Mike Hardaker Testing the Glade Challenger Goggle on Teton Pass | Photo Mountain Weekly News
What is it that sets these Glade Goggles apart from the likes of Smith, Dragon, and Spy? The price. Move over big players in the eye-wear industry there is a new manufacturer in town, Glade Optics. Although not entirely new to the optics world, Glade has been making killer sunglasses for the last few years. And now continues in that tradition with some darn fine ski goggles, including Glade Optics.
Glade Goggle Quicklens
For under $99 you can own a pair of Glade Goggles. When I first saw the price, I figure these goggles would be less than high-end. Boy was I wrong.
Glade markets the Challenger Goggles as being Customization, which it is thanks to the Quicklens™ change system lens options. That being said I have never found the need to touch the lenses on these Glade Goggles. From flat light to bright light conditions and everything in between. The Blue lens from Glade Optics (which I tested) allows 18.4% light transmission while the Photochromic lens has a range of 30.0%-84.0% light transmission. Regardless of the conditions, these goggles will allow you to see everything that comes your way with a crisp, clear field of view.
Glade Goggle Shape
Thanks to Glade’s wide Challenger lens shape you get a ton of added peripheral vision. If you’re a fan of the APX’s, I/OX’s or even the Flight Deck Prizm Goggle the Glade Challenger is surely going to be a hit with you. One of the best things about these goggles, you can as mentioned above buy 2 sets of these Goggles for the price that the big boys charge.
How did thee Glade Optics Goggle come to be? The founder grew up skiing Mad River Valley of Vermont (ski it if you can) and after years of testing and playing with sub-par gear Glade was formed.
Glade Optics Challenger Ski Goggle Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reasonable price under $99
- Excellent peripheral vision with wide lens shape
- Clear optics for various light conditions
Cons:
- Not high-end quality
- May not need to change lenses
- Only 2 sets for same price as big brand
Overall Impression
With a great fit, feel and clear optics to-boot you can’t go wrong with these highly recommended Glade Optics Challenger Goggle. Especially with the photochromatic lens at this price it’s hard to beat Glade thanks to the easy lens swap options and light lens that work in a variety of conditions from sunny days to the deepest snow storm cycles.
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