Product Review: Oakley Canopy Goggles

Being a skier who requires corrective lenses is a pain in a$$. I used to just ski in contacts. That worked out just fine, but eventually I decided the hassles and discomfort just weren't worth it. I've tried skiing with just sunglasses and found that without some eye protection my eyes just teared up too much for any visibility.

And over-the-glasses (OTG) goggles are godawful. Only about three models available. Almost no lens choices. And ugly as hell. Sweet. Some great options there.

Enter my longstanding fave - Oakley.

These guys just make the sweetest gear. Totally stylish. Wonderfully functional. I've got a ton of Oakley stuff and it's all da' bomb. Last Fall, I'm reading some pre-season ski porn when I spy the new Oakley Catapault snow goggle. Hmmm, those are pretty mammoth -- bet they'd fit over my glasses. A visit to the local ski shop proves this true. But the price -- ugh -- $160. Ouch. Turns out they've got a price with a little defect in the lens for half price. Score!!!!!

Mine are the Tanner Hall Signature model. Badass graphics, super-cool Fire Iridium lens. These are a truly stylish goggle.

Now that I've got a half dozen days in with them, I have to say I'm pretty pleased. Typically awesome Oakley optics, decent interface with the helmet, and no fogging issues. The frames are a touch large and press down on my cheeks, but this is inherent in OTG goggles, I think.

I love the look of the Iridium Fire lens, but when it's dumping  an inch an hour at Vail, they were pretty dark. Same for Sunday's flat Michigan light. Fortunately, on my last day in Vail, I scored High Intensity Persimmon lens -- much better. Herein lies my only criticism of these goggles. Lens changeout is a PAIN IN THE ASS. My hope is that it will get easier with time. The folks at Smith have it figured out. Oakley needs to follow suit.

Oh, and one last thing. You do look a bit like a bug in these bad boys. Check it below...