The first thing I noticed about the new Bollé Tsar snow goggles? They have the sharpest optics I’ve ever experienced with a snow goggle.
A typical day on the hill in Colorado might look something like this: bluebird skies for two hours, blowing snow for an hour, followed by partly cloudy skies the rest of the day. The Tsar, with Phantom Fire Red photochromic lens (VLT 57-15%), has performed well for me in the wide variety of light conditions here in Colorado, particularly on the sunny end of the spectrum. If you want to cater more to lower light conditions, the Phantom Vermillion Blue with a VLT range of 61-15%, would be a slightly better lens choice. The Phantom lens provides a crisp and clear view from the snow right in front of me to the trees on distant mountains.
Bottom Line
The Bollé Tsar Phantom lens provides the sharpest optics of any snow goggle I’ve ever worn. They’re very comfortable, fit well with a helmet, and perform in a very wide range of light conditions. Highly recommended if optics is the most important goggle feature to you.
Features & Technology
- Double Lens
- UV Protection
- Wide Field of View
- Optical Clip Compatible
- Outrigger
- Anti-fog Treatment P80+
- Flow-Tech® Venting
- Carbo Glas® Anti Scratch
- Equalizer® Vents
- NXT® Photochromic Lens
- Available in prescription
About Visual Light Transmission (VLT)
VLT stands for visual light transmission. VLT is represented as the percentage of light that shows through the lens. The higher the VLT percentage, the lighter the lens tint will be. Example: 57% VLT is darker than a 61% VLT. If you ski or ride in mostly sunny conditions, select lenses with VLT ratings in the 12-15% range. For low light conditions like heavy snow and cloudy conditions, go for lenses with a VLT of 60% and above.
About Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses are optical lenses that darken on exposure to specific types of light of sufficient intensity, most commonly ultraviolet radiation. In the absence of activating light the lenses return to their clear state. Photochromic lenses may be made of glass, polycarbonate, or another plastic.1
1 Photochromic lens – Wikipedia
Bollé Phantom lenses are available in six different VLT ranges
- Phantom+ – VLT 51-15%
- Phantom Green Emerald – VLT 56-12%
- Phantom Fire Red – VLT 57-15% (tested)
- Phantom Vermillion Blue – VLT 61-15%
- Phantom Photochromic Fire Red – VLT 44-13%
- Phantom Photochromic Vermillion Blue – VLT 45-12%
Photo by Mitch Kline.
Ratings
| Optics | |
| Fit | |
| Value |