Review: Sweet Protection Durden RIG Reflect Goggle – Jackson Hole Special Edition

The Sweet Protection Durden RIG Reflect Jackson Hole Mountain Resort signature model goggle became my Goto favorite main goggle I used this winter. I was surprised to find the goggle frame fit perfectly when paired with my Giro MIPS helmet.

Fit

I have not found a goggle yet that fits so well with zero air gaps between goggle and helmet like other ski & snowboard goggles. The Sweet Protection universal goggle design made a great tight fit to my Giro helmet.  They became my only goggles for the winter season both for resort and for back country skiing. I was skeptical at first about how they would fit, due to my small helmet size, and was worried the goggle band would lose its elasticity quickly causing the goggles to slip down my face like other goggles I have used.  

The Durden RIG Goggle also did not push down on my nose or make my helmet ride up on my head making it a perfect fit. After using the goggles all season, they stayed snug and perfectly matched with the helmet, and I had no loosening or fogging issues. The 3-layer foam also held up to my use all season with sliding them on and off my helmet all day. I can’t wait to see how many over 100 ski day seasons they will last.

Lenses

The Sweet Protection Durden Goggle came with 2 lenses;

The RIG Quartz 45% VLT,  and the RIG Aquamarine 9% VLT lens. Both worked great in variable conditions and could be easily changed out quickly, although I rarely had to switch lenses due to the wide range of contrast each lens provided.

During storm cycles and low light conditions I mainly used the RIG Aquamarine 9% VLT lens that worked great in windy, very low light days, and in almost complete whiteout conditions. The lens also provided enough VLT protection when the sun popped out.

I switched out to the RIG Quartz 45% VLT lens on sunny blue bird days that also provided great visibility on days when clouds rolled in and in snowstorms. I never felt the need to bring two lenses to switch out on days where the weather was variable and unpredictable. I would like to  see how the RIG Obsidian 4% VLT would do on the bright blue bird days for a little more sun VLT blocking.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• With a smaller face and small helmet the goggles fit perfectly even though the Durden RIG sizes start an Medium and go up to XL. The two silicon strips on the goggle band and double adjustment tabs made it easy to get the perfect fit and not have to mess with constantly loosening or tightening the band.
• Even with the snug  fit to the helmet i never experienced fogging even while charging at the resort or while hiking.
• JHMR being my local resort I liked the style of the band with the JHMR Tram on the goggle band.

Cons

• On Blue Bird days I was wanting a little darker lens like the Obsidian 4% VLT lens if out all day.
• At first, I was missing the ease of a magnet changeable lens but after looking at the directions I found the lens change to be very quick and easy. Just make sure to have a polishing cloth to take off finger smudges.

Overall Impression

I’m hoping the frame of the Sweet Protection Durden RIG JHMR signature goggle will hold up for many more seasons to enjoy the fit and comfort of the frames. I would also like to try out as many of the lens options that the Durden RIG goggle has to offer. For $150 this goggle is a no brainer, easy yes purchase for me in the future.

Related Ski & Snowboard Goggles We Have Tested

1. Smith 4D Goggle
2. Scott React AMP Pro Goggle
3. POC Vitrea Goggle