You might think that ski and snowboard socks are very much the same, and while this can be true some of the time, when it comes to well known snow sport brands they then start to vary with different features, materials and construction. Below is a short guide on the different socks and how they are tailored to a specific sport.
When it comes to choosing that sock, whether skiing or snowboarding, the two following statements are important:
Look at the material and make sure you don’t choose one with cotton in. Although it’s great for a nice looking shirt it doesn’t have very high moisture wicking properties causing your feet to stay damp from sweat in turn getting cold.
Some say the thinner the sock the better but this is really down to personal choice, some agree with this statement and others don’t.
Sock Size
Choosing the correct size is paramount as a sock that’s too big can sag giving an uneven feeling in your boot whereas a sock too tight can cut the circulation to your feet causing them to become cold which nobody wants. To help determine the correct size go off your ski boots or have your feet professionally measured.
As a general rule of thumb when it comes to choosing the weight (thickness) of your sock its probably best to go with either a medium or light weight sock as the thicker higher density socks combined with the insulation from your boot could create too much sweat and heat.
Materials
Wool – Merino wool in particular is a natural fibre which has excellent levels of warmth and moisture wicking properties keeping your feet warm and dry. Being a natural fibre means it doesn’t have high levels of elastic memory causing the sock to lose shape overtime yet doesn’t absorb odours which is great for a week’s holiday needing only a couple pairs of socks.
Synthetic – There are numerous synthetic materials the more common materials are polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastic. These materials retain their shape very well, have moisture wicking properties and give high levels of comfort.
The Perfect Blend – Many modern day ski and snowboard socks are a blend of natural and synthetic fibres combining the best characteristics from both worlds for the ultimate sock.
Ski Socks
Ski socks tend to be much taller (over the calf) in height so to accommodate the much higher profile of ski boots. Modern ski socks have additional padding in areas such as the shins due to the increased pressure from pushing on the boot tongue and in other areas it’s much thinner for a more performance orientated fit and helps prevent blistering around the heels.
Snowboard Socks
Many snowboard socks have been specially designed to have forward lean built in which helps prevent the sock from bunching under foot giving a much more comfortable days riding. Unlike ski socks snowboard socks tend to have more uniformed cushioning rather than smaller specific areas due to going from toe to heel edge on a regular basis.
If your still unsure as to what type of sock you need after reading this blog why not pop into store where our passionate and highly qualified staff can give you some advice.
It’s getting to that time of year again. Ski trips may or may not be booked or you may be going away as a large group and that question may be returning, “Should we drive to the alps this year?” My first thought when thinking about this subject is “ROAD TRIP……….”
When searching for flights, you can obviously find that bargain that everyone is searching for. Personally, I have found flights from Stansted to Salzburg for £70 return.
Flights are certainly cheaper but if you’re adding your skis and snowboards then it can be more expensive.
If you have the time available, and there are three or more of you, then the cost will always look more favorable to drive than fly. Also cars can carry another 75kg, of ski/snowboard gear, on the roof (with bars and a box) so it looks even more appetizing.
To break it down, the main costs involved are crossing the Channel, fuel and tolls or ‘tax vignette’:
Crossing the Channel
Whenever I have looked into the crossing DFDS Seaways have normally been the cheapest. They offer services roughly every hour from Dover to either Dunkirque or Calais. It can add on time though which is why the Channel Tunnel can be more accommodating.
Fuel
I have only taken diesel vehicles across and depending on where your final destination is, can normally do it from Calais in just over a tank of fuel. Fuel normally is also cheaper in mainland Europe, but always worth looking before you go.
Tolls or Tax Vignette
The French use ‘tolls’ across all their major roads going south which can add around €70 each way in costs. The Austrians impose a ‘tax vignette’ for driving which is normally around €15 for a week. Our friends, the Germans, are currently the only country that does not enforce a cost to use the lovely Autobahns – ya das its gut!
Other Costs To Consider
Depending on where your final destination is will also determine if you need any compulsory items that certain countries enforce, such as snow tyres, snow chains or breathalyzer kit.
Not going to go into too much detail here but these are important factors to consider for European driving:
Full original documentation must be presented if required; photocopies will not be accepted
Head light converters
Warning Triangle
GB Sticker or GB badge on number plate.
