Anon

Brand overview and significance

Anon is Burton Snowboards’ dedicated optics and protection brand, created in 2001 to give the Burton team and everyday riders a line of goggles and helmets as progressive as their boards and bindings. Originally launched under the name Anon Optics, the brand was built around the idea of “anonymous” style that puts performance and a clean aesthetic ahead of loud branding. From that foundation, Anon has grown into a global player in snow goggles, helmets and face protection for both snowboarders and skiers, with distribution wherever Burton has a footprint.

Based out of Burlington, Vermont alongside Burton’s headquarters, Anon mixes rider-driven design with in-house engineering. The brand is best known for three pillars: Magna-Tech magnetic lens-change systems, MFI (Magnetic Facemask Integration) that snaps masks to goggles, and modern high-contrast optics (Perceive lenses, and previously Sonar by ZEISS in many models). On the helmet side, Anon integrates advanced impact technologies such as WaveCel and MIPS with BOA fit systems, building protection that sits comfortably and interfaces cleanly with its goggles.

Within the skipowd.tv ecosystem, Anon occupies the “tech-forward yet rider-oriented” lane. You see the logo on snowboarders lapping park, on freeskiers filming POV in storm conditions, and on families cruising groomers at big destinations like Whistler-Blackcomb. The combination of quick lens changes, face-mask integration and strong helmet tech has made Anon a go-to choice for riders who want practical innovation they can feel on every run.

Product lines and key technologies

Anon’s product range revolves around three core categories: goggles, helmets and MFI face protection, with a smaller selection of sunglasses and softgoods rounding things out. Goggles are organized largely into the “M Series” and related women’s-specific counterparts. At the top of the line, models like the M4 and M5 offer toric or cylindrical lenses with huge fields of view, Magna-Tech magnetic lens-change systems and Perceive optics. Mid-range models such as the M3, M2, Sync and Nesa bring similar technology into slightly more compact packages, while WM1, WM3 and other women’s designs tailor fit and styling without dropping performance.

Magna-Tech is one of Anon’s signature features. Instead of clips or rails, the lens attaches to the frame using an array of powerful magnets, creating a secure seal that you can still peel off and swap in seconds, even with gloves on. On many models, goggles ship with a second lens so riders can quickly change from bright-sun coverage to a storm lens when the weather flips. Perceive lens technology, introduced across the modern range, uses carefully tuned tints to boost contrast and terrain definition in different light bands, backed by hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings plus strong anti-fog treatments to minimize smudges and condensation.

Helmets are built around a modular technology menu. Lines such as the Oslo WaveCel and other Anon helmets combine in-mold or hybrid shell constructions with impact systems like WaveCel or MIPS. WaveCel adds a collapsible, cell-like liner between shell and head to manage rotational and linear forces, while MIPS uses a low-friction layer to allow slight movement between helmet and head during an oblique impact. Many models add BOA dials for micro-adjustable fit, passive and active venting systems and fleece or audio-compatible ear pads. MFI balaclavas, hoods and facemasks then complete the system, using hidden magnets to snap directly to the lower edge of compatible goggles for gapless coverage.

Ride feel: who it’s for (terrains & use-cases)

The “ride feel” of Anon is about what you see, what you don’t feel and how quickly you can adapt. On snow, Perceive lenses give a crisp, high-contrast view that makes ruts, wind lips and micro-transitions easier to read, especially in flat light. Toric lenses on top-end models such as the M4 balance vertical and horizontal curvature to offer a natural, wide field of view with minimal distortion, while classic cylindrical options keep a low-profile look with excellent peripheral vision. When light changes, Magna-Tech lens swaps mean you can pull into a lift line, pop the lens off, drop a new one on and be ready to drop again in seconds.

For riders who spend long days in cold, wet conditions, MFI is one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades. Magnets along the lower frame of the goggle and in compatible face masks or hoods let you snap your mask into place without stuffing fabric under the frame or fighting with fog-prone tucks. On storm days in trees, windy traverses or chairlift rides in sub-zero temps, that secure seal keeps warm air in and drafts out while helping the goggle’s venting and anti-fog system do its job.

Anon’s helmets are tuned for the same all-conditions use. WaveCel or MIPS-equipped lids with BOA fit systems feel snug and stable whether you are carving early-morning corduroy, dropping sidecountry cliffs or taking repeated hits in the park. Vent layouts strike a balance between warmth and breathability, letting you stay comfortable on long gondola rides and hot bootpacks alike. Overall, Anon is pitched at riders who want a clean, somewhat understated look with very functional tech: park riders who change lenses often, freeriders who live in bad weather, and committed resort skiers and snowboarders who want a set-and-forget helmet–goggle combo for every day of the season.

Team presence, competitions, and reputation

Anon’s credibility has always been intertwined with Burton’s team. From the beginning, the brand was created to meet the demands of Burton’s top riders, and that continues today with a roster that includes high-level freestyle and freeride snowboarders. Coverage from snowboard media highlights Anon team riders such as Bode Merrill, jib legend Jeremy Jones and Belgian contest rider Seppe Smits, among others, which means the goggles and helmets show up everywhere from urban rail missions to World Snowboard Tour events.

Because Burton is deeply embedded in the Olympic and X Games scene, Anon products are often seen in those environments as well, even when the focus is on boards or outerwear. Reviewers from independent gear outlets and magazines regularly include Anon models in “best goggle” and “best helmet” roundups, praising the ease of Magna-Tech lens swaps, the comfort of MFI face protection and the optical quality of Perceive lenses. Toric M4 setups, in particular, are often singled out as smartly designed top-tier goggles with one of the most intuitive lens-change systems available.

