Field of Vision & Fit
Compared to the M1, the M2 does offer a noticeably increased field of vision, and a slightly larger, wider fit.
I do notice that the M2’s frame doesn’t seem to protrude quite as far into my periphery as the M1’s, particularly on either side or on the bottom of the frame. There isn’t a huge difference, however, and both offer a sufficiently clear, unobstructed field of vision.
So if you like the standard frame size of the M1, you’ll still be able to see fine. It’s field of vision is very good. But the M2’s is a touch better—it’s very very good.
The M2’s frame is 96mm high, only 3mm more than that of the M1, and as far as fit is concerned, this difference in height seems negligible. However, I do notice that the frame of the M2 seems a little wider than the M1. With the M1, I have a little less room on either side of my eyes than with the M2, where the foam rests a bit more toward the outside of my face. All and all, both goggles happen to fit my face well, but I suppose I do find the fit of the M2 a little more comfortable.
This is a little odd, because while I like the fit of the Smith I/O, the I/OX is definitely a little too large for my face (the frame seems too tall, as the face foam rests too low on my nose) and the field of vision it offers seems the same as the M2. Swapping the two back and forth, I can’t notice any appreciable difference between the M2 and the I/OX.
The fit of the M2 may still be too large for some people, but even if you know that other larger spherical goggles don’t fit you well, and you really like the look of the M2, you should probably still try a pair on. There’s always a chance the M2 will suit you while a similar, larger goggle like the I/OX will not.
(JE: I had the exact same experience, and agree 100% with the above paragraph.)
At the same time, if you know you like the more compact, frames look of the M1 more than the M2, go for it. You’ll still be getting a very nice spherical goggle with a super-fast lens change system. I’m not usually a fan of the “bug-eye,” “fighter-pilot” goggle steeze, but the clean, sharp look of the M2 has really grown on me.
As far as helmet compatibility goes, I have had some minor fit issues wearing the M2 with my Smith Gage: there is a small gap between the top of the goggle frame and the helmet. This isn’t very noticeable though, and it’s never bothered me. The M2 fits perfectly with the Smith Variant Brim and R.E.D. Mutiny (re-branded and renamed the Anon Blitz for 13/14).
(JE: And I can vouch for the compatibility of the M2 with the Smith Vantage helmet.)
Optics
The M2 model / colorway reviewed here is the Landvik Pro, Mark Landvik’s pro model, which wears his signature on the outside of the lens. The M2 will come in a variety of other frame colors and styles, each of which includes a low-light and a bright-light lens, and a compression-molded case.
The Landvik comes with Anon’s Dark Smoke lens (pictured above) for bright light conditions, and the Blue Lagoon lens for flat / low light. I’ve also tested a few other lenses that you might be looking into (depending on the frame color you’re considering), so I’ll share some thoughts on those as well.
Blue Lagoon:
I was familiar with the Blue Lagoon already, having tested it with the M1, and my praises still stand.
Anon describes the Blue Lagoon as a “high-contrast Yellow base lens tint with a multi-layer Blue Mirror” that “enhances color definition and increases depth perception in varying levels of low light conditions.”
At first, the lens looks very similar to Oakley’s H.I. Yellow lens, which Jason Hutchins speaks highly of in his review of the Oakley Airbrake. I agree with Jason, it is a great low-light lens. I used the H.I. Yellow lens in a pair of Oakley Crowbars as my low-light lens for a few seasons in the past.
Similar to it, the Blue Lagoon has a nice, warm tint for those storm days when flat light can be a problem. However, as the ultimate low-light lens option, I think the Anon’s Blue Lagoon wins out over the H.I. Yellow.
In a back-to-back comparison, I found the Blue Lagoon to provide better, more faithful color transmission and even better contrast and detail in low and flat light. Again, Oakley’s H.I. Yellow is a very good lens for storm riding—it just shows how good a job I think Anon has done.
All and all, I think the Blue Lagoon is my favorite low light lens to date—better than the Smith Sensor Mirror (which uses a light rose base tint instead of yellow), and better than Oakley’s H.I. Yellow.
