Feature

GROUP TEST: Mountain Bike Goggles

Searching for a new set of goggles for mountain biking? We tested plenty for fit, ventilation and clarity.

Australian Mountain Bike 04.04.2023

Words and photos: Georgina von Marburg

With the explosion of gravity riding and shuttle-friendly bike parks, more and more riders are opting for full face helmets. And with every full face purchase, there usually comes a goggle purchase. But how do you pick the right set?

Because we’re not that Euro here at AMB, each goggle has been tested with a full face helmet only, not an open face. The exact same full face helmet was used for each goggle, a Fox Proframe in a size Small. The fit of goggles is definitely subject to helmet size and individual face shape, so I acknowledge that while some goggles did not suit my face, they may suit others – and vice versa. If you're shopping for goggles, make sure you take your helmet with you to check for the best fit.

The testing ground was none other than Mystic Mountain Bike Park in Bright, with a mix of shuttles and punchy uphill sprints, and a broad variety of descents across multiple days. These rides and shuttle sessions were all conducted with the purpose of testing qualities such a lens clarity, comfort, and ventilation. Each brand and model had their own stand-out features, so depending on what is most important to you, this Group Test should act as a handy guide.

Catch all our group tests right here.

There were some general differences across the range which are useful to note such as the fact that brands with a moto history have intense lens closure systems. And the fact that only Fox goggles included tear-offs. And as expected, we experienced more optical distortion in those goggles with standard flat lenses (curve into shape when installed in frame) as opposed to those with molded lenses (pre-curved).

We should also note that while tear-offs can be extremely useful in some situations, please take all your rubbish with you! Tear-offs should be used exclusively for racing, when you or others (excluding native animals) have the opportunity to collect and correctly dispose of them.

Fox Racing Vue Stray Roll Off – $199.99
Fox Racing Vue Dkay Goggles – $169.99
Fox Racing Airspace Nuklr – $99.99
Smith Optics Squad – $150
100 Percent Armega – $189.99
100 Percent Accuri 2 – $95.99
POC Ora – $125.99
Kenny Racing Ventury Phase 2 – $189.95
Kenny Racing Performance 2 – $139.95
Verb Vision – $179.95
Oakley Airbreak – $234

Fox Racing Vue Stray Roll-Off

$199.99
foxracing.com.au
Weight with lens: 239g
Lens: Clear (moulded)
Lens Retention System: TruLock
Spare lens included? No
Tear off compatible? Yes
Tear offs included? Yes

Fox Racing was born in the fires of motorsport, so they’re no stranger to rigorous protection criteria and features. In fact, the goggles we tested from Fox all cross over between bike and motorsport use, and they’re one of the few brands to advertise the impact protection standards they meet. The Vue passes the ANSI Z87.1-2010 standard – this is a US standard, but it does show that the lens is more than just a piece of plastic.

Because these goggles include a roll-off system, they were some of the heaviest on test. The roll-off system allows a new clear sheet of film to pass over the lens once mud builds up; unlike tear-offs, the old sheet winds up into the second cannister, keeping all your rubbish with you. It’s an excellent system for racing, easy to install and easy to use. The cannisters attach to where the tear-offs usually would, meaning the entire system is removable for sunny days.

However the weight penalty does mean these roll-off goggles are less suited to lightweight helmets like the Fox Proframe. I did find they weighed down the front of the helmet, causing the bridge to press against my nose. I imagine they would work much better with a proper downhill helmet such as the Fox Rampage.

Yet despite they relative weight and bulk, I was impressed with the complete lack of fog during the testing period. I even wore these during uphill sprint intervals on a wet day in order to really test their ventilation with minimal air flow. The Vue Roll-Off performed admirably, without any distortion or fog. For the serious racer in need of clarity in the worst conditions, these goggles are an excellent option.

Fox Racing Vue DKAY Goggles

$169.99
foxracing.com.au
Weight with lens: 164g
Lens: Mirrored (moulded)
Lens Retention System: TruLock
Spare lens included? No
Tear off compatible? Yes
Tear offs included? Yes

The Vue goggles are the premium level offering from Fox Racing, designed for both motorsport and mountain bike use. They come in a range of different colours and lens offerings and are tear-off and roll-off compatible.

