at this price point. Julbo also trimmed down the total thickness of the foam, which helps with the low-profile shape and increases the field of view (see above). What does this all mean for comfort? Overall, it’s a step below the competition, including the Anon M5 I tested alongside the Lightyear (read our Anon M5 review). The Lightyear’s foam is slightly less plush and doesn’t mold as nicely to your face, and the next-to-skin layer doesn’t wick moisture away as efficiently either.
For the frame, the minimalist design is reasonably flexible and molds well to a wearer’s face, but the plastic is a tad creaky when you adjust the goggle (which I was able to do easily with gloves on). So while it will likely hold up with repeated use and good care, I noted that the Lightyear lacks the rock-solid feel of Anon’s M series or any of Smith’s Mag models. Like with our nitpicks about clarity, the differences aren’t deal-breakers. But given the premium quality of the competition and the high MSRP, we are setting a high bar.
Ventilation is where the Lightyear truly stands out from the crowd. Julbo designed this goggle with a novel feature: The lens is mounted on hinges, and with a simple push of the tabs on each side of the lens (easy to do while wearing the goggle, with all but the bulkiest ski gloves on) the hinges extend away from the frame. This creates an airflow gap even between the lens and the frame, even as the lens remains securely attached to the frame itself. It’s even easier to push the lens back into place, and the hinges snap solidly in their spot with an audible click thanks to magnets. (Those magnets help keep the hinges from accidentally deploying.) I loved this design, as it allows a ton of airflow and temperature regulation without me needing to remove the goggle.
When deployed, the air gap on the Lightyear negates moisture buildup inside the lens. I didn’t have any issues with fogging throughout my day at Targhee, but if I did end up going hiking, or skied on a warmer day, I have no doubt it would come in handy. This tech also expands the Lightyear’s best-use cases; it would be helpful for resort skiers and riders who don’t want to remove their snow goggles when booting up to hike-to terrain, or for backcountry tourers who are skinning through inclement weather. Think of it as a goggle/sunglasses hybrid, perhaps. (The Lightyear’s frame will still cover a large portion of your upper face, though, so will never be as breezy as a true pair of sunnies.)
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Replacement Parts
Replacement parts help extend a product’s lifespan by allowing consumers to repair damaged components—like ski goggle lenses or trekking pole clips—rather than purchasing a new one. A green check indicates a brand offers a robust selection of replacement parts, a yellow check indicates a more limited offering, and a red X indicates no replacement parts are available for this product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Hybrid Carrying Case
Almost all goggles ship with either a hard-sided and/or fabric carrying case, but the Lightyear comes with a hybrid variety. The case is soft-sided along the backside but reinforced in front to protect the goggle’s lens. I appreciated the padded, firmer material for storage and travel—or throwing the goggle in a pack when touring—but the rounded shape means you likely won’t stuff it into a jacket and ski with it. An odd miss: Julbo does not include a microfiber goggle wipe with the case (a true fabric case would usually function as one).
Julbo offers the Lightyear in only one size, which is listed as a large. I usually ski in large goggles, and found that this model straddles the medium/large line rather than a true large fit. (For reference, the Lightyear fits slightly smaller than the Anon M5 I tested, which is listed as a medium/large.) The nose opening on this goggle is nice and wide to prevent pinching, and the frame sat close to my face. Because there is only one size option, skiers and riders with smaller faces or lower nose bridges—or who prefer a true large/XL frame—might feel left out in the cold. (Although Julbo does make an over-the-glasses Lightyear model for people who want to wear them over prescription lenses.)
Smith 4D Mag ($340): Unparalleled Optics
The Smith 4D Mag treats wearers to the largest field of view in the goggle ecosystem, thanks to lenses that curve downwards at their bottom edge. Another advantage the 4D Mag holds over the Lightyear is the ability to swap lenses, which can help fine-tune VLT to fit current conditions and extend the life of the goggle. (Although, if set-and-forget is more your thing, the category 0-4 photochromic lens for the Lightyear might be up your alley.) And, while the 4D Mag is marginally higher in price ($340) than the Lightyear, it wins in terms of comfort thanks to triple-layer foam and comes with a hard-sided carrying case, microfiber case, and an included lens-protector. If you prize airflow above all else, though, the Lightyear’s hingeable air gap has the 4D Mag’s vents beat. For more, read our review on the Smith 4D Mag.
Anon M5 ($300): Class-Leading Lens-Swapping Tech
Like the 4D Mag above, the Anon M5 has the design and feel of a more premium goggle compared to the Lightyear, even though it costs the same. The M5 also boasts a lens-swap system, our favorite such design on the market thanks to its ultra-secure magnets and ease of use. The Lightyear and the M5 offer a comparable field of view, but the latter is available in small and low nose bridge versions, offering a wider range of fits for skiers and riders with different face shapes. Ventilation-wise, the Lightyear—you guessed it—comes out on top when compared to the M5’s traditional vent design. Finally, the M5 also comes with a microfiber carrying case that’s better for on-mountain use but not as good for storage and travel. For more, see our in-depth Anon M5 review.
The Lightyear is a ventilation champ thanks to a hinged lens that can be pushed away from your face to increase airflow. It's only available in a photochromic design and the so-so optical quality doesn’t match the big price tag, but it’s a standout for active users.
Optical Quality
Field of View
Lens-Change System
Comfort
Ventilation
Sustainability
Smith's 4D Mag is the best of the best when it comes to field of view. A unique curved lens delivers unimpeded visibility, and the rest of the features are equally impressive. But it comes with a huge price tag.
Optical Quality
Field of View
Lens-Change System
Comfort
Ventilation
Sustainability
The fifth iteration of Anon’s premier goggle line sticks to the brand’s strengths: super-fast magnetic lens-change system; high-end, durable build; and well-rounded optics. The lack of a hard-sided case and the included floppy mask are both misses, but the M5 is a strong contender at the tippy top of the goggle market.
Optical Quality
Field of View
Lens-Change System
Comfort
Ventilation
Sustainability
Is the Julbo Lightyear for You?
The Lightyear is somewhat of a strange beast. Julbo positions it among the upper echelon of ski goggles, but while it excels in some areas it falls short in others given its price tag. The hinged lens venting system is a definite selling point for skiers and riders who run hot or prefer to keep their goggles on whenever possible, and for use in warm conditions. However, if airflow isn’t your top priority there are other options in the $300-ish range that provide better comfort, optics, and features.
The photochromic lens is a final downside, because its non-removable design means there’s a decent chance the Julbo Lightyear won’t last as long as a more traditional alternative. Yes, the single-lens solution negates the need to swap out lenses should conditions change during the day, but the cons outweigh the pros for us. Not only does the photochromic tech diminish over time, but you’re unable to swap in a replacement lens should damage occur. As a group that loves to keep our gear going for as long as reasonably possible, that’s a real bummer.
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