A clear field of vision is about as essential in motocross as a parachute is in skydiving. Because of this, the major goggle companies are continually looking for better ways to make sure that riders get the best possible performance out of their ocular equipment. Scott's latest take is the Voltage ProAir Goggle, which retails for $64.95. This piece of moto-eyewear is the next generation of the HiVoltage frame, but with a freshly engineered fit, improved strap-to-frame integration and-my personal favorite-a "Revolutionary Air Management (RAM)" system to help cool your boiling dome. The goggle was designed with the heavy-sweater in mind, and in terms of flow performance the frame does an excellent job of directing air where you need it most. Naturally, the RAM system works better the faster you are riding-meaning it is more noticeable on faster tracks than lift-and-carry trail rides-but the extra air is still a welcome relief for those with excessive cranial perspiration.A standout feature of this goggle is the next-generation NoSweat face foam that, for me, makes the ProAir fit exactly how a goggle should. Soft, absorbent and comfortable, this foam makes for a great seal without chafing too badly or requiring that the strap be excessively tight. As a result, the goggle is extremely comfortable on long-distance rides. I spent enough hours behind the ProAir's lens that my cheeks became raw from my helmet liner, yet my skin behind the NoSweat foam felt as good as new. Another highlight of the new Scott goggle is the incredibly durable anti-fog-coated lens. Although I was still able to collect a bit of fog while riding low-speed/high-exertion trails, the hydrophilic chemical coating that comes standard on the lens does a solid job of warding off condensation. Additionally, the lens is one of the most scratchproof that I have ever used. The durability is so sound that I literally let this goggle float freely in my dirty gear bag without a single worry of jacking up the lens. In fact, after nearly three months and who knows how many miles of abuse, the only major sign that the ProAir is getting worn is a bit of fraying on the strap. The removable nose guard is well placed and provides great additional protection with the goggle, though depending on your helmet you may not want to run this.
Depending on the size of your nose, you may experience some nasal pinching with the ProAir's relatively small frame. Many of our test riders-myself included-were likewise bothered by the narrow profile of the frame, which places the frame rails a mere 1.5 inches apart (vertically) at the center of the lens. This can create a cross-eyed effect (remember the movie The Jerk?) that can be compounded by the distractingly bright color of certain ProAir frames. The goggle takes a point hit for Function here. My advice? Try the Scott ProAir on at your local dealership (we find they fit smaller faces the best), and if you're not immediately rendered cross-eyed by the narrow frame, then this goggle is for you.
-Chris Denison
| GEAR |
86.0 |
| Style |
17/20 |
| Comfort |
9/10 |
| Function |
43/50 |
| Wash/care |
9/10 |
| Price |
8/10 |