Goggles by Panda, Helmet from Europ Sport, Kaprun and modelled by my young apprentice - with thanks to all
The very lovely folk at Panda recently sent us some of their "new for this season" (see below!) RS1 goggles to try out, and we were able to use them while on snow last week in Austria.
Thanks to wall-to-wall sunshine, we only experienced the mirrored lens but were impressed with the clarity and effectiveness of the polarizing. We didn't experience any misting, at all, even when getting sweaty on the last run into town (it was 10C in the village by late afternoon).
They were comfortable, a good fit for a common helmet profile (moderately rounded corners to the face opening), and changing lenses is a snap.
We liked the subtle logo on the lens above the nose, and also like that Panda rely on their logo incorporated into the design rather than shouty text!
Current full retail price is £131, which we think is great value.
What's in the box?
You get both strong light (mirrored) and low light lenses, a cleaning cloth and a pouch, all packed in a robust box that will keep them safe between winters.
Here's what Panda themselves have to say about the RS1...
New Snow Goggle Concept From Visionary UK Based Panda Optics
The new 'RS1' Snowsport Visual Solution from UK based sports eyewear brand Panda Optics has been developed with the help of GB athletes, including 4x Olympic downhill skier Chemmy Alcott, to provide the ultimate in goggle vision, comfort and performance.
New 'Eyeline' technology developed for the RS1 offers a large field of vision vertically and horizontally by reducing the inner frame size and using a larger lens. The UV400+ cylindrical polarised lens is ideal for those magic sunny days in the mountains, held in place by an 8-point magnetic system, so it can easily be changed to the included low light HD lens for low visibility ski days.
Oliver Heath, Managing Director of Panda Optics wrote:"The RS1 provides our trademark visual quality in a brand-new cylindrical bold mirrored UV400+ protective polarised lens. Featuring our 8 point magnetic lens changing technology the RS1 is the strongest, quickest and most robust lens/frame structure on the market. "Pull off, snap on" change to your free HD low light lens in under 5 seconds."
"The lenses feature a built-in top and bottom bumper to help prevent scratches. Packed full of technology, all our goggles and glasses feature a wide range of the latest advances in the industry."
Developed with the help of 4x Olympian Chemmy Alcott and a team of British Alpine racers the RS1 provides the best vision under competitive conditions and ultimate comfort for recreational skiing.
Chemmy Alcott, Olympic skier and Great Britain's most successful female downhill racer, said, "Vision is such an integral sense whilst carving up the slopes. I rely heavily on the quality, fit and fashion of my Pandas. The versatility of the magnetic lens means I can effortlessly change the lenses to allow optimum eye performance, which of course translates into my best skiing!"
The flexible TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) RS1 frame with triple density foam provides a comfortable fit combined with a durable structure. Available in two colours, 'Red' with Chrome mirrored lens, and 'Black' with Ocean Blue mirrored lens. Detachable mid-mounted straps offer better helmet compatibility. In addition to the main google frame, mirrored lens, low light HD lens the RS1 includes a storage box, cleaning cloth and microfibre bag.
The Panda Optics Range also includes the 'Diablo' and 'Cobalt' goggles, and for youngsters there are the 'Cub' goggles.
Panda Optics sunglasses range offer wraparound and aviator styles. The wraparound 'Conquer' styling and design is based on Panda Optics best-selling 'Cobalt' ski goggle and has a semi-rimless frame, and includes three cylindrical lenses.
Customers can buy with the confidence that Panda Optics provides with a Lifetime Warranty, a 20 day return policy, and free UK delivery for orders over £50. The website offers the option to pay in instalments with PayPal. The full eyewear range and shop are at www.pandaoptics.co.uk.
RS1 Features
- Mirrored Chrome Cylindrical UV400+ polarised lens
- Maize yellow low light HD lens included
- 8 point magnetic lens change system
- Integrated Guma® anti fog technology
- TPU grade 4 rigidity Frame
- 3-layer dual density foam with fleece finish
- Frameless design
- Fully helmet compatible frame
- Easy adjustable strap
- Twin silicone grip bands on inner strap
- OTG (over the glasses compatible) max frame width 128
- Moulded storage/packaging box
- Micro Fibre cleaning cloth and bag
Included:
- 1 Goggle set
- 2 Lenses
- Microfibre bag
- Microfibre cleaning cloth
- Hard box for safe storage