Difference between Prizm, Iridium, ChromaPop, and ChromaPop Pro Photocromatic Snow Goggle Lenses

When choosing Snow Goggles, there are different lens options, which can be confusing. Here, we look at the Prizm, Iridium, ChromaPop, and ChromaPop Pro Photocromatic lens options. These options refer to specific lens technologies developed by different companies, each aiming to enhance vision in snowy, high-glare environments. But which do you choose? Here is a breakdown of the specifics and differences in each lens.

Prizm (by Oakley)

• • Purpose 
    Enhances contrast and visibility by fine-tuning individual wavelengths of colour.
    
  • Tech
    Use specific light filters to boost the contrast between colours your eyes are most sensitive to.
  • Best For
    Enhancing terrain details (bumps, edges, ice patches) in snow, especially in varying light conditions.
  • Variants 
    Prizm Snow Goggle lenses are tailored for different light conditions (eg Prizm Black for bright days, Prizm Rose for low light).

Iridium (by Oakley)

• • Purpose 
    A reflective coating is added to Oakley lenses, balancing light transmission and reducing glare.
  • Tech
    Uses a special metal oxide formula that reflects light, giving the lens a unique aesthetic and mirrored look.
  • Best For
    Reducing glare in the snow, especially in varying light conditions.
  • Variants 
    Iridium Snow Goggle lenses are tailored for different light conditions (eg Fire Iridium for sun and cloudy days, Hi Yellow Iridium for low light).

Prizm Iridium (by Oakley)

• • The Best of Both Worlds
    Combining a Prizm and Iridium Lens offers a reduced glare, light controlling, terrain enhancing snow goggle.

ChromaPop (by Smith Optics)

• • Purpose
    Enhances the colour and contrast by filtering overlapping light wavelengths that confuse the eye.
  • Tech
    Separates reds, greens, and blues more distinctly, resulting in sharper colour differentiation.
  • Best For
    Recognising changes in terrain and snow texture while cutting glare.
  • Variants
    Available for various light conditions (eg ChromaPop Sun Black for bright light and ChromaPop Storm Rose for cloudy days).

ChromaPop Pro Photochromic (by Smith Optics)

• • Purpose
    Enhances visual clarity and adapts seamlessly to changing light conditions.
  • Tech
    Combines ChromaPop colour-enhancing technology with a lens formulation that delivers photochromic performance and the fastest transition times.
  • Best For
    Changing light conditions in snow enhances visibility from bright sunlight to overcast conditions.
    

Shop here for all Snow Goggles at Rapid Surf & Ski

Oakley Prizm Snow Lens Technology

Smith ChromaPop Lens Guide