(JE: I haven’t used the Oakley H.I. Yellow, but I have used the Smith Sensor, and I agree with Will.)
Dark Smoke:
As my bluebird option, I was also very happy with the Dark Smoke lens, which is pretty much identical to Smith’s Blackout lens. (You can read more about the array of lens options from Smith in our Smith Lens Guide.) Both are a dark grey tinted lens that do superbly in super bright conditions. If anything, the Dark Smoke is a tiny bit darker, but it’s a negligible difference – they’re effectively the same.
(JE: Agreed. Both are great in bright light.)
Red Solex:
Even as a dedicated sunny-day lens, Anon’s Red Solex lens is a bit more versatile than the Dark Smoke, and might be preferable on a mountain that is heavily shadowed in the afternoon.
Anon describes the Red Solex lens as having a “dark bronze base tint with a multi-layer Red mirror” that “maximizes color definition and increases depth perception in varying levels of medium light to bright conditions.” I would describe the Red Solex lens as having (or looking like it has) a yellow/amber color to it, which has performed flawlessly in sunny conditions. Even if you’re a dedicated fan of a true rose, grey, or blueish bright-light lens, I’d still recommend taking a look at this Red Solex lens—the glare reduction and contrast are top-notch. It sufficiently reduces the intensity of bright, sunny conditions, but doesn’t seem to have a grey, “cold” hue that markedly darkens one’s view. Anon’s Red Solex is definitely one of my favorite bright-light lenses.
Red Ice:
The Red Ice low light lens is somewhat unusual. Anon describes it as a “clear base lens with a Red Mirror to flush out depth perception under night pipe lights”. Usually low light lenses have some tint to them to help with contrast in flat light, like the Blue Lagoon. But the Red Ice still does very well as a storm day lens, when visibility is at its worst, even though I would have thought its clear base would only really be useful while night skiing, as Anon mentions. While I think I still prefer a rose or yellow tinted lens, the Red Ice is a really nice alternative low light option especially if you do happen to do a fair amount of night skiing.
Yellow/Grey Gradient:
I was initially pretty skeptical about this lens. Gradient tints aren’t something you typically find on any kind of performance eyewear, especially goggles. But Anon gave it a try, and I think they’ve done a great job making this design work as essentially a bright light lens. This lens has a “dark gray tint applied to the top of the lens [which] reduces glare from direct sunlight, while the yellow lower lens tint provides a brighter view of the terrain.” And it really does work well, just as Anon says. The gradient is fairly dramatic, and definitely noticeable when the sun is directly in your face. They darkest, grey portion at the top of the lens does a nice job of reducing glare from above, yet terrain in front of you is kept sharp through the contrast-boosting yellow tint. I don’t think I would prefer use this lens for seriously bright conditions (on a glacier, for example), but I’ve really come to like it on partly cloudy days. So if you’re looking at a certain frame color of the M1/M2 that comes with this tint, don’t be turned away just because it’s a little unconventional.
Anon’s optics still seem top-notch with the M2. The general quality of their lenses is stellar, and I’ve never run into any sort of fogging issues with the M2. Speaking of fogging…
Fogging
Even while skiing over-layered and sweaty in a spring storm where, if the temperature was any higher, snow would have turned to rain, only the tiniest strip of condensation began to form at the top of the M2’s frame. If the goggle didn’t fog up badly there, I’m not inclined to think it’s prone to doing so in general.
I’ve never needed to do this, but if you were to get some fogging on the inside of the M2’s lens, just pop it out on the lift and wave it around for a bit. The direct airflow would clear up any moisture on the lens and your perspiring forehead very quickly.
(JE: In tricky conditions at Wolf Creek last weekend, I had a very similar experience. I’m not willing to say that the M2’s worked better than the Smith I/OX goggles would have, but I was pleased with how the M2’s performed.)