Bulb kit
Hi-Viz jackets; one must be assigned for each person in the vehicle, and make sure these are in the vehicle and not in the boot France
Snow Chains must be carried in all vehicles from 1st November through to 31st March. When the snow gets heavy, the police will stop you and enforce they are put on
Breathalysers must be carried within the vehicle Austria and Germany
Snow chains are not compulsory in Austria or Germany however snow tyres are, and all vehicles from 1st November must have snow tyres fitted
Driving
Obviously driving in Europe can be a lot different to that in the UK. The laws are different, the speeds are faster and the police can, and will, pull you over if your car doesn’t look like it will make the journey. As with any driving, always consider and look for your rest stops along the route. All the main roads I have driven on in mainland Europe always seem to be well kept with the services clean and tidy. Fuel stops are sometimes hard to come by as the roads are so long, so don’t be worried if you haven’t seen a fuel sign for at least a 1oo miles.
Pros:
You can take more kit; the only restriction is the size of your vehicle and how much kit you own
You ave the flexibility of a car when you’re in resort to go and explore areas
Cons:
More time consuming and can cut into your trip and potentially your ski time
Initial equipment costs such as snow tryes, snow chains, roof bars, roof boxes, etc
Routes I Have Personally Driven
Calais to Meribel (Le Troi Vallees)
A very simple route south. The towns of Saint Quentin and Dijon offer places to stop for the night. The hardest part will be the gentle mountain route up to Meribel. If it has been snowing at any point during the day then you can bet the Gendarmes will be out enforcing the use of snow chains. At the height of season, it isn’t uncommon that it can mirror the M25. Roughly 900 Km with a driving time of just under 10 hours.
Dunkurke/Calais to Flachau Ski Sportwelt Amade
Having worked in Austria for a couple of seasons, this is the route I have driven most. I would always recommend taking the slightly longer route through Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany when heading to Austria as it saves the Tolls through France. It will add around 25 minutes onto your journey, which in the grand scheme of things isn’t that much. The drive is pretty straightforward and once in Germany the speed can be picked up on the Autobahns. You may hit some traffic around Munich at any time during the day but then heading to Salzburg is easy. Just remember your Tax Vignette at the border. Roughly 1100 Km with driving time of just over 10 hours.
Calais to Morzine (The Portes Du Soliel)
Again a pretty simple drive. Straight off the ferry and it follows the same route as Meribel and all the other ski resorts. The differences being you need to turn off at Geneva to head up to the mountains. Geneva is a beautiful city if you get the chance to pop in or stay there. Roughly 800 Km with a driving time of eight and a half hours.
Things to Remember When Driving in Europe
Remember that Europeans drive on the “wrong” side, and its probably the most enforced as you get straight off the ferry or train.
Most of Europe shuts on a Sunday. A very important note to remember when driving. Apart from the main shopping centre’s and anything in a large holiday resort, everywhere does indeed close. Again, as the photo suggests, even petrol stations in local towns are closed.
European police can seem to be more heavy handed than UK Police. As long as everything is in check regarding your vehicle and what to carry than you have nothing to worry about. Although driving a UK plated vehicle does attract attention so beware!
When driving in Europe, it is the responsibility of the driver to enforce everyone is wearing seatbelts. The driver will be liable for a fine. Something I have found out.
Drink drive limits mainland Europe are higher with the fines heavier. My advice would be not to risk it at all. The French base it on how long you have been driving. E.g. if you have been driving for 3 years or less then the limit is 0.02%.
Devices that can detect speed cameras (Road Angel) are illegal in Europe.
Practice fitting snow chains back in the UK. It is not fun when it is minus 5, cars are whizzing passed you and everyone else is in the car nice and warm. A set of gardener’s gloves is always handy!
When leaving your car for a prolonged period in the snow. Pack salt or grit into the tread of the tyre. When you come to pull away it will give you just enough grip to get moving.
Keeping a shovel and a bag of soil (being serious) in the car is a definite. You never know when you will need to dig yourself out and packing soil just underneath the tyre can help you get out of deep snow.
For me, it’s a definite YES. If I have the option when looking at booking a trip to the alps then I will most certainly take the car across. However, I do understand that it isn’t for everyone and that flying across is a lot less stressful and can sometimes get you there faster.
