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Spy Targa 3 Review

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spy targa 3 ski goggles review
Spy Targa 3
Credit: Spy
Price:  $55 List
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Manufacturer:   Spy
By Aaron Zanto ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 17, 2016
59
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Lens Quality Low Light - 35% 6.0
  • Breathability - 20% 6.0
  • Comfort - 15% 5.0
  • Protection - 10% 5.0
  • Durability - 15% 7.0
  • Style - 5% 5.0

Our Verdict

Spy discontinued the Targa 3 from their lineup in 2016.
REASONS TO BUY
Great value goggle
Good protection
Fits smaller faces well
REASONS TO AVOID
Basic goggle
Lens quality is fair
These are a great value that everyone should have ready for an emergency. It was our Best Buy winner in 2015 but has been surpassed in value by the Bolle Carve. This goggle has all the protection needed for a day of riding on snow. The mirrored lens helps to reflect the harmful rays of the sun. At this high quality and reasonable price you should own two or three. Read our full Best Ski Goggle review. Where we test seven more products side-by-side.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Hands-On Review of the Targa 3


spy targa 3 ski goggles review - spy targa iii, greystone/bronze, with silver mirror lens
Spy Targa III, Greystone/Bronze, with silver mirror lens
Credit: Aaron Zanto

Protection


The Spy Targa 3 worked well in the sun, wind, and rain. The frame is quite flexible and forms to facial curves well. The frame size is small and will work best on smaller faces. We noticed some gaps on the sides, but this might have been due to the larger face size of the majority of our users. Testers with smaller face structures worked well with this model and had fewer gaps and air leakage. The mirrored lens on this goggle worked well to reduce the glare.

Breathability


The Targa 3 has vents at the top of the lens and in the bottom of the frame. There is sufficient airflow to allow the lens to un-fog. We did notice that these goggles fogged with moderate moisture or exertion. We found that the coating on the lens was fair and worked to keep fog at bay when the temperatures were above freezing.

The frame edge sticks out from the lens. Because of the protruding frame edge, rain and snow collected at the edges. It was not possible to completely clear the moisture off the edge of this goggle.

Comfort


This goggle fit small faces well. It was a fair fit for large faces and did not work for extra large faces. There are two layers of foam. The layer closest to the face did a decent job of wicking away moisture from the face. The one closest to the frame was very porous and helped with ventilation. There was pressure on the forehead and on the cheeks. Large users might notice a little pressure on your nostrils, too. The goggle strap was a good size for a smaller head or helmet. On larger users it might be hard to fit it over a big helmet.

Lens Quality


The lens quality is fair at best. We noticed distortion from the lens. Objects were totally visible through the lens but the images were not sharp. We used a darker lens for the testing; this could have made it more difficult to see clearly on anything but a bright sunny day. Due to the frame sticking out from the lens, we noticed that the peripheral vision was limited on the sides, top, and bottom. These goggles felt restrictive in visibility.

Durability


Considering the price of this goggle the durability is fantastic. The frame is very flexible and would withstand a large impact well. The lens did a good job of resisting scratches. We noticed an average number of scratches. It is possible to replace the lens if it becomes too damaged, but at this price we would recommend buying two pairs to begin with as to have a backup goggle or to have one in each backpack or car.

Style


The style of the Spy Targa 3 is classic style that will be around for a long time. There are several different options for colors and patterns on the frame and strap. This goggle won't get you into a fancy dance club, but it won't get you laughed off the hill either.

Best Applications


This goggle would be great for a skier or snowboarder, particularly with a smaller face. Snowmobilers will also appreciate this model. If using it for snowmobiling we would recommend having a backup pair under the seat in case a friend forgets their pair. This is a great product for anyone working in a snow environment that might scratch or ruin several pairs of goggles.

Value


This is a great value. It has all the capabilities to keep a rider safe from the sun and wind. For beginners or kids, this is a perfect goggle for learning without breaking the bank. This is the goggle everyone can afford and should own.

Aaron Zanto