Panda Optics’ Diablo series goggles may be named after the Spanish word for ‘Devil’ but my Neon limited edition pair, rather than being a demonic red, were a pleasingly eye-catching green out of the box. More demure white and black versions are also available.
The semi-frameless construction allows the wearer a very decent field of vision and fitted nicely with the two helmets I own – a Smith Hustle and a newer Scott Symbol – leaving no annoying gap, while the design promotes a good flow of air to prevent fogging.
The three-layer foam gives a good and comfy fit on your face but after three weeks of, admittedly almost constant, use the outer layer had started to peel away – easily fixed with a spot of glue but annoying to have to do so with a new pair of goggles.
The elasticated strap, complete with cool Panda motif, grips nicely thanks to a generous layering of silicone on the inner side.
The design is not unique, as the mould is also used by another brand of goggles I own (Sungods if you’re interested), but the plus point of that is it gives me even more options of lens/frame/strap combinations should I wish!
Which brings me to swapping out the lenses.
The Diablo – like its cousin the Funnel – comes with both a polarised and a low-light lens and once you get the hang of it, the lens interchange system is quick and simple to use, although the rimless design means that leaving fingerprints on the surface is almost unavoidable.
Both the Mirrored Chrome grey polarised lens (with UV400 protection and great anti-glare properties) and the Maize Yellow low-light lens are excellent, giving great contrast in the light conditions they have been designed for.
The low-light lens is one of the best I’ve used and the frame will be an excellent fit for most faces, both for those who wear helmets and those who choose to go sans lid. And Pandas are soooo cute….
Goggle Specifications
- Chrome grey mirrored polarised lens
- Maize yellow low light HD lens
- Integrated Guma® anti fog technology
- Quick change lens system
- 3 layer comfort performance foam
- TPU Frame
- Semi-frameless
- Helmet Compatible
- Micro Fibre storage bag
- Silicone triple wave lined straps
- GCF (glasses compatible frame)
Review Summary
Gender: Mens and Womens
Good for: Ski and Snowboarding
Price: £95
Website: www.pandaoptics.co.uk
Rating: 8 out of 10
Author: Bruce Pope has been a full-time sports journalist for almost two decades and is also a qualified BASI Level Two ski instructor – during the 2015-16 winter, Bruce worked as a ski instructor for Matterhorn Diamonds, based in Zermatt, Switzerland. He will be returning to Zermatt for the 2016-17 winter, to continue as an instructor for Matterhorn Diamonds and to work towards his level 3 qualifications.