Buying Motocross Goggles: The Key Points
This is what you need to know before you line up at the starting gate:
- Fit is critical: The goggles must fit perfectly into the eye port of your helmet without pinching your nose or leaving gaps along your cheeks.
- Modder-systemen: Choose tear-offs for dry, dusty rides and a roll-off goggle for heavy mud races.
- Lens Color: A clear lens is for dark days, yellow/orange boosts contrast, and a mirrored lens filters glare on a sunny track.
- Wearing Prescription Glasses: Do you wear prescription glasses? Opt for 'OTG (Over The Glasses)' models for the proper cutouts.
- Preventing Fogging: Do you ride a lot of enduro? Look for goggles with a dual-pane lens to stop condensation buildup.
100%, Oakley or Alpinestars: Which Brand Is Right for You?
Three giants dominate the motocross goggle market, each with a completely different approach. Which brand you choose depends on your budget and your requirements.
100% (100 Percent) is one of the most popular brands in motocross goggles. Models like the Strata 2 (the perfect entry-level model), Accuri 2, and the premium Armega offer an excellent price-to-quality ratio. They stand out for their bold colors, thick moisture-wicking foam, and a huge selection of affordable lenses and tear-offs for their goggles.
Alpinestars is legendary in apparel and protective gear, and now has a full line of motocross goggles. Their flagship model is the Supertech with the rigid Absolute Vision™ lens for maximum clarity. Below that, you'll find the rugged Vision 8 (with outriggers for enduro and mud) and the lighter Vision 5 and 3 models. The biggest advantage? If you ride with an Alpinestars SM5 or SM8 helmet, the fit of these goggles is seamlessly tailored to them. No gaps, no drafts.
Oakley positions itself in the premium segment with goggles like the Airbrake MX. Oakley manufactures lenses from their own 'Plutonite' material. This is extremely impact-resistant and offers exceptional optical clarity without distortion. The price tag is steeper, but the protection against hard rock impacts is top-tier.
Maintaining Vision in Mud: Roll-Off vs. Tear-Offs
When the track turns into a mud pit, your lens will get coated in half a lap. You need to restore your vision immediately without letting off the gas. But should you choose a roll-off goggle or tear-offs?
Tear-offs Tear-offs are ultra-thin, loose film layers that you place over your lens. With one pull of the tab (tip: make sure it's on the left side!), you'll have fresh vision again. Perfect for short laps and sand tracks. Note: If you stack too many on top of each other, your vision will become cloudy due to light refraction between the layers. Additionally, flying tear-offs are banned on an increasing number of European tracks due to their environmental impact.
A Roll-Off Goggle is an absolute lifesaver in heavy rain and mud. This system uses a continuous film roll in two cassettes on the sides of your goggles. Pull the cord and a clean film will pull across your lens instantly. Since you're always looking through just one thin layer, your vision stays perfectly clear. The dirty film rolls neatly onto the other cassette. Tip: Always install a 'mud flap' on top so no water gets between your lens and the film.
The Right Lens Color for Every Lap
You won't get by with just a clear lens. It's perfect for dark days or rides through dense woods, but on a sunny summer day you'll squint your eyes tight. That wastes energy and focus.
- Yellow, Orange, and Pink: These are contrast-boosting lenses. They filter out blue light. This lets you see the edges of ruts, tracks, and holes much more clearly on cloudy days or in shade.
- Mirrored (Iridium) and Dark: These lenses give your eyes relief and filter out the sun's blinding glare.
- Photochromic: Do you ride a lot of enduro in changing conditions? These lenses automatically adjust to UV radiation. If you ride from an open field into a dark forest, the lens will lighten on its own.
Help, My Motocross Goggles Are Fogging Up!
Nothing is more frustrating than a fogged-up lens in the middle of a technical section. Condensation forms due to the temperature difference between your sweaty face and the cold outside air. Here's how to prevent it:
- Keep Moving: Riding wind is your best friend. Make sure the ventilation holes on your goggles are clear and not blocked by your helmet's rim.
- Remove Them When Stationary: Waiting in line? Pull the goggles away from your face immediately. Never set them on top of your warm, sweaty helmet, because the steam will fog up your lens right away.
- Dual-Pane Lens: For the serious enduro or off-road rider, a dual-pane lens is a must. A dual-pane lens greatly reduces condensation by insulating with an air layer.
Fit, Outriggers, and Prescription Glasses (OTG)
Even the most expensive goggles will perform poorly if they don't fit correctly. The foam must make full contact with your face to soak up sweat and keep dust out. If the elastic band pulls your goggles crookedly on your face? Choose a model with 'outriggers'. These hinged attachment points on the sides distribute pressure evenly, regardless of your helmet's shape.
Do you wear prescription glasses? No problem. Special OTG (Over The Glasses) models have a deeper frame and smart cutouts in the foam so the arms of your regular glasses don't press into your temples.
MX Goggle Maintenance: Preventing Scratched Lenses
Sand and mud are your lens's biggest enemies. Never clean a dry, dirty lens with your glove. That will immediately scratch the polycarbonate. Always rinse the goggles first with lukewarm water.
Try to touch the inside of the lens as little as possible. That's where the sensitive anti-fog coating is. Hand-wash the frame and foam regularly in a bucket of mild soap to remove sweat residue. Let the goggles air dry afterward. Never set them on a heater, because the foam's adhesive will loosen and you'll have to throw the goggles away.
