A year ago, Oakley launched Airwave, a high tech ski goggle outfitted with heads-up display developed by Recon Instruments that integrates GPS, Bluetooth, smartphone connectivity and other features with a host of onboard sensors controlled by a wrist mounted device.

Now that competitors such as Zeal Optics and Smith Optics have also fielded Recon-equipped ski goggles, Oakley has upped its game with Airwave 1.5. The new goggles boast a number of new features, including:

				VM Editor Andrew Karp tries out Airwave 1.5.

Heads-Up Display: Airwave 1.5 delivers crisp, widescreen graphics using innovative prism technology. Integrated within the goggle is a device called MOD LIVE which acts like a car speedometer: no need to focus your eye when moving, clearly visible, but not distracting.

Integrated GPS: Accurately measures speed down the mountain, jump analytics (height and air time) and vertical distance traveled. Also, finds pinpoint locations on resort maps for locating specific runs.

Buddy Tracking: Locate and track friends on the mountain who have an Airwave goggle or App on their smartphone.

Connectivity: View incoming calls, text messages, music playlists and connect with social media channels via your phone. Mi-Fi and low-energy Bluetooth connectivity allows interface with POV cameras, heart-rate monitors, etc.

Performance Lenses and Functional Fit: Up to six interchangeable, anti-fog lenses using Oakley’s Switchlock technology to meet all on-mountain conditions. Goggle frame features O-Matter chassis and O-Flow Arch technology to reduce nasal pressure for a balanced fit and all-day comfort.

Battery life up to six hours.

Chris Petrillo, Oakley’s category manager for watches and 3D optics, believes Airwave and future Oakley wearable electronic products represent an opportunity for optical professionals to develop a new area of expertise. “That’s one of the areas we feel very strongly about,” he said. “When this technology starts trickling down from sport optics to everyday eyewear, it will be the optical professional that will be matching up prescription optics with the right technology. One of our big concerns is that a quality optics experience is best handled by optical professionals, not by consumer electronics retailers.” ■

—VM Staff