Real Life Review: Giro Manifest Goggle
Dec 14, 2009 · 02:26 AM · permalink
For last year's season—'08/'09—I decided to invest in a high end goggle and, after lots of consideration, bought the $190 Giro Manifest goggle with interchangeable lens system. I bought a version that came with two lenses: gold and ruby.
To cut to the chase: I'm underwhelmed. I bought the Manifest in conjunction with the Giro G10 MX helmet, accepting Giro's claim that their helmets and goggles have been designed to work together, and for a total of about $350, I expected great performance. But the Manifest just could not deal with moisture.
In cold conditions the lenses frosted relentlessly. In snowy conditions, the vents were inevitably clogged. In warm conditions, the lenses fogged. And in wet conditions—snowy or sleety days—the outside of the lenses just couldn't seem to shed the water. The foam that seals the goggle to your face also got soggy and uncomfortable. As for synergy between helmet and goggle? It was not in evidence. The top of the goggle meets the brim of the helmet in such a way that a knife of cold air was consistently channeled against my forehead.
Perhaps I have a wierd face—I can definitely attest to the fact that I have a sweaty face—but my old, $30 Smith Goggles never had a problem. The chief problem seems to be twofold: poorly insulated lenses, and inadequate venting. Because the vents don't work well and tend to get clogged, there's a buildup of moisture inside the goggle and, of course, if the lense is not well insulated, it gets cold, leading to fog or frost.
When they weren't obscured by moisture, I liked the Manifests. They're comfortable, big, and have a good field of vision. The interchange system is clever and easy-to-use—I quickly swapped lenses right on the slope many times last season with no problems—and the gold and ruby lenses performed as advertised in terms of lighting conditons. But if you ski hard in lots of conditions, I don't think you'll be satisfied with the Manifests.
I'd love to hear whether others have had swimilar experiences—or if you think I'm crazy.
Comments
Google: = Zeal. Enough Said.
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