How to choose a mask for snowboarding

The snowboard mask is a small but very important element that protects the rider's face and eyes from adverse conditions and provides a comfortable view of the ski slopes even in bright contrasting sun. If the mask is not in the arsenal of a snowboarder - it's time to explore the parameters and buy the right model!

Best Snowboard Mask Manufacturers

When choosing a mask for snowboarding, preference should be given to world-famous brands, only their products are able to provide the necessary level of protection and comfort:

1. Adidas;

2. Anon;

3. Dragon;

4. Bjorn;

5. Dye;

6. Nike;

You should not hurry with the purchase - it is best to compare the characteristics of the masks you like with each other, isolate weak and strong points, and read what users on the Internet write about these masks. Very often, it is the reviews that are able to encourage or, on the contrary, push away from the purchase.

The main criteria for choosing a mask. What should a snowboarder pay attention to?

Mask type

Currently, all masks can be divided into two conditional categories:

1. Cylindrical snowboard masks are made from a single sheet of plastic, which significantly reduces the cost of it. The cylindrical shape of light filters perfectly protects the eyes from glare and ultraviolet radiation, makes the picture clear and sharp, but leads to some distortion of the geometric dimensions and distortion of objects. Using a mask of a similar design, this feature should be remembered;

2. Spherical masks belong to the more expensive price category, almost all masks of the middle and upper price range have a similar design. Spherical shape of light filters does not distort the geometryand also perfectly protects the eyes from all types of radiation. They have one drawback - the high price.

Type and color of installed light filters

In order to protect your eyes and not to “plant” your vision when riding a snowboard, it is necessary to give preference to masks with integrated light filters. They are visible to the naked eye and appear as the color of glass of one type or another.

1. Yellow light filters are designed to make the picture more vivid and contrast in low light.

2. Blacks are designed to soften the light when riding in bright sunny weather and are an analogue of summer sunglasses, mirror ones are designed to remove glare and sunbeams, which is a direct analogue of polarization glasses.

3. Transparent glasses protect only from mechanical effects and nothing more.

In addition to the color filter, preference should be given to models equipped with polarizing filters. By analogy with sunglasses, they are designed to remove glare and align the color balance of the image. The latter results in a clear, contrasting and saturated, regardless of external conditions and level of illumination.

It should be noted, and the characteristics of filters relating to the protection of the eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Depending on this parameter, all masks are divided into five levels:

1. Level 0Used in the absence of natural light and artificial sources;

2. Level 1. Recommended for use in cloudy weather;

3. Level 2. Used in partly cloudy and at a solar activity level of the medium;

4. Level 3. Suitable for use in clear sunny weather;

5. Level 4. Models designed for riding in the mountains and providing protection from the most bright sunlight;

Mask on the back of the head

Here we are talking about a soft and comfortable strap. It should be preferred to the model with a sufficient width of the strap and a comfortable soft strap that does not cause discomfort during long pokatushki. For fine adjustment, it is best to prefer models equipped with a latch on the side of the mask.

Existence of the thought-over ventilation system

During intense driving, as well as due to the difference in temperature outside and inside the mask, the inside is covered with condensate - to mist up, reducing visibility. In order to prevent fogging, manufacturers go in different ways:

1. The application of special formulations or coating that prevents the formation of condensate;

2. The execution of the glass mask with a special air gap, which plays the role of a kind of glass and equalizes the temperature difference;

3. Equipment of various ventilation systems;

Choose the size of the mask for snowboarding

Discomfort, loose fit, distortion of the image, fogging - these are just a small list of troubles that will be faced by those who do not choose the mask carefully enough. The most experienced snowboarders make masks individually, under the order, taking into account each anatomical feature of the shape of the face and head.

Beginner snowboarders should pay attention to the size of the mask, which should sit tight on the face and not crawl with active movements of the head. The perimeter of the mask should fit snugly to the face and prevent all kinds of cracks. In the case when riding in a helmet is supposed, the mask should fully conform to the contour in the neckline of the helmet and be securely fixed in it. The mask is selected individually for the rider by means of numerous fittings and adjustments.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose a helmet for snowboardingsecrets choice of universal snowboard and recommendations for choosing a snowboard cover.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.