I have learned the the Icon Soft's are the best for skiing because its harder to snap them. If you fall on a pair of Icon's they break. I have had friends break like 4 pairs of icons in a season, but I have had 2 different pairs of Icon Soft's last me 4 seasons, 2 seasons on each pair. I am currently using the all black ones with the fur on the band, keeps my head warm too.