[Editor’s Note: For those that typically ski with glasses under their goggles and are interested in prescription inserts, check out SportRx, which makes inserts for many popular goggle frames. We haven’t tested them yet, but are planning to review them in the near future and will post an update when we do]
Pricing
MSRP for the M2 is $240, and that’s not cheap. It is $20 more than the Oakley Airbrake, which retails at $220, and $65 more than both the I/O and I/OX, which go for $175. (The M1 is more competitively priced, at $200 and $220). Even then, price isn’t a deal-breaker for me. I’d make a point to save up some funds for this goggle. Needless to say, I’m a big fan.
(JE: If I was buying a goggle tomorrow, this is what I’d buy. But if I didn’t care as much about the interchangeability, then I’d at least be more open to looking elsewhere, since other companies are also putting out some nice optics. I also put a premium on goggle/helmet compatibility, so if the M2 happened not to sync well with my helmet, I would also be more open to looking elsewhere.)
It’s also worth noting that the M1 and M2 both come with very nice hard cases. So does the Airbrake, but you won’t get a case with a pair of I/Os or I/OXs, that’ll cost you $30 more (so a truly equivalent setup with the I/OX would be $205, no longer so much cheaper than $240 for the M2).
Replacement / additional M2 lenses will cost $75 – $90, depending on the lens. That’s also pretty steep. The majority of Smith’s spare lenses are $55 or less (though some cost as much as $100) and Oakley’s top-end mirrored lenses ring in at $75 a piece. Honestly, though, as I said about the M1, given the quality of the optics in the M2 and the number of lens options, I doubt many people will really be looking for a third lens—I don’t think I would be.
Bottom Line
If you’re in the market for a goggle with interchangeable lenses, you have to take a look at the M1 and M2. Anon has thrown together awesome optics and great engineering to yield two of the simplest, easiest-to-use interchangeable goggles we’ve ever tested.
Are the magnet arranged +-+-+-+- around the frame?
Seems like the simpleste way to make alignment mistakes impossible.
Hi Simen,
That’s an interesting question – actually the polarity of all the magnets on the M1’s frame are the same, and those on the lens are all the opposite. The misalignment problem I talk about with the M1 doesn’t actually involve a given magnet joining with an the entirely wrong one on the lens/frame (in which case your idea would solve this). The magnets are spaced are far enough apart that that’s never the case. It’s just that sometimes the plastic pieces you see in the picture on the lens of the M1 (the magnets themselves are mounted behind them, facing the inside of the lens), don’t “seat” fully. it is possible to have the lens attached to the frame, but maybe one of the little black tabs/blocks you see isn’t perfectly nestled its corresponding notch on the frame. If this is the case, you can jiggle it a bit and it will snap in place, perfectly flush. it’s never a real problem, and rarely happens in the first place if you simply join the lens’ top magnets to the frame first, before letting the bottom ones snap together.
Thanks for reading!
Will
hey hows it going
I just bought a pair of the anon M2s and I was wondering if you could tell me where I could shop for different lenses for them :(
Hi Oscar,
As far as I know the M2 doesn’t hit stores until this fall, so I can’t help you with spare lenses at this point. Where did you buy your goggles from? Are you outside the US?
Cheers,
Will
I to have the anon m2’s. they are amazing!!!!!!!!! So easy to change the lens, plus. It’s great for those times when you would normally take your goggles off for something (toilet) you just click the lens out. I too how we’ve would like to buy more lens’ as I have the black lens and the green lens, but want the yellow one for the days when it snows, an the clear lens for night riding. My advice on this goggle, if you see them in a shop, BUY THEM, they are FANTASTIC!!!!
Cameron I spoke with Burton Australia and they said that, because the release in Australia is a limited pre-release (see my comment), we won’t be seeing any additional lenses until the product is officially launched in the States. My plan is to have the Dark Smoke lens for bluebird days, the Amber lens for cloudy days, the Blue Lagoon lens for days when it is dumping pow and the Clear lens for riding at night. Needless to say I won’t use the Dark Smoke lens much in Japan, where it snows all the time during Winter, but I will definitely give the other three a workout – particularly in Niseko where the there is a MASSIVE lit area at night and where it pretty much dumps powder 24-7!
And I’m in Melbourne Australia
Hey Cameron,
Thanks for weighing in. The M2 isn’t available yet in the US, but it will be this fall. Until the goggle goes on sale here, I can’t say much about where to buy replacement lenses, apart from that they should be available from the same retailers that sell the goggle – like the one you purchased it from originally. I would check back with them.