In a nutshell alpine ski bindings are a vital piece of equipment; not only securing your ski boots to your skis but also giving you additional safety features to prevent dreaded injuries. Getting the correct bindings is important and is specific to your skill level as heavier more aggressive skiers require bindings with a higher DIN whereas lighter beginners would require a lower rating.
Various binding manufactures have different safety features that help release your boot in the event of that embarrassing crash that you hoped nobody saw; from vertical toe release and sliding anti friction pads. On top of the safety aspect bindings form the bridge between you and your skis transferring every little movement directly to the skis. There are two way to mount your bindings:
Track (Rail) Mounted Ski Bindings
The most common way of mounting bindings is either on a track or rail where the heel and toe piece simply slide on, generally found on Piste orientated skis. These bindings are mounted onto the skis at the factory meaning they are ready to be used straight away.
Pros
Mounted and adjusted numerous times
Generally allows the ski to flex more naturally
Cheaper than buying drilled bindings
Cons
Makes your set up heavier
Less choice with bindings
Generic binding position
Drill Mounted Ski Bindings
The drill mounted method although less popular is becoming the way to go with many people turning towards all mountain skis as riders start to venture off Piste into the powder fields. A qualified technician would then fit these bindings to the ski with a few additional pieces of information which this guide will cover later.
Pros
Wider choice of bindings
Can be tailored to your ability and ski
Lighter and sometimes stronger
Choose where the bindings are mounted
Can be customised with ramp angles
Cons
Have limited amount of times it can be repositioned
Tends to work out more expensive over track mounted bindings
Less adjustment for varying boot sizes
Process of Drilling Skis
The process behind drilling skis is relatively straight forward for a trained technician; and before you ask “no we don’t drill freehand”. We use special jigs and drill bits that come directly from the binding manufacture to ensure the correct drilling, every time! The technician will use your ski boot to adjust the jig length and then that crucial decision of where to have your binding mounted ski centre, ski forward or ski back. We know this can be a hard decision to make so below we go into detail on the different positions.
Choosing The Binding Placement
So you have chosen the ski and bindings now it’s time to make another decision where to mount your bindings! There are lots of different factors that need to be taken into consideration and questions to be answered. The first question to ask yourself and one that requires an honest answer is ‘what terrain am I going to be skiing on?’ Generally the answer will be all mountain, in this case its best to follow the ski manufactures recommended position.
This recommended position will have been determined by many extensive tests and gets the best all round performance out of the ski. Although this is the ‘recommended position’ you don’t have to follow this; for example the Line Afterbang can be mounted further back if you will be riding all mountain.
Park and powder skiing are two extremes where the correct mounting position is vital. Park skiing generally requires the bindings to be mounted ski centre due to completing aerial tricks where equal balance is important to performing the trick successfully and safely. Whereas powder skiing requires the bindings to be mounted back from the centre allowing the front of the skis to remain elevated naturally floating on top rather than under the snow.
Using Line Skis as an example it’s easy to see how they believe there skis should be mounted. Above on the left we have the Mr Pollards which is a powder ski and on the right we have the Afterbangs ideal for park rats. You can see on the Mr Pollard that there are three mounting lines: at the front ski centre, in the middle Eric Pollards preferred line*, and at the back we have Line recommended. However on the Afterbang there is only one line, the centre line.
*Eric Pollard prefers his mounting line to be slightly forward due to his unique skiing style. He likes to use this ski in the freestyle category, back country and for touring.
The brands, in their own way, will mark on the ski where the centre of the ski is and also the recommendation for drilling. Where it gets interesting is when the question is asked “I want to buy this big ski but want to ski it all over the mountain including the powder, piste and possibly use it in the park” The short answer is that it is possible but you won’t get the full benefit. In an ideal world, you would have a powder, piste and park set of skis but in reality this is not the case.
At Tallington Lakes Pro Shop we have highly knowledgeable staff that are passionate about snow sports. They are always on hand to assist and advise, so why not pop along and have a chat with us? We also boast an extensive workshop with highly trained technicians that can get those skis and bindings mounted to get you on the slopes ready for this season!
Quite simply the hottest goggle on the market right now! This is truly a performance goggle from Oakley with its new innovative Switchlock Technology allowing you to adapt to any environment with quick, hassle free lens changing.
