Optic Nerve Boreas 3.0 Review
November 29, 2016
85 The Good
- NASA’s NASTEK lens is exceptionally clear
- Face foam & flexible frame are comfortable
- Lenses are tough & durable
The Bad
- 8-point clip-in interchange system is outdated & clunky
- Lens easily separates from the frame, letting in snow on a tumble
- Only the bright sun lens has the NASTEK technology
The Boreas 3.0 is new for 2016/2017 as is the impressive NASTEK lens. This is NASA-based lens technology (think of the gold faceplates on astronauts’ helmets) that blocks UV and blue light and results in an exceptionally clear view. While the lens is awesome, the goggle frame needs improvement. The low-light lens in my test model was blue but this year’s production model will include a yellow lens instead (which should let in more light for cloudy days).
FIELD OF VIEW
The field of view for the Boreas 3.0 is average for the frame size. The lens and frame aren’t exceptionally convex so there is limited peripheral vision.
FIT
The face foam is soft and malleable but not very wide or plentiful. Not super-comfy but not uncomfortable to wear, the fit of this goggle was good but not exceptional.
ANTI-FOG
No fogging occurred under any conditions. Note that I tested in the relatively dry climes of Colorado and don’t generally overheat when I ski. So use in humidity might yield a different result.
LENS QUALITY
The NASTEK lens is exceptional! Amazing clarity and crispness in bright and even less-than-bright conditions. The low-light lens isn’t as spectacular but is still high-quality. Optic Nerve’s lenses are definitely the selling point for this goggle.
FRAME
Unfortunately, the Boreas 3.0 is still using an interchange system that requires multiple contact points and clips to secure the lens. The frame material is pretty malleable and bendy which leads to gaps and an imperfect seal.
VALUE
The price of this goggle is a little on the high-side but we don’t yet know what extras the production model will include. Again, the NASTEK lens is worth some extra dough but the goggle overall needs improvement.
Dave Ratner is a hard charging telemark skier from Denver. He spends every weekend powering his way through the I-70 corridor to test helmets and ski goggles for the Gear Institute.
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