Products 21 Dec 2012

Reviewed: Dragon NFX Goggle

MotoOnline.com.au puts Dragon's all-new innovative NFX fully frameless goggle to the test.

After twenty years of being an industry leader when it comes to bringing premium products to the market, Dragon recently launched their latest product, the NFX fully frameless motocross goggle.

The NFX was developed and rigorously tested at test tracks across the United States by renowned names such as Josh Grant, Blake Wharton and Jason Anderson.

MotoOnline.com.au recently put our very own pair of Dragon NFX goggles to the test, read on the see what we thought about the all-new innovative product.

Our Dragon NFX Overlap/Blue Steel colour and lens combination definitely looks the part.

Our Dragon NFX Overlap/Blue Steel colour and lens combination definitely looks the part.

Technical Information
The Dragon NFX goggle features a revolutionary frameless design, a first on the motocross goggle market. This frameless design aims to provide more peripheral vision than any other motocross goggle on the market.

The frameless technology provides the rider with a fuller, clearer field of vision, which improves both rider performance and safety. The NFX also boasts Dragon’s patented slant Quad Foam design, for maximum sweat absorption, coupled with a hypoallergenic micro-fleece lining.

With the patented frameless design of the NFX, changing lenses is no longer a daunting, time-consuming task. Dragon’s anti-fog lenses clip directly on in a matter of seconds, instead of the usual tedious task of fitting your lens between the channels of a traditional frame.

The Dragon NFX is available in a multitude of lens and two inch strap design variations. The two-inch strap is silicone beaded to maintain solid contact with your helmet surface, plus a high impact lens and injected nose guard are fitted for improved safety.

Each NFX goggle also comes with an additional bonus lens and a protective goggle bag. Dragon’s Rapid Roll system is also available for wet or muddy conditions.

Positives
Initially the first thing that stands out on the Dragon NFX goggle that we tested (Overlap/Blue Steel colourway) is certainly it’s frameless design and futuristic look. Combining the large, high impact ‘blue steel’ lens, along with its two-inch strap design definitely makes this goggle stand out from its competitors.

The patented slant Quad Foam creates a solid seal against the face while remaining very comfortable, thanks to the the hypoallergenic micro fleece lining. Surprisingly, the goggle was so comfortable that I promptly checked to assure the goggle was firmly fitted against my face – which it in fact was. The silicone-beaded two-inch strap held the NFX goggle in position perfectly and it’s adjustable system proved very easy to use, even with the goggle fitted to the helmet.

On track the peripheral vision gained by the unique frameless design was impressive, it almost feels as though you are not wearing any goggles at all. This improved peripheral vision is great in any situation, but will definitely come into it’s own furthermore in a race situation or if you are blasting down a tight fire trail.

Our Dragon NFX goggles came equipped with the ‘blue steel’ anit-fog lens, which not only looks awesome, but also provides great protection for your eyes. This is an important feature for those afternoon rides facing into the glaring sun. Also Dragon provides you with an additional clear lens for low light conditions, and with their simplified lens changing system in place, you will have them switched over and back out cutting laps in no time.

Having tested our NFX goggles during the summer, the patented slant Quad Foam absorbed the large amounts of sweat perfectly. The usual down poor of sweat into the eyes was non-existent and the armored frame ventilation served a constant flow of air throughout the goggle.

goggle

Negatives
Although the Dragon NFX goggle excelled in many areas, and most importantly the areas which Dragon claimed to have improved over traditional goggles, I did run into some minor issues during the test.

Firstly, fitment of the goggle into the eye port of the helmet proved to be quite tight on our Thor Force helmet – the physical size of the goggle seems to be slightly larger than most.

To counter this issue, I recommend that you first make sure your Dragon NFX goggles actually fit the helmet you wear when purchasing. This should always be common practice with any goggle purchase anyway, because not all helmet and goggle combinations will fit perfectly every time.

Another small gripe with the NFX goggle is that the improve peripheral vision is slightly hindered by the view of it’s tear-off posts, which come mounted on the lens. This is only a minor problem, but it is noticeable while riding.

Verdict
Overall the Dragon NFX goggle is certainly a great product with plenty time spent on the research and development aspect of the goggle, which is evident in the finer details.

This all-new fully frameless technology is groundbreaking in the motocross industry and will surely set the benchmark for the goggle market. Some may think the goggle is too flashy or futuristic for them, but if you are looking for a stylish goggle that functions well in every aspect, the Dragon NFX is the product for you.

The Dragon NFX Goggle comes in at a recommended retail price of $119.95 within Australia.

For more information and to find your local Dragon stockist, check out www.dragonalliance.com or freecall 1800 032 065.

Contest
MotoOnline.com.au has teamed up with Dragon Alliance to give away their all-new NFX Goggle. We’ll randomly select one lucky winner on 7 January 2013. Alternatively, comment on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram social networks (search MotoOnline to find us!).

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