When you’re looking for the best dirt bike goggles to suit your needs, there are a few things you need to consider:
1- The Type of riding you do is the most important consideration. If you ride motocross, there are a lot of features to look for that aren’t so important if you are just trail riding.
Tear-off lenses, for example, are a must for motocross, but not a consideration if you’re not competing. A clear field of vision is essential for racing where you are making split-second decisions. If you’re a weekend warrior, you’ll have a different set of requirements.
2- The environment you ride in mostly. If you live in a cold climate, then goggles that have a fog-resistant lens are a high priority. If you live in a hot climate, good ventilation and high-quality foam are a top priority to help absorb sweat and avoid getting it in your eyes.
If you ride in dusty or sandy conditions a lot, a good seal is important. In rocky conditions, a high-impact lens is something to look for.
3- Value for Money. We’d all like to be able to go for the top-of-the-line, but we have to weigh up what features we actually need for our type of use, without blowing the budget.
I’ve been riding dirt bikes for over 30 years, in all conditions from racing motocross, speedway, and enduros, to weekend trail rides.
Over that time I have used Oakley, Scott, Smith, Carrera (popular in the 70s, now more known for specs), and many more.
So I have a fairly broad knowledge of what to look for, and what to avoid when it comes to dirt bike goggles. I also have a few tricks to stop your goggles from fogging up.
Quick Summary
Pushed for time? Here is a brief summary of my top picks for Best Dirt Bike Goggles:
- Oakley O-Frame Goggles – Top Pick
- Oakley Airbrake MX Goggles – Best High-Tech Goggles
- 100% Strata 2 MX Goggles – Best Value For Money
- Oakley 02 MX Goggles – Best Mid-Range Goggles
- 100% Accuri OTG Goggles (Over The Glasses) – Best OTG Goggles
- 100% Racecraft MX Goggles
- 100% Armega MX Goggles
- Fly Racing Youth Focus Goggles – Best Kids Goggles
So let’s get into more detail. My recommendations cover a few top brands and different prices ranging from $24 to $145.
1. Oakley O-Frame Goggles – Top Pick
The Oakley O-Frame goggles are an entry-level line of goggles from a well-known and respected brand.
If you’re looking for a well-made yet affordable MX goggle, then the Oakley O-frame is it. It’s not often you find a pair of entry-level goggles that feature comfortable triple-layer foam, with a scratch/impact-resistant and fog-resistant lens.
Whether you’re new to dirt bike riding, a weekend trail rider, an enduro rider, or an MX rider wanting a spare set to keep in your gear bag, these goggles will be ideal without blowing the budget.
The O-Frame range has a huge range of colors, styles, and lens combinations available to suit your preferences.
Features:
- Flexible urethane frame even in the extreme cold which helps it conform to your face.
- Textured inner frame surface helps eliminate any glare.
- 2-pin attachment system for use with tear-off lenses.
- A triple layer of face foam for a better fit.
- Silicone lining to the inside of the strap to prevent it from sliding over your helmet.
- Anti-fog, Scratch-resistant Lexan lens.
- Meets impact requirements based on ANSI Z87.1 and EN 1938:2010 standards.
- Compatible with Attack Mask nose guard.
Pros:
- Good quality for a reasonable price
- Nose guard available
- Triple-layer foam
- Anti-Fog lens
Cons:
- Not suitable for wearing over glasses
- The strap may be short for some larger helmets
2. Oakley Airbrake MX Goggles – Best Hi-Tech Goggles
The Oakley Airbrake goggles are state-of-the-art, and the choice of champions like Toby Price, Ken Roczen, and Ricky Carmichael to name a few. They are in a class of their own as far as technology goes, so if you must have the best there is, then these are for you.
The new ‘Switchlock’ technology which allows you to change your lens quickly and without fuss is a real bonus. I’ve always found changing a lens to be a fiddly process, but it is a breeze with this mechanism.
The ‘Prizm’ high-impact lens technology is something that I have not seen in any other goggles, so you know you’re protected from flying dirt and rocks.
Features:
Frame:
- Exoskeleton chassis construction combines a rigid exterior frame with a pliable thermoplastic urethane faceplate that helps conform to your face for comfort.
- Dual ‘Switchlock’ mechanisms lock the lens in place and allow you to quickly and easily replace a lens.
- Rigid strap connections to provide even distribution of goggle pressure on your face.
- Twin surge ports at the top of the frame to channel airflow into your helmet.