Among riders and shop staff, Anon has a reputation for blending snowboard-led style with genuinely functional innovations. It is seen as especially strong for people who ride a lot in variable conditions, who value integration between helmet, goggle and facemask, and who like their gear to feel refined without being overly flashy or logo-heavy. That positioning has helped the brand cross over from pure snowboard culture into freeskiing, where many skiers appreciate the same combination of clear vision, fast adjustments and solid protection.

Geography and hubs (heritage, testing, venues)

Anon’s geographic story is tied directly to Burton’s. Design, product management and much of the brand’s creative work happen in and around Burlington, Vermont, with testing grounds in the Eastern US, the Rockies and major global destinations. Riders and staff log days in Vermont resorts, in the bigger Western ranges and across Europe and Japan, putting goggles and helmets through maritime storms, dry continental cold and every kind of mixed-precipitation day in between.

On the hill, Anon is common in North American freestyle hubs and big resorts where Burton already has strong roots. You’ll see MFI hoods and Magna-Tech goggles on film crews and content creators lapping the parks and freeride terrain at places like Whistler-Blackcomb, Vail, Mammoth, Laax or Avoriaz, as well as in countless regional hills where local riders build rail setups and side hits all season long. In Europe, the brand has grown a solid presence in the Alps through retailers and Burton flagships, and in Japan it has become a natural choice for riders chasing storms in Hokkaidō or the Nagano region.

For the skipowd.tv audience, that global spread matters because it reflects how content is made today. The same Anon M4 goggle that a rider uses for a street shoot on the East Coast might show up in a BC pillow line or a Japanese tree run later in the season. The brand’s hubs are less about one factory town and more about a traveling network of parks, streets and freeride zones where the gear is constantly being ridden, filmed and refined.

Construction, durability, and sustainability

On the construction side, Anon goggles use impact-resistant, injection-moulded lenses paired with flexible yet robust frames. The Magna-Tech magnet arrays are embedded to keep a strong lens-to-frame seal even during slams, while still being easy to separate by hand. Perceive lenses incorporate multi-layer mirror and contrast-boosting tech with durable anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings, and vents are positioned to manage airflow without creating cold spots on the face. Many models are OTG-compatible, shaped to sit over prescription glasses without pinching.

Anon helmets combine lightweight shell designs (in-mold or hybrid) with EPS foam liners and, on select models, WaveCel or MIPS systems to better manage complex, real-world impacts. BOA fit systems offer micro-adjustment around the head, while removable ear pads and liners make it easier to adapt warmth and hygiene over multiple seasons. The brand’s hardware is built for day-in, day-out resort use: it is designed to handle repeated on-and-off cycles, travel, minor knocks in lift lines and occasional heavy crashes without quickly degrading in function.

When it comes to sustainability, Anon benefits from being part of the broader Burton group, which has ambitious climate and materials targets and holds B Corp certification. Burton has committed to science-based emissions reductions, expanded use of preferred and recycled materials, and packaging that is recyclable or compostable, along with programs focused on durability and repair to keep products in use longer. Those group-level initiatives influence how Anon products are designed, sourced and shipped. For riders, that means choosing Anon is not just about performance tech; it is also about supporting a brand family that is steadily tightening its environmental and social standards across everything from factories to packaging.

How to choose within the lineup

Choosing Anon goggles starts with face shape, helmet pairing and how often you ride in changing conditions. If you value maximum field of view and want the most advanced feature mix, the M4 and M5 families are the logical place to look. Toric-lens versions give the widest, most natural view, while cylindrical variants keep a more classic, lower-profile look. Riders who prefer a slightly smaller frame or a lower price point can look at M3, M2 or Sync models, and women who want a refined fit in shorter frame sizes often gravitate toward WM1 or WM3.

For lenses, think in terms of light categories rather than just color. Perceive tints are offered for bright sun, mixed conditions and low light; having at least two lenses that cover opposite ends of that spectrum makes the most of Magna-Tech. If you often ride in storms, prioritise a lighter, contrast-heavy lens for cloudy or snowy days and reserve a darker mirror for bluebird. If you frequently wear a mask or balaclava, make sure your chosen goggle features MFI and decide whether you want a simple facemask or a full hood for deep winter.

Helmet choice depends on whether you prioritize maximum impact tech, weight or simplicity. Riders who want top-tier protection and ride a lot in consequential terrain may lean toward WaveCel or MIPS-equipped models with BOA fit systems and good vent control. Park and resort riders who spend more time on groomers and rails might opt for slightly simpler shells that are lighter on the head but still certified and well-ventilated. Always check the helmet–goggle interface: pairing Anon helmets and goggles is usually the easiest route to a gap-free, comfortable fit, especially if you plan to use MFI masks.

Why riders care

Riders care about Anon because it turns genuinely useful ideas into everyday tools without overcomplicating the experience on snow. Magna-Tech lens changes, MFI face protection and WaveCel or MIPS helmets are not just spec-sheet buzzwords; they show up in the form of clearer vision in bad light, quicker transitions when the weather changes and warmer, safer laps when the wind is howling across the ridge. For busy resort days, storm-chasing road trips and late-season park laps, that practicality can make the difference between cutting the day short and staying out for “just one more run.”

For the skipowd.tv community, Anon sits at the intersection of snowboard heritage and all-mountain reality. It comes from the same Burlington culture that helped shape modern snowboarding, yet its products are used just as much by skiers who value sharp optics and smart integration. Whether you are filming in the park, threading trees on a whiteout day or teaching friends on their first turns, an Anon setup is designed to disappear into the background while doing three vital jobs: keep your head protected, keep your face warm and keep the snow in front of you as clear and readable as possible.