Dermizax vs Gore Tex – Waterproofing War – Which Is Better?

backcountry splitboarding in Aomori Spring testing Dermizax vs Gore Tex

In outdoor gear, Gore-Tex membranes are the gold standard for protection against the elements. We’ve hailed this material in many of our articles including our backcountry ski jacket guide. And to this day, there are very few proprietary brands from companies like Patagonia or North Face that can provide that kind of protection. A fabric that has started to bubble up as a competitive alternative to Gore-Tex is Dermizax by Toray. We take a deep dive into Dermizax Vs Gore Tex to see how they stack up.

Verdict

A graphic showcasing the differences between Gore Tex and Dermizax
When comparing Dermizax vs Gore-Tex it comes down to what you’re looking for in your outerwear. Personally, for 95% of the time I like the Dermizax material. It offers more flexibility and a soft feel, similar to a softshell. It also provides excellent breathability when I’m sweating on the skin track and performs exceptionally well in most snowstorms. On the other hand, Gore-Tex is what I want on a wet Sierra Cement or Cascade Concrete day when the flakes are instantly turning to liquid as they touch me. Jaime, the Local Freshies® Gal, wants superior protection at all times and so she would never part with her Gore Tex Pro regardless of the conditions.

How We Compared Dermizax vs Gore Tex

backcountry front straps over shoulders
Jaime wearing the Norrøna Lofoten with the Gore Tex Pro membrane – Photo by: Local Freshies

We’ve done a side-by-side full season test with Jaime using a Norrøna Lofoten Jacket which comes with Gore-Tex Pro and while I used the Ortovox Ortler 3L with Dermizax NX in the exact same elements. Although it wasn’t a perfect comparison since they both use different fabrics on the exterior, it did give us an idea of how they stack up.

Waterproofing

On paper, Gore-Tex Pro has a whopping 28,000+ mm waterproof rating versus Dermizax NX which is rated at 20,000 mm. In simplest terms that means the Dermizax NX material can withstand 20,000 mm of water pressure before it starts to leak versus the Gore-Tex Pro can withstand up to 28,000+ mm. Just to give you an idea how impressive that is — most ski resort jackets come with a 10-15,000 mm waterproof rating.

The Monsoon Test

They say a 20,000 mm jacket can protect you from rain in a hurricane, and that’s exactly what we did. We had the fortunate (or unfortunate) opportunity to test it during a three-hour monsoon at a New York Giants game. Jaime’s Norrøna Lofoten Jacket with Gore-Tex Pro kept her dry, while my Ortler 3L with Dermizax NX performed well for most of it — though I still ended up a bit damp. In “normal” winter conditions, the Dermizax NX performed just as well as Jaime’s jacket.

Winner: Gore-Tex Pro

Breathability

The next important factor is breathability. When you begin to get soaked with sweat in a cold environment, it can lead to a dangerous situation. One of the easiest ways to solve for this is to wear moisture-wicking breathable materials including your jacket. Gore-Tex Pro has a breathability rating of 25,000 g/m2. This means that 25,000 grams of water vapor (I.e. sweat) can pass through a square meter of Gore-Tex Pro in a 24-hour period. Although Toray the manufacturer of Dermizax NX doesn’t provide a breathability rating, we’ve read that it provides anywhere between 30,000 – 50,000 g/m2.

Testing on the Skintrack

backcountry splitboarder wearing the Ortler 3L jacket skinning in Lake Tahoe
Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®

Within a ski resort, sweating might not be a big deal but it’s a different story on the skin track. Climbing up a mountain can you get warm pretty quickly. On a spring day with temperatures starting well below freezing and hitting highs in the upper 40s, I was blown away with the Dermizax NX membrane. I believe the breathability rating is spot on. Even though I’m the sweaty type, it kept me comfortably cozy in the full range of activities without having to keep taking it on and off. While Jaime, on the other hand with her Gore-Tex Pro, was constantly going on and off with her shell.

