MESSYWEEKEND Ski & Snowboard Goggles Review

Founded in 2018 in Copenhagen, MESSYWEEKEND have sought to provide a quality product at affordable prices with an ambition to become 'the world's leading affordable luxury eyewear brand', the Ray-Bans for a new generation. But do their ski and snowboard goggles stack up against the big established brands?

If the XE2, the latest goggles created in collaboration with professional snowboarder and two-time British Winter Olympian, Jamie Nicholls, is anything to go by, then the answer is definitely yes according to our Backcountry Editor, who tested them for a month in the mountains in all snow conditions including low light and bluebird powder days

Today, MESSYWEEKEND™ is present in over 35 markets worldwide. Their products are sold in more than 1,000 retailers, including iconic stores such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Illum, Magasin du Nord and Intersport.

They operate their own online stores in six countries in local languages with over 19 million visitors to their websites every year. Additionally, MESSYWEEKEND have two physical stores - one in Denmark and one in Georgia - with more openings to come.

So they seem to be achieving their goal to become a leader in global eyewear.

But are their goggles as good as the big brands'? I tried out the XE2 goggles that are a collab with Brit snowboarder, Jamie Nicholls (wearing the goggles in the main image) for four weeks in the French Alps. And the fit and quality is, in my opinion, a match for my fave goggles, the Oakley Flight Deck XL - and at a far lower price point.

UP THERE WITH THE BEST

The quality of the near-frameless body, the strap with silicone to prevent slippage and the double layer polycarbonate lenses are up there with the best. In use, the goggles fit well under my Salomon helmet with no annoying gaps or clashes, the field of view is excellent at 210 degrees and to date no fogging.

The OTG (over the glasses) shape goggles feature a black and white colour frame with an opposite contrasting strap. The XE2 is a relatively large goggle shape, which may not suit all face types, but there are two smaller models, the Flip and the Ferdi, (all dimensions are on the website).

SNAPPY LENS FIXING

Changing from the 19 percent VLT silver mirror lens to the 82 percent extra yellow overcast lens is a snap, literally, thanks to the 10 magnetic fixing system. Simply push out the old lens and drop in the new, no need to align, it just drops in with a satisfying clunk. Both lenses performed equally well in their designated conditions with superb clarity.

They have full UV400 protection, anti-fog and anti-scratch enhancement.

The XE2 silver colourway comes with a yellow overcast lens, while the XEp blue is photocromic, adapting to changing light. With the full view lens ability you get maximum vision when riding and hitting those jumps. Jamie’s signature and a Yorkshire rose, a tribute to Jamie’s home, are finishing touches on the silicone lined anti-slip strap.

The exclusive limited edition run comes with a signature hard box, pouch and stickers. Prices start at £120 for the XE2 and £175 for the XEp.

AN EYE ON THE PLANET

Another plus is MESSYWEEKEND’s pledge to support the environment by donating to Empower’s Plastic Positive initiative, in short, for every pair of goggles sold, the equivalent of five plastic bottles are recovered from waste.

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