Gear reviews | uvex Big 40

The model "FM orange mat - rainbow mirror" (FM stands for full mirror lens) was tested by a 182 cm tall man with a head circumference of 62 cm. The glasses were worn in combination with uvex hlmt 5 pure in size 59-62 cm from the 14/15 season. The goggles were used on the slopes as well as on touring and off-piste days on around 20 days in the 16/17 season.

First impression

The roots in racing of the traditional company from Fürth were always somehow visible in old uvex designs. You don't get that impression with the Big 40. Oversize has been a trend off the racetrack for a few years now and uvex is successfully following suit here.

The double-curved (spherical) shape and the colorful and distinctive mirroring of the lenses are already appealing when you unpack them. The actual reason for the spherical shape ("decentered lens technology") is the resulting clear, distortion-free vision (in accordance with EN 174). The fit is good, even if you immediately notice that the Big 40, as its name already suggests, is not for (medium and) small heads. It is not possible to adjust the frame to the shape of the face in the nose or cheek area.

It is difficult to understand the manufacturer uvex's explanation of how the name Big 40 came about: "measures the ... lens ... of the uvex big 40 measures a whopping 40mm from the forehead to the bulge of the nose". You can try to understand this explanation yourself with the photos below. We couldn't. The packaging in the uvex standard cardboard box and the simple glasses bag is also somewhat spartan for a goggle in this price range.

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Test report

The Big 40 fits just under the helmet without pressing on the nose or pushing the helmet backwards. However, there is not much space left. The shape of the goggles and the helmet fit together very well. The field of vision is impressive right from the start. The upper frame is practically invisible. You also have to look hard to the left and right to make out the frame. Only towards the front, around the nose, is the frame more clearly visible. This is also because the glasses are quite "thick" at 35 mm.

The lens proves to be quite hard-wearing and does not scratch from looking too much, as sometimes happens with some other mirrored lenses. The mirrored lens looks (very!) good in almost all weather conditions, is easy to find thanks to the bright color and is also more fun for amateur photographer friends than gangster or camouflage style. The lens of the Big 40 is bright enough in good to (slightly) overcast weather. In poor conditions, it is rather dark and the glasses are therefore not the first choice on days with heavy snowfall.

According to the manufacturer, the "supravision" technology of the lenses ensures that "60 seconds fog-free instead of the prescribed 30 seconds" is offered. OK, twice as long is fine. You also notice that the lenses have an anti-fog coating, which works, but not noticeably better than other glasses in this price range. The "anti-slip coating" incorporated on both sides directly next to the frame on the goggle strap works very well and holds the goggle well on the helmet.

Conclusion

The Big 40 has proven itself in practical use. The quality corresponds to the price range and there have been no significant signs of wear to date. As the goggle does not have interchangeable lenses, you will have to resort to a second pair of goggles in dense snowfall or invest €50 more for the Variomatic version, whose lenses adapt to the light conditions. On most days of the year, the Big 40 is a good pair of snow goggles that look good and leave nothing to be desired thanks to their large field of vision and good fit together with a suitable uvex helmet.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Large field of vision
+ Design and workmanship
+ Made in Germany
- No interchangeable lenses
- Few adjustment options for face shapes
- Not for (medium and) small heads

Details
RRP: 149,9 €
"Frameless" construction with field of vision at 186°
Lens:
- supravision® anti-fog coating
- 100% UVA, -B, - C protection
- spherical
- double lens
- double-layer foam
- with velour rubberized strap

Here is the UVEX website with further information, here you can buy the Hight Tech version "Variomatic" of the big40 at our partner store bergzeit.de.

This product was provided to Powderguide.com free of charge by the manufacturer. You can find out how the material is tested in our test statement.

This product was provided to Powderguide.com free of charge by the manufacturer.