Anon M4 | Ski Goggle Review
The opinions expressed in this review are my own and I am not paid by the brand. If this review helps you decide that the Anon M4 is the goggle for you, consider using the affiliate links to support the website. These links will provide a small commission to me at no extra cost to you.
Burton owned, Anon have been making quality ski and snowboard goggles for a number of years now. Their factory in Burlington Vermont is clearly a home of innovation and the M4 is the pinnacle of that process. The M4 is the top of the line goggle from Anon featuring, all the tech but still remaining good value.
ANON M4 OVERVIEW
Ok, you read it, I said that the Anon M4 remains good value. It is hard to justify that sentence for a £260 goggle but let me try. In the box you get; one goggle frame, two Perceive lenses and an MFI facemask, which is life-changing! The Anon M4 has everything you would expect from a top-end goggle.
The Anon M4 is unique in that the frame fits two lens shapes; Toric and Cylindrical. Anon M4 Toric lenses offer the widest field of view with that wrap around look that has become so popular. The Anon M4 Cylindrical lenses still offer a great field of view but with a more classic throwback style. The great thing about the Anon M4 ski goggles design is that you can mix and match the lens styles and swap out both Toric and Cylindrical lenses.
As you’d expect from a top end goggle, the Anon M4 has been designed to fit well with helmets. Anon make helmets as well, however I feel this goggle has fitted well with my Giro Combyn helmet over the last few seasons. The large frame design may not be to everyones taste, but if you like big frames the Anon M4 is a solid choice.
The key selling point for the Anon M4 goggle has to revolve around the intuitive MAGNA-TECH technology. Anon use magnets in both the lenses and their facemasks to ensure a seamless integration with the goggle frame. Changing the lens on an Anon M4 is this simple.
ANON M4 KEY FEATURES
Unisex frame
Thinner face foam used to ensure a close fit and optimising the field of view.
Triple-layer face foam incorporates a fleece layer that acts to wick moisture away from the skin and provide comfort, whilst adding two layers of foam for a snug seal and comfortable fit.
Light yet sturdy frame holds shape well ensuring a consistent and comfortable fit. There is some play in the frame allowing for slight movements and added comfort.
Ideally suited to medium and large face shapes.
Compatible with helmets (Best to try with yours before you buy).
MFI allows for facemasks to seamlessly attach to the goggle creating a full barrier to the elements. MFI is quick and easy with one hand movement.
Included MFI facemasks allow for ventilation and I have had no fogging issues.
The large frame is OTG compatible, so glasses wearers should be able to wear their frames underneath without discomfort. (Side note: I wear an insert with my prescription inside the goggle and this works great).
Price is all inclusive of MFI face mask, two lenses, goggle bag, and lens protective case.
MAGNA-TECH utilises 9 magnets to hold the lens in place. Strong enough to hold the lens in but still easy to change!
SONAR or PERCEIVE Lenses provide high-contrast and clarity.
ANON M4 goggle comes with hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings. These help the lenses avoid scratches and finger prints.
ANON Warranty - I have used the Warranty system in the past and they resolved my issue quickly and effectively. I have had no issues with my M4 goggles.
ANON M4 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
From initial look the Anon M4 is a great goggle. The first thing I normally check on goggles is the lens change. I want this to be easy so that I don’t have to faff on a mountain. Remember, that if its taking you time to do it indoors it will probably take you longer on the hill. Fair to say that the M4 has the best lens change out of any goggle I have previously tried.
Looking at the frame it is sturdy with a little bit of give. The foam closest to your face is fleece lined which adds another level of comfort. Sticking with the foam theme, there is what Anon call the ‘Full perimeter vent channel’ which allows air to circulate through the goggle preventing fogging. As expected the strap is backed with silicone to stop slip off helmets.
Another nice touch is the spare lens comes in a sturdy case to give you a bit more confidence if you are riding around with your spare lens in your pocket.
HOW GOOD ARE THE ANON M4 SKI GOGGLES
I have ridden with the Anon M4 ski goggle for a number of seasons now and it’s fair to say it’s my favourite goggle. There are plenty of reasons to like the Anon M4 but i’ll break down some of my favourites below.
