Photochromic Ski Goggle Lenses: Are They Worth the Hype?
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What is Photochromic Lens Technology?
Photochromic lenses, also referred to as “transition” lenses, automatically adjust their tint based on light conditions. When exposed to UV rays, tiny molecules inside photochromic lenses change structure, darken, and absorb more light. In practice, this means that if you go out skiing or snowboarding on a sunny day, the goggles will automatically start darkening, and the opposite on cloudy or stormy days when you want more light to enter. This has real benefits on the slopes, as you won’t need to swap lenses or carry extras.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Lens Tint
To understand how photochromic goggles stack up, visible light transmission, or VLT, is a key starting point. Simply put, VLT measures the percentage of light passing through a lens. On sunny and bright days, a lower VLT number (often less than 20%) is ideal, allowing you to ski comfortably without glare and fatiguing (or burning) your eyes. On cloudy and snowy days, a higher VLT number (from 40% up to 70%) allows more light to pass through the lens, so you can see the details in the snow. For reference, the typical VLT range for most conditions is around 20% to 40%. For non-photochromic lenses, Smith’s “Everyday” lens on ski goggle models like their popular I/O Mag has a VLT of 23%.
Top Photochromic Snow Goggles and their VLT Ranges
Now that we’ve set the baseline for snow goggle VLTs, let’s dive into some of the leading photochromic models in 2024 and how they stack up:
The popular Adapt 2 from Breckenridge-based Glade has an impressive VLT range from 16% to 65%. Combined with the reasonable $149 price tag, it’s one of the leading photochromic goggles on the market. But despite the performance and value, the bulky looks of the Adapt 2 are a bit polarizing, and Glade’s direct-to-consumer model has resulted in the company flying more under the radar than other brands.
How Long Does It Take Photochromic Lenses to Adjust?
It’s important to note that photochromic lenses don’t change tint instantly or even in a few seconds, which means they aren’t really designed for whipping in and out of trees. Instead, depending on the brand and model, they can take 30 seconds or more to fully adjust to the conditions. Often, it takes less time for a lens to darken when exposed to ultraviolet light, and a little longer (up to a couple of minutes) to become clear again. Again, this means that photochromic lenses are great for having a one-lens solution, skiing or snowboarding on diverse types of days, or even in changing conditions throughout the day, but they are less likely to help you during an individual run.
Potential Shortcomings in Low Light and Extreme Cold
Photochromic lenses are not without downsides. Most notably, we’ve found they can underperform in certain low-light conditions. One example from last season was a day at Grand Targhee with flat light but thin enough clouds that some sun was reflecting off the snow, which caused the lenses on our Julbo Lightyear to stick to a VLT that was much too dark (for more, check out our Lightyear Review). On top of that, when temperatures are brutally cold (think under 0°F), photochromic lenses can fail to adapt. This is rare, however, and photochromic lenses perform as advertised in most conditions.
Photochromic Lens Lifespan
While scratches take their toll on any lens, and mirrored coatings can flake and fall apart over time, photochromic lenses generally have shorter lifespans than traditional designs because the technology diminishes with use. As they age, the lenses will react slower and not get as dark. This is an important consideration, as photochromic lenses are expensive to replace—prices for popular models range from $70 for Glade’s Adapt 2 to $175 for the Smith 4D Mag’s photochromic lens.
To get more information about expected lifespan, we reached out to several big players in the photochromic market for their response to this question: How long should you expect the photochromic performance to last?
Response from Smith Optics:
“All the photochromic lenses maintain photochromic performance at 90% efficiency within the first two and half years. Tracking and defining standards and performance beyond 2.5 years becomes challenging due to the multitude of variables that can affect the lenses (exposure, use, care, etc).
Additionally, most of Smith’s photochromic lenses have the advantage of having photochromic pigments embedded into the lens material. This makes the lenses more resistant and durable. For example, even if the lenses are scratched, they maintain their photochromic properties and performance.”
Response from Glade Optics:
“While there isn't a specific timeframe for how long the transition lenses will last, they are designed to maintain their functionality for an extended period with proper care.
Generally, the lifespan of photochromic lenses can vary based on factors such as usage frequency, exposure to sunlight, and overall maintenance. With regular cleaning and storage in a protective case when not in use, you can help prolong the lifespan of your lenses.”
Photochromic vs. Interchangeable Lenses
Photochromic lenses are, in theory, an all-in-one solution that simplifies your kit and allows you to carry less. The elephant in the room is that snow goggle brands have invested a ton into their interchangeable lens technologies, which are now faster and easier than ever. With premium brands like Anon, you just twist the frame and magnets release the lens, making the swap a literal snap. These magnets are sturdy enough to keep the lens in place even during falls, and you can even swap between toric and cylindrical lens shapes. That said, using Anon’s popular M4 Toric as an example, with two fixed lenses, you’re still getting options like a 14% VLT “Sunny Red” and 59% “Cloudy Burst,” which are quite polarized. On paper, the nod goes to photochromic, many of which cover that entire range and beyond.
So Why Haven’t Photochromic Goggles Taken Over?
When looking through the offerings of top snow goggle brands like Smith, Oakley, Anon, and others, you can see that photochromic lenses are a small percentage of the market. Most mid-range and high-end goggles come with two fixed-VLT interchangeable lenses, and you often have a wide variety of options to choose from depending on the conditions you ski most.
The answer is that photochromic lenses still might take over. France-based Julbo only recently introduced its Reactiv line in the U.S. market, and its Lightyear won an ISPO innovation award a couple of years ago, which is a promising sign. Glade’s Adapt 2 is a well-respected snow goggle at a great price, but given that the brand is exclusively direct-to-consumer, it hasn’t quite reached the masses, and isn’t available on the shelves of top retailers. Last but not least, quick-change lens technologies have substantial momentum behind them, and lenses are fast and easy to swap.
All that said, the performance of photochromic lenses is solid (save for occasional issues in low light and in frigid temperatures), and we appreciate the simplicity of having one lens to do the work for you. For these reasons, we expect interest in photochromic ski goggles to continue to grow.
Our Favorite Ski Goggles
If you’re looking for more specifics, we’ve spent countless hours testing ski goggles—both photochromic and non-photochromic—and have compiled our findings in our article best ski goggles. As you peruse each article, use our handy sort function to rank the goggles in order of your priorities, and be sure to read our detailed sustainability notes for each product.
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