Question: Goggle lens spots

[slipnslide]

I pulled out my fairly new Alpina goggles yesterday and discovered that they have small pin sized spots on the lens that do not rub off. It looks like spray from a snow blower that dried on the surface (there are no scratches.) I paid too much for these last year to throw them out without trying to fix them. Any suggestions?

 

[playoutside]

no real suggestions, but I feel for you since I discovered I had trashed mine with similar sounding pitting spots. I realized they were truly un-usable during a good snow storm at Alpine Meadows. Nearly couldn't make it to the bottom to buy new. Good luck.

 

[Robyn]

It sounds like there was some sort of chemical in the spray that damaged the lens. You'll probably need to buy new lenses. :(

 

[slipnslide]

It sounds like there was some sort of chemical in the spray that damaged the lens. You'll probably need to buy new lenses. :(

That's what it looks like. At first I thought it looked like hairspray, but I don't use hairspray when I ski. I guess I'll write to Alpina. If there is a solution, I'll post it.

 

[Kiragirl]

interesting topic----

(although your goggles may not be usable anymore, I'm not sure)

Has anyone ever used the "Seadrops" stuff that you would use on a snorkeling mask on your ski goggles? typcially, you put a few drops in your snorkel mask to keep them clear and unfogged while snorkeling. I have the stuff, and was wondering if they would help ski goggles or hinder them.

 

[volklgirl]

It would probably be OK on the outside, but you shouldn't really use anything on the inside, or even wipe the inside (dabbing is OK) as you ridk scratching or removing the antifog coating.

 

[LilaBear]

interesting topic----

Has anyone ever used the "Seadrops" stuff that you would use on a snorkeling mask on your ski goggles? typcially, you put a few drops in your snorkel mask to keep them clear and unfogged while snorkeling. I have the stuff, and was wondering if they would help ski goggles or hinder them.

There is some stuff called cat crap that you can put on your lenses - I've never used it. With the modern technology I think it's best not to interfere with the surface coating. Last season I only had trouble with fogging and freezing once and it was my own fault because I'd put my goggles on top of my wet head and it was an extraordinarily cold day. One gondola ride with them stuffed inside my jacket and the problem was resolved. I suppose Divas who go in and out of trams etc will have more issues with this problem.

However, I do dive - and it's surprising how many times I've been about to spit into my goggles before putting them on! The effect of spit is about having a higher surface tension on the lens so that they maintain a light coating to prevent the misting from forming. I don't think the same theory works for ski goggles - but I don't really know, just guessing.

 

[Kiragirl]

good info, probably best to leave ski goggles alone.

and, If I ever see anyone spit into their goggles in the lodge, now I'll know why LOL!

 

[LilaBear]

Quick tip - for dive masks I've heard that toothpaste is a great antifogging agent, and also more hygienic! You can smear your mask with toothpaste and put in into store, then quickly rinse when you bring it out for use. It's reputed to last for several immersions. I hope someone could try it and report back?

 

[itri]

I spit in my swim goggles all the time. It really does work, although it's a bit gross.

 

[Jilly]

If you've tried to remove the spots with a cleaner - like soap and water, then they must be etched into the coating. Chemicals will do that. I think its new lenses!

 

[slipnslide]

If you've tried to remove the spots with a cleaner - like soap and water, then they must be etched into the coating. Chemicals will do that. I think its new lenses!

"Etched" is the perfect word for the problem. I tried soap and water to no avail. I didn't think of toothpaste and since I have nothing to lose...I’ll let you know how it works.

 

[slipnslide]

Alpina stands behind its product!!

I got an email from Alpina eyewear today. They said the spots were due to a production problem (whatever that means). They are going to send me new ones!

In the meantime, I ordered and have received from Tramdock.com: a pair of Oakley A-Frames (black) and Smith Anthems (white). Both are nice goggles, but the lenses aren't as intense. Like Snowhot's jacket thread...I am becoming a goggle slut!

 

[Jilly]

Love it when a company agrees to a fault. That is standing behind your product and customers!

 

[cinnabon]

interesting topic----

(although your goggles may not be usable anymore, I'm not sure)

Has anyone ever used the "Seadrops" stuff that you would use on a snorkeling mask on your ski goggles? typcially, you put a few drops in your snorkel mask to keep them clear and unfogged while snorkeling. I have the stuff, and was wondering if they would help ski goggles or hinder them.

Definitely not! That stuff is meant to be used wet, you rinse the mask after you use it, and scuba masks are glass, much less fragile than ski lens plastic. I'm sure it would destroy ski goggles.

 

[LilaBear]

I got an email from Alpina eyewear today. They said the spots were due to a production problem (whatever that means). They are going to send me new ones!

In the meantime, I ordered and have received from Tramdock.com: a pair of Oakley A-Frames (black) and Smith Anthems (white). Both are nice goggles, but the lenses aren't as intense. Like Snowhot's jacket thread...I am becoming a goggle slut!

That's fantastic. It's wonderful to hear that you have a positive outcome after your disappointment. Also to hear of good customer service is reassuring - good for them!