The Airbrake is the perfect package coming standard with two lens tints to cover any condition the mountain gods may throw at you with the added Plutonite lens material to give 100% protection against all UV. Oakley have designed the Airbrake goggle to fit medium to large faces incorporating triple layered foam with a flexible face plate and a rigid exoskeleton frame, giving added performance without compromising on comfort.
Oakley has engineered the Airbrake to provide even pressure across the face with or without a helmet through the integration of strap outriggers.
Key Features:
Switchlock Technology
Rigid exoskeleton frame
Flexible face plate
Triple layered foam
Helmet compatible O Matter outriggers
Dual vented lenses with F3 anti-fog coating
100% protection against UVA/UVB/UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
Spherical lens shape
Includes two lens tints and case
Available with Prizm lens technology
Medium to large fit
The Airbrake is pictured above.
Flight Deck
Oakley has taken inspiration directly from the high speed world of fighter pilot helmet design giving you a goggle that not only looks great, but maximises your field of view to ensure you can see any obstacle and plot that perfect route through the snow.
The frameless design gives this goggle a wide range of helmet compatibility with the added comfort due to minimised frame mass. This really is the ‘top gun’ of snow goggles!
Key Features:
Rimless lens design
Lens sub-frame attachment
Frame/lens support for unrestricted airflow
Streamlined frame
Helmet compatible outriggers
Discreet frame notches giving compatibility for most prescription eyewear
Max dual pane lens with F3 anti-fog coating
100% protection against UVA/UVB/UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
Available with Prizm lens technology
Medium to large fit
Flight Deck XM
New for 2015 the Flight Deck XM is a total redesign of the old Splice. Oakley has taken inspiration directly from the high speed world of fighter pilot helmet design giving you a goggle that not only looks great, but maximises your field of view to ensure you can see any obstacle and plot that perfect route through the snow.
The unique design of the Flight Deck XM sitting closer to your face gives you back your peripheral vision normally lost with many goggle designs, allowing you to spot dangers and obstacles faster. Many goggles suit a larger face but Oakley realized this and has downsized the original Flight Deck to this new model now suitable for small to medium faces.
Key Features:
Rimless lens design
Lens sub frame attachment
Frame/lens support for unrestricted airflow
Helmet compatible O Matter outriggers
Discreet frame notches giving compatibility for most prescription eyewear
Dual vented lens with F3 anti-fog coating
100% protection against UVA/UVB/UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
Available with Prizm lens technology
Small to medium fit
A Frame 2.0
Do you crave extra ventilation in your goggle? The Oakley A Frame 2.0 features 2 large surge ports that maintain lens ventilation helping to blast away any moisture along with a dual lens with F3 anti-fog coating produces one of Oakley’s most fog resistant goggles.
True A Frame followers will be pleased to know that the upgraded 2.0 version still features outriggers giving balanced strap pressure, triple layered fleece foam and ANSI Z87.1 impact rating. All combined provides a top pick goggle for male and female winter athletes alike.
Key Features:
Sleek and compact frame design
Dual surge port frames vents
Articulating helmet compatible O Matter
Flexible O Matter chassis
Triple layer polar fleece foam
Dual vented lens with F3 anti-fog coating
100% protection against UVA/UVB/UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
Available with Prizm lens technology
Small to medium fit
Canopy
Experience the Oakley Canopy with its exceptional super-sized lens enhancing your peripheral vision with tunnel vision being a thing of the past. Oakley’s design engineers have created a low profile frame design whilst expanding lens volume giving a wide open view and excellent downward vision.
Do you find many goggles restrict your breathing? Don’t panic Oakley have you covered! Patented O-Flow arch design reduces nose bridge pressure allowing for easier breathing.
Key Features:
Large lens design
Patented O-Flow arch
Streamlined frame design
Full helmet compatibility
Discreet frame notches giving compatibility for most prescription eyewear
Dual vented lens with F3 anti-fog coating
100% protection against UVA/UVB/UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
Available with Prizm lens technology
Small to medium fit
Crowbar
The Crowbar is Oakley’s first ski goggle that features outrigger struts to perfectly balance and distribute frame pressure across the face for an even and more comfortable fit. The increased lens size with its specific curvature opens your peripheral and downward view combined with HDO maintains excellent clarity at any angle.
