This Research Document Includes: Types of Goggles and Code Names: MX OTH OTG, Lens color purpose, Lens Types: Flat VS Spherical, Tear-Off Systems, nose guards, Goggle Sizing and Oakley MX Motocross VS Bolle Modulator Photochromic Goggles.
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| Bolle Modulator Monarch Photochromic & Vega Youth Off-Road Goggles |
Gearing up for a Spring ATV ride with a group, I needed a pair of riding goggles to keep the dust out of my eyes. I thought I'd just go online and order a pair real quick...yeah right! I had no idea there were soooo many styles, types, shapes, sizes and lens colors to choose from. And so the research began.
I really wanted transitional/photochromic lenses that adjust to different light levels, so I didn't have to switch out lenses or have two separate goggles to accommodate day trips and that special midnight run. Besides, riding trails from high mountain tops down to deep valleys in the forest, requires transitional lenses IMO.
Who makes photochromic goggles? Bolle, Scott, Zeal and Julbo. Oakley does not. Just this first question took some time to find the answer.
In the following article, I have kept record of all the specs and information gathered about all the many goggle types and how to make a selection that's right for you.
I have chosen two brands to focus specific details on, Oakley MX Motocross and Bolle Photochromic Goggles, particulary women's models.
FINDING THE RIGHT GOGGLE
Transitional lenses that go from light to dark are also called Photochromic, and every brand may have their own specific names and/or models relating. Dirt goggles are usually marked "MX" for most name brands and are related to dirt bike motocross racing. "OTG" means goggles will fit over the glasses, especially useful for prescription eyeglass wearers. Good brands also offer RX prescription goggle lenses. "OTH" means that goggles will fit over the helmet. Snow goggles seem to be the vast majority of selections. There are also tactical, sky diving and paintball versions. If you want a low profile goggle that is more like sunglasses, then look for street bike accessories. If you are not specific in your web search, then results will be overwhelming and will also include swim goggles.
GOGGLE SIZES
Keep in mind that there are a few sizes available, although generally a medium fit is the standard and supposedly fits most people (I personally HATE the "one size fits all" statement that's stamped on so many products!). There's usually an XL for the larger face and Youth sizes for kids. Name brand goggles may have some designed just for women's faces. Oakley has an "Asian" fit also, but I'm not so sure how accurate this fit is, as I read numerous reviews from Asian people complaining it didn't not fit well at all. Truth of the matter is that all of us humans have variant shaped faces and so all goggles will fit differently on different people. If it doesn't fit properly, then exchange it for one that does. I imagine those people spending $200-$500 on eyewear will make sure of this. Fit is very important.
GOGGLE STRAP
Don't forget the importance of the strap. I read some horror stories on the ski slopes about people who spent 5 hours fiddling and tightening their goggles all day. What an annoyance! Straps need to be fully adjustable and have some kind of rubber like backing to hold them securely in place. Goggles need to fit snug against the face to keep out moisture and a good seal also helps prevent fogging.
GOGGLE LENS
Choose your lens to accommodate your type of activity because goggles are defense against debris and objects that may injure your eyes as well as providing clear visibility to what obstacles are ahead. All goggles should have UV protection to block harmful rays. All goggles should be shatter proof. All goggles should have some kind of fog prevention system, like proper venting or anti-fog applications.
Lens selection is vast and certain colors are geared for certain weather conditions. The tint of the lens can increase terrain contrast and provide a better depth perception. Polarized lenses block even more reflected light and glare in full sun, but are not too great in low light levels. You will need more than one pair of goggles to accommodate changing light and weather conditions, or there are many quick change systems to swap out lenses as needed.
PURPOSE OF LENS COLORS
Orange:
Moderate to sunny. Commonly used by skiers.
Amber/Gold/Brown:
Low to Moderate light. Helpful in snow and fog.
Rose/Yellow:
Overcast Sky. Does not reduce glare on bright sunny days.
Black/Green/Grey:
Full Sun. Usually too dark to see clearly in low light levels.
Rose/Clear:
Night.
PURPOSE OF LENS SHAPE
There are two shapes of lenses to consider: 1) Flat, low-med priced 2) Spherical, high end models.
Flat Lenses:
Curve from side to side but are flat from top to bottom, which restricts peripheral vision somewhat. They may have greater glare and can make a slightly distorted view. Flat lenses are the standard and most affordable.
