WHAT IS IT? The X Brand GOX is a well-crafted,
no-nonsense goggle that’s relatively inexpensive and full
of value-added features.
WHAT’S IT COST? $34.00 to $47.00.
CONTACT? (818) 706-1700 or www.eksbrand.com.
WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that
stand out with the X Brand GOX goggle.
(1) Frame. Made from a soft and flexible polyurethane
blend, the GOX frame gently conforms to the face. The
pliability negates any need for an outrigger strap system,
as the frame seals masterfully to a wide range of face
shapes. Though the X Brand goggle lacks the peripheral
range of the Fox Main or Oakley Airbrake, it still has
excellent field of view. This is a basic motocross goggle
without frills, thus it lacks fancy air scoops, quick-release
lens systems, nose guards or outrigger brackets, but it
also lacks the fancy price.
( 2) Lens. X Brand offers 15 different lens tint options.
There’s something for everyone, including clear, blue,
yellow, mirrored and light sensitive. The polycarbonate
lenses are shatter-resistant and anti-scratch- and anti-fog-coated. The least expensive GOX Flatout series retails
for $34 and comes with a clear lens. The more expensive
Limited ($44) and Scatter X/Fade series ($47, shown)
come with mirrored lenses and intricate strap designs.
( 3) Foam. If you assumed that X Brand skimped on
the amount of foam to improve their bottom line, you
would be wrong. The MXA wrecking crew considers
X Brand’s foam combination to be one of the better
offerings on the market. There is a layer of medium-
density foam nearest the frame, followed by a thin and
very dense layer, and finally a wide swath of soft foam.
The foam sandwich is finished off by a layer of felt for
maximum comfort against the face. Sweat absorption is
quite good, as is the longevity of the foam.
( 4) Strap. At just over 1-1/2 inches wide, the GOX
strap has three beads of silicone to resist slipping.
( 5) Performance. The best compliment the MXA
wrecking crew can pay to the GOX goggle is that we
didn’t notice it while riding. It did everything well and
was totally unobtrusive. We admit there are goggles with
better straps, more peripheral vision, fancier
lens-mounting systems and more bells and whistles, but
the X Brand GOX is above average in each one of those
categories—and far superior in the price department.
WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? The foam could be better.
A great goggle is one that blocks roost, absorbs
sweat, lasts a long time and provides a clear
view of what’s coming. Goggle performance is
not improved by a high price tag. This is a
serious goggle at a seriously affordable price.
MXA RATING
X BRAND GOX GOGGLE
MXA TEAM TESTED