Goggles have always been a key element to my winter kit. I find form over fashion is crucial. As important as it is to look styly at après, you need to make sure you can see your way down the slopes to get there. My preference is for larger goggles, the larger the lens the more you can see. The Oakley Flight Deck is a game changer in the goggle world, offering an unrivaled field of view and clarity on even the flattest light days.
Clearly the visors that helicopter pilots and fighter pilots wear inspired this goggle. But there is a reason those high speed flyers wear such a large lens, for the most possible peripheral vision while still protecting their eyes. The same concept is true of the Oakley Flight Deck, they are a massive, spherical lens that is practically rimless to give you uninterrupted vision on the slopes.
You can easily switch lenses, although I think any shade of Prizm™ technology you choose, you won’t find much of a need to change. According to Oakley, their new Prizm™ lens technology blocks strategic wavelengths along the color spectrum to maximize contrast between colors. So even on the most flat light days you can still see unparalleled definition in the snow. The added clarity on powder days will make you turns that much easier, rather than the standard white out mantra of “hope for the best and let your knees do the rest.” Likewise on a bright bluebird day you have reduced glare and balanced light.
Any lens that fits the Flight Deck is going to be dual-pane with a proprietary anti-fog coating to allow for airflow through the goggle, thus limiting any fogging. The anatomical fit also provides a snug fit on your face to keep the elements out and wick moisture away from your face, while still being plush and comfortable enough to shred in all day.
Though these lenses are larger that usual, the frame is still reasonably low-profile, allowing for compatibility with many helmets out there. I tested them with several brands (Smith, Poc and Salomon) and they fit together like peas in a pod.
The mirrored lens is definitely a fashion statement as well. You may find yourself cleaning smudges and fingerprints off the reflective surface more than you’d like, but it seems a small price to pay for the best way to see your way down the slopes in any conditions.
