The Overview:
Zeal Optics has come into its own in the last two years. After being purchased by Maui Jim, the company took a hard right, entirely changing it’s marketing plan. While Zeal still makes high-performance optics, as it has for many years prior to buyout, the company is now targeting adventurous and style-conscious young adults. And they are certainly hitting the mark. The Native American-print straps of the Voyager goggles are particularly appealing to young women on the edge of trend.
The Test: I took these goggles out for the first time to Aspen Highlands. It was a partly sunny day, so I kept the Pheonix Mirror (pictured left) lens in, rather than switching out to the blue low-light lens. I found these goggles to be extremely comfortable, plus they fit well with my helmet. Although these goggles are technically “unisex” I found that despite being on the slightly large size, they still fit snuggly on my face with no air cracks. I also really liked that these goggles are rimless, as it widened my field of vision.
The Pheonix Mirror lens is great for every day or variable sun, as they allow for enough depth of vision during periods of flat light and also shade against glaring sunlight. I tinkered a bit to see how difficult the lenses were to remove and found that they’re quite easy to pop out, but a little more difficult to put back in. (You have to slide the lens into the nose piece first, followed by the side swivel tabs. The tabs only spin in one direction, also).
I tested the Voyager’s anti-fog worthiness on Highlands Bowl. I kept the goggles on throughout the sweaty hike to the summit. I found that there was no lingering fog. If I breathed heavily, I would experience a quick blast, but it was almost immediately dissipated. I have to give my stamp of approval, these goggles are indeed top-notch in the performance department.
Rating
4.5 (out of 5)
Style: While style is subjective, we personally love the hip, trendy Native prints on the google straps, and the larger freeride-esque frame size. +1
Design: The rimless frame is a winning aspect of these goggles, yet smaller women, with smaller faces may have trouble wearing the Voyager. However, this is a unisex goggle, so we must accept the happy medium. So, minimal points deducted. -.25
Durability: As a standard, most goggles have some sort of impact protection, and some are more successful than others. No scratches or cracks have been assessed, despite tight tree skiing and a couple tumbles. +1
Performance: Clear, wide field of vision, excellent anti-fog capabilities and seemingly good scratch resistance, makes these goggles a top performer! +1
Comfort: While these goggles were quite comfortable on my face—I wear a medium-sized helmet and have a pronounced nose—they will seem larger on petite-faced/headed women. Again, this is a unisex google, so we must meet in the middle, minimal points deducted. -.25
Buy Zeal Optics Voyager at $150.
