Products 29 Sep 2017

Review: 2017 Oakley Front Line MX goggle

MotoOnline.com.au wears the new Front Line MX goggle from Oakley.

When Oakley decide to release a new product, you know you’re going to see something impressive hit the market. So when the all-new Oakley Front Line MX goggle was announced to the public, it was very interesting to see that this model wouldn’t replace or take over the top spot in their hierarchy of motocross goggles. That’s right, the Front Line MX goggle comes in underneath the Airbrake MX model, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an impressive piece of equipment.

Using a new rimless frame designed, the Oakley Front Line MX goggle has been created to offer a wide peripheral view for maximum performance on track and in the trails. Although a step down from the revolutionary Airbrake MX goggle, the Front Line MX model definitely features some great key points in a more affordable price range.

One of the key features that the Front Line MX goggle carries over from the flagship Airbrake MX model is the Prizm lens. The Prizm lens offers improved terrain contrast and detail along with high impact resistance thanks to the Plutonite molded lens. This is a great feature to see on the Front Line MX goggle as the Prizm lens really does provide that extra edge when it comes to vision.

Although a definite advantage for any rider on the track or trail, the Oakley Front Line MX goggle can be purchased with or without the Prizm MX lens to allow consumers the choice between their preferred vision solution or price point. If you can afford the additional cost for the Prizm lens though, it’s definitely an option we do recommend going with.

As I mentioned earlier, the new streamlined frame design provides improved peripheral vision and on both the track and trails this is a huge benefit. Although many brands are now following this trend that Oakley set initially with the Airbrake MX model, Oakley continues to push the limits and offers impressive peripheral vision with the Front Line MX release.

Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

With the rimless look featured on the Front Line MX goggle, Oakley went with their Ridgelock Lens Technology to pull off that look and to offer quick lens changing at the same time. This system certainly looks great and does its job when it comes to peripheral vision, but it’s slightly more complicated than the Airbrake MX system.

In saying that though, the Ridgelock Lens Technology system still remains quite simple and switching out lenses is simple in comparison to almost any other goggle on the market today. The system also offers a secure seal around the entire lens and we haven’t had any issues with dirt or debris entering on the track or in the trails.

Another key feature on the Front Line MX goggle is the flexible O Matter chassis. This design allows the goggle to conform to your face and provide a comfortable and high performance fit. Extended frame outriggers are also featured to improve the seal around the face and fit with almost any motocross helmet on the market today.

When it comes to the fit of the Oakley Front Line MX goggle, it’s definitely one of the most comfortable goggles I have worn to date. The frame size is on the larger side, which is something I prefer, so if you’re like me and enjoy a larger frame, you’ll find these goggle super comfortable. Luckily Oakley sized the frame correctly though and it’s not too large and still fits inside helmets such as the Bell Moto-9 Flex with ease.

Another feature offered on the Front Line MX goggle within the frame design is the ability to wear prescription eyewear thanks to discreet frame notches. These notches, located at the temple area, allow you to wear prescription eyewear comfortably without comprising the fit of the goggle. This is a huge selling point for you guys that wear glasses when riding and something we’re glad to see integrated within this model.

Something else that we don’t see on any other Oakley motocross goggle offering is the addition of the 50mm strap. This wider strap design offers a more secure fit to the helmet and provides a stronger hold for the duration of your ride. This system is something we’re seeing more often in the goggle market and it’s a welcomed addition to the Oakley range with the Front Line MX goggle.

Source: Supplied.

We also see a removable nose guard on the Front Line MX goggle to provide extra coverage from roost. I personally prefer to remove any nose guard on any goggle I wear, but I’m not out there copping roost during long motos. So for you guys that enjoy racing every weekend, this nose guard could be a great saviour for your nose out there on-track.

To ensure clear vision on race day, perimeter seal laminated tear-offs will also pair up with the Front Line MX goggle to shield the lens from debris and moisture that attempt to make their way into the viewing area between the tear-offs and the lens. A bolt-on 50mm roll-off system is also available in the Front Line MX range to ensure the maximum level of clear vision during those long motos.

Overall the Oakley Front Line MX goggle is a very impressive release and to be quite honest, it rivals the Airbrake MX model very closely. With a comfortable fit, ample sweat absorption, Prizm lens option and a long list of additional features, the Front Line MX goggle really is a strong contender in the goggle market.

And not only does the goggle perform well, but it also looks great with that sharp rimless design and bold 50mm strap. If you’re looking to update your goggle collection, you definitely should take a look at the new Front Line MX goggle from Oakley – it has been a killer addition to our current kit.

The feature-packed 2017 Oakley Front Line MX goggle comes in at a recommended retail price of $159.95 with a clear lens, $179.00 with the Prizm bronze lens, $209.95 with the Prizm jade lens and $219.00 for the race ready & signature range.

The all-new 2017 Oakley Front Line MX goggle is offered in 22 different frame & lens options. For more information on Oakley’s products head to www.monzaimports.com.au.

Recent