Spherical Lenses:
Curved from side to side AND from top to bottom, which expands the viewing area thus providing improved peripheral vision. This curvature design comes at a high price, and usually used by pro's and avid sports players.
Descriptive reference at http://dickssportinggoods.com.
OAKLEY MX GOGGLES
Oakley makes a MX line of goggles specifically for motocross (and for women), They range in price from amazingly $30-90. They have a removable O Matter® nose guard, and a 3-pin attachment system for tear-offs. One problem though, Oakley does NOT make photoghromic lenses at all! :(
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| Oakley MX Goggles |
Women's Oakley CROWBAR® MX PRO FRAME with nose guard http://www.oakley.com/women/products/2227/19008
Tear-offs are layers of clear plastic optical grade MYLAR® film that covers the lens, and whenever they get covered in mud then you simply peel the top sheet away to remove the dirt. Mostly for racing, but would also prevent scratching the lens.
Nose guards are just for protection as far as I can tell, and do nothing for dust filtering, which is also a feature I am interested in. It gets pretty dusty hauling ass down a dirt road riding behind a bunch of other bikes! So far, I haven't found a goggle nose attachment for dust.
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| RZMASK |
Note: I will soon be making a new post in regards to Dust Prevention, as the RZMASK seems to be the best solution.
BOLLE MODULATOR GOGGLES
Although Bolle mainly targets ski/snow goggles, they are one of the few who make a photochomic lens, which is the "Modulator™" series. I have chosen the Monarch model because it has a lower profile and rounded edges with a flatter bottom. I will add my review when they are tested in the field.
Bolle Women's Modulator Models:
Fathom: Sm-Med fit,
Monarch: Med Fit *
Nova: Med-Lg Fit
Nebula: Med Fit
Y6 OTG (over the glasses): Med Fit
X9 OTG (over the glasses): Med-Lg Fit
Bolle Monarch Specs:
My Options - Shiny Black Frame, Modulator™ Photochromic lens in the Vermillion color.
Regular lenses are about $60 and add another $20 for the transitional lens. I purchased mine on Amazon at a 25% discount.
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| Bolle Monarch Modulator |
UV Protection
All Bollé lenses block harmful UVA/UVB rays up to 400 nanometers
Flow-tech® venting
Designed to reduce fogging and optimize the flow of air over the inside of the lens. These venting ports control airflow, while preventing clogging from snow and ice
Double Layer Face Foam
A medium density foam backed up a soft micro-fleece face layer.
Modulator Lens
A state-of-the-art, high contrast, light reactive lens that changes lens tint density with the changing light conditions. The more UV light exposed to the lens, the darker the lens will become. Available in various colors.
Double Lens Thermal Barrier
The Bollé unique double lens design creates a thermal barrier, while providing exceptional optics and a superior seal.
P80 Plus/Carbo Glas® [anti-fog/anti-scratch]
Applied to our polycarbonate lenses, P80 Plus/Carbo Glas is the Bollé® proprietary coating that provides maximum protection against unwanted lens fogging and most scratching.
Over the Helmet [OTH]
All Bollé goggles are engineered with the latest helmet designs in mind so the fit is smooth.
Product Description from: http://bolle.com/products/monarch/shiny-black-modulator-vermillon.aspx
VEGA OFF-ROAD GOGGLES
I purchased a pair of inexpensive Vega youth goggles for my son. They are not quality, but seem to work just fine none the less. The lens is clear which I figured was the best choice for my 5 year old. Smoke color and tear offs are also available.
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| Vega Off-Road Youth Goggles |
The lens is made of a pretty flimsy plastic, but considering they are just going to get scratched up all the time, I didn't feel a big expense was necessary. I'm sure I will be buying replacements on a regular basis anyway. It keeps the dust out of his eyes and he loves them, so its a win win situation. They fit over the helmet snugly and haven't had any problems with them.
Website: www.vegahelmet.com
CONCLUSION
I chose the Bolle photochromic lens snow goggle over the Oakley MX goggle for my riding purposes, because the transitional lens is the most important factor for me. I am not a racer. I am a casual trail rider. Sometimes alone, sometimes with a child, and sometimes with a group. Often ride during the day, but love to embrace the night air on any occasion. Choose what features suit your own needs the best and then start your search.
PLAY LIGHT. PLAY HARD. BE FREE OUTDOORS!