ANON M4 FIELD OF VISION
The wide field of view on the Anon M4 gives you plenty of peripheral vision. The close to face design of the goggle frame ensures their are no blind spots or obstructions. The larger design does help in this regard and the Toric lenses will offer a greater field of view than the Cylindrical lenses.
ANON M4 LENSES
A while back I compared the Anon M4 Sonar lenses to Prism and Chromapop in this video. I was impressed by how the Sonar lenses performed in low light conditions, although I did say the Chromapop Lenses used on the Smith IO MAG outperformed Sonar, Anon have since upgraded their lenses.
Anon introduced PERCEIVE LENSES which has stepped up the performance in contrast lenses. Whereas contrast lenses traditionally target the Blue section of the colour spectrum (enhancing snow definition) Anon argued that although making the appearance of snow clearer, this approach compromised the natural appearance of the rest of the picture (trees, sky, buildings etc). PERCEIVE Lenses reduce the effect of 3 sections of the visual light spectrum resulting in a more neutral appearance, whilst still enhancing snow definition.
PERCEIVE LENSES ANON
Looking at the above chart the areas where you see a depression represent colour enhancement. This picture shows that PERCEIVE LENSES not only target the blue light but also green and red light.
PERCEIVE lenses also have the following protective coatings:
Hydrophobic - The hydrophobic coating works to repel moisture from the surface of the lens allowing it to run off and be channeled away easily.
Orleophobic - The Orleophobic coating prevents finger prints or smudges from forming on the lens.
HOW EASY IS THE LENS TO CHANGE
The easiest on the market. Nothing more really needs to be said.
ANON M4 FOGGING
I was initially worried that the integrated face mask would cause fogging, it doesn’t. The whole system works really well and aided by the full perimeter ventilation you can be sure of fog free days.
ANON M4 COMFORT
The Anon M4 has a larger nose bridge which for me makes a more comfortable goggle. Despite having a larger bridge there are no gaps in the goggle with foam preventing unnecessary wind access. Added fleece makes for a comfortable layer against your skin with a firmer foam keeping the goggles shape. One of the best comfort features on the Anon M4 is the MFI face mask. Whether its a; neck tube, balaclava or a hood, the MFI ensures a seamless fit and a complete barrier to the elements.
ANON M4 DURABILITY
I have ridden with the Anon ski goggle regularly since 2019. In that time, they have been well looked after but accidents do happen. Having crashed or fallen on many an occasion whilst wearing the Anon M4 goggle I can attest that they have stood the test of time. The frame is firm enough to prevent it from being easily damaged and the strap is in good condition having been worn under a helmet.
The main concern that people seem to have with magnetic lens ski goggles is whether they hold the lens when you fall. I can honestly say that the lens has not come out of my Anon M4 on impact. Furthermore, if it were to come out I am pretty sure you may have bigger worries. With that in mind, the lenses have also proved durable taking impact whilst resisting any major scratches.
ANON M4 STYLE
There is plenty of choice with the Anon M4 ski goggle. Available not just in a range of colourways but also with a choice of lenses. Like the alien from another planet look then opt for M4 Toric Lenses. Alternatively, choose the M4 Cylindrical Lenses for that old school look. Can’t make up your mind, well no worries, just mix and match the lenses as they will both fit the same frame.
I like the larger frame goggle look so these are perfect for me.
If you wear the Anon M4, let me know what you think below in the comments.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE ANON M4
Magna-tech lens changes are by far the fastest and easiest I have ever tried. I would struggle to go back to another system.
MFI face mask is also a game-changer. Seamless integration with the goggle to create a barrier to the elements.
The Anon M4 comes with two lenses as standard. This means you should be sorted for all conditions.
The lens case that comes with the Anon M4 ski goggle is a nice touch.
WHAT I DISLIKE ABOUT THE ANON M4
The price. This is a top-end goggle and as such you are looking a spending a few pennies to pay for them. Now they have been out a few years, it is possible to find old colourways for slightly cheaper.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Anon M4 is a fantastic goggle that firmly sits as my favourite out of the goggles I have tried. Having previously been disappointed with the performance of the Anon M3 goggle this is certainly a step up. The money is worth spending if you are a regular skier or snowboarder and will get use out of them. Otherwise there are cheaper alternatives like the Anon Sync that you could consider.
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