POC Lobes and Fovea Goggles - Kit Reviews

POC continue to produce excellent ski gear as Alf Alderson discovers when testing their Lobes and Fovea goggles.

Poc Fovea

PRICE: £110

WEBSITE: POC Sports

WHAT THEY SAY: "The Fovea goggle has a spherical shape that ensures maximum vertical and peripheral vision, which increases the level of safety. The double lens is made of optical grade PC/CP and provides superior optical performance. The lens is anti-scratch and anti-fog treated and has ventilation slots to improve air flow and reduce fogging. The soft-coated PU frame conforms to your face and maintains its flexibility even in cold temperatures and the triple layer face foam ensures a comfortable fit. The Fovea has been developed in collaboration with POC team athlete Aaron Blunck."

WHAT ALF SAYS: Developed in conjunction with POC team athlete Aaron Blunck, the Fovea has a spherical lens that offers a great peripheral and vertical field of view – amongst the best I've tested. It also features an optical grade polycarbonate outer and a cellulose propionate inner which provides for top quality optical performance.

The lens is also treated against scratching and fogging, and the soft, flexible PU frame moulds to the shape of your face to a certain extent, even in cold conditions. This combined with the triple-layer face foam gives for a very comfy wearer experience and after a while you’re scarcely aware that you’ve got a pair of goggles on.

The helmet-compatible design is quite simple and stylish, with foam covered vents top and bottom to allow air flow and prevent fogging.

FOR: Understated good looks; comfy

AGAINST: Some riders will want a more blingy look

POC Lobes

PRICE: £150

WEBSITE: POC Sports

WHAT THEY SAY: "The Lobes are designed to promote your vision and provide an exceptionally wide field of view, which is achieved by the large size and the outside placement of the lens. The goggles are injection molded to a spherical shape, perfectly tapered thickness and cut to shape using computerized control, and the outer lens has superb optical qualities."

WHAT ALF SAYS: The Lobes are super-cool looking goggles – the model we tested had a black, category 4 lens (other lenses are available) and matching matt black frame. They’ve been specifically designed to provide an exceptionally wide field of view, which is achieved by the large size and the outside placement of the lens.

As ever with POC, quality and attention to detail are of the highest order. The Zeiss Ripel lenses feature an optical grade polycarbonate outer lens combined with a cellulose propionate inner lens that is hypoallergenic, lightweight and has more transparency and gloss than other plastics.

They’re also treated to be hydrophobic and oleophobic, as well as having anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment.

The frames are injection moulded and computer cut to a spherical shape for a wider field of view. In addition, the soft, warm triple-layer foam and a robust helmet-compatible strap with silicone grip make for a comfortable, secure fit.

FOR: Great looks, great quality

AGAINST: Not cheap; lens can’t be changed

This originally appeared in the October 2016 Issue of Ski+board - click here for a link to the online version.

Alf Alderson is an award-winning freelance ski journalist who will be working on gear reviews throughout the 2016/17 season for the Ski Club of Great Britain.