Julbo REACTIV Goggle Lenses

7 Benefits of Photochromic Snow Goggle Lenses

Every winter brings the next evolution in goggle lens technology. Despite the ever-expanding options, finding the perfect lens can still feel like a daunting task. Photochromic lenses are a combination of the best in goggle lens technology. Read on to learn the seven key benefits of these lenses.

WHAT ARE PHOTOCHROMIC LENSES?

Photochromic lenses adjust to changing light conditions by getting lighter or darker depending on the amount of UV light present. The more UV light, the darker the lens becomes.

Did you know? Julbo's REACTIV Photochromic lenses have the fastest transition time on the market? It takes about 20 seconds for the lens to adjust to its optimized Visible Light Transmission (VLT) level.

TRADITIONAL GOGGLES WITH REPLACEMENT LENSES

Standard snow goggle option that typically comes with one dark lens (Category 3) and one lighter lens, which can either be clear or Category 1.

With so much technology available for one lens it begs the question: Is TWO always better than ONE? ... well usually yes, but when it comes to snow goggle lenses, that may not always be the case. Here's 7 reasons why Julbo REACTIV Photochromic lenses are better than Traditional Two-lens goggles. 

1. VERSATILITY FROM A WIDER VLT RANGE

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) refers to how much light filters through a lens. VLT is based on a scale of 0-4, where the higher the category number the less light is allowed to pass through. With a standard lens, you are stuck with the VLT range for that particular lens, which is fine if the weather never changes. 

With REACTIV photochromic lenses, you have a wider VLT range providing greater versatility. Whether the clouds come out or it remains bluebird all day, REACTIV photochromic lens saves you the headache of trying to be a weatherman and guarantees you have the right lens no matter the weather.

2. EASE OF USE

With photochromic lenses, there is no need to change lenses when light conditions change. Since there is only one lens, you don't have to carry around an extra lens. No more inconvenient trips to the car, lodge, or awkwardly carrying an extra lens in your jacket pocket. 

3. NO COLD FINGERS

We've all been there. You're on the chairlift and you realized you picked the wrong lens. The clouds have rolled in and now you are skiing to the car with your goggles on top of your helmet. Now for the fun part, you have to try to pry the lenses off with frozen fingers. Woof! With REACTIV lenses you never have to change lenses, sacrifice fingernails, and miss out on untouched powder laps.

Reactiv Goggles

4. NO LOSING EXTRA LENSES

By only having one lens, you also eliminate the risk of losing the second lens, so you can always be prepared for light and dark conditions. 

5. SAFETY

By having clear visibility in all weather conditions, you will be able to see and avoid dangerous terrain making it a safer option than standard Goggles.

6. EYE PROTECTION

By having the right lens shade, you protect your eyes from overexposure to sunlight. All Julbo lenses block 100% of UV A, B, and C. 

7. VALUE

Compared to traditional snow goggle lenses, REACTIV photochromic lenses provide more value by being versatile in a variety of conditions, requiring no maintenance, and by providing safer and clear visibility. All Julbo's REACTIV photochromic lenses are backed by a LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Cold, Dry || REACTIV 2-4 Polarized Lens

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

THE ALMANAC SAYS: “Though famous for its consistently heavy precipitation, our forecasts for the Northwest call for a drier-than-normal winter, thanks largely to this year’s winter El Niño…. Winter temperatures will be colder than normal.”

JULBO RECOMMENDS: With high pressure expected to dominate the Pacific Northwest, clear and sunny conditions will prevail. That means polarized goggle lenses with dark tints are best.

Julbo’s top photochromic lens for the brightest conditions is the REACTIV 2-4 Polarized lens, with the highest level of protection for freeride, ski-touring and high-altitude mountaineering. Ideal for conditions from partly sunny to full sun, the REACTIV 2-4 Polarized lens has a visible light transmission range (VLT) from 20 to 5%.

Cool, Wet || REACTIV 0-4 High Contrast Lens

WEST COAST

THE ALMANAC SAYS: “A strong El Niño means winter will be wetter than normal, with above-normal mountain snow…. There will be a white Christmas across the Sierra Nevada mountains, but not in the valleys or along the coast…. Winter will be colder than normal throughout the region.”

JULBO RECOMMENDS: Heavy snowfall and wet temperatures are a recipe for difficult visibility, and flat light, fog and poor contrast demand the best goggle lens with the widest photochromic range on the market. That’s the REACTIV 0-4 High Contrast, which transitions from fully clear to dark based on ambient light and has an amber tint to enhance contrast in difficult-to-read terrain. When the weather clears, it’ll transition to 7% VLT for full protection.

Cold, Snowy || REACTIV 1-3 Glare Control Lens

ROCKIES

THE ALMANAC SAYS: “Precipitation and snowfall will be slightly above normal, with the snowiest periods in late November, mid-December, and mid-January…. It will be extra cold! Winter temperatures are well below average overall, with the coldest periods in late November, late December, and early to mid-January, as well as early February in the north only.”

JULBO RECOMMENDS: The mixed bag forecast for Colorado, Montana and Wyoming will result in a little bit of everything, demanding a versatile lens for low light storm skiing and bright conditions from clear and cold high-pressure days.

Julbo’s REACTIV 1-3 Glare Control lens is three lenses in one, providing optimal clarity for conditions from cloudy and stormy to full sun, with a slight polarized treatment that cuts glare to improve contrast and terrain readability.

Cold, Snowy || REACTIV 0-4 High Contrast Lens 

INTERMOUNTAIN

THE ALMANAC SAYS: “It’s a whiteout! We’re looking at above-normal snowfall…. Winter will be colder than normal in December (4° below average) and January (4° below average), although February will be just slightly below average.”

JULBO RECOMMENDS: Ready for a repeat of last year in the Wasatch? This year’s El Niño conditions suggest a very wintry repeat, demanding a goggle with great visibility during snowstorms and a dark tint during the high-pressure systems in between.

Julbo’s REACTIV 0-4 High Contrast lens is five lenses in one, transitioning from fully clear to fully dark depending on ambient light. The high contrast tint improves contrast and clarity, to enhance visibility when the light gets difficult.

Cold, Snowy || Sniper EVO

UPPER MIDWEST

THE ALMANAC SAYS: “Precipitation in the form of snowfall will be above normal…. Winter temperatures will be below normal, with average temperatures in January and February of 8°F.”

JULBO RECOMMENDS: There’s no denying how difficult visibility can be during a maelstrom or how hard it can be to maintain clear vision when it’s extremely cold. Nordic skiing in these conditions is only more difficult.

The Sniper EVO provides complete coverage from the elements, with a large single lens that’s suspended away from the face to allow for airflow and fog prevention. Available with either a polycarbonate Spectron lens or REACTIV photochromic lens, there’s an option for all conditions. For the snowy, darker days of the Midwest, choose a model with the 0-4 High Contrast lens.  

Mild, Snowy || Lightyear Goggles

NORTHEAST

THE ALMANAC SAYS: “Precipitation and snowfall will be above normal…. Winter temperatures will be above normal.”

JULBO RECOMMENDS: Warmth plus snow means high humidity and plenty of foggy goggles. Luckily Julbo’s new SuperFlow Pro system, available in the Lightyear goggles, has a best-in-class anti-fog technology that’s superior to the design popularized by the now-discontinued Aerospace goggles. SuperFlow Pro easily switches open to immediately eliminate fog and prevent moisture buildup, replacing the Aerospace goggle’s hinge system with a glove-friendly design and dual-sided magnetic closure that effortlessly locks the lens to the frame.