- Low-profile frame design maximizes peripheral visibility and improves compatibility with more helmet types.
- Triple-layer foam with moisture-wicking polar fleece lining to help keep the sweat out of your eyes.
- Matte black textured inner frame surface which eliminates any chance of glare.
- Microcellular urethane lens gasket which seals out dust and moisture.
- Dual adjustable strap with silicone lining which prevents the strap from sliding on the helmet.
Lens:
- ‘Prizm’ lens technology helps you see subtle transitions in the dirt so that you can make split-second decisions when racing.
- Injection-molded ‘Plutonite’ lens material provides 100% protection against ambient UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light up to 400nm.
- ‘Flow-Coat’ Anti-Fog coating to the lens to stop your goggles from fogging up when you least expect it.
- Integrated tear-off lens posts for mounting laminated or standard tear-offs.
- Meets impact requirements based on ANSI Z87.1 and EN 1938:2010 standards.
Pros:
- Comes with more features than you will find in any other goggles available today.
- High-impact scratch-resistant lens with ‘Prizm’ technology.
- Anti-fog lens.
Cons:
- The price is getting up there, but you are buying the top-of-the-line.
3. 100% Strata 2 MX Goggles – Best value for Money
100% has been manufacturing goggles since the 80s. Go out to any motocross event and you’ll see plenty of these.
One thing that 100% focus on heavily is design. If you want a goggle that looks cool, then this is it.
100% produce a ‘family’ of goggles, the Strata, the Accuri (at No. 5), and the Racecraft (at No. 6). The Racecraft is a higher-end goggle that features a nose guard, outriggers, and triple-layer foam.
There is now a new top-level goggle in the range, the 100% Armega (at No. 7). It has a few new features including a quick-release lens removal system and zero distortion lens.
All of these 100% MX goggles use the same anti-fog scratch-resistant Lexan lens, whether it’s tinted or clear.
The Strata is at the less expensive entry-level end of the 100% MX goggle range. The strap is 40mm, whereas the Strata and Racecraft use a 45mm strap. All have the silicone bead to keep it in place.
They come in a huge range of color/lens combinations. For the price, the Strata certainly gives you ‘Bang for your Buck’.
Features:
- Simplicity – All 100% Adult goggles share the same lens and tear-off profile.
- Flexible urethane frame which helps it conform to your face.
- Lens Attachment is a 9-pin retention system, the highest number of any goggles available.
- Anti-fog, scratch-resistant Lexan lens.
- All 100% MX goggles share the same lens and tear-off profile.
- Triple-layered face foam to help draw sweat away from your face.
- 40mm wide adjustable strap with silicone triple beading to prevent the strap from sliding over the helmet.
Pros:
- Quality and features you normally find in a more expensive goggle
- Cool design popular with young riders
- Anti-fog lens
Cons:
- Scratch Resistant lens is not as tough as the more expensive goggles
4. Oakley 02 MX Goggles – Best Mid-Range Goggles
These are an evolution of the legendary Oakley O frame goggles, which have been around for years.
For a full review of the Oakley 02 MX, check out: Oakley 02 MX goggles Review
The upgrade features a thinner frame to give you a wider peripheral vision without increasing the overall frame size. This makes them more compatible with a wide range of helmets.
I own a pair of these currently and they are as good as anything I’ve ever used. I like that I have the option to wear my glasses if I don’t feel like putting in my contact lenses. The frame notches allow me to have the choice.
They come in a huge range of color/lens combinations to suit anyone’s taste.
Features:
Frame:
- A flexible frame that optimizes comfort and fit, and maximizes your peripheral vision.
- Triple-layer foam to help draw sweat away from your face.
- Discreet frame notches at temples to provide compatibility with most prescription eyewear.
- Wide adjustable strap with silicone triple beading to prevent the strap from moving over the helmet.
- Removable nose guard for roost protection.
Lens:
- Scratch-resistant and impact-resistant Lexan lens
- Anti-fog treatment to the lens
Pros:
- Suitable to be used with prescription glasses
- Anti-fog lens
- Comes with noseguard
Cons:
- The strap may be short for some larger helmets
5. 100% Accuri OTG Goggles – Best ‘Over The Glasses’ Goggles
I wear glasses for long-distance. Most of the time I use contact lenses, especially for dirt bike riding. My Oakley 02 goggles have frame notches that allow them to be used with glasses, but the 100% Accuri is better still, they’re designed to be worn with glasses. These will be my next pair.