Winner: Dermizax

Feel

The final feature that most don’t talk about is “feel.” We’re not talking about Fernando’s Hideaway “dahling” on how you look but how the material feels when you’re moving on the mountain. Do you feel inhibited? Does the fabric make it sound as if you’re crumpling up a piece of paper? For many it isn’t a big deal, but it’s something to at least consider.

Marketing Hulabaloo or Legit?

Gore-Tex fabrics combined with bullet proof denier are notorious for how stiff they feel hence the name “hardshell.” One of the Dermizax NX fabric’s chief competitive advantages that they market is its multi-directional stretch capabilities. Is it REALLY that big of a deal? Before I tried it, I could really care less about feel. I was chasing the “protection against the elements” bug. I can tell you that Dermizax’s multi-stretch abilities aren’t malarkey but legit. Instead of buying a size up, I’m able to rock a more form fitting jacket and still get the protection I need. Jaime, while she cares about the feel, doesn’t care enough to EVER part with her jacket. In fact, she uses it all year long on EVERY adventure from mountain biking to backcountry skiing.

Winner: Depends

Just a few years ago, I would’ve said that there isn’t any waterproofing material that could compete against Gore-tex. It may still be the #1 brand but as you can see from Toray’s Dermizax offering, it might not be the best tool for all situations. It comes down to what you’re looking for.

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Is Indy Idaho Skiing in Trouble? Supreme Court Puts it in Jeopardy

One of the things we love about skiing and snowboarding in Idaho is that it’s home to some of the few truly independent ski areas left in the West. Resorts like Magic Mountain and Lookout Pass have a special charm that keeps us coming back year after year. However, a tragic incident at Sun Valley has brought the issue of ski area liability to the forefront. After a skier died, his widow filed a lawsuit against the resort. The Idaho Supreme Court’s ruling in this case is setting a new legal precedent, which could lead to significant changes in the future.

What Happened?

Sun Valley Bald Mountain and where a ski death occured
In November 2019, a 65-year-old doctor named Stewart Milus from Boise was skiing at Sun Valley. The resort has two main ski areas: Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. Bald Mountain itself is divided into two sections: River Run and Warm Springs. According to court documents, Stewart was skiing down the lower River Run.

Lay of the Land

snowguns at Sun Valley Ski Resort
An example of the snowguns that Steve Milus hit.

We’ve skied this run before—it’s a wide, groomed trail that leads to the River Run Lodge. As the primary route to the base, it can get crowded. On this particular day, it was moderately busy. The court noted that Stewart was skiing “with poor control.” He crossed into the path of another skier, skied across the backs of their skis, yelled, then fell and crashed head-first into a tall, yellow-padded snowmaking tower in the middle of the run. He was taken to Wood River Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Lawsuit Puts Law into Question

Afterwards Stewart’s widow filed a lawsuit against Sun Valley. While the lower courts upheld a 1979 statute, as has been the case for decades, the Idaho Supreme Court took a different stance. The court ruled that a jury should decide whether the ski resort could be partially at fault, regardless of the skier’s actions.

What’s Next

Even though Idaho’s Supreme Court has already made a decision, they are set to hear arguments in February about possibly reconsidering their unanimous ruling. This could return the interpretation of Idaho’s law to how it was before the court’s December 2023 ruling.

Eerily Similar to Mt Hood Ski Bowl’s Mtn Biking Case

Alternatively, the ruling could stand. And if it does, it feels similar to what happened with mountain biking at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl a few years ago. In Oregon, businesses don’t have the same legal protections as those in Idaho. As a result of a lawsuit, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl was forced to shut down its bike park permanently. While larger resorts like Sun Valley and Schweitzer are likely safe, it’s the smaller ones we love—like Pomerelle—that are most at risk. In the worst case, this could lead to closures similar to what happened in Vermont when a lawsuit hit their industry in 1978.