Fox provided us with a bunch of spare lenses (sold separately), so I spent a fair amount of time changing between lenses. The Vue lens system is smooth and fast to change once you get the hang of the locking system, and it is extremely secure. Again, you can see Fox’s motorsport experience trickling down to their mountain bike products. Four pins and two “outriggers” on the frame snap and seal the lens. Once in place, barely any lens edge is visible; this thing isn’t going anywhere.

Unlike the Airspace model, the Vue lenses are all injected molded, minimising the opportunity for distortion. I was impressed with the contrast and definition offered by the mirrored lens; these were ideal for sunny or glary conditions, but worked fine in the shaded pines as well. The Vue lenses offer plenty of peripheral vision in all directions, and of course fit nicely in the Fox Proframe helmet. And despite the humid La Nina conditions, the lens never threatened to fog up.

The quality lens is matched by a silky, high-quality band with super sticky grippers; colour fades are definitely in vogue, but it’s a rarity to find them on goggle bands. I did find the goggles pressed slightly too hard on the bridge of my nose; this may be the snugness of the fit, or my individual face shape. But overall, the Vue goggles feel like a premium product at an excellent price point.

Fox Airspace Nuklr

$99.99
foxracing.com.au
Weight with lens: 169g
Lens: Mirrored (standard)
Lens Retention System: Pins
Spare lens included? Yes, clear lens
Tear off compatible? Yes
Tear offs included? No

The Airspace is a step down from the Vues in the Fox Racing lineup. Unlike the Vues, these use a standard lens as opposed to a moulded lens, but remain tear-off compatible and include a spare clear lens. The nosepiece is removable, and I personally think the aesthetic and ventilation performance improves without it.

Like most non-moulded lenses, changing the lens can be quite fiddly and require some force. However once the clear lens was in for the overcast testing day, the performance was surprising for the Airspace’s price point. The clarity was excellent with minimal distortion for an entry-level lens and failed to fog up while moving or still. The peripheral vision along the bottom of the frame was somewhat limiting, but this is to be expected being a smaller frame than the Vue.

At a sub-$100 price point, this is fantastic option for beginners or juniors seeking a no-fuss goggle with classic Fox aesthetics. The Airspace is available in a smorgasbord of rowdy colours, and the inclusion of a spare clear lens adds value to this staple accessory.

Smith Optics Squad

$150
smithopticsaustralia.com.au
Weight with lens: 108g
Lens: ChromaPop Everyday Red Mirror (moulded)
Lens Retention System: Pins
Spare lens included? Yes, clear lens
Tear off compatible? Yes
Tear offs included? No

Extremely popular in North America and Euorpe, Smith Optics are now entrenching themselves in the Aussie mountain bike scene. Their snow-sports heritage makes an ideal crossover to mountain biking with a focus on eyewear and helmets. The Squad goggles appear everywhere in the Enduro World Series, most notably on the Yeti and Rocky Mountain factory teams. And for full disclosure, I was purchasing and using Smith products well before I was sponsored by them!

The Squad goggle is their premium mountain bike goggle offering, also available in an XL size for wider coverage. And just as Oakley has their Prizm technology, and 100% their HiPER, Smith has their own high-definition optical clarity technology in their moulded ChromaPop lenses. These particular Squad goggles came with an Everyday mirror lens designed for overcast or glary conditions. While many goggles warrant a clear lens for early mornings or dense trees, I find the ChromaPop vision so clean and crisp, I rarely need to change to a clear lens. The only time I do use the clear lens is on extremely cloudy or rainy days.

These moulded and tear-off compatible lenses also had some of the widest field of vision on test, with barely any frame visible. When the time comes to swap lenses, they snap in and out of the frame in less than a minute using the same pin retention system as the Fox Airspace and POC goggles. It probably helps that I’ve used these for a while, but I’ve always found the Smith lenses the easiest to change of this retention system.

However, the biggest asset of the Squad goggles is their weight and breathability. These goggles were the lightest on test by a decent margin. Weight may not intuitively count for much in gravity sports, but it does count when you’re using them for long enduro stages and carting them around for hours of liaisons. The Squads are incredibly comfortable to use on a daily basis, regardless of your helmet or discipline. The Squads also have some of the largest ventilation slots on test, which is why – like their snow goggles – they have a well-earned reputation for being fog-free. All bias aside, the Smith Squad goggles are an ideal companion for long days of shredding.

