How to choose a snowboard mask

A snowboard mask is a small but very important element that protects the rider's face and eyes from adverse conditions and provides a comfortable view of the ski slope even in bright contrasting sun. If the mask is not in the snowboarder's arsenal – it's time to study the parameters and buy a suitable model!

The best manufacturers of snowboard masks

When choosing a snowboard mask, preference should be given to world-famous brands, only their products are capable of providing the necessary level of protection and comfort:

1. Adidas;

2. Anon;

3. Dragon;

4. Bjorn;

5. Dye;

6. Nike;

You should not rush to buy – it is best to compare the characteristics of the masks you like with each other, isolate the strengths and weaknesses, and also read what users write about these masks on the Internet. Very often, it is the reviews that can push or, on the contrary, push away from the purchase.

The main criteria for choosing a mask. What should a snowboarder pay attention to?

Mask type

Currently, all masks can be divided into two conditional categories:

1. Cylindrical snowboard masks are made from a single sheet of plastic, which significantly reduces the cost of it. The cylindrical shape of the filters perfectly protects the eyes from glare and ultraviolet radiation, makes the picture clear and sharp, but leads to some distortion of the geometric dimensions and distortion of objects. When using a mask of a similar design, this feature should be kept in mind;

2. Spherical masks belong to a more expensive price category, almost all masks of the middle and upper price range have a similar design. The spherical shape of the light filters does not distort the geometry, and also perfectly protects the eyes from all types of radiation. They have one drawback – the high price.

Type and color of installed filters

In order to protect your eyes and not 'plant' your eyesight when snowboarding, you must give preference to masks with integrated light filters. They are visible to the naked eye and appear as the color of glass of one type or another.

1. Yellow filters are designed to make the picture brighter and more contrasting in low light.

2. Black ones are designed to soften the light when riding in bright sunny weather and are a kind of analogue of summer sunglasses, mirrored ones are designed to remove glare and sunbeams, which is a direct analogue of polarized glasses.

3. Transparent glasses only protect against mechanical stress and nothing more.

In addition to the color filter, preference should be given to models equipped with polarizing filters. Similar to sunglasses, they are designed to remove glare and even out the color balance of an image. As a result, the latter turns out to be clear, contrasting and saturated, regardless of external conditions and the level of illumination.

It should be noted also the characteristics of light filters concerning the protection of the eyes from ultraviolet radiation. All masks are divided into five levels depending on this parameter:

1. Level 0. Used in the absence of natural light and artificial sources;

2. Level 1. Recommended for use in cloudy weather;

3. Level 2. It is used in partly cloudy and during solar activity of the medium level;

4. Level 3. Suitable for use in clear sunny weather;

5. Level 4. Models designed for skiing in the mountains and providing protection from the brightest sunlight;

An element that fixes the mask on the back of the head

This is a soft and comfortable strap. Preferred should be a model with a sufficient strap width and a comfortable soft shoulder strap that does not cause discomfort during long rides. For fine adjustment, it is best to prefer models with a snap on the side of the mask.

Well thought-out ventilation system

During intensive driving, as well as due to the temperature difference between the outside and inside the mask, the inside becomes covered with condensation – fogging up, impairing visibility. In order to prevent fogging, manufacturers go in different ways:

1. Application of special formulations or coating to prevent the formation of condensation;

2. Implementation of the mask glass with a special air gap, which plays the role of a kind of glass unit and equalizes the temperature difference;

3. Equipment for all kinds of ventilation systems;

Choosing the size of the snowboard mask

Discomfort, loose fit, image distortion, fogging – these are just a small list of troubles that those who do not approach the choice of a mask carefully enough will have to face. The most experienced snowboarders make custom-made masks, taking into account every anatomical feature of the face and head shape.

Novice snowboarders should pay attention to the size of the mask, which should fit snugly on the face and not slide off during active head movements. The perimeter of the mask should fit snugly to the face and not allow all kinds of crevices. In the case when riding in a helmet is expected, the mask must completely conform to the contour in the cutout of the helmet and be securely fixed in it. The mask is selected individually for the rider through numerous fittings and adjustments.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a snowboard helmet, the secrets of choosing a versatile snowboard and recommendations for choosing a snowboard cover.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.