The Armega goggles sit on the top of the tree for 100%. A premium goggle boasting some impressive features. The Armega range stands toe-to-toe with other top-level offerings from the best mountain bike goggles These are pitched as the most sophisticated moto-cross goggles ever made.
Design and aesthetics
The 100% Armega is available in no less than 26 different colorways. 100% markets these goggles as Moto/MTB and the moto influence is clear to see. These goggles are big and tip the scales at 184 grams. The styling and size is not a coincidence - the Armega goggles offer some serious protection. The lenses are built to stop the proverbial bullet while racing MX. There is no cheap inferior polyurethane just chucked into these racy frames, you can expect 2mm thick injection-moulded, shatter-resistant and impact-rated material. 100% says it uses this to reduce visual distortion and provide impact resistance.
The goggles feature a unique proprietary 'Climate Control' system. It is made up of a perforated triple-layer foam that draws sweat and moisture away from your face and then channels it along a drain integrated into the frame and out of the goggle. The inner part of the frame and foam is constructed with flex to aid the air flow and also the fit against your face. The front intakes drive cooler air into the goggle to keep humidity to a minimum.
The ultra-wide 48mm strap with its thick bead of sticky silicone locks them securely in place and fitting in your full face is aided by the wide outriggers. Unfortunately, the strap cannot be removed from the frame making cleaning more tricky. The outriggers are placed wide to enable you to operate the locking mechanism latches. The lens has six integrated tabs, simply flick the latches and release the lens. The wide outriggers will also house the 100% Forecast roll off film and there are post mounts for tear offs for wet days. Included in the box is the removable nose guard and a microfiber cloth bag.
Performance
While I didn't fancy testing these goggles to destruction, I can confidently say that they should fend off a crash better than my body. These are the most indestructible feeling goggles I have tested.
They fit perfectly with the best full-face MTB helmets such as the Giro Switchblade and are super comfortable. There is little to no twist or flex in the construction. I recommend trying on your helmet with these before making a purchase - they are not going to be forced into place.
I highly rate the simple-to-use lens release system, but I would have liked to have used it to swap out the 'standard spec' Ultra HD clear lens to compare the tinted Ultra HD HiPER lens (additional £30 upgrade). The HiPER technology is designed to accentuate contrasts and highlight colors.
The clear Ultra HD lens offered great visual clarity and no fogging with the Armega goggles, 100% is really onto something with this Climate Control coupled with the sweat management system.
Verdict
These are comfortable, no compromise, quality goggles with some impressive features in the widest range of colors. This level of equipment costs, with the Ultra HD HiPER lens punching the price over the $120 / £100 mark. If gravity racers are seeking the best protection possible then the 100% Armega goggles is where I would spend my hard earned.
Tech Specs: 100% Armega goggles
- Colors: 26
- Price: $120 / £100