There is a Silver Lining

Snowboarder taking a chute at Magic Mountain Ski Resort
Jaime’s happy place – Magic Mountain Photo by: Local Freshies®

We like to hold a glass half full perspective. So even if the Supreme Court stands, it may not mean the end for Mom & Pops. There are various outcomes from this ruling that could happen. For example, a new bill could be introduced, similar to the one last February that was proposed by Rep. Barbara Ehardt at the urging of the ski industry. Although the bill didn’t receive a hearing, it aimed to clarify the existing law by adding a clear statement that ‘no standard of care’ applies to the duties of ski areas. In summary, stay tuned as this story develops over the course of the month.

For an in-depth write-up of the entire story, check out Idaho Capital Sun’s article.

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Rocker Vs Camber Debate – Which Is Best For You

Idaho Mountain Trading in Idaho Falls Snowboards

Regardless of whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder, camber and rocker are two terms that have likely been introduced into your vocabulary. We’re taking a close look to define what they are, how they differ, and to help you determine whether rocker or camber is better for you. But first things first: let’s start with what they actually mean.

What Is Camber

rocker vs camber design profile
Image appears courtesy: REI

Merriam-Webster’s definition of camber is “a slight convexity, arching, or curvature, as of a beam, deck, or road.” In this case, it refers to the curve on a pair of skis or a snowboard. If you lay a board or skis flat on their base and look at them from the side, you’ll see what appears to be a reverse arc.

Why Do They Have Camber?

The reason for this arc is that it provides increased contact against the snow and springiness between your feet. The result is it allows you to make the perfect arc when carving. Another advantage is that it gives the rider or skier a natural “pop” when ollieing.

How Traditional Camber Came To Be

person longboarding on a downhill road
Image appears courtesy: Pixabay

Snowboard technology over the years hasn’t lived in its own bubble but rather looked around at other board sports like surfing and skateboarding. One of the ideas that was influenced by skateboarding was camber. Longboards with camber were designed so that when weight was applied, it created a reverse arc making it easier to carve a continuous “S” path by just leaning left and right.

Skis Adopted Camber

skier in Kirkwood enjoying the fresh snow in a chute
Skier Darin Haworth enjoying the fresh powder at Kirkwood – Photo by: Local Freshies®

Snowboarding may have drawn inspiration from other sports, but skiing’s use of camber dates back much further, all the way to the 1840s. Camber made it possible to create thinner, lighter skis. What skiing did borrow from snowboarding, however, was the concept of camber combined with a more aggressive sidecut, which led to the creation of what were known as “parabolic skis.” This innovation was such a significant leap forward in technology that many at the time claimed it “revived” the sport. Whether or not that’s true, it undeniably impacted skiing, introducing a whole new way of sliding down the mountain that the two-plank crowd hadn’t experienced before.

Rocker – The New Style

rocker vs camber - what a rocker profile looks like
Image appears courtesy: REI

For decades, camber was the only shape that dominated the market, and there was no debate over rocker vs camber. That all changed when Lib Tech sparked the “rocker revolution” by introducing the Skate Banana. This was when the flip side of camber—rocker, or reverse camber—was introduced. From the side, a ski or board with rocker will appear to “smile” at you.

McConkey – The Man Who Brought Rocker To Skiing

McConkey Film
The rocker shape was introduced by Shane McConkey on the skier side with his Volant Spatula Skis. When they came out, reviewers used terms like “fun”, “easy”, and saviors to the sports of skiing/snowboarding. This “banana” shape made it extremely easy to ride fresh powder when it was deep due to the natural arc already formed.

The Waterboy Argument

These two vastly different ski and snowboard designs had created a passionate debate between rocker vs camber. It’s like the scene from the movie Waterboy where Bobby Boucher has the argument on water versus Gatorade. I’ve heard friends on both sides make statements like:

“You can’t land on the bolts when it’s a rocker. I feel like I’m fighting a wet pig in the park. Camber all the way.”

“Deep pow on a camber? No way! All the board wants to do is dive like a submarine and make me tomahawk.”

What’s Better Rocker Or Camber?