If you wear glasses also, then goggles like the 100% Accuri are designed for us. Now we have the option of wearing glasses or contact lenses.
The Accuri is the mid-range goggle from the 100% family. It is a step up from the Strata (at No. 3) but is missing some of the features of the Racecraft (at No. 6) and Armega (at No.7).
It is a great goggle for the Dual Sport or Enduro rider who doesn’t need the full-on racing features for MX that the Racecraft and Armega provide.
A lot of the top motocross goggle brands have an OTG range. The frame and lens are usually a little wider to accommodate the prescription glasses.
The ventilation and anti-fogging are even more critical with these, the last thing you want is for your glasses AND goggles to fog up on you.
Features:
- Expanded Eyeport for quick and easy fit over most prescription glasses.
- Flexible urethane frame which helps it conform to your face.
- Lens Attachment is a 9-pin retention system, the highest number of any goggles available.
- Anti-fog, scratch-resistant Lexan lens designed for use with prescription glasses.
- All 100% MX goggles share the same lens and tear-off profile.
- Triple-layered face foam to help draw sweat away from your face.
- 45mm wide adjustable strap with silicone triple beading to prevent the strap from moving over the helmet
Pros:
- Specifically designed for ‘Over The Glasses’ use
- Triple-layer foam
- Anti-Fog lens
Cons:
- May not fit over some of the larger frame prescription glasses
For more OTG goggles: Best OTG Motorcycle Goggles 2020 (Over The Glasses)
6. 100% Racecraft Motocross Goggles
The 100% Racecraft was at the top end of the 100% family of goggles including the entry-level Strata (at No. 3) and the mid-range Accuri (at No. 5).
Since the release of the new 100% Armega, the Racecraft has become their mid-range goggle. The Armega has a few new features including a quick-release lens removal system and zero distortion lens.
The Racecraft is more suited to the serious MX racer with features some riders may not find necessary for Dual Sport or trail riding.
The extra features of the Racecraft are most noticeably the outrigger design, which helps the goggles sit more comfortably on your face when the strap sits over your helmet.
The tear-off posts are now mounted on the outrigger so the tear-offs sit a little bit more securely, and you also get 20 tear-offs included with your goggles, which saves you a bit of money.
Another feature of the Racecraft is the air intakes which channel air directly into the foam which helps in reducing moisture build-up.
The removable nose guard is also a feature of some of the Racecraft models, but not all. Be aware that with some helmets it may not be a suitable fit.
Features:
- Outriggers which help to achieve a perfect fit and balance over your face
- A removable nose guard for roost protection is also available but not included on all Racecraft models
- Triple-layer moisture-managing foam to help draw sweat away from your face
- Anti-fog coating lens treatment for clear vision
- All 100% MX goggles share the same lens and tear-off profile
- Oversized 45mm silicone-coated strap to prevent the strap from moving over the helmet
- Lens attachment uses a 9-pin retention system, the highest number in the industry to ensure a secure fit
- Air intakes channel air into the foam which helps in reducing moisture build-up – Patent Pending Technology
- Mirror/smoke lens models include an extra clear lens, 20 standard tear-offs, and a Microfiber bag in the box
- Clear lens models include 20 standard tear-offs and a Microfiber bag in the box
Pros:
- Anti-Fog lens
- Triple-layer foam
- Direct ventilation into the foam
Cons:
- Ventilation to the foam can allow water penetration in extremely wet conditions
7. 100% Armega Goggles
The newly released Armega is now the premium goggle from 100%. The Racecraft which was previously the premium is now the intermediate goggle in their line.
The price ranges from about $90 with the clear lens, up to about $120 with the Hiper lens. You no longer get the clear lens in the box. You also don’t get the tear-offs included as you do with the Racecraft.
So what do you get to make up for the loss of these extras?
One of the biggest advances in the Armega is the quick replacement lens. It makes lens replacement quick and easy on the trailside.
It also features a 3D injection-molded lens. This means that the HD lens is molded with the curve which eliminates image distortion.
The ‘Hiper’ lens is polycarbonate and is optically correct. The Hiper lens gives greater clarity, more vibrant colors, and improved depth of perception. (Until now this technology was only available on the Oakley PRIZM lens).
The triple-layer foam now includes a perforated face foam which allows sweat to channel into a drainage system around the inside of the goggle frame which draws the moisture away from your face and is released out through the sides of the frame.
