Dirt bike gogles are important pieces of motocross biking gear for obvious reasons. Choosing the best pair of dirt biking goggles, however, is not the easiest of tasks. There are many things to consider besides the look, style, and color of the goggles.
If you’re an avid dirt biker and already have a favorite brand of eyewear, definitely start there and move into color and style. Some brands just fit better on people, so when you find a great brand that fits your head, helmet, and riding style, stick with it. Sometimes people just like a certain brands optics. For instance, Oakley is known for optics in many sports, so people gravitate towards them first if they’re already familiar or won their products.
Motorcross and dirt bike riding is a different sport, though and has different concerns to address that are not present in sports like running or even conventional biking and cycling. Companies like Spy, Scott, Smith, and Dragon know this and haven’t created a whole industry on making great dirt bike goggles for the serious rider. Dragon, Fox, and Von Zipper should definitely not be left out when discussing the best goggles for dirt biking.
One concern to think about when looking for motocross goggles as in with motorcycle eye protection is to have the best goggle that will protect against wind. Riding at increases speeds will increase more wind. Without eye protection or with faulty gear, your eyes will dry up quickly which will impair your vision. The last thing you want while blazing down a dirt trail is impaired vision from dried eyes.
A good pair of dirt bike goggles will also keep debris such as dirt, sand, and mud from getting into your eyes or on your face; which will physically impair your vision. Again, not being able to see where you’re going is not advantageous while riding a dirt bike. Some Scott goggles and Smith eyewear come with hold clear tear-offs to keep your goggles clean when riding.
Another thing you want to keep out of your eyes is your own sweat. The next worst thing than dirt and dried eyes is wet eyes from sweat dripping down your face. Many goggles will have thick foam to soak up the sweat before it gets into your face. This is a must have if you’re riding in the hot sun all day in the dessert.
The lens and optics of a dirt bike riding eye gear is probably he most important feature to consider. If you need tinted lenses or polarized lenses, you’ll have to make sure the goggles you choose have them. Also, anti-fogging and scratch-resistant models are preferable as well. Dirt bike goggles with possibly photochromatic lenses that change with light may be another option to consider. With these you won’t have to worry about what tint to get as the goggles will tint themselves.
Comfortability is always the name of the game with sports accessories. With riding goggles, it’s suggested you get triple-layer foam to increase the padding on your face. Plus, if you get hit by branches or fall, you’ll have a little more cushion. Combine everything above and you’ll have the best possible pair of goggles whether you choose Spy, Dragon, Smith, Scott, or Fox dirt bike goggles.
John J. Tillman is an avid outdoorsman and loves to test and review gear that makes adventures in the outdoors more pleasurable. Read more about camp and hiking products including more on dirt bike goggles and other discount camping gear or useful outdoors equipment.