WB
I just received my pair of M2s. To say I am stoked would be an understatement! They are epic! Plain and simple the best looking, most technologically advanced goggles for anyone on the snow. Like Cameron, I am from Australia. My understanding is that Burton has done a limited pre-release for the Australian Winter where stores have received part of their ordered stock (each store has received a random selection of 3 or 4 colours) well in advance of the official launch date (sometime during Fall in the US). I deliberated between the Black/Red Solex and the Smoke/Dark Smoke but ended up settling on the latter as the whole black-lens-on-black-frame-on-black-strap-with-black-text thing looks pretty mint (and pretty black haha). The M2s came with a Blue Lagoon low-light lens (as well as the Dark Smoke) and I plan on buying both an Amber and Clear lens as well to totally cover all conditions.
Hey Patrick,
Thanks for the info! Obviously we couldn’t agree more – the M2 is seriously impressive on all fronts. Let us know how you like the Amber and Clear lenses when you pick them up!
Best,
Will
Hi, I am interested in the M2’s but I am a lil hesitant because I do alot of Back Country riding and obv. wear a beacon…wondering if the magnets on the M2’s would interfere with my beacon? I see Landvik has a pro model & wears them & he lives in the BC. I just wanted to hear some more input thanx!
Hey Mike,
That’s a good thought. I’ve been thinking about this myself and didn’t include anything about it in the review because, frankly, I have no idea. And Anon is almost humorously unhelpful on this front. They include a little disclaimer card in the box that the M2s come in. It reads:
“If you have an implanted cardiac device: This product may be harmful. Keep this product at least 30cm away
If you use avalanche transceivers: Know the devices you are using and understand the effects magnets may have on your device. If applicable know the safe distance from such device.
Insulin pumps and glucose monitors: Do not expose to this product.”
So it’s not clear if the M2s magnets would actually interfere with a beacon. All they seem to say is that there’s some chance it COULD, but isn’t necessarily going to “If APPLICABLE know the safe distance from such device.” – so, there might be cases in which cautionary measures are not applicable?
I would think this is just a precautionary note to protect the company from some liability suit. I’ve never had any reason to suspect the goggles’ magnets were interfering with my beacon when running burial search drills or checking others’ beacons before heading out on a tour.
But I’m going to look into this more, because it would be good to know if interference is a real potential issue, or not something to be concerned about – (which would seem to be the case with Landvik, as you say).
WB
Wondering if you guys have a timeline for publishing the Anon M2 lens options, as mentioned in this review? I’m very interesting in hearing your thoughts because I’ll be buying a set of these goggles very soon and need to nail down which model/lens combo to order. I checked Anon’s Lens Visualizer on their website, but it doesn’t seem terribly accurate from what I can tell. For example, I tried the Red Solex on in the local store, and found it has a greenish tint (when viewed from the inside), just like Smith’s Red Solex lens. But at Anon’s website, they say it’s bronze tint, but it’s most definitely NOT bronze. Problem is the local shop only carries Red Solex and Dark Smoke models. Am very interested in your take on the Blue and Green Solex lenses, as well as the Blue Lagoon vs Red Ice for low light conditions.
Hope you can share some thoughts??? BTW, thanks for your great reviews, keep up the good work!
Hey GB,
Really sorry I haven’t gotten back to you sooner. I’ve only skied the Dark Smoke and Red Solex for bright light lenses, so I can’t comment there about how they compare to the others you’ve mentioned. And for what it’s worth, I will say that I find that Anon’s lens visualizer is pretty faithful to the way the real Red Solex looks, with a light, warm bronze, yellowish tint.
I have tested the Blue Lagoon and Red Ice, though. The Red Ice does very well as a storm day lens, when visibility is at its worst, even though I would have thought its plain, clear base would only really be useful while night skiing. If I had to use the Red Ice for all greybird, days, I would be totally fine. However, if given he choice between it and the Blue Lagoon, I think still prefer the yellow tint of the Lagoon. I suppose I’d only pick the Red Ice as a low light option especially if I planned to do a lot of night skiing.
