Ski touring helmets & goggles · Test magazine 2024
Tech talk with Peter Walberer, OAKLEY
Sports Marketing & Communication Manager DACH · Print page 135
Who is Peter Walberer? Sports Marketing & Communication Manager DACH at Oakley
Peter Walberer is Sports Marketing & Communication Manager for the DACH region at Oakley. After studying sports science at the Technical University of Munich, he gained years of experience in the sports industry. A passionate snowboarder, he has worked at Oakley since 2016. In the BACKLINE 2024 test magazine, he discusses ski touring helmets, goggle lenses for poor visibility and care for anti-fog coatings.
The interview focuses on the MODBC, which Walberer announces for the upcoming season as Oakley’s first helmet developed specifically for the backcountry. He highlights a sunglasses storage compartment, recesses for compatibility with caps, ventilation supporting airflow through the goggles and gear loops for backpack attachment. He also lists certification to EN 1077, ASTM F2040 and EN 12492, alongside Recco, Mips and Twiceme. For the MOD7, which is not a dedicated ski touring helmet, he explains the magnetic Secure-Connect system for mechanically securing the visor.
For poor visibility, Walberer recommends lighter-tinted Prizm lenses, including Prizm Iced Iridium, Garnet, Rose, Persimmon and Clear. Prizm technology is intended to improve contrast and the perception of contours in the snow. To protect the anti-fog coating, he advises against wiping wet inner lens surfaces, recommending gentle dabbing or air-drying instead. He recommends rinsing heavier dirt off under running water, then allowing the lenses to dry.
What special features has Oakley integrated into its helmets to meet the needs of ski tourers?
With the new MODBC, we are launching our first helmet specifically developed for the backcountry in the coming season. The MODBC offers a range of clever features that make it particularly versatile and thus the perfect companion for tours. For example, it features an Eyewear-Storage compartment where sunglasses can be quickly and easily stowed. Thanks to special cutouts in the inner shell, it is also compatible with (baseball) caps. With its triple certification according to EN 1077, ASTM F2040, and EN 12492, it offers maximum safety on and off the slopes, which is additionally supported by the well-known Recco, Mips, and Twiceme technologies. The intelligent ventilation also supports airflow through the goggle. Additionally, a super lightweight beanie is included, and with two material loops, the helmet can be quickly and easily attached to a backpack.
Is Oakley working on specific new developments / innovations in the field of ski touring helmets?
Yes, the first result is the MODBC. It allows backcountry enthusiasts to brave the elements and conquer the terrain like never before. In addition, we have another innovative technology on our MOD7 helmet (though not a specific ski touring helmet): The MOD7 ensures a seamless feel between helmet and goggle, both in secured ski areas and off-piste, an all-in-one package for any mountain adventure in any environment. The special highlight of the MOD7 is the Secure-Connect technology: this is a magnetic connection for mechanical securing of the visor both while riding and when stowed on the helmet. Secure-Connect offers wearers the ability to easily detach the visor from the riding position and store it on the front top of the helmet like a traditional ski goggle.
Which lenses does Oakley recommend for poor visibility conditions?
For not-so-sunny days, we recommend the lens colors Prizm Iced Iridium, Prizm Garnet, Prizm Rose, Prizm Persimmon, or Prizm Clear. These all feature lighter lens tints in filter categories S2 - S1 and are equipped with our Prizm Technology. Prizm enables color optimization perfectly tuned to winter environments, thereby increasing contrast. The result is optimized detail perception and depth of field, allowing contours in the snow to be recognized even in adverse conditions.
What technology does Oakley use in its lenses for the Anti-Fog coating?
Our Snow Goggles are equipped with an Anti-Fog coating that helps to absorb moisture faster and minimize fogging.
Are there any special recommendations for cleaning a dirty AntiFog coating on Oakley goggles and for maintaining it for as long as possible?
If there is moisture on the inside of the lenses, never wipe, but carefully dab dry or let dry. For (coarser) dirt, rinse under running water, then also let dry.