Key Features:
Streamlined frame design
Flexible O Matter chassis
Rigid O Matter strap outriggers
Triple layer fleece foam
Dual vented lenses F3 anti-fog coating
100% protection against UVA/UVB/UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
Available with Prizm lens technology
Medium fit
O2 XL
What do you get if you mix super wide views and excellent value…the Oakley O2 XL goggle! This features a low profile frame helping to fit over prescription glasses and helmets comfortably. With the expansion of your peripheral vision the O2 XL expands the upwards and downwards vision to give a better all round view of the mountain.
Key Features:
Streamlined frame geometry
Flexible O Matter chassis
Moto style strap for helmet compatibility
Triple layer polar fleece foam
Discreet frame notches giving compatibility for most prescription eyewear
Dual vented lens with F2 anti-fog coating
100% protection against UVA/UVB/UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
Available with Prizm lens technology
Medium to large fit
O2 XM
What do you get if you mix super wide views and excellent value…the Oakley O2 XM goggle! This features a low profile frame helping to fit over prescription glasses and helmets comfortably. With the expansion of your peripheral vision the O2 XM expands the upwards and downwards vision to give a better all round view of the mountain.
Key Features:
Streamlined frame geometry
Flexible O Matter chassis
Moto style strap for helmet compatibility
Triple layer polar fleece foam
Discreet frame notches giving compatibility for most prescription eyewear
Dual vented lens with F2 anti-fog coating
100% protection against UVA/UVB/UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
Available with Prizm lens technology
Small to medium fit
O2 XS
Following on from the success of its predecessor the O Frame, the junior specific O2 XS gives you unrivalled performance at a very affordable price. The lightweight O Matter chassis maintains excellent flexibility even in the extreme cold, while the added triple layer polar fleece is moisture wicking keeping your face dry and warm.
Key Features:
Flexible O Matter chassis
Moto style strap for helmet compatibility
Triple layer polar fleece foam
Discreet frame notches giving compatibility for most prescription eyewear
Dual vented lens with F2 anti-fog coating
100% protection against UVA/UVB/UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
Small fit
E Frame
This is Oakley’s entry level goggle featuring a dual lens construction giving you fog reduction whilst increasing the durability. Suitable for use as a unisex goggle the E Frame contains lens venting to further reduce moisture and an adjustable wide strap for extra comfort.
Key Features:
Flexible urethane frame
Wide adjustable elastic strap
Single layered face foam
Dual vented lens with F2 anti-fog coating
Lens venting
Suitable for juniors or women
Airwave
Have you ever wondered what speed you travelled down that last run? Or wondered how much air did I just get off that last insane kicker? The time has come! Oakley has introduced the most technological advanced goggle on the market.
The Airwave features a built in head up display will give you features such as GPS, Bluetooth and more sensors than your average space shuttle. This goggle provides you with all the need to know information whether your carving up with piste or riding some powder in the backcountry.
The head up display provides crisp, widescreen graphics using none other than prism technology to give the effect of a 14 inch monitor viewed at a distance of 5 feet. The Airwave is the only goggle you will need featuring Oakley’s Switchlock technology allowing lenses to be changed dependent on the light conditions.
Key Features:
Speed
Trip viewer
Jump analysis
Navigation
Buddy tracking
Music
Smartphone connectivity
Smart lock technology
Durable O Matter frame
Patented O Flow arch
Dual vented lens with F3 anti-fog coating
There’s no doubt Oakley produce some of the most technologically advanced sports eyewear in the world! Experts at Oakley have discovered unique links that allow our brain and eyes to process light, leading to the development of the Prizm lens. The result? A tailored lens specific to the way your eyes work!
15 years of research, development and testing has led to the introduction of the new, much anticipated Prizm lens! During this period Oakley has found our eyes are extremely sensitive to detail in certain colours; blue and orange light to be specific.
In the past have you struggled to pick the perfect route though the white gold? Prizm technology helps tackle these problems through filtering ambient full-spectrum light entering the lens, fine tuning the specific colours to give; enhanced detail for perfect route selection.
This lens will be sure to enhance not only your experience but vision on the mountain. Prizm lenses have been proved to reduce eye fatigue giving you endless hours of fun on the slope. After 15 years of heart ache Oakley have emerged the other side with a product that will change the way we ‘view’ snow sports in future.