100% Armega

$189.99
fesports.com.au
Weight with lens: 193g
Lens: HiPER Silver (moulded)
Lens Retention System: Locking tabs
Spare lens included? No
Tear off compatible? Yes
Tear offs included? No

100% is another brand which finds its roots in motorsports and the intense protection demands of athletes in these extreme sports. The Armega goggles are their top-tier offering and include their HiPER high-definition lens technology. The nose piece is removable, and like the other nose pieces on test, I found myself discarding it for maximum venting. The nose pieces are really there for extra protection against “roost” (the projectiles resulting from the rear wheels of the riders around you), so as mountain bikers, they’re not essential.

While there’s no spare lens with the Armega, changing it would be one of the easiest on test. The Armega uses a unique locking system with two large tabs on either side; simply slot the lens into the two holes on the bottom of the frame and then click the two tabs over the top. It’s an incredibly fast and solid procedure.

At nearly 200g, the Armega was easily the heaviest goggle on test (without a roll-off system). While this penalty may turn some enduro riders away, the weight did – surprisingly – not affect the fit. In fact, they were one of the most comfortable frames on test. I find many goggles (especially if you have a smaller face) use the nose as a sort of anchor point; but the Armega sat evenly across the face without any noticeable pressure points.

The 100% HiPER lens technology works a treat in sunny or over-cast conditions. It truly enhances colours and deepens contrast for excellent depth perception. I did find this particular Silver lens too dark for the pines at Mystic; but 100% sell plenty of replacement lenses for different conditions. So, if you’re happy to invest an extra $50-$90 in a spare lens, the Armega is an excellent choice for those chasing comfort and ease of lens change.

100% Accuri 2

$95.99
fesports.com.au
Weight with lens: 142g
Lens: Photochromic (standard)
Lens Retention System: Pins
Spare lens included? No
Tear off compatible? No
Tear offs included? No

The Accuri 2 are the latest edition of 100%’s entry level goggles. They’re nearly half the price of many competitors, so you would expect some significant compromises. However, while the obvious downsides are present, the Accuri performs admirably under the majority of circumstances thanks to its photochromic lens.

Like the Fox Airspace, the Accuri uses a flat lens, rather than a moulded lens. This does create some discreet distortion; you don’t immediately notice it until you start actively casting your eyes around the lens and notice some slight warps in objects. It’s not the highest definition type of lens, but it’s also not going to affect your riding capabilities! To be honest, unless you’re racing for sheep-stations and in need of marginal gains, this type of flat lens will work for most riders.

The Accuri uses a lighter weight band than its older sibling, the Armega. And while there is less volume and venting around the frame, it is still an incredibly comfortable fit. 100% have clearly done their research on facial profiles as both of their goggles lack any pressure points. The foam they use is soft and plush, making them some of the most comfortable on test.

What is unique about the Accuri – especially at this price point – is the photochromic lens. 100% claim this lens adjusts to UV intensity within 15 seconds. This obviously isn’t fast enough to change in and out of shaded sections on a descent, but it is definitely fast enough as the weather changes throughout the day. While my first shuttle was in the morning fog, my last was in peak daylight; I would usually change my lens, but the photochromic lens in the Accuri meant I could keep riding without making a trip back to the car. And unlike some photochromic lenses, the Accuri lens did go substantially dark; it ranged from totally transparent to a dark gray capable of reducing harsh glare.

100% do sell spare lenses for the Accuri, however I did find the lens change system very tedious and requiring some force. But if you’re hunting for sub-$100 goggles and running the photochromic anyway, the Accuri are an excellent choice.

POC Ora

$125.99
bikesonline.com.au
Weight with lens: 151g
Lens: Clarity Brown Lens
Lens Retention System: Pins
Spare lens included? No
Tear off compatible? No
Tear offs included? No

Originally a snow sports protection brand, Swedish brand POC has been cementing itself in the mountain bike industry lately with their premium range of helmets, eyewear, and guards. Their minimalist and post-modern aesthetic stands out from the rest, and their Ora goggles are no exception. Some may say they are in fact too minimalist, with no spare lenses included or tear-off compatibility; however the Ora DH (not tested here) is available in a similar design, with tear-off and roll-off compatibility.