WB
Thanks Will, turns out I tried their lens visualizer app and found it very helpful. I ended up going with the Blue Solex / Blue Lagoon combo, and am very pleased with the results. I was a bit hesitant due to the yellow base, particularly on the Blue Solex for the bright days, but Anon has these optics dialed in! They managed to figure out a way to improve the clarity while blocking out the bright sunlight. And while I can use a clear lens (ie-Red Solex) for night skiing, I find the Blue Lagoon to be an excellent lens, certainly on par (or better) than the Smith Blue Sensor.
Overall am very impressed with the M2 optics. The quick swap lens system might be seen as a gimmick, and that may be true, but the huge field of vision and great optics are what sealed the deal for me.
These goggles aren’t cheap, but man are they awesome.
Has anyone done any further testing with Avi Beacons?
Ryan shortly after my first post regarding magnet interference with beacons I purchased the m2’s. I have been wearing them here in Jackson Wy, where we have been getting some good early season storm cycles. So far there has been no problems regarding my beacon & the magnets. I’ve ran a few brief tests with a friend having him “search” for me a few yards away. I have also put my beacon in search mode to test tracking a friend. Again no problems…Ryan this information is not scientific nor credible. Just an everyday rider out giving these goggles the run through. I was a big oakley fan, but if these goggles hold up to the elements I am sold. I hafta add switching lenses in the backcountry is a breeze! No more cold hands cheers goodluck.
-Mike
Hey Mike,
I’ll echo Ryan’s thanks for filling everyone in on your findings. I’ve done a beacon interference test myself and can’t find any reason to assume the magnets would interfere with transceivers. Thanks again for reading and commenting!
WB
Mike, thanks for the info on personal experience!
Have you guys tried the Blue Solex lens yet? And if so, how does it stack up to the Red Solex and Dark Smoke?
Also, what’s a good overcast/partly sunny lens from Anon? I was looking at the Gold Chrome or Blue Fusion maybe. Or is this lens even needed if you go with the Blue or Red Solex?
Thanks
Hey Ty,
Sorry about the late reply on my end. I haven’t tested the Blue Solex. And I would say that the Red Solex is definitely preferable over the Dark Smoke or Silver Solex for partly sunny days. A really interesting lens for those kind of conditions is the Yellow/Grey Gradient. It’s definitely unusual, but works well as Anon describes it in their lens visualizer.
Hope this helps you somewhat.
WB
So I bought the M2, and am very impressed with them. The quick-swap lens is certainly handy (no pun intended), though I doubt anyone would be switching lenses too frequently. And if so, it saves maybe 30 seconds, so not a big deal. The big deal is the HUGE field of vision, definitely better than the Smith I/OX and Dragon APX.
I’ve now tried several different lenses, and I really like the Blue Solex. It’s a yellow-tint lens, which helps with some contrast, but it cuts out alot of sun on bright days. Somehow Anon has figured out how to accomplish both of these simultaneously, something which Smith hasn’t (I also own the I/O), so color me impressed.
I agree with Will, the Red Solex is better than the Dark Smoke, because grey-based lenses don’t seem to help with contrast or definition, even though they darken things on bluebird days. The Red Solex is more of a greenish lens.
My combination I purchased is the Blue Solex (yellow, for bright conditions) and the Blue Lagoon (yellow, for dark/overcast conditions). REALLY impressive pair of lenses to cover just about any weather condition on the slopes.
Having tried Oakley goggles with several different lenses, Smith I/O with several lenses, and now the Anon M2, I definitely prefer the M2’s hands-down. Better field of vision (for those with bigger/wider faces), excellent lens optics, and the quick swap magnets are just an added bonus in my opinion.
Very pleased with the M2’s, highly recommend.
Hope that helps!