So, which shape is better in the eternal rocker vs camber argument? Unfortunately, it isn’t an easy answer. For those with the money, a “quiver” might be your best option. A quiver is a set of decks or skis that you can pick and choose from depending on the conditions and skill level.

Rocker In Your Arsenal

A DEEP powder day at Solitude Canyon at Diamond Peak Ski Area
Image appears courtesy: Diamond Peak – Photo by: Ryan Salm

If you’re going heli-skiing, cat-boarding, or wake up to 3 feet of deep powder, floating in the bottomless snow is VERY critical. A good choice for this is the Rocker. The natural “U” shape allows you to float easily through the snow without having to lean far back to get through it. It will provide effortless float. This includes Lib-Tech’s original banana profile and Arbor’s Rocker Profiles.

The Cons To The Rocker

Personally, a full rocker board feels a little squirrelly at high speeds. Locking into a turn, the board feels “soft” and loose more like a skid instead of a carve.

Locked n’ Loaded For A Camber

On the other hand, if your focus is on carving groomers or shredding through resort powder that’s only a few inches deep, at best a camber deck might be the funnest shape for you. As a purist, the ability to make a perfect carve and explode out of your turn allows you to exit faster than you went in.

World Of Camber Hurt

For friends who’ve started snowboarding for the first time, a bigger camber and/or sidecut could cause you to get frustrated. Think of it like tight suspension on a sports car. The design provides a more responsive ride, which means you could easily catch an edge. In addition, a true camber’s flex will make it a bit more difficult to keep the nose afloat in deep snow.

The Rocker Revolution Brings Hybrid Designs

Luckily, the answer doesn’t have to be one or the other. After the dust had settled with rocker vs camber shapes, there has been an explosion of all kinds of different ways of thinking. Both skiing and snowboarding manufacturers have begun to push the envelope on what’s possible with the arc. Shapes from a “flat” board to all sorts of hybrid combinations coming together into one deck.

Goldilocks Would Like Hybrid

If you’re looking for one board to rule them all, a hybrid is what you want. Is it the best in all conditions? We’ll be honest… when Lib Tech released the “banana” boards, we loved the different surfy feeling to it. Over the years though, we’ve gone the hybrid route for any days with soft snow and a true camber board for groomer days or spring.

Most Popular Hybrid Styles

hybrid snowboard profiles
Image appears courtesy: REI

Despite having an infinite amount of combinations, there are certain styles that are more prevalent than others. Here’s a few of them:

Hybrid Camber

This is when the design is primarily a camber between the feet but rocker at the nose and tail. Snowboarders or skiers that love a camber design but want a little help keeping the board afloat in deep snow will love it. For beginners, this will also help keep you from catching an edge.

Hybrid Rocker

2025 Lib Tech Travis Rice Orca snowboard
The gold standard in pow slashing – the T.Rice Orca

The opposite of the Hybrid Camber is the Hybrid Rocker profile. Instead, it has rocker in the center and camber on the tips. In addition, both the nose and tail are still off the ground unless the board is weighted (i.e. someone standing on it). Hybrid Rockers still help with float but also ride better than a traditional rocker at higher speeds.

For Burton, this is the Flying V design and the C2 for a Lib Tech, which includes decks like the T. Rice Orca and Skunk Ape.

Directional Camber

2024/25 Jones Hovercraft Snowboard
As the name states, these are designed to primarily ride in one direction. The natural binding location is usually setback a bit. The focus is on camber from the tail of the board/skis to the front bindings. The nose is longer with a pronounced rocker uplift. This style provides stability like a classic camber, but the tip allows you to float easier in powder.

Good examples of the directional camber are the Jones Hovercraft and the classic Burton Custom.

Flat Variations

flat snowboard profile
Image appears courtesy: REI

Within this category, there are a few different profiles. Overall, the base it flat from tip to tail. At the nose and tail is where the unique flavors come in. Some have minor camber. Others have a few millimeters of rocker on each end. Others are flat for most of it and only have rocker from the front bindings through the nose to help with float. This is an awesome option for those who like to hit park, rails, or tinker around on kickers.