The Ora Clarity on test is their everyday enduro goggle. The lens is their proprietary Claity technology, a high-contrast trail lens developed in conjunction with Carl Zeiss optics – a badge commonly found on high-end camera lenses. Names aside, this is basically POC’s own version of Oakley’s Prizm or Smith’s Chromapop high-definition lens technology. If you were to purchase a spare lens, the interchangeability is swift and easy thanks to a thick molded lens.

The most noticeable feature of the Ora goggle is their impressive ventilation holes at the top of the goggle. Like the Smith Squads, there is no foam in these vents in order to maximise breathability and air flow. In an effort to truly test these huge vents, I used the goggles on a humid summer morning in the pines, following a fresh dump of rain. Even after some long uphill sprints and slow and technical descents, the Clarity lens refused to fog up. In short, the ventilation is superb, and the generous padding absorbs sweat easily.

The fit of the goggles in very snug and the straps are extremely grippy. While you can’t notice the top, left, or right of the goggle frame, I did notice the bottom and nose piece more than other brands. This was somewhat distracting down steep trails, but different face shapes may have a different experience.

The lens itself is perfect for most riding, and I would opt for this even on sunny days in the forest. It really does light up details on the trail, while reducing glare just enough to be a good allrounder lens. If you have a POC full face helmet, these will obviously provide optimal integration; but if you’re just looking for a highly ventilated goggle at an approachable price point, the Oras are a practical choice for most riders.

Kenny Racing Ventury Phase 2

$189.95
kwtimports.com.au
Weight with lens: 171g
Lens: Iridium Red lens (moulded)
Lens Retention System: Pins
Spare lens included? Yes, clear lens
Tear off compatible? Yes
Tear offs included? No

Hailing from France, Kenny Racing is relatively new to Aussie shores. They specialise in motorbike and mountain bike protection and apparel ranging from full face helmets to socks. The Ventury Phase 2 goggles are their most premium offering, the model provided coming with a bold red iridium lens and spare lens. And as mentioned in the introduction, we love it when brands include a spare clear lens as standard!

Pulling the Ventury out of the box, I noticed the band grippers were not a sticky as competitors. However, the band and goggles themselves have a quality feel. There is a nose protector, but this is removable for the non-moto users. The fit is quite unique in that the goggles sit flat over the nose instead of pinching on either side, which may work better for those with a larger nose.

The moulded lens was very easy to interchange, clipping firmly into place without much man-handling. And a very unique feature of the Kenny goggles is that the bands are interchangeable as well. If you want to customise, this is a winner!

On the trails, the Ventury only fogged up several times and that was while standing still. There is a significant amount of foam over the vents, and this results in pros and cons. The foam prevents dust from entering the goggle, but it also prevents some ventilation which made the Ventury feel warm in the heat of the day.

The Iridium lens was extremely dark, and probably too dark for most riding apart from very open, sun-blasted runs such as Cannonball in Thredbo. However the distortion was minimal and the contrast was adequate. So for those with very exposed trails and a love for all things French, the Ventury is a great choice.

Kenny Racing Performance 2

$139.95

From: kwtimports.com.au

Weight with lens: 156g

Lens: Iridium gold (moulded)

Lens Retention System: Pins

Spare lens included? Yes, clear lens

Tear off compatible? Yes

Tear offs included? No

The Kenny Performance 2 goggles look nearly identical to their older sibling, the Ventury Phase 2, apart from the lack of tiny vents on the bottom of the frame and two lens pins on the locking retention. But like the Ventury, they still have tear-off compatible lenses, a spare clear lens, and removable nose piece.

The rowdy iridium gold lens on this Performance 2 model was, like the other Kennys, extremely dark. I would reserve this for summer days and glary conditions. But while the definition wasn’t as high as the Ventury model, it was still adequate. I did notice some distortion in my peripheral vision where the gold fades to an oil slick on the edges of the lens.

But again the real quality of the Kenny goggles is their comfort, and the Performance 2 was no exception. The face foam is luxuriously soft, while still wicking away sweat. And like the Ventury, I found the Performance goggles sat gently around the nose rather than anchoring on it, a valuable asset to those with larger noses or those who have trouble breathing fully while wearing a full face and goggles. For those who prioritise comfort above all, the Kenny goggles are an excellent choice.