The Black Iridium snow lens has a 5-10% visible light transmission rating great in medium to bright light (very sunny conditions). To reduce glare features an Iridium coating.
Prizm Jade Iridium
The Jade Iridium snow lens has a 11-20% visible light transmission rating great in low to medium light (sunny to overcast conditions). To reduce glare features an Iridium coating.
Prizm Torch Iridium
New for 2015 the Torch Iridium snow lens has a 11-20% visible light transmission rating great in low to medium light (sunny to overcast conditions). To reduce glare features an Iridium coating.
Prizm Sapphire Iridium
The new release for 2015 the Sapphire Iridium snow lens has a 11-20% visible light transmission rating great in low to medium light (sunny to overcast conditions). To reduce glare features an Iridium coating.
Prizm Rose
The Rose snow lens has a 21%+ visible light transmission rating perfect for flat to medium light (sunny to snowy conditions).
Standard Lenses
Years of technological advancements has led Oakley to develop a wide range of standard (non-Prizm) lenses suitable for any condition the mountain may throw at you. The table below provides key information on each individual lens to help tailor your equipment to cover all bases.
Lens Tint
Description
Visible Light Transmission
Protection Index
Suitable Conditions
%
Clear
Very low light. Neutral transmission for truer colour perception
90
0
Night time
High Intensity Yellow
High contrast lens for extremely low light conditions. Features an Iridium coating to further enhance contrast
81
0
Flat to very low light
High Intensity Permission
Filters blue light to boost contrast and increase depth perception in a wide variety of conditions. Features an Iridium coating to further enhance contrast
63
1
Flat to low light
Permission
Filters blue light to boost contrast and increase depth perception in a wide variety of conditions
62
1
Flat to low light
Pink Iridium
Enhances depth perception and increases visual acuity in a wide variety of conditions
57
1
Flat to medium light
VR50
Filters blue light with a subtle tint to enhance visual acuity and improve depth perception
50
1
Flat to low light
VR50 Emerald Iridium
Utilizes a contrast-enhancing VR50A lens tint with a unique Iridium coating to further tune contrast and reduce glare
30
2
Low to Medium light
G30
Rose base with subtle Iridium coating to improve contrast and depth perception in a wide variety of conditions
30
2
Low to Medium light
Blue Iridium
Utilizes a contrast-enhancing VR28 lens tint with an Iridium coating to further tune contrast and reduce glare
30
2
Low to Medium light
VR28
Filters blue light to increase contrast and improve depth perception in a wide variety of conditions
28
2
Medium to bright light
High Amber Polarized
High contrast lens that cuts blinding glare while enhancing visual acuity. Features an Iridium coating to balance light transmission and further tune contrast
25
2
Medium to bright light
Gold Iridium
Excellent all-purpose contrast-enhancing lens for sunny conditions. Features an Iridium coating to reduce glare
20
2
Medium to bright light
Black Iridium
Excellent all-purpose high contrast lens for sunny conditions. Features an Iridium coating to reduce glare
18
3
Medium to bright light
Fire Iridium
Improves visual acuity. Features an Iridium coating to further tune contrast and reduce glare
16
3
Medium to bright light
VR28 Black Iridium
Filters blue light to increase contrast and improve depth perception in a wide variety of conditions
14
2
Medium to bright light
VR28 Polarized
Cuts blinding glare while filtering blue light to increase contrast and improve depth perception in a wide variety of conditions
14
3
Medium to bright light
The protection index varies from 0-3 giving your eyes varying levels of protection against the sun, 0 being no protection and 3 being the highest perfect for those bluebird days.
VLT (Visible Light Transmission)
Many ask the question what is Visible Light Transmission and how can it help. The colour of your lens helps to filter and intensify colours in your vision whilst this colour and coating also effects how much light reaches your eye also known as Visible Light Transmission.
Lighter lens tints have a higher VLT as more light is able to pass through reaching your eye. Yellow, gold, green and rose coloured lenses have a higher VLT perfect for those snowy, overcast days.
Darker lens tints have a lower VLT as more light is bounced back preventing it reaching your eye. Brown, grey and copper coloured lenses have a lower VLT perfect for those bright bluebird days.