An example of a flat profile is the Capita Ultrafear or for those who want a boost in technology, we recommend checking out the Bataleon TBT profiles. Not quite flat. Not a true rocker. They’re their own design that’s been patented.

What To Look For In A Hybrid

As you can tell, picking the type of snowboard you ride is a purely personal preference. For example, Jaime LOVES a board that has WAY more camber than I do but with a bit softer flex. Me, on other hand, for years looked for a camber-rocker-camber design such as the Orca. This allows the board to carve well but at the same time helps keep the nose afloat. Is it perfect? Nope, but it’s a great go-to option on most days.

Consider ALL Snowboard Shapes

The Weston Revel Snowboard in Colorado
A unique snowboard shape is the Weston Revel – Photo by: Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®

As I personally came to realize when picking your snowboard or skis, the rocker vs camber debate is just one factor to consider. You also need to think about all the other shape and technology features, such as “magna-traction,” sidecut, and whether the board is “volume-shifted.” Our detailed article, Shape Up or Ship Out on Snowboard Shapes: Types, Terms, & More, covers all of these factors in depth. Ultimately, there are many choices when it comes to brands. Now that you have a better understanding, get out there, demo some new boards, and let us know what you think!

For more tips about gear from finding the right jacket to a pair of goggles and more, be sure to visit our Skiing & Snowboarding Gear homepage.

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Better Not Bigger – Taos Crossroads of Culture & Skiing

The village at Taos Ski Valley during a winter storm

There are certain places that offer great skiing, and others that are steeped in history dating back centuries. But none in North America are at the crossroads of both—and more—like Taos and Taos Ski Valley. Skiing is just one small aspect of a visit to Taos. On the surface, it may seem surprising that Taos Ski Valley is still the only B Corp-certified ski area in the world. However, as we learned on our second trip, it makes a lot of sense.

Crossroads of Everything

As a casual visitor, you’ll notice that Taos Ski Valley is located high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, while down below in the valley lies the artistic, funky town of Taos. Separated by more than thirty miles, the town is home to passionate artists, farmers, and locals who can trace their roots back to Spanish explorers. In the mountains, you’ll find some of the rowdiest, most exciting terrain in the country. All created by a Swiss German with a vision for Alps architecture. That distance and their contrasting appearances may make it feel like two different worlds, but the truth is, they’re like two brothers who need each other.

Our Guide to Taos

A Chainsaw that cut the trees at Taos Ski Valley
If chainsaws could talk this one would talk about how it helped create Taos Ski Valley – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®

It wasn’t until we met up with our guide for the day, Tomas Montoya, that we learned about this relationship. A jovial Hispanic man and native of Taos, he traces his lineage back to the first Spanish explorers of the 1600s. He was probably in his 50s, but you could tell that skiing had kept him as youthful and energetic as a 20-year-old—still just as stoked to be out skiing and making turns. Taking Lift 1, he regaled us with stories of his family’s history, like how they even owned part of the land that Taos Ski Valley sits on, and how his grandfather cut the first trails in 1952. He pointed down to Al’s Run and said, “He would climb up this mountain like a goat with a 50-lb chainsaw on his back and hand-cut trees from it.”

Water Is Life

Besides being a guide at Taos Ski Valley, Tomas Montoya is also the community’s spokesperson for the area’s water rights. Although Taos Ski Valley is a winter wonderland, receiving over 300 inches of snow annually, it is also surrounded by high desert. These mountains are a precious source of water for the entire community. What I didn’t realize is that Taos Ski Valley sits at the headwaters of the Hondo River, which flows down to the valley below, where it is used by the community for their livelihoods, including agriculture. As you would expect, when people’s livelihoods are at stake, arguments can become heated. Tomas’ unique ability to see both sides of the issue makes him the perfect candidate to talk to both parties and find common ground. A good example of this is the modernizing plans for the base-to-base gondola.

