Part Two: Mid-Range to Premium
If Part One was about smart spending, Part Two feels like gliding into clearer air. This is where colours wake up, edges look crisper and the tech quietly lifts your day. Photochromic lenses settle into changing light. Polarised optics tame sparkle on hardpack. ZEISS and ChromaPop bring definition back to flat afternoons. Consider this your friendly guide to the sweet spot between £130 and £240.
Watch the episode
What stood out on the mountain
Contrast changed everything. ZEISS, ChromaPop and 8KO brought definition to milky light and tree shade.
Comfort lasted all day. Plush foams and purposeful venting kept lenses clear on slow chairs and fast laps.
Swaps were simple. The best systems combined magnets with a confident lock so changes felt quick and secure.
The line-up with quick verdicts and buy links
Dope Sight — £113
A neat upgrade path with a dual-layer cylindrical lens, quick lens-lock and gentle, all-day comfort.
Best for riders taking a first step into better optics without a big bill.
Buy direct from DopeSnow
Smith Squad — £124.99
ChromaPop contrast, Fog-X that works when the pace drops, and a bonus low-light lens.
The dependable daily. Put it on and get on with your day.
Buy direct from Smith
SunGod Vanguards — £130
8KO clarity, custom colours and a lifetime-guaranteed frame that is built to travel.
If you value durability, this is the long-term companion.
Buy direct from SunGod
Panda Optics RS2 Polarised — £142
Upgraded magnetic plus clip system with a polarised Cat.3 main lens and HD low-light backup.
Glare killer for bluebirds, glaciers and spring slush.
Buy direct from Panda Optics
Zeal Meridian — £165
Rail Lock swaps feel sure-footed and Observation Deck Tech opens up more vertical view.
Compact frame, big vision. A tidy bit of mountain minimalism.
Buy direct from Zeal
Outdoor Master Falcon Dual ZEISS — £175
Genuine ZEISS cylindrical clarity with VaporShield anti-fog and MagKlick swaps.
ZEISS optics without the luxury surcharge.
Buy direct from Outdoor Master
KOO Energia — £190
Italian build quality with Zeiss lenses and a slick slot-in system that feels precise in the hands.
Style with purpose. Looks elegant, rides sharp.
Buy direct from KOO
Smith Preview — £190
BirdsEye Vision opens the view while ChromaPop pumps the detail. The ResponsiveFit frame sits naturally.
The easy fit choice for many faces.
Buy direct from Smith
Outdoor Master Ultra ZEISS Photochromic — £200
ZEISS toric lens that adapts to the light with MagKlick convenience and confident contrast.
One goggle for unpredictable weather. Pack less and ride more.
Buy direct from Outdoor Master
Dragon RVX MAG OTG — £240
Swiftlock 2.0 adds magnets to a mechanical latch for fast, secure swaps and a cinema-wide view with Lumalens.
Premium feel from the moment you click it in. A pleasure to ski in every light.
Buy direct from Dragon Alliance UK
Editor’s awards
Best Overall: Dragon RVX MAG OTG. Fast swaps, big view, crisp detail. It feels complete. Dragon Alliance UK
Best Value Premium: SunGod Vanguards. Strong optics and a lifetime frame at a friendly price. sungod.co
Best For All Conditions: Outdoor Master Ultra ZEISS Photochromic. Weather can do what it likes and you still feel sorted. OutdoorMaster
Best For Sunshine: Panda Optics RS2 Polarised. Cuts glare so you can relax into the turn. panda-optics
Best Small to Medium Fit With Big Vision: Zeal Meridian. Compact shell with a generous window. zealoptics.com
Best Design Aesthetic: KOO Energia. Understated lines and Italian craft with Zeiss precision. kask.com
How to choose in two minutes
-
Changeable weather on your trips. Go photochromic.
-
Bright resorts and spring laps. Choose polarised.
-
Fog troubles. Look for serious venting and proven coatings like Fog-X, Everclear and VaporShield.
-
You swap lenses often. Pick a magnetic system with a positive lock.
-
Unsure on face size. Smith’s ResponsiveFit and Zeal’s compact chassis are forgiving.
This slice of the market feels like finding a quiet side piste that skis beautifully. Prices stay sensible while the experience gets markedly better. If you want the most polished ride, choose the Dragon RVX MAG OTG. If simplicity in mixed weather is the dream, the Outdoor Master Ultra ZEISS Photochromic is a set-and-forget answer. If value and longevity are your priorities, the SunGod Vanguards will go season after season with a clear, confident view.
We regularly showcase the latest gear on our YouTube channel. Dive into our Gear Playlist for in-depth reviews. For the latest snow forecasts, updates on top skiing destinations, and comprehensive gear evaluations, tune in to our podcast, “The Whiteout.” You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Podcasts, or by searching “The Whiteout” in your favourite podcast directory.
