Share

Goggles

Dragon X1 2018-2019 Snowboard Goggles Review

The Dragon X1 snowboard goggles are among the most famous ‘frameless’ types around. If you like that style, and don’t mind paying a bit more for tried-and-tested performance, these continue to be a great choice.

As soon as you get these in your hand their durability shines through. Everything about them says ‘tough’, from the armoured venting to the scratch-resistant lens. At the same time, they’re not bulky or heavy, which is a neat trick.

“New for this year is Dragon’s own range of in-house photochromic lenses”

[monetizer101 search=’dragon x1 goggles’]

Lumalens is present as ever; this advanced lens technology increases the contrast and reduces eye fatigue, and anyone who’s used it will tell you that it’s not just a marketing gimmick.

New for this year is Dragon’s own range of in-house photochromic lenses. Replacing the Transitions versions (a licenced product), these adapt to the changes in light, minimising or even eliminating the need to change lenses during a day’s riding. Four different base tints are available, each with a different range.

The triple-layer face foam is finished off with a fleece lining. It’s specifically designed to be kind to your skin, so even after hours of use the Dragon D1 goggles will still feel pleasingly anonymous.

Before you pull the trigger on these, it’s also worth checking out the Dragon X1’s close relative, the X2 – and there’s also a version for smaller faces.

Tester’s Verdict

Andrew Duthiewhitelines.com

“The Dragon X1 goggles may lack the sophisticated lens-changing system of the X2, but the cost savings make it a reasonable decision to go for these instead. Or if you do have a bit more wedge to spend, you can go for the photochromic lenses and save yourself the bother of changing at all.

“With tack-sharp visuals, these really are fantastic”

I didn’t get the chance to try the new version of this tech, but I hear it’s at least as good, if not more so, than the licensed Transitions lenses of previous years.

Large but not overly so, and with tack-sharp visuals, these really are fantastic. They never fogged once, and felt comfortable all day. It’s easy to see why they haven’t changed much in the last few years.”

Tester’s Verdict

Chris MoranHere Be Treasure

“I took these (with a photochromatic amber lens) out on day one of The Selection – a day of immense excitement (obvs) but not mirrored in the conditions; fog, heavy, wet snow, plus a fair few ragdolls meant that these were metaphorically stretched and tested to their limits.

“I’ll make this super easy. Yes they’re good. They work. They’re nice”

So I’ll make this super easy. Yes they’re good. They work. They’re nice. BUT! Is the huge price tag worth it for the ease of changing the lens? Nah. I generally ride in the Dragon D1. They’re super light, tough, and cheap enough to buy two pairs for the same price as the X1. So there you go, that’s my massive, massive recommendation – carry a full spare instead of trying to swap the lenses with wet gloves on a stormy chair.

Plus! The rim of the D1 means you won’t stress out when they put them lens-first-down on a granite table and then another friend comes along and shifts all the gloves, hats and goggles along to make space for a round of Jaegerbombs. Because #snowboarding. In that situation the X1 goggles – with their domed, protruding lens, would be ruined.”

Newsletter Terms & Conditions

Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy.

Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions.

production