Oakley was born as a motocross company. Beginning with the Oakley grip, which he sold from the back of his car, founder Jim Jannard was dedicated to quality sports gear!
Oakley followed those grips with eyewear back in 1980. And their O Frame motocross goggles provided improved peripheral and downward vision. The company is still innovating specialized eyewear for the motocross community.
Keep reading as we review exactly what to look for in Oakley MX Goggles! Plus the best Oakley motocross goggles.
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What are Oakley MX Goggles?
Oakley MX goggles are designed for the rigors of motocross. MX riders don’t wear helmets with face shields, so they need eye protection from the dirt, dust, and rocks kicked up by the bikes.
Motocross is a dusty sport, filled with flying debris and speeds up to 70 mph. And these motorbike riders aren’t just out for a leisurely ride. They’re off-road riding on a course, surrounded by other riders, making the most of every run.
Oakley goggles are designed to provide the protection you need. With Oakley quality lenses, innovative design, and attention to visual clarity, Oakley MX goggles allow motocross and off-road riders to feel safer and more confident.
What to Look for When Buying Oakley MX Goggles?
When shopping for a pair of Oakley MX goggles, you’ll want to pay attention to the frame material and the lenses of every pair of goggles you consider. Here’s our recommendation:
Frame Material
Oakley goggles are made of their proprietary O Matter for their motocross goggles, making them strong, durable, and flexible.
Unlike Oakley sunglasses, their MX goggles form a tight seal to your face. And when debris comes at you from every direction, MX goggle styles are designed with several layers of face foam to maintain that seal.
Oakley takes the face foam a step further and offers a fleece addition to wick away sweat. And face foam is incorporated into every Oakley MX goggle style.
And if you wear prescription eyeglasses, be sure to look for a frame style designed to fit over your glasses.
Impact-Resistant Lenses
Oakley designs its motocross goggles with lenses that provide a wide field of vision and excellent protection. And the single-lens style of all their goggles offers an optimal visual field.
Oakley uses patented Plutonite material for its MX lenses. Plutonite, a polycarbonate material, is highly resistant to both impact and shattering. And this lens material provides excellent clarity plus impact protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 requirements.
Oakley’s injection-molded Plutonite MX lenses also offer 100 percent protection from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays, as well as protection from harmful blue light up to 400 nm.
Plus, Oakley offers their amazing Prizm lens technology in goggles to give you enhanced color, contrast, and detail on the trail. While not every pair of goggles features this technology, we’d recommend buying Oakley goggles with Prizm lenses for peak performance. You can see these in action in the video below:
Oakley also offers glare reduction with an iridium coating and an anti-fog coating to keep your goggles clear.
MTB vs MX Goggles—What’s the Difference?
While MX goggles are used primarily by motocross riders and other off-road motorsports, Oakley MTB goggles are designed for mountain biking.
For its MTB goggles, Oakley replaces some of the thick foam with mesh over the air vents. This allows more airflow, decreases fogging, and helps reduce heat build-up. Oakley MTB goggles have the functionality of an MX goggle with added ventilation for mountain bikers.
The 5 Best Oakley MX Goggles
5. L Frame MX
Oakley L Frame (Product Link) goggles are specifically designed to fit comfortably for anyone who wears eyeglasses. But that doesn’t mean this frame lacks innovation. The L Frame features a large shield lens providing impact protection and a wide range of peripheral coverage, all in a sleek, low-profile package.
L Frame MX Highlights
- Closed-cell vent foam keeps out small particles while you’re riding
- O Matter frame design is compatible with most helmets and fit comfortably over prescription eyewear
- Sweat-wicking triple-layer face foam fleece for a comfortable seal
4. Crowbar MX
The Crowbar MX (Product Link) is a lightweight O Matter goggle built for maximum coverage. This frame features a classic Oakley goggle look with an interchangeable and adjustable strap lined with silicone for a secure fit. Plus, its Plutonite lens offers excellent clarity and protection with optimal peripheral coverage.
Crowbar MX Highlights
- Designed to fit comfortably and securely with most MX helmets
- Classic full-rim design with a removable nose guard
- Optional Iridium coating reduces glare and the Crowbar offers a balanced fit with outrigger strap attachments
3. O Frame MX
The original Oakley MX Goggle, the O Frame (Product Link), has continued to improve since its introduction in 1980. With a classic full O Matter construction and excellent peripheral coverage, these dirt bike goggles definitely deliver. Plus, these continue to be one of the most affordable Oakley goggles on the market!
O Frame MX Highlights
- Adjustable strap with silicone lining designed for a secure fit
- Lens is scratch resistant and has an F-2 anti-fog coating to keep your field of vision clear
- Designed to fit under most helmets while maintaining proper fit
2. Front Line MX
Oakley Front Line MX goggles (Product Link) are an excellent choice for anyone looking for goggles outside the standard fit range. With a medium-to-large size, this is a great choice for anyone with a big or wide head. And these goggles feature a rimless design with a removable nose guard, so you can adjust to your riding conditions.
Front Line MX Highlights
- Ridgelock Lens Change technology allows hassle-free changes while still offering a complete lens seal
- Comes with seven tear-offs and can be configured for a roll-off accessory
- Fits over eyeglasses and helmets without compromising fit or comfort
1. Airbrake MX
Oakley Airbrake MX goggles (Product Link) are packed full of features and highlight Oakley’s vision of excellence. Featuring a sleek, modern design, these goggles include an optically correct Plutonite lens for maximum impact protection. Plus, this innovative goggle has a rigid exoskeleton with a flexible O Matter faceplate for unparalleled comfort and visibility. And you can buy the Airbrake with a variety of contrast-enhancing Prizm lenses for peak performance.
Airbrake MX Highlights
- Switchlock Lens Change technology for easy, quick lens swaps
- Available as MTB or MX goggles, with 7 laminated tear-offs
- Designed to fit securely and comfortably with most helmets while maintaining an optimized fit
Want More?
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