Review: Vallon Crossroads Goggles

Innovation comes fast days, with longstanding problems abruptly overcome. I know this, and yet I was still surprised by the Vallon Crossroads ski goggle. Every annoyance I've experienced in 20 years of skiing with quality equipment (and 20 more with mediocrity) appears to have been eliminated. That's right, no more fogged-up lenses, no more scratches from a short drop or an errant fingernail, and no more fragile or gimmicky lens-swap mechanisms.

The Crossroads sit comfortably on the face and seal well. The Zeiss lenses—that's right, Zeiss, the 100-year-old company that makes some of the best binoculars, riflescopes, and eyeglasses in the world—are anti-fog, anti-scratch, UV-blocking, and shatterproof. A grippy headstrap keeps the goggles in place, with the strap's dual adjustment buckles sitting on either side of my helmet's rear clasp—not right in the middle (and right in the way) like my old goggles. Yep, Vallon thought of everything.

Swapping lenses is easy with the PolarLock system—a spring-loaded slide catch on one side releases the hook, then the lens rotates out. The new lens snaps into place securely, with a magnetic assist for additional ease and a tight seal. 

On top of all that, the Crossroads come with a sturdy case for the extra lens, so you'll be less likely to damage or misplace it, especially when it's on your person—which I highly recommend. With goggles this good, and lens-swapping so easy, there's no need to suffer through poor visibility when the light changes.

Given all these virtues, Vallon has a right to be proud. Still, I don't dig the obtrusive branding on the strap—I'm not a sponsored athlete, alas—so will take a Sharpie to the embossed plastic lettering and carefully de-emphasize the manufacturer. Sorry, Vallon—I'll make it up to you by talking up your goggles on the chairlift. 

$249; vallon.com.