Julbo Skydome

We finally tested the Skydome from JUlbo – the panoramic ski goggles.

We skied with what we consider to be the top of the range of these goggles – with the Reactiv Photochromic lens, Cameleon, whose UV protection ranges from 2 to 4 (a large range of lenses are available from Julbo). With this lens you are covered for almost the entire light filtration spectrum necessary for a day’s skiing. The only blip is when the light deteriorates, at the end of the day, the lens is still quite dark despite its reactivity. But, let’s take a look at its qualities…

So, the lens is polarized photochromic. We know the brand well and their exceptionally high quality lenses, made in the Jura. We especially appreciated the quality of the details and the massive field of vision that the Skydome offers on the entire surface of the screen. The screen is wide and won’t suit all face shapes, it does fit well when wearing a helmet. If your face is not very big the goggles slide down your nose and the foam squeezes against the side of your nose. Some brands use preformed foam in these areas. Be careful to choose the correct size, and you will have goggles with undeniable qualities.

Going from bright to shady areas the lens responds superbly fast: you head out of the bright sun into a forested area, or walk into a ski cabin building. You have an impressive lateral field of vision, the black foam is very obvious though, we have found that pale grey foam is less imposing. The foam is generous and comfortable but contributes to the imposing size of these goggles.  The ventilation slits are effective, we tested these goggles in warmish conditions at the end of the day and cold conditions early morning, we haven’t tested in humid conditions or extreme cold.

Standard lightweight at 140g.

There’s no noise or squeaks when skiing. The wide strap sits well on a helmet and thanks to the three lines of silicone it stays in place. Length adjustment is easy.

We know the advantages and inconveniences of these domed lensed goggles: you have better panoramic vision, a fluid design and mostly there isn’t a large framework around the exterior of the lens. The main negative point concerns the fragility of this type of product: you must be careful with bangs and scratches because the lens is directly exposed. When you carry your skis in a cabin lift, one smack with the ski and the lens is scratched, or when you put your helmet down at the restaurant and it rolls over onto the goggles; this is the only problem. But, the gain in comfort and the quality of the field of vision is top class.

Last but not least, Julbo delivers their goggles in a very nice semi-rigid textile bag that protects the lens from knocks and scratches. The bag isn’t too big and fits into your pack easily even the jacket pocket.

And then there’s the price… which is more than 200 euros… Yep, the Skydome is in the top-of-the-range price scale.

The Julbo Skydome are good oversize panoramic goggles whose lens is simply the best. Its size doesn’t necessarily suit everyone’s face. Well-made and useful in most conditions thanks to its photochromic lens.

"The Julbo Skydome are good oversize panoramic goggles whose lens is simply the best. Its size doesn’t necessarily suit everyone’s face. Well-made and useful in most conditions thanks to its photochromic lens."

Rating

• 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Strap hold
  8
• Fogging up
  8
• Durability
  7
• Field of vision
  8
• Ventilation
  7
• Over all Comfort
  7