Any idea on how these would fit over glasses? Guessing not at all, their website doesn’t say anything…
Hi Bob,
I just did a little test run with my glasses (Oakley Boomstand) and M2s – no dice. I couldn’t get the goggles to sit on my face well at all. Damn
WB
I have just regular glasses, goggles sit well but don’t seal well on the sides – when it’s blowing sideways the snow comes in. Other than that, perfect. The lenses are so good it makes me start thinking more about lasik…
So I received my M2’s a couple days back. I was super excited till I realized this product is manufactured pretty horribly. For $250 I expected much more. I haven’t had a day on the mountain yet, but I can tell that the adhesive holding the magnets together is peeling away from the lens. Thats with me switching frames a few times just for kicks. I can’t imagine this product lasting a whole season. I know there was some lens retention concerns earlier on stating how it can withstand 75G’s. I bet they weren’t thinking the adhesive holding the magnets on the lens is going to be the weakest link. Super sad, I will be returning this pipe dream and getting some smith IO’s
Possible that there is an issue with your particular pair? I’ve now got about 40 days on the mountain with the M2s, and I switch the lenses almost every day I’m out (AM / PM). No issues whatsoever.
Hey Farhan,
Sorry to hear that. It is a little surprising, given that my experience, and several readers above, hasn’t been anything like yours. You might consider contacting Anon/Burton about a warranty claim? What you’re describing sounds a lot like a manufacturing defect to me.
Cheers,
Will
Do the inside of these lens have the anti fog coating like the Oakley’s
and have the issue of not being able to clean them without causing permanent
damage? Thanks
Hey Rich,
Anon says their lenses have “a porous cellulose inner lens…anti-fog treatment” but I can’t say how this differs from what Oakley uses. As long as you don’t clean the inside of the M2s lens while there are large drops of water or chunks of snow on it, I don’t think you’ll have any issues. I haven’t.
WB
I purchased these googles for this last season. I love the googles but they fog up really bad with me. More than any other google I have ever owned. I think they need to add ventilation holes on the top like other brands. If they did this and I hope they do for next years model then these would be perfect!
I’ve just bought a pair. But, I am missing a silicon lining on the strap. Oakley, Smit etc got that, and the silicon is really useful. Do you know what I can use to make my own silicon lining?
These goggles are great on their own – talking about the latest version for the 14/15 season. But… definitely difficult to find a good helmet combination that doesn’t leave you with a big gaper gap. Any suggestions?
The Smith Variant is a definite no-go… I’m hoping the brimmed Vantage will be better.
Hi, Jay – I’ve got a ton of days in a M2 + brimmed Vantage combo, and have no issues with the sync.
I just got a pair and have tried them at home/outside the house. Not impressed with the internal reflections of my face inside the lens. Happens with both lenses and my wife tried the goggle and she sees the same reflections of her own face (even when standing outside the house). Is this normal? Someone mentioned this is normal but on snow covered slopes it goes away?
See thread: http://www.epicski.com/t/131155/googles-inner-reflections-oakley-canopy-prizm-and-anon-m2-red-solex#post_1809102
Hi Tom,
I haven’t experienced that with the M2 myself. Have you tried them on snow yet; any difference?
– Will B
do they fit over eyeglasses ?
Not very well no. The Anon Mig has indents on the sides for the frames of your glasses. You may want to look into those instead.
How’s the fit of the M2 compare with the I/OX? I have a big head and currently use the I/OX, and I still wouldn’t mind a bigger goggle
Hi Max,
Really sorry I missed your question until now. The fit of the M2 vs. I/OX is covered in the review, but, in short, I’ve found the fit of the I/OX to be slightly larger than that of the M2. If you’re looking for a goggle with an even larger fit of the I/OX, maybe check out the Dragon APX; I don’t have any experience with them, but the frame looks very large.
Will B
Ive had the m1s for about a week and a half now and have already had problems with the lens fitting properly. First off when I tried to change the lens the nose magnet piece fell off. Im not if I just have a bad pair or what. Also before the nose piece came off, when I was skiing with these goggles on there is a lot of air movement inside the goggle. Im not sure if the air is coming through the sides or through the vents but the air movement was to the point where my eyes began watering. A lot. I don’t know why I am having these problems but I don’t think I SHOULD be having these problems. Has anybody else had these problems or have people reported to having these problems as well?