100% ARmatic goggle review
Product reviews
Utilising some of the tech found on the brand’s Armega, the 100% ARmatic goggles bring motocross levels of performance to MTB. With that, they bring excellent stability and integration with full-face helmets as well as a wide field of vision with excellent fog resistance. However, as they’re built for motocross riding, they are a little weighty.
100% ARmatic goggles - Technical details
We’ve seen motocross’s crossover into mountain biking numerous times over the years, and one area where it makes the most sense is goggles. With that, 100%’s ARmatic goggles are built for motor-fueled chaos, but they find a good home where leg power prevails.
These racey specs get a whole host of features, including an injected high-impact resistant Ultra UD lens, which the brand says is optically corrected, so there shouldn’t be any distortion across the lens’s plane. Then, to keep that lens in place, the goggle utilises six-point molded locking tabs.
Staying on the subject of the lens for a sec, the ARmatic uses a special ‘dual push to lock and lift’ system. Essentially, this takes the form of a pair of hinged clips found on either side of the lens. Lift them to free the lens, and when popping a fresh one in, get the lens seated against the tabs and pull the clips towards the goggles’ frame. There’s then a full compression gasket in the frame to keep the lens sealed from the elements.
The ARmatic is built with a 3D molded face foam for comfort and sweat management, while a 48mm wide strap wraps around the helmet.
If you’re planning on racing through some filth with the ARmatic, it can support tear-offs and 100%’s ForeCast mud film system. Those are sold separately, but included in the box is a microfibre bag.
As for the weight, the ARmatic comes in at 180g.
100% ARmatic goggles - Technical details
On test, we’ve got the goggles in the RapidRacer colourway, which takes the form of a white frame with an understated but cool galaxy/paint splash strap. Although there are 11 colours to choose from, as well as mirrored lens options. As you can see, this is a clear lens.
I’ve spent all of my time riding with these goggles using a full-face helmet, namely the Fox Proframe RS, the Smith Hardline, and the Troy Lee Designs Stage. And let’s face it, 100% has a wealth of experience in creating goggles for use with full-face helmets, so it comes as no surprise that the ARmatic integrates perfectly with them.
That’s thanks to its outrigger system, which holds the strap further away from the lens, so the goggles sit on the face, unencumbered by straps sitting poorly on a helmet’s opening. As such, the ARmatic is super comfortable. The foam helps too, both providing a bit of comfy squish and excellent sweat absorption, so I’m yet to find moisture fit its way behind the lens.
Compared to more mountain bike-focussed goggles, the ARmatic is certainly more bulky, as per its motocross roots. Because of that, it’s also a little on the heavier side. When paired with lighter-weight enduro helmets, the extra heft is definitely noticeable, but it’s less so with weightier lids built for downhill and bike park riding.
Once in place, the field of view is wide, but there are certainly wider options around. That said, I didn’t feel as if it posed a total disadvantage. The goggles’ ability to keep fog at bay is nothing short of impressive, as even on hot days during the odd climb, the lens remained perfectly clear, however, it is easily scratched. I’m not sure how, as it’s stayed in its microfibre bag for most of its time, but I’ve picked up a scratch that runs across the lens. It’s not noticeable when riding, but it’s a sign that it’ll easily pick up more throughout its lifespan. That said, replacements can be picked up for around £25.
Lastly, the dual clip lens mechanism is one that takes a bit of learning, but once you’ve got it, you’ve got it. Simply pull the clips and the bit above the nose, and the lens is free. However, in reverse, you push the clip into the lens once it’s in place. It requires a bit of force to get done, but as it doesn’t rely on little tabs in the frame that push into the lens to hold it, it’s a straightforward process in comparison. It also stops you from touching the lens when applying pressure, so no nasty fingerprints will be left to clean off.
100% Armatic goggles - Verdict
£80 for a pair of outrigger-equipped, and feature flush goggles poses fairly good value compared to the likes of Scott’s Brendan Fairclough Deathgrip 2 goggles, which are pretty similar with a price of £85. However, Ty found the locking pins fiddly and that the goggles sit high on the face. Though, in the grand scheme of the goggle market, 100%’s offering sits at the mid to high end of the scale.
Melon Optics’ Diablo looks set to compete, however. These goggles get an outrigger system, but Melon provides a range of customisation options at a price of £65 with a clear lens.
Compared to Smith’s £85 Rhythm MTB goggles, the ARmatic shows better value. The Rhythm goggles get a low-profile outrigger system and a low nose bridge, which should bring a competitive field of view. They also get a more sophisticated DriWix face foam. That said, for a fiver less, the ARmatic shows excellent performance.
If you’re happy to put up with a bit of extra weight and get your head around the dual clip system, 100%’s ARmatic is yet another serious contender that’s well worth taking a look at. It’s comfortable, super fog-resistant, and well, it’s a good-looking goggle.