We have tested and reviewed POC products before, and invariably our experience has been good. So my expectations where quite high when I received the box from our friends at POC. Unboxing is always really a fun moment, and when the Auric and the Lobes came out of the box I smiled right away. It’s just such a good looking set. As are most of POC products there is an amazing attention to design, quality of manufacturing and choice of materials. Couldn’t wait to hit the mountain with them. This review is of the POC Lobes Goggles. Be sure to check out the review of the POC Auric Cut Helmet here.
Test circumstances
Couldn’t have been better and more varied. Three days of intensive boarding during our review trip to the glacier of Hintertux (Austria). It was november, but the snowfall was epic. First day began with blue skies, but in the afternoon light got more and more flat. The temperature was a ridiculous -20 degrees (celsius) with really high winds. That wind brought more clouds on the second day, cancelling out any contrast on the piste, and heavy snowfall on the third day. So quite a challenge to the Lobes as far as visibility was concerned.
POC Lobes Goggles
So before getting into the lenses and visibility thing, first the fit and comfort of the goggles. The face foam is nice and thick, and even with a tight fit it doesn’t press into your face. The goggles line up perfectly to the helmet, making sure no wind or snow leaks through, keeping your face nice and warm.
The lens is placed outside of the frame, are quite outsized and have a really full field of vision. The coating of the lenses I received was gold/orange and worked quite well in strong sun and more flat light. The lens is made by Zeiss and provides really sharp visibility. The upper part of the lens has a strip that has a slightly blueish coating you only see on the inside, against sun glare. When the light was flat it did give the illusion of blue skies were coming. I have experienced lenses that have slightly stronger contrast on flat light days; but I was quite satisfied.
There is a moment that no matter what lens you have, everything will be white anyway. Interesting moment for me personally when I decided to stop trying to see contrast on the piste and just rely on trying to feel the snow.
In no way did snow (regardless of it coming down in droves) stick or freeze to the goggles. The silicone grips on the inside of the strap makes sure it stays well in place and doesn’t go anywhere. The goggles didn’t fog up, I could wear them all day without feeling any discomfort at all.
It’s not immediately obvious but in various ways, goggles are essential protective materials; offering aid in optimizing your site on the piste, protecting your eyes and a large part of your face from the cold/frostbite and snow. I have seldom felt that stronger than during these very cold days on the mountains. So really happy with the Lobes. And did I say I think they look awesome!?