A Different Way of Looking At Skiing

Nearly all ski resorts focus on expanding their footprint, either by adding lifts, terrain, or even an entirely new village. Since Taos Ski Valley sits at the delicate headwaters of the Hondo River, expansion isn’t possible. Instead of following the typical ski resort strategy, they’re taking a different approach. As COO John Kelly stated, they’re aiming for “better, not bigger.”

What is Better not Bigger?

At its core, the way I understood it, it’s about how every person should live their life: don’t compare or compete against others, but become the best version of yourself. This philosophy means that everything you experience at Taos Ski Valley should compound, leaving you with the best possible experience—from the snow conditions all the way down to the Glühwein at the Bavarian.

Strategic Lift Upgrades

As part of this vision, one area of focus to improve the on-mountain experience is upgrading their lift network. We’re not talking about every lift, but the strategic ones. This process started in 2018 with Chair 1, a high-speed quad replacing two fixed-grip chairlifts out of the base village. Then, in the 2023-24 season, Lift 4 upgraded to a high-speed quad.

Glading

John Kelly COO of Taos talking about the glades being opened up at Taos Ski Valley
John Kelly COO of Taos pointing out the new glades that have been created – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®

Another aspect many skiers and snowboarders don’t consider is glading. While the ski acreage remains the same, working alongside the U.S. Forest Service, they’re doing forest thinning and mitigation, which has opened up hundreds of acres that weren’t skiable due to forest density. This hasn’t been a one-and-done scenario, but an ongoing effort. In 2015, Wild West Glades opened. From a 2021 Snow Squall event, the Ponsse Scheme and Cache Stash were created. Then, in 2023, looker’s left of the notorious Al’s Run became Dadou’s, named after beloved Taos ski instructor Bernard “Dadou” Mayer.

Kachina Lift

No matter which ski resort you visit, nearly all locals will always pine for the “good ol’ days.” The snow was deeper, the lift lines shorter. Change is one of the few constants in life, and some of it isn’t what residents want. One example of this is the Kachina Lift. Once earned only by hiking, some grizzled vets don’t like that a lift now accesses Kachina Peak. On the flip side, we’ve heard that ski patrol often lets the lift stand still days after a storm, allowing those who yearn for the challenge to still get it the hard way. This is a good example of how Taos, while changing, tries to keep its character intact.

How do you Keep Score?

Saying you’re going to be “better, not bigger” is fine, but how do you track that with data? We learned from COO John Kelly that, for them, the B-Corp certification wasn’t the end of their journey but rather the perfect guideline for their motto. Key aspects such as environmental focus, being community-centered, and always looking for sustainability initiatives align well with the certification, holding Taos Ski Valley accountable for all their actions. While no system is perfect, becoming B-Corp certified is difficult and requires ongoing investment. It’s not a “one-and-done.” In fact, companies have lost their accreditation due to their actions—such as Etsy.

Walking past the Blake Hotel in Taos Ski Valley
The Blake Hotel is is heated and cooled with renewable geothermal power – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®

From our personal experience, Taos Ski Valley seems to be living up to that mantra and continues to push forward. Beyond the obvious changes, such as lift upgrades for a better experience, they’re examining all aspects of their business to continue improving. Many of these you wouldn’t even notice, like the Blake Hotel, which opened in 2017 and is heated and cooled with renewable geothermal power. The resort’s chairlifts and snowmaking operations are powered by daytime solar energy provided by Kit Carson Electric Cooperative. They’ve also deployed North America’s first 100 percent electric snow groomer. It’s no wonder that their latest B-Corp recertification boosted their score from 82.7 to a whopping 97.8.

As of today, Taos Ski Valley is walking the tight-rope of a company that cares and yet still profitable. We hope it continues in that direction.

