Spare Lenses by VLT: Build Your 2-Lens Kit (2025)

Connor Thomas
2025-10-08T12:33:45-05:00

TL;DR

Pair one low-VLT mirror for bluebird days with one high-VLT lens for storms/night and you’ll cover 95% of conditions.

Stick to lenses that match your goggle family (PowPow or Key).

Ready to shop the full range? See Spare Lenses.

How to Choose by VLT

Fit & Coverage

PowPow and Key are Detour’s snow goggle families. PowPow uses a cylindrical lens; Key uses a spherical lens with an added latch lock. Lenses are not cross-compatible—PowPow lenses fit PowPow goggles only, and Key lenses fit Key goggles only. If you already own a frame, choose spare lenses for that family to maintain the intended seal, field of view, and venting.

Lens Tints & Conditions

Low VLT (5–20%+), gray/black base with mirrors → Bluebird sun, high alpine glare, spring reflections.

Mid VLT (~25–40%), rose/amber base → Mixed clouds, tree runs, variable light when the weather can’t decide.

High VLT (70–85%+), yellow/clear base → Storm days, dusk/dawn laps, night skiing under bulbs.

Think of VLT as how much light gets through. Brighter light = lower VLT. Darker light = higher VLT.

Grip, Weight & Comfort

All Detour lenses use strong QuickGrip magnets for fast swaps; the Key frame adds a discrete latch for extra security on aggressive terrain. Inner lenses have permanent anti-fog treatment, and frames are vented to move moisture. Keep your backup lens in the stretch protector inside your jacket pocket to avoid scratches until it’s swap time.

Editor’s Top Picks (6 Products)

PowPow Snow — Spare Hi-Fi Lens — Jet Black — The go-to low-VLT mirror for bluebird days and open bowls.

PowPow Snow — Spare Hi-Fi Lens — 24K Gold — Low-VLT gray base with a warm mirror that tames mid-day glare.

PowPow Snow — Spare Hi-Fi Lens — Ice Blue — Mid-range versatility for on-again/off-again clouds.

Key Snow — Spare Hi-Fi Lens — Tropical — Rose base (~mid VLT) to pop definition in flat light without nuking sunny-day usability.

Key Snow — Spare Hi-Fi Lens — Yellow Clear — High-VLT storm specialist for whiteouts and late-day laps.

Key Snow — Spare Hi-Fi Lens — Clear — Ultra-high VLT (~82%) for night skiing and darkest storm cycles.

Compare at a Glance

Model | VLT Range | Swap System | Anti-Fog | Best For
PowPow — Jet Black | Low | QuickGrip magnets | Integrated | Bluebird, high glare
PowPow — 24K Gold | Low | QuickGrip magnets | Integrated | Sunny groomers/park
PowPow — Ice Blue | Mid | QuickGrip magnets | Integrated | Variable/cloud-sun mix
Key — Tropical | Mid (~32%) | QuickGrip + latch | Integrated | Flat light, trees
Key — Yellow Clear | High (~74%) | QuickGrip + latch | Integrated | Storms, dusk/dawn
Key — Clear | Very High (~82%) | QuickGrip + latch | Integrated | Night skiing

Pro Tips & Use-Case Scenarios

Build the 2-Lens Kit: One low-VLT mirror (Jet Black or 24K Gold) + one high-VLT (Yellow Clear or Clear). Add a mid VLT later if you ride lots of mixed weather.

Tree Runs & Gray Days: Rose/amber bases (e.g., Tropical) boost contrast to spot ruts and rollers sooner.

Night Riding: Clear wins—keep your dark mirror in the pocket for tomorrow.

Pocket Carry: Always use the stretch lens protector to prevent scratches.

Match the Family: PowPow ↔ PowPow, Key ↔ Key. Don’t cross-swap.

FAQs

Do I really need two lenses?
Yes. A low-VLT mirror for bright sun and a high-VLT lens for storms/night keeps you covered without overthinking it.

Which should I buy first if I ride mostly daytime?
Start with a low-VLT mirror for sun. Add a yellow/clear high-VLT for storm days as your second.

What VLT for flat light?
Go mid to high VLT with a rose/yellow base—better terrain definition when everything looks the same.

Are the lenses easy to swap on the hill?
Yes. Magnets seat the lens evenly; Key adds a latch for extra hold.

Do PowPow and Key lenses interchange?
No. Each lens fits its specific frame family.

How do I avoid fogging?
Keep vents clear, don’t overdress your face, and avoid wiping the inner lens—its anti-fog is integrated.

Can I store a spare lens in my pocket?
Yes—use the included stretch protector and avoid putting it next to keys/tools.

Shop the Collection

Ready to build your 2-lens kit? Browse Spare Lenses. Pick one bright-sun mirror and one storm/night lens for a simple quiver that works all season.