The Anon M3 goggles are top-notch, high-end, or really, any superlative you’re able to use for a goggle that doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality and build. Coming in as an upgrade to their already beloved and highly rated M2 goggles, the M3 continues the streak of luxury and advanced features for those who aren’t messing around when it comes to their snow spectacles. Combine this thing with an excellent build, comfortable fit and lens change system with an included spare lens and MFI face mask to keep us covered in all forms of what mother nature may bring us on the mountains, and you’ve got more than just a complete package here. Let’s see why everybody is raving about the Anon M3 and if it’s worth spending that extra few bucks for you.
Features of the Anon M3 goggles
- “Wall-to-Wall” vision
- Triple layer face foam
- Lightweight frame
- Magna-Tech interchangeable lens system
- MFI Technology
- Compatible with glasses (OTG)
- Fog management fleece
- No-slip strap
- Channel venting
- Comes with: Goggle case, goggle bag, spare lens
- Frame height: 93mm
Overall snow goggle build
To get into the Anon M3‘s overall build, we first look into what the actual frame is made of. It’s called thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) — a very high quality plastic material that’s known for its resistance to tough falls and abrasion as well as retaining its flexibility (as opposed to stiff plastic like some others out there) for some wiggle room when it’s adapting to your face — definitely a plus. Pair this up with a triple layer face foam with each level varying in density and moisture-wicking fleece material helps not only keep a comfort for pain-free long riding but also a sealed fit to keep those debris out of your eyes. The strap is also no-slip, made of silicone to help reduce the chances of that pesky shift in goggles we sometimes experience.
Like many Anon goggles, venting here won’t be too much of an issue either. Although all brands have their fancy names for their vent systems built-into their goggles, Burton calls this one ‘Full Channel Venting’ to bring us a great amount of airflow inside of the goggle itself. It combines with the M3’s ‘Integral Clarity Technology’ or ‘ICT’ (what the lenses are made of — the inner lens has a ‘porous cellulose’ surface to shed moisture) to give us a solid, clear and fog-free vision in front of us regardless of the environment.
Additional Anon M3 features
Let’s see what this lens changing system of the Anon M3 is all about. Again, although all brands ultimately have their title they prescribe to the lens swapping system, let’s get into the details of how it actually works. The M3’s “Magna-Tech Quick Lens Change Technology’ (here’s an info video) uses rare earth magnets with 8 points of connection to take away the mere thought of “locks” and “snap-ins” we’ve seen around the market (like the Smith I/O 7 or Oakley’s Flight Deck). Here’s where the cost really comes in, but again, this is what gets us going — All you have to do is pull it away from the goggle and press the additional lens (also sold separately if you don’t like the spare one they provide in your package) back in without having to rely on plastic sketchy plastic locking mechanisms and instead we have an entirely magnetic system (no, it won’t come off while you ride — it’s a strong fit). This thing is top-notch and what truly justifies this goggle’s price-range — it’s up to you if that’s your want and need.
What they term “Wall to Wall Vision” is a descriptor of the overall goggle build keep your peripheral vision to a maximum. The low-profile frame and larger, cylindrical lenses (gives us a thinner profile and less distortion) helps widen that view in front of you which is always a plus. Even for those rocking spectacles underneath your goggle, this particular model is indeed over-the-glass (OTG) compatible. Pair it up with their MFI face mask that’s included in every box (standing for Magnetic Facemask Integration — it has four magnetic points that seal the face mask to the goggle itself to really give us a full-on form of protection. It also has vents inside of this as well as to combine with the already-advanced goggle venting system).
In conclusion of the Anon M3
If the price at first glance tempted you to steer away, we understand. However, let’s keep in mind what we’re getting here — a solution for snow goggles jam-packed with features that aren’t necessarily make or break when we ride, but more of a luxury and pluses for those who are into these sorts of things. Through all the nice features, this goggle however is praised most for its super convenient magnetic lens change system as well as the overall quality of the lenses themselves. Not to mention you’re getting a spare lens (they make sure to make it the contrast for lighting depending on which style you choose as your main lens), goggle case as well as bag.
In terms of cons, we’ve seen that the MFI isn’t exactly form-fitting (and their patent is still pending, if that even matters). Depending on the size of your head and neck, it can be a bit loose while you ride. You can always use another face mask or underneath or none at all — it’s more of a plus considering the MFI comes with every package. When it comes to competitors, you’re not seeing many up there in this price-point, aside from maybe the Oakley Flight Decks (definitely cheaper in case you wanted to save a few bucks, but still isn’t as advanced as the M3 and it uses the traditional lens changing mechanisms). You can also read our top snow goggles review since we’ve provided 10 to give you some options.
In conclusion however, the Anon M3 goggles price-tag is justified in our opinion. Burton is a brand name we all can trust, and this specific pair is the best of the best — they took almost every aspect of a goggle and included the latest and best technology available at the moment. Just make sure your budget allows that small dent.
