If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you probably love high-speed sports.
Dirt-biking, snowboarding, waterskiing, surfing and more.
The downside?
Accumulating the appropriate gear can be hella expensive!
You may therefore be tempted to use the same gear across multiple sports.Â
But can you use dirt bike goggles for snowboarding?
Yes, you can use dirt bike goggles for snowboarding, but they won’t provide the same level of performance and comfort as goggles designed specifically for snowboarding.
If the budget is tight, I’d strongly recommend instead picking up some well-rated cheap snowboard goggles.Â
Alternatively, keep reading for my thoughts on using dirt bike goggles for snow sports.
Should You Use Dirt Bike Goggles For Snow Sports?
While it’s technically possible to use your dirt bike goggles for skiing or snowboarding, I wouldn’t generally recommend it.
Dirt bike goggles are designed for different conditions and don’t offer the same level of fog resistance, lens technology, and compatibility with snowboard helmets.
With snowboard goggles becoming cheaper and cheaper, there’s no real excuse to not grab a budget-friendly pair on Amazon.Â
But what’s the difference?
The Difference Between Snowboard and Dirt Bike Goggles
There’s a bunch of differences between snowboarding and dirt bike goggles. After all, they’re designed for 2 completely different sports!
The main differences are the:Â
Lens Tech: Snowboard goggles feature lenses designed to enhance contrast and visibility, while providing UV protection. Dirt bike goggles prioritize impact resistance and protection from dirt and debris.
Fog Resistance: The most important feature of a decent snowboard goggle is fog prevention. This includes anti-fog technologies such as dual-pane lenses, anti-fog coatings and ventilation systems. Dirt bike goggles rarely have the same levels of fog resistance.
Fit and Compatibility:Â Dirt bike goggles are made to fit under motocross helmets. Using the wrong goggle-helmet combo can result in a poor seal, uncomfortable pressure points and sub-optimal performance.Â
The Pros of Using Dirt Bike Goggles For Snowboarding
- Saves money – only need one pair of goggles
- Saves space – less clutter around the house
- Wide field of vision – most dirt bike goggles have a wrap around design. This allows great peripheral vision (although these snowboard goggles offer great peripheral vision).
- Durability – dirt bike goggles are made of strong stuff.
The Cons of Using Dirt Bike Goggles For Snowboarding
- Fog – you’re gonna struggle!
- Glare – on a bluebird sunny day, you’re going to wish you had a decent snow goggle lens.
- Ventilation – get ready to sweat!
- Helmet gaps – they’re unlikely to form as tight a seam as you get with snowboard goggles. This creates drafts, fogging and pressure points.Â
- Snow Blindness – motocross goggles aren’t designed to handle that much light bouncing off the snow. Many lenses aren’t even UV protective. This can be uncomfortable (and damaging) on a super sunny day.Â
- Lack of contrast – snow goggles are designed to create contrast in snowy conditions. This allows you to see bumps/holes. Without this feature, you might struggle on low-light days.Â
Can You Use Ski Goggles for Dirt Biking? (Motocross)
Nope.
Ski goggles are unlikely to fit your dirt bike helmet due to their larger frames. This is uncomfortable and allows dust to get in.Â
Moreover, ski goggles lack tear-off posts. These are super important on the motocross track for clearing vision (you can tear them off when the lens is plastered in mud).Â
Ski goggle lenses are often tinted, which can impair visibility on an MX track.Â
The ventilation on snow goggles is also designed for maximum airflow. The filters are therefore usually too large to prevent small mud and dust particles from entering – as would happen when dirt biking.Â
TLDR: To ensure proper fit, functionality, and safety while dirt biking, use the specifically designed goggles! Dirt bike goggles are specifically built to withstand the challenges of off-road riding, such as dust, mud, and the need for tear-off posts.
Final Thoughts
Want my honest opinion?
Just get yourself a separate pair of snowboard goggles!
They honestly don’t have to break the bank.
This will make your snowboarding experience much more enjoyable (and safer).Â
But if you really want to ride in your dirt bike goggles, it’s certainly possible. I’ve ridden in my buddies motocross goggles a few times whilst away on trips – and lived to tell the tale. Just make sure the weather is reasonable.
If you’re considering trying a pair of snow goggles, check out our snowboard goggle reviews.Â
Happy riding!
