Coming with one of our favorite lens swapping systems ever, the Dragon NFX2 snow goggles are a highly rated model around the snow gear market for a reason. We’re still in the high-end range when it comes to the snow goggle price-range, so in this review we’re going to explain what exactly justifies the price for this one. Not only are you getting interchangeable lenses with an amazing swap system, but also some overall advanced lens technology, anti-fog protection, comfortable face foam, as well as some other additional features that makes this a sum of its parts — a whole and balanced goggle for those who see it being worth their budget. Let’s get into the details.
Highlights of the Dragon NFX2 goggles
- Polyurethane frame
- 100% UV protection
- Swiftlock lens changing system
- Super anti-fog
- Triple foam face layer (with hypoallergenic)
- Honeycomb Silicone strap
- Dual Lexan lens
- Medium fit
- Frameless goggle technology
- Multiple styles and colors available
- Advanced Transitions Lens available separately
Overall snow goggle build
The overall build of the Dragon NFX2 come with some high quality materials not always seen in traditional snow goggles. We first see their goggle frame is made of polyurethane, a material that’s a bit better than the traditional plastic we see in cheaper goggles. This will give us some confidence in not only the protection we’ll be getting but also the longevity of the goggle in case you fall here and there (but we never fall, right?!). The goggle back strap is also made of honeycomb silicone to help give your goggles a comfortable and secure position while you ride, being compatible with most helmets out there. It’s adjustable and measures to about 1.5″.
The face foam is also like many others in this price-range — triple layered with Polartech Microfleece (a fabric commonly found it in a lot of winter clothing) giving us amazing comfort and excellent breathability while we shred (one of the more important things for us, considering we can’t count how many times we’ve felt pain while riding for a long period of time). Not to mention this also has an hypoallergenic property, which is something we’ve never seen in goggles before — not necessarily a must (well actually, a necessity for some), but always a plus even if you don’t have any apparent allergy concerns.
Additional goggle features
One of the biggest highlights that we really love about this snow goggle is the Dragon NFX2‘s interchangeable lens system. Its one of the fastest, most secure lens change systems we’ve seen right now. In fact, you don’t even have to take your goggles off in order to change out the lens (something we’ve seen with most popular snow goggles) — you can even do it on the lift if you’re comfortable letting go of those handles.
It works by simply switching two locks (one on each side) to pop out the lens with a little switch (you can see in the photo provided near the end of the strap). You then lock in the next lens by merely pressing it down into the grooves — it pops back in and the locks snap the lens in place. Here’s a cool video demonstrating it (I think he does it in under 5 seconds!).
Pair this sleek and innovative interchangeable lens system with their now-standard frameless technology (they were the first to introduce this as well as patent it) and dual lexan lens and you’re getting an awesome peripheral view of what’s in front of you to optimize your riding and overall field of vision. Lastly, there’s always the option to buy one of their new Transitions Lens — it can change from 16% VLT to 76% — one of the broadest range there is right now. You can even buy one of these just in case to have in your arsenal with additional specialty lenses to make sure you have every base covered. Just keep in mind that the Transitions Lens is a bit costly (near the $100 range), but you’re getting what you pay for. The other replacement lenses are a lot cheaper just so you know.
In conclusion of the Dragon NFX2
When it comes to some competitors that are within this price-range, we definitely think the Smith I/O 7 and Oakley Flight Deck give this one a run for their money — we typically see these three compared time and time again since they’re pretty similar (lens changing systems, advanced anti-fog and overall goggle build) — the Flight Deck have a bit more advanced lens technology (especially if you get one of their Prizm styles) unless you end up grabbing one of Dragon’s Transition Lenses (it doesn’t come in the box); however, we’d still go with the NFX2 if money is a concern for you — it isn’t quite as highly priced as some of the other competitors and we would actually consider them to be almost a mid-range goggle at the end of the day. You can always read our top 10 snow goggles guide for even more options in case you wanted to continue your search.
The Dragon NFX2 goggles are ultimately one of the top high-end snow goggles in the market today, even making its case with a slight decrease in price as compared to the other luxurious models. Paired up with the awesome lens changing system and additional features that really do justify the higher price than many others in the snow gear game, you won’t go wrong with these — especially if you grab some replacement lenses, you’ll be good to go regardless of sunlight conditions or your choice of color matching that day.
