POC Iris X Goggle

POC Iris X Goggle

Specs:

• Large Fit
• Silicone-Backed Strap
• POC Double Lens Technology
• Scratch-Resistant Polycarbonate/Fog-Resistant Cellulose Propionate Lenses
• Helmet Compatible
• Top Frame Venting System
• Three Foam Layers
• Includes Microfiber Goggle Bag

Although I was initially attracted to POC products for their bright, fun colors and the mix-and-match app on their web site, I soon realized that their commitment to style was equally as important as their commitment to quality. I have used the POC Receptor Bug helmet and the POC Iris X goggles for almost 70 days now, dishing out a fair amount of abuse, and they are still in excellent condition.

Because I have a slightly narrower face, I first ordered a size small. After trying them on with my helmet, however, they were pretty tight, and I did not have great peripheral vision. While they did not feel great with my helmet, they worked with a hat. I returned them for a size large, which was a much more natural fit.

Even with a narrow face, the size large is very comfortable, and the goggle’s wrap-around design allows for maximum peripheral vision. Sometimes if they are a little loose, they sink low over my nose, but it is not a huge issue. This season POC introduced a size medium to the line, so if you are worried about too large a size, this is a good option.

The Iris X is a perfect match with the POC Receptor Bug helmet, and I would imagine it is with other POC helmets, too. After just a few minutes, I can barely feel that I am wearing them. I am not sure how they fit with other brand’s helmets, so you’ll want to make sure that the Iris X syncs well with the helmet you intend to use.

Another perk to the Iris X is the triple layer of foam on the inner frame of the goggle. This provides increased comfort as well as warmth. The third layer of foam, which rests against the face, is very soft—a nice touch. While the foam works well to insulate on colder days, the goggle’s venting system allows for optimal airflow to prevent fogging when things start to heat up. The vents wrap all the way around the goggle frame and are covered by a thin layer of foam. I have noticed that while hiking on warmer days they can be a little too warm to keep on, but they still do not fog, which is a huge plus.

The inner part of the strap has two strips of silicone, so a clip is no longer necessary. The goggle is held firmly in place by the silicone, and I have had no issues with my goggles slipping off while skiing. The stickiness of the strap has not diminished by any discernible amount in the past year, and the goggle sticks well to hats, too.

While the Iris X’s venting system helps to minimize fogging, the real factor to virtually eradicate fogging is the goggle’s double lens construction. Although I cannot speak for everyone, I have not once experienced the goggles fogging up. The inner cellulose propionate lens is incredibly fog-resistant and is paired with a less fog-resistant but durable polycarbonate outer lens. The outer lens is anti-scratch treated, and after a year I have only a few minor scratches. This is a pretty sweet combo. The lenses are also easy to change and can be done quickly, which is convenient.

For POC goggles, the color frame you buy will determine the color lens. I have the blue frame, which comes with clear-red mirror lenses. Because you cannot choose both your frame and lens, you could purchase the frame color you want and then buy the spare lens you want, or purchase the frame color based off of which lens you want.

The POC website (under Protective Concepts) provides good descriptions of each lens’s purpose and respective Visible Light Transmission, or V.L.T., a measurement that indicates what percentage of light penetrates the lens and reaches your eye. Clearer lenses will have a higher V.L.T. because they allow more light through, while darker lenses have a lower V.L.T. This measurement can be helpful in determining what kind of lens you want. An all-around lens will usually have a V.L.T. of 30–60%.

The clear-red mirror lenses I have been using are good mid-range lenses that work best in overcast to partly sunny conditions, with a V.L.T. of 69%. They work well in flat light, and while they can definitely be used in sun, I notice my eyes are a little sore at the end of the day in the bright Colorado sunshine. This year I will probably invest in a darker blue lens for sunny days. The red lens blocks out more light from the blue end of the light spectrum, which enables the skier to see more of the terrain and objects in the snow. The mirror lens also increases contrast, aiding visibility.

Overall, I am very happy with the performance of this goggle. POC has designed an excellent goggle to combat fogging and has created a stylish product in the process. The goggle has a sleek, clean design with many color options. It is important to consider size (now S, M, and L) and lens choice when purchasing this goggle for maximum comfort. But get the size right, and it is easy to be pleased with the Iris X.