Giro Contour Goggle Review

Contour Goggle Specifications:

Color and lens tested: Black Mono, VIVID Onyx, and VIVID Infrared.

Features from Giro

  • EXV+ Frameless Design
  • Toric VIVID Lenses with Optics by Zeiss
  • Expansion View Technology.
  • Quick Change Magnetic-Assisted Lens System
  • VIVID Lens by Zeiss
  • Includes Two Vivid Zeiss Lenses
  • Anti-Fog Coating
  • EVAK Vent Technology
  • Triple-Layer Face Foam with Microfleece Facing
  • Seamless Compatibility with All Giro Helmets

Intended Use:

Snowboarding, snowmobiling, all snow sports, anyone wanting an expansive field of view in a goggle that is oversized, but not bulky.

Recommended for:

Riders looking for a stylish goggle with a wide field of view, and one of the clearest lenses available.

Review Date and Location: November 2020 – March 2021 in Wyoming

Review:

I was really impressed with the Giro Method goggle last year, so I was excited to try the Contour this season. My only complaint, if you can call it that was that the Method was a little small for my face. The Giro Contour has the largest field of view in the Giro line and I found it a much better fit with increased visibility. This goggle features Giro’s Expansion View Technology, or EXV+ Frameless Design, a semi-spherical lens curvature that allows a really wide field of view. The lens technology is Toric VIVID lenses by Zeiss and is designed to increase contrast and definition, reduce eye strain, improve reaction time, and deliver precise vision without color oversaturation. The VIVID lens does all this by manipulating light by letting in contrast-enhancing blue light while blocking harmful UV light. 

These lenses are hands down the clearest lens I have used so far. I primarily use the VIVID Infrared lens as dense fog is pretty much the winter norm in the Tetons. I have been really impressed with this lens. It offers superb clarity in the toughest light conditions.

Another great feature of the Contour is the Quick-Change Magnetic-Assisted Lens System. The self-locating magnets make changing lenses incredibly easy and keep the lens secure.

Giro uses EVAK Vent Technology to keep the goggles from fogging up. EVAK uses a foam that is ultra-durable and non-absorbent. The EVAK technology allows moisture to escape but still keeps you protected from the elements. I found this to work surprisingly well as I did not have fogging issues with the Method goggles.

The face foam is a triple-layer foam with microfleece that sits against your skin. The goggles were very comfortable against my skin and allowed enough contour to form a solid barrier to keep my face and eyes protected.

Overall Impressions:

The Contour goggle from Giro boasts some fun style and is available in numerous colorways to fit your needs. They offer a wide spectrum of lenses for every light condition as well. 

The field of view is amazing. It’s a great fitting goggle with a wide field of view and an exceptional lens to keep your view fog-free and crystal clear. 


Chris’ Review

Review Date and Location: March 2021 – April 2021 in Colorado

GIRO Contour goggle color and lens tested: Black Wordmark with Vivid Emerald(S2) and Vivid Ember(S2) Lens
MSRP: $270

Review:

Seeing is believing, and that truly is the case with the GIRO Contour goggle. With a new toric lens shape(which enhances and focuses horizontal and vertical orientations) developed in conjunction with ZEISS® Optics, you have a clear view of the mountain and everything around you. I was very surprised at how lightweight these goggles are, and they are even better looking in real life than depicted on a screen or in print.

You can tell GIRO put in the time to engineer this goggle. I’ve always appreciated a frameless look on a goggle and the Contour holds it’s own. Being that I have a smaller head size, I’m always concerned with how larger goggles will fit, this goggle fits securely on my face with no issues, and I would imagine it would do the same for medium to large face profiles.

The clarity of the toric Vivid lenses by ZEISS® Optics are 2nd to none. I was able to spot even the smallest change in terrain with these goggles, they pleasantly enhance your vision while riding. I also felt my eyes were not tired at the end of the day during bright conditions, I’ve experienced this in other goggles where I might have been squinting do to glare. Riding in variable light conditions, and wearing a balaclava or mask, I have not experienced any fogging in this goggle, even after short hikes inbounds the Contour has proven to be my best friend when I need to see clearly on a powder day.

I found the lens easy to swap out with their quick change lens system, you can easily update your lens for the conditions you’re riding during the day. The Contour also fit very well with my GIRO GRID MIPS helmet and Bern Watts MIPS helmet, which is a good option if you are only upgrading your goggles and not your helmet.

Overall Impressions:

The Contour is by far one of the best goggles I’ve ever ridden in. If you are looking for a goggle with superior peripheral vision, enhanced optics that will allow you to see more clearly on the mountain, no fogging, and packaged in a lightweight stylish shape, the Contour is by far the best option. You’ll be able to use these goggles for several seasons. In my opinion it’s worth the investment in a great pair of goggles and I highly recommend the GIRO Contour Goggle.

Pros:
  • Best peripheral vision
  • Best Lens enhancing and optical clarity
  • Easy to change out lenses
  • No fogging
  • Lightweight
  • Durable lens (hasn’t scratched)
Cons:
  • none
Price:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)
Performance:4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)
Design:4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)
Overall:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.