This article was first published in the November 2015 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED’s articles in print before they’re posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
WIRED product editor Jeremy White — winter sports enthusiast and gadget buff — decamped to Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental in Westendorf, Austria, for a WIRED snow sports special. You can see all of the coverage here.
SMITH I/O RECON
Like all other integrated-display goggles, the I/O Recon is powered by Recon Instruments’ SNOW2 wearable computer, and the most relevant function is the live speedometer. The software feels laggy but the goggles themselves are well engineered. 6/10 £560 smithoptics.com
Features: Buddy tracking; jump analytics; five-times anti-fog lens
OAKLEY AIRWAVE 1.5
These are also powered by Recon, so you get a similar, flexible, Bluetooth-enabled screen. Onboard GPS instantly updates your speed, height, distance and airtime. The app is clear and easy to use; like the Smith, the software is sluggish but battery life was good and the Airwaves lasted all day without a top-up. 6/10 £520uk.oakley.com
Features: High Definition Optics lenses; GPS; Bluetooth; buddy tracking
ZEAL Z3 LIVE
Turn on the SNOW2 display by tapping a button on the side of the frame – it’s a nice touch, but it’s easy to hit by mistake. The anti-fog lenses worked well but the size of the Z3s made them uncomfortable. 5/10 $499 zealoptics.com
