VonZipper goggle Review
Goggles are one of the necessities for Downhill racers and go a long way to helping you get down the hill as fast as possible. If you have dust, mud, sand, water, or anything in your eyes for that matter you are not going to be going as fast as possible, and as a result goggles are a must for race conditions. VZ sent us three pairs of their latest goggles to review, and here is what we thought….
VZ’s line of goggles ranges from entry level all the way up to high end eye protection. All the goggles share the same lenses and quality materials however each model also has its own unique features. The three models we tested were:
SIZZLE MX:
• Thermo – Polyurethane frame remains flexible in all conditions
• Anti Fog coated cylindrical lens for crystal clear vision
• Wide peripheral vision
• 100% UV protection
• Extended outriggers for perfect helmet fit without frame distortion
• Detachable strap tear off clip
• Moisture wicking, fleece lined, quad density oversized face foam
• Dual adjustable, silicone lined strap
BUSHWICK XT:
• Thermo – Polyurethane frame remains flexible in all conditions
• Anti Fog coated cylindrical lens for crystal clear vision
• Wide peripheral vision
• 100% UV protection
• Smaller frame to fit in all helmets
• Detachable strap tear off clip
• Moisture wicking, fleece lined, quad density oversized face foam
• Dual adjustable, silicone lined strap
PORKCHOP:
• Thermo – Polyurethane frame remains flexible in all conditions
• Anti Fog coated cylindrical lens for crystal clear vision
• Wide peripheral vision
• 100% UV protection
• Extended outriggers for perfect helmet fit without frame distortion
• Detachable roost guard
• Integrated 3D tear off pin
• Moisture wicking, fleece lined, quad density oversized face foam
• Dual adjustable, silicone lined strap
The first thing that I noticed about the goggles was how flexible they were. With everyone’s face being a different shape its important that you find a set of goggles that fits you comfortably, and with the VZ’s being so flexible it definitely helps them mould to your face a lot easier. The foam is also quite deep so when they rest on your face it is very comfortable indeed.
Another thing that jumped out at me was how small they looked (particularly the Bushwick). With MTB helmets being smaller then MX helmets a common problem riders have is that their goggles don’t fit comfortably into the smaller space on the MTB full face helmets. We tried the goggles with various helmets including 661, Bell and Troy Lee, and they fitted into the provided space with no issues at all. This is a big plus as far as im concerned as it also helps ensure that the goggles sit comfortably on your face, and don’t hover above it due to them not fitting into the helmet. Despite their smaller frames the VZ’s still offered excellent vision and ones view through the goggles didn’t feel restricted in the slightest bit.
The finish and graphics on the goggles is also really good. Mike tried the Bushwick’s on with his D2 helmet, and instantly yelled out “F**k! I even look fast with these on!”. When goggles bring out a reaction like that you know they tick all the right boxes in the looks department. After everyone had tried each of the goggles on and given their comments it was time for Brad and Jon to head out and see how they performed in the field. Jon decided to give the Bushwick’s a go and Brad headed off with the Porkchop’s.
The first thing I noticed when riding the goggles were how snug the fit was. The smaller frame size and wide outriggers really ensure that the goggles sit right on your face. At first it took a little while to get used to but once you were accustomed to the sit it really felt good. The strap was also easily adjusted and the sliders at the back also featured a grip edge on them, which made adjustment while wearing the goggles very easy. Its little details like that which make the difference at the end of the day.
The testing conditions ranged from cold and damp to hot and dry, and the goggles performed well in all the conditions. Any goggles will fog up if you leave them on for long enough, but the real test comes when they are ridden for long periods of time. After riding the goggles for time periods of up to two hours they never fogged up once, and the large vents on the top and bottom clearly did their job.
Another unique feature about the VZ’s is the rubber strip that runs along the inside of the strap. Most goggles have 4 or 5 thin strips on the inside of the strap, however VZ have opted for a single fat one. There is nothing worse then a pair of goggles with a strap that slips up or down on your helmet. The VZ’s larger strip works great and the goggles stayed firmly in place at all times.
Both Brad and Jon rode the goggles for some time and both guys were very please with the performance. So much so that they are now using them on a permanent basis! The entire range of VZ goggles tick all the right boxes a DH rider could want, and if you are looking for some new eye protection you should definitely check these out. To add to this all of the goggles feature easy to change lenses so the lifespan of these should be great. VZ goggles are available nation wide and for further product info and colour options you can check out their web site HERE.
Next week we will also be running a contest where one of you will win a pair of VZ goggles. Details on that contest will go up next week so check back for that. You could be walking away with your very own pair of VZ’s!
Tags: VonZipper