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Smith 4D Mag Goggles Review – Top Gun’s Ski Goggle

Smith 4D Mag goggles on skier

Back in the ’90s, if you had asked me which piece of gear for skiing and snowboarding would change the least, goggles would have been near the top of the list. After all, sunglasses haven’t really evolved much since their invention—mostly just in terms of fashion. So, how could goggles possibly change? Fast forward to 2025, and I couldn’t have been more wrong. One company leading the charge is Smith Optics, with their innovative new 4D Mag goggles. Here’s my review of the Smith 4D Mag Goggles.

Verdict

Smith Mag 4D goggles case
Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®

The Smith 4D Mag goggle is the best in class in every way— from how it feels on your face to the packaging it comes in. Even the included hard case is thoughtfully designed, featuring a separate compartment for storing the extra lens. What sets them apart though isn’t just one feature, but a combination of factors all wrapped in a sleek design that looks great on anyone. If you’re someone who hates feeling somewhat limited by restricted peripheral vision, the Smith 4D Mag goggles are on the top of the list—if not number one.

Smith 4D Mag Specs

  • Two lenses: Bright light and low light
  • ChromaPop performance tints
  • Goggle Hard Case with separate compartment for lens
  • Three-layer DriWix face foam
  • Smith Sock Mitt
  • Price: $340
  • Buy from Backcountry.com or EVO or Smith Optics

Peregrin Falcon Vision

Speaking about the peripheral vision, the Smith 4D Mag family introduces the groundbreaking new lens design called BirdsEye Vision. There are two main types of lenses in goggles: spherical and cylindrical. A cylindrical lens curves in one direction, while a spherical lens curves in both directions—hence the “sphere” in its name. The 4D MAG’s BirdsEye Vision takes the spherical lens concept to the next level by curving both downward and inward, toward the face. This design boosts your peripheral field of view by up to 25%!

Want to learn more about BirdsEye Vision? Check out their detailed article on the technology.

What I Love About Them

Trew Gear Capow Bibs and Cosmic Jacket at Sierra at Tahoe
Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®

The Smith 4D Mag feels less like a ski goggle and more like the lenses worn by aviation pilots. While they don’t feel bulky on your face, they maximize what you can see. The ability to see more vertically is a nice bonus, but what’s a game changer for me is the increased peripheral vision. With the sides of the lens offering extra coverage, you can easily spot skiers or snowboarders coming from the side without having to turn your head—something NBA’s Luka Dončić would likely appreciate on the basketball court!

Makes the World “POP”

These goggles also use Smith’s ChromaPop lens technology, which we’ve seen firsthand in their MTB glasses. They really deliver an impressive “pop” in color and clarity. In addition, the 4D Mag lenses stayed completely fog-free, even when we tried them during wet Sierra storms. And thanks to Smith’s innovative MAG lens-change technology, swapping lenses for the conditions was quick and effortless because of the magnets.

Smith 4D Mag goggles switching out lenese
Easy to switch lenses due to MAG technology – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®

Cons

Even as best in class in terms of visibility and technology, the hefty price tag is a bit hard to swallow. But after looking around, it’s clear that all ski and snowboard goggle manufacturers have raised their prices as well. The findings we found were less about “drawbacks” or “cons” but something to be aware of and consider.

While we love the increased visibility the Smith 4D Mag goggles provide, the bottom of the lens has a steep curve that can distort the lower section of the goggle. For some, this may be disorienting, and we did experience that sensation during the first few laps. However, once I got used to it, I appreciated how much I could see without needing to swivel my head.

When using the 4D Mag with the Smith Summit backcountry helmet, the fit was spot on. However, I did notice that the silicone-backed strap didn’t stay in place as securely in bumpy mogul conditions as I would have liked. That might be more because the helmet has a low profile to help with storing for backcountry skiing. The solution was simple—just tightening the strap a bit more than usual.

A Size for Everyone

Smith Optics is about providing the best fit for each and every individual and even in the 4D Mag Family there are three different variations. The 4D Mag XL is a large fit, the 4D Mag is medium fit and finally the 4D Mag Low Bridge fit for faces with a lower nose bridge and/or a wide or high cheekbone shape.

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