Similar to the Racecraft, the outriggers help the goggle seal more comfortably on your face when the strap sits over your helmet and does not pull away from your face. The Armega features a bonded Dual Injection frame with a more aggressive curve to seal better against your face.
The removable nose guard is a great feature and can be removed if it doesn’t fit comfortably with your particle helmet.
The Hiper lens is available in Blue Mirror, Red Mirror, and Silver Mirror lenses.
Features:
- Outriggers which help to achieve a perfect fit and balance
- Bonded Dual Injection frame: 6 different retention points & 2 latching push-lock points
- Quick-release system for easy lens Change
- Triple-layer moisture-managing foam to help draw sweat away from your face
- Drainage system to pull moisture away from face and out exhaust vents
- Removable nose guard for roost protection
- Oversized 45mm silicone-coated strap to prevent the strap from moving over the helmet
What does the Armega have that the Racecraft doesn’t?
- Injection molded frame
- Quick-release lens system
- Ultra HD lens
- Drainage ports for moisture removal
Pros:
- Robust construction
- Triple-layer foam
- Quick change HD lens
Cons:
- Can feel a little tight around the edges depending on your face shape
- Nose guard may not fit comfortably in some helmets
8. Fly Racing Youth Focus Goggles
Founded in 1998, FLY Racing is a leading apparel brand for all Power Sports riders.
Now in its 25th year, FLY Racing offers a wide range of products including helmets, jerseys, pants, gloves, boots, goggles, and protective gear.
The Youth Focus offers all the features you’d expect to see in the adult goggles
Features
- Polycarbonate lens with premium anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings.
- Lightweight yet durable polyurethane frame.
- Engineered frame design increases field-of-view providing a large peripheral vision.
- Quick change replacement lens.
- Two-layer face foam provides a comfortable and well-fitting seal on your face.
- Optional accessories and lens colors are available.
- Compatible with FLY nose guards.
- 40 mm adjustable double buckle strap for easy goggle tension adjustment.
- Non-slip silicone on the inside of the strap to prevent slipping off your helmet.
- Youth model.
Pros
- Adult-size technology scaled down to kids’ size
- suit for other uses like skiing, BMX, ATV
Cons
- The strap may be too short for some helmets
Final Thoughts
Can anyone say one particular pair are the best dirt bike goggles? It’s ‘different strokes for different folks ‘. They all have their place.
This is why I separated them into their different categories, to cover all bases.
Top Pick: Oakley O-Frame. If you had to buy just one pair of goggles to do everything: Motocross, Enduro, Trail riding – whatever your need, the Oakley O-Frame would be it.
You’re getting a top-quality goggle from a big-name brand, without blowing the budget for about $60.
That said when you consider what you’ve spent to get this far: Bike, Helmet, Boots, Jersey, Pants, your goggles expense is tiny in the scheme of things.
Best High Tech Goggles: Oakley Airbrake MX Goggles. When you simply want the top of the line and don’t mind paying the price.
Best Value For Money: 100% Strata 2 MX Goggles. At less than $40 you’re getting a super-cool entry-level goggle from a name brand. If you want to step up as you go, the 100% Accuri, Racecraft, and Armega from the same 100% family would be the logical choice.
Best Mid-Range Goggles: Oakley 02 MX Goggles. My personal choice for Dual Sport riding. All the features you need at a good price.
Fog Prevention Tips for Dirt Bike Goggles
There are a few options available to you if you are having problems with your goggles fogging up on you.
- Dishwashing Liquid. This is the cheapest solution. Simply smear a few drops of dishwashing liquid on the inside of your lens with your fingertip. Then rub it in with a soft tissue until you can see clearly through it.
You’ll have to reapply it after you wash your lens, so you may get only one ride with it. - Anti-Fog Spray. The second cheapest option is to use an Anti-Fog spray. Again you just smear it on the inside of your lens and rub it in with a soft tissue.
This one is designed for swimmers and divers goggles, which have to deal with a whole lot more moisture than a dirt bike goggle, so it certainly works.
- Change your Lens to an Anti-Fog lens. If you’ve bought goggles with a standard lens, then check if that brand has an Anti-Fog lens to fit the frame. It’s cheaper than replacing your goggles.
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Best OTG Motorcycle Goggles 2020 (Over The Glasses)
Are you using some goggles that you think should be on this Best Dirt Bike Goggles list? Please share your thoughts below.
