Anon Helix 2.0 Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Decent price, two included lenses, great ventilation
Cons: Old school lens securing technology, cylindrical lenses, poor fit on larger faces
Manufacturer: Anon
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Anon Helix 2.0 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $99.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $300.00 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $299.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $233.99 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $179.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Decent price, two included lenses, great ventilation | High quality optics, easy lens changes, field of vision | Magnetic lenses, magnetic facemask, 2 lenses included, great optics, best performance for large faces | Magnetic lenses, 2 lenses included, great optics | Magnetic lens for fast swapping, great comfort, clear optics, lower price for higher tech |
| Cons | Old school lens securing technology, cylindrical lenses, poor fit on larger faces | Price | Expensive, larger fit not for everyone | Expensive, medium fit | Not as easy to swap lenses as other models with magnetic lenses |
| Bottom Line | Solidly performing goggles without any trendy bells or whistles | The best optics, lens changeability, style, and durability in a medium-fit goggle | This model knocks our socks off with great optics, user-friendly features, and an excellent fit for large faces | With a new magnetic lens system, this is the newest member of a classic and progressive line | Goggles that deliver today's modern technology but at a lower price |
| Rating Categories | Anon Helix 2.0 | Smith 4D Mag | Anon M4 Toric | Smith I/O Mag | Zeal Portal RLS |
| Lens Quality (20%) | |||||
| Comfort (20%) | |||||
| Ventilation And Breathability (20%) | |||||
| Ease Of Changing Lenses (15%) | |||||
| Durability (15%) | |||||
| Style (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Anon Helix 2.0 | Smith 4D Mag | Anon M4 Toric | Smith I/O Mag | Zeal Portal RLS |
| Number of lenses included | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lens tested | Blue Variable/Amber | Chromapop Sun Red Mirror, Chromapop Storm | SONAR Red, SONAR Infared | Chromapop Sun Red Mirror, Chromapop Storm | Persimmon/Sky Blue Mirror |
| Lens Shape | Cylindrical | Spherical | Toric. Frame is compatible with both Cylindrical and Toric lenses. | Spherical | Spherical |
| Frame size | Medium | Medium | Large | Medium | M/L |
| Layers of foam | Dual layer | Triple layer | Triple layer | Triple layer | Triple layer |
| Ventilation | Full Perimeter Channel venting | AirEvac | Full Preimeter Channel venting, Outlast Fog Management Face Fleece | Anti-fog treated | Dual vent with anti-fog coating |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 2 year |
Our Analysis and Test Results
These goggles are a classic goggle design with a low profile, multiple cylindrical lenses and color combinations, dual-layer foam, vents along the perimeter, and an inexpensive pricepoint. While this model falls behind the latest goggle tech of the last few years, it functions fine for those looking to save on ski accessories while still getting a couple of lenses to adapt to light conditions.
Performance Comparison
Lens Quality
The lenses of the Helix 2.0 are cylindrical, which is more cost effective to manufacture. The lens's cylindrical nature means the eyewear is flat vertically and curves horizontally, which positions the lens closer to the rider or skier's face. Even with the closer fit, these goggles will accommodate regular prescription glasses underneath. Think of these as "retro" or "old school." After skiing in these a few times, we decided that while the lenses are not state-of-the-art, they are still pretty good. The low light lens almost performed as well as some of the top performers in our test lineup. Both lenses provided a clear view of the slopes without major distortion.
Comfort
These goggles were pretty comfy for skiers and riders with small to medium-sized faces but weren't a favorite among larger testers. This is due to the overall shape and curvature of the goggle frame and lens. The flexible nature of the frame does allow the goggle to conform to a greater variety of faces. We found the two-layer foam padding to perform adequately even after several hours. If the shape of this goggle fits your facial structure well, you should be pleased with the Helix 2.0's overall feel.
Ventilation and Breathability
With the lower profile fit, we wondered if that would result in more fogging. We were pleasantly surprised to find fogging was minimal. Like every major goggle manufacturer, Anon uses a multistep process in fog prevention—a proprietary coating that minimizes the buildup of moisture on your lens surface and generous open cell, foam covered vents. The Helix 2.0 has a generous amount of vents that wrap around the entire goggle frame top to bottom. We didn't experience any fogging due to exertion, but just a minimal amount when we were skiing with face masks pulled up over our noses. Ventilation is where these goggles exceeded our expectations and thoroughly impressed our testers.
Ease of Changing Lenses
If we were evaluating this lens changing system even a handful of years ago, we would have given them relatively high marks, but with so many advances over the past few years, that isn't the case. While several goggle models in our lineup have magnetic lenses, which provide almost effortless lens swaps with gloves on, even when wearing the goggles, this goggle has the more traditional construction. The frame has a channel with tabs intermittently spaced around the perimeter that lock the lens into place. There is no way to perform a swap while wearing the eyewear, and it was almost impossible when trying to swap lenses with gloves on. These would have been among the easiest to swap in years past, but they don't compare to today's more modern designs.
Durability
We do our best to use, abuse, and evaluate gear in hopes of finding any potential issues. After over a month of use, we don't see any signs of premature wear and tear. They look as good as the day we unpacked them. We carefully inspected the lenses, foam padding, strap, and the frame. Should you experience any issues, the Helix 2.0 has a one-year warranty as well as a two-year crash replacement program.
Style
The Helix 2.0 has a traditional framed style that should appeal to skiers and riders looking for a low-key appearance. Even though these are a more classic goggles, they are available in several different lens and frame color combinations to coordinate with your outerwear.
Value
These goggles are a decent value with good comfort, overall performance, and even include two lenses at a fraction of the price of many other models in our lineup. For a basic goggle, these should provide several seasons of use.
Conclusion
The Anon Helix 2.0 goggles combine affordable pricing with the versatility of two lenses. Those with a small to medium face shape will find the most value in these goggles.
— Jason Cronk