VERB Vision

$179.99

verbvision.com.au

Weight with lens: 131g

Lens: Gold

Lens Retention System: Pins

Spare lens included? Yes, four

Tear off compatible? Yes

Tear offs included? No

Verb Vision is the true underdog of this test, being a small Aussie brand less than 12 months old. It’s great to see eyewear being tested and developed on home soil, a credit to the initiative and industry experience of its creators. Two mates (Mark and Scott) based on the South Coast of NSW came up with the idea of Verb when their teenage children wanted to start part-time jobs. Verb was a creative path to having jobs in the sport they loved. Mark hails from the snowboard industry, and together they spent months designing the product before launching in March 2022.

We tested the ‘Full Send’ kit which includes a clear lens and four coloured lenses for $179.99 – incredible value! Each coloured lens has different light transmission levels, which are listed on the website. These are all housed in a generously sized carry bag, an accessory no other brand included apart from the premium priced Oakleys.

The lens performed well for a non-moulded lens. The definition and contrast even in the dark gold lens was excellent and made objects ‘pop’ on the shaded trails. The goggles did struggle with air flow however, with a few foggy moments and patches of moisture failing to evaporate quickly. To be fair, these were tested on a very humid morning; however they were tested alongside the POC Ora that morning, whose breathability was far superior for less dollars. I also noticed reflection of my face inside the lens when looking towards the general direction of the sun; however this seemed to just be an issue with the darker lenses.

While the Verb goggles are not the sharpest in terms of optical performance, they are an exceptional value option with killer aesthetics. If you want to stand out from the mainstream and support an Aussie business, the Verb goggles present a unique opportunity for riders.

Oakley Airbreak

RRP $234

oakley.com

Weight with lens: 158g

Lens: Prizm Trail Torch Red

Spare lens included? No

Tear off compatible? Yes

Tear offs included? No

Oakley. Need we say more? Love them or hate them, they are the dominant force in optical performance across multiple sports. The Airbreak is their most premium offering in mountain bike-specific goggles, and the Prizm Trail lenses boast incredible contrast and clarity regardless of where the sun is. You’ll find these goggles on podiums across the world, trusted by riders everywhere. But at $234, these were the most expensive on test, and I wanted to know why.

The Airbreaks come with with a carry case, a non-essential but much appreciated accessory when throwing them in the boot of your car. There was no spare clear lens, which is disappointing for the price; but the included Torch Red lens wasn’t too dark a tint and, from the inside, nearly identical to that of the Smith Red Mirror lens.

The Airbreaks have a very refined lens interchange system, with two spring-actuated clips on either side working with exceptional ease. It’s very similar to the system found on the 100% Armega goggles, though I would argue easier again. The band is quite narrow compared to other brands, and the gripper doesn’t feel very sticky; it worked perfectly fine during testing, but I will be interested to see how it holds up long term.

As soon as I snapped these goggles over my helmet, the improved clarity over the naked eye was instantly noticeable. The Oakley lenses are insanely crisp, with zero distortion. The red lens excelled in both the dark pines and open fire roads, living up to the Prizm Trail reputation. Unlike all the other goggles which use clear tear-off mounts, the Airbreaks use black ones; this does mean you can see two black dots in your peripheral vision which may irritate some riders.

I repeatedly tried to pressure the lens into fogging, but no matter how many times I stopped mid-run, they did not give in. Like the Smith and POC goggles, this superior ventilation is due to a large, foamless gap between the top of the lens and the face padding. But Oakley have also stretched a mesh over this gap to ensure debris cannot enter the lens.

Despite the impressive optical clarity and excellent ventilation, I didn’t find the Airbreaks the most comfortable to wear against my face. However if they do suit your facial structure better, the Airbreaks have some of the best lenses money can buy.

GROUP TEST: Mountain Bike Goggles

Fox Racing Vue Stray Roll-Off

Fox Racing Vue DKAY Goggles

Fox Airspace Nuklr

Smith Optics Squad

100% Armega

100% Accuri 2

POC Ora

Kenny Racing Ventury Phase 2

Kenny Racing Performance 2

VERB Vision

Oakley Airbreak

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GROUP TEST: Mountain Bike Goggles

Fox Racing Vue Stray Roll-Off

Fox Racing Vue DKAY Goggles

Fox Airspace Nuklr

Smith Optics Squad

100% Armega

100% Accuri 2

POC Ora

Kenny Racing Ventury Phase 2

Kenny Racing Performance 2

VERB Vision

Oakley Airbreak

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