This is the third article in a blog series in which a member of staff who has been working at Yamamoto Kogaku for three years introduces the history of SWANS. This time, we trace the history of the anti-fog coating technology that still symbolizes SWANS today.
Beginning of anti-fog function
Let me start with the evolution of the antifog function of snow goggles.
Around 1960, the ski boom began in Japan, and it was around that time that our company began to produce snow goggles on a mass scale.
In 1971, we developed the world's first goggles with a reliable anti-fog function, the “No.S-115” goggles.
The goggles that had been available in the market so far did not get foggy on overseas ski slopes, but did in humid Japanese ski slopes.
As a result of research into an anti-fog coating suitable for the Japanese climate, goggles with a revolutionary lens function that absorbs moisture on the surface of the lens were born.
Evolution of anti-fog function
In 1979, we introduced the “710ED” goggles, which featured the amazing idea of attaching an electrically heated wire to the lens to prevent fogging by warming the lens itself.
Since then, the model has been marketed as “XED” and its successor models have been used in extreme situations such as backcountry and professional snow climbing, lifesaving in severely cold conditions, etc. Some users have also called them “hell goggles,” and they have received high praise for their performance, saying “They do not fog up even in the toughest environments like hell".
Introducing Turbo Fan Goggles
Our quest to eliminate fogging has never stopped. In 1981, the company developed a product with a small fan attached to the top of the goggles.
When this fan turns, it removes warm, moist air from the goggles and brings in cool, dry air.
Later, a successor model, the TBR, was introduced that activated the fan automatically when it sensed moisture.
A unique anti-fog function, “A-BLOW SYSTEM” is born.
In 2015, the snow goggle “[ROV]O” equipped with the “A-BLOW SYSTEM” was released.
Our unique lens pop-up function was a big hit when it was first released, with many people saying “SWANS has come up with something cool!" and it became a big topic of conversation when it was launched.
When asked “What do you think of SWANS snow goggles? the first thing that comes to mind is the “Breathing Goggles". It has become one of our most popular features.
Evolution of “Anti-Fog” and “Prescription” swimming goggles
Now, let's talk about the anti-fog function of swimming goggles.
In 1982, the SW-AF1 swimming goggles were the first swimming goggles to use anti-fog coating on the lenses.
Swimmers were no longer troubled by the need to apply an anti-fog solution each time they swam.
In 1986, SWANS also introduced the "SW-AF7", a revolutionary goggle created with two unique technologies, “Anti-Fog coating” and “Prescription lenses,” both of which are the exclusive strengths of SWANS.
Introduced excellent anti-fog function, “PREMIUM ANTI-FOG”
In 2014, “PREMIUM ANTI-FOG” was introduced that is more effective than conventional anti-fog coating.
This is now an essential feature for swimming goggles and snow goggles as it has a much stronger anti-fog performance than conventional products.
A new anti-fog “re:non” that wipes the lens to prevent fogging
It is safe even if you do the act of “rubbing the inside of the lens with your finger,” which is something swimmers do unconsciously.
In 2022, a new function was created that takes advantage of a common act that swimmers tend to do, by rubbing the inside of the lens with their fingers to restore the Anti-Fog coating.
Since the Anti-Fog coating is highly durable and a single pair of goggles can be used for a long time, it also serves as an environmentally friendly feature.
This is the story of the history of the “Anti-Fog” Function of snow goggles and swimming goggles.
In the next article, I would like to talk about the history of the connection between professional athletes and SWANS.
