Giro Goggle Lens Guide

Giro VIVID goggle lenses are designed to enhance contrast and definition across changing snow and light conditions. Developed with Optics by ZEISS®, VIVID technology helps you see changes in snow texture and terrain more clearly during ski racing, training, and everyday skiing.

Use the Giro Goggle Lens Guide below to compare the VIVID lenses offered at Race Place. Choose a lens based on its category, VLT range, and the light conditions you expect on the mountain.

Quick Navigation: Lens Chart | Understanding VLT | Lens Shape | VIVID Lens Technology

Giro VIVID Lens Chart

Lens Category VLT Range Best Conditions
Clear CAT 0 81–100% Night / very low light
VIVID Apex CAT 0 81–100% Overcast / storm / very low light
VIVID Infrared CAT 1 44–80% Overcast / low light
VIVID Royal CAT 2 19–43% Mixed clouds / variable light
VIVID Onyx CAT 3 9–18% Full sun / bright conditions
Race Place Tip: For changing daytime conditions, VIVID Royal provides a versatile middle ground. VIVID Infrared gives racers a dedicated low-light option, while Clear is suited to night racing and VIVID Onyx handles bright, sunny conditions.

Understanding VLT

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is the percentage of visible light that passes through a goggle lens. Higher VLT lenses allow more light through and are better suited to darker conditions. Lower VLT lenses reduce incoming light and are better suited to brighter conditions.

  • Higher VLT: More light reaches the eye for low-light, overcast, night, or artificial-light conditions.
  • Lower VLT: Less light reaches the eye for bright and sunny conditions.
  • Lens Category: Provides another way to classify how much light a lens transmits, from CAT 0 for very high transmission to CAT 3 for bright conditions.

Giro Goggle Lens Shapes

Toric Lens

A toric lens curves both horizontally and vertically, following the general shape of the eye for a wide field of view and clear optics. The Giro Contour uses a toric VIVID lens developed with ZEISS® Optics. The shape also creates additional air volume inside the goggle to support ventilation and help manage fogging.

Cylindrical Lens

A cylindrical lens curves horizontally while remaining flatter vertically, creating a lower-profile goggle design with a wide field of view. The Giro Revolt combines its cylindrical VIVID lens with Giro's EXV+ wide-view frame design.

Lens Shape: Lens shape is determined by the Giro goggle model. Replacement lenses must match the specific goggle they are designed to fit; toric and cylindrical lenses are not interchangeable between models.

Giro VIVID Lens Technology

VIVID with Optics by ZEISS®

Giro developed VIVID lens technology with ZEISS® Optics specifically for snow environments. VIVID is designed to enhance contrast and definition, helping changes in snow texture, terrain, and surface conditions stand out more clearly.

UV Protection

Giro goggle lenses filter 100% of harmful UV light, providing complete UV protection for skiing and racing at altitude.

Anti-Fog & Anti-Scratch Coatings

Giro goggle lenses feature coatings designed to resist fogging and scratches. The anti-fog treatment helps maintain visibility as temperature and activity levels change, while the outer lens treatment helps protect the lens surface during regular use.