Infinite Optics Mx lens protector review

Infinite optics, the best lens protector you've never heard of? Infinite Optics is a rider-owned, rider-inspired company. Born out of being fed up with spending hard-earned money on goggles, and the lenses being only good for chain guards after a couple of rides. 

The original lens protector was designed more for enduro riders where scratches from branches and other shrubbery are inevitable. Its self-healing properties allow the little scratches to disappear leaving you with clear vision. However, this review is based around the MX lens protector which the guys at Infinite Optics were kind enough to send out for my Scott Prospects.

Now, the idea of the self-healing lens sounds great and why not use it for the MX protector I hear you ask? Well, the main reason is that the self-healing lens protector has an almost sticky nature to it which means that a roll-off system would be of no use to it. The MX lens protector has been designed to allow roll-off films and tear-offs to pull/slide across easily with no resistance.

Tear-offs are becoming a rare sight these days with a lot of championships incorporating a green policy, where tear-offs are band from the events. Go back 5 years ago and this would leave you no other option but to use roll-offs. For me, I only use roll-offs if I have to, when it’s hammering it down with rain for example. So, being told no tear-offs would bug me. However, with the insurgence of companies like Infinite Optics and others creating lens protectors that are made to just be wiped with your glove, I no longer have to worry about using roll-offs if I deem it unnecessary. 

Unlike other lens protector companies which just make a universal strip to go across the rider's direct eye line, Infinite Optics makes a full lens protector, cut to perfection for most well-known goggles brands. This means that every time you wipe the lens you will have a full field of vision. I believe your peripheral vision is just as important as your direct vision when racing motocross so this is a massive bonus in my eyes.

The MX lens protector uses the latest in optic technology and gives your goggles that you've spent your hard-earned money on an extra layer of protection, as well as having a fully hydrophobic layer. The hydrophