[Review] The Tsar Goggles by Bollé

The Tsar Goggles by Bollé are a traditional goggle frame for a smaller face but where they turn not-so-traditional is the amazing Modulator Citrus Gun photochromatic lens. The orange lens with a bit of a silver mirror will adapt to different light conditions throughout the day, changing from a lighter orange to a darker orange. It’s perfect for those days when the clouds are shifting in and out and you’re unsure of the right lens choice.

While the photochromatic lens is my favorite feature of the Tsars, they are also packed with technologies that my other goggles lack. Bollé is doing a lot in their goggles to try to keep them from fogging. First of all, the equalizer vent embedded in the lens helps to eliminate moisture from the inside of the double lens. There’s also an anti-fog layer in the inner lens, which helps to distribute water across the surface instead of accumulating in one spot in turn causing problems.

While Bollé is really focusing on keeping your goggles from fogging, with added technologies to help eliminate fogging all together, I feel like no matter what you do, your goggles still have potential to fog. For instance, on a cold day recently we were hiking in the terrain park and my body was pretty hot while the outside temperature pretty cold. In that instance, I felt like no matter what goggles I was wearing they were inevitably going to fog.

More recently, we had an amazing powder day and temperatures were probably 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit. I was dressed perfectly and wasn’t overheating while I was skiing. We hiked a short hike and after that, my goggles took a turn for the worse! The moisture build up on the inside of the lens was insane (which I don’t understand how it wouldn’t fog a little bit no matter what goggles I was wearing). I made it blindly down the run (snow was awesome!) and when I got to the top again, I put them in an inside jacket pocket for the hike up. They were moisture filled and with the cold temps, this simply iced the lens completely. We were able to get the layer of ice out somewhat and they became bearable for the remainder of the day. While it was never crystal clear, I could definitely make out what was in front of me. Fogging goggles is the one hurdle I have a hard time overcoming while skiing and it is so frustrating!

Like I mentioned, I feel like fogging is simply going to happen no matter what goggles you wear if you are over-exerting yourself. What is hard to deal with with the Tsars is the crazy moisture buildup, something I have not experienced in the past.

If you are looking for a universal fit goggle that is comfortable and has a nice shape, these may be a great fit for you so long as you have a pretty consistent ski day as far as your body temperatures. If I was simply skiing groomers all day, I don’t think I would ever have an issue with fogging but it does seem to be common when I start hiking.

The photochromatic lens is amazing and will take the guesswork out of which lens should be worn for the day. It will have you covered in a variety of light conditions and is especially a great tint for low light conditions. If you’re looking for a larger frame goggle, be sure to check out the Virtuose Goggle that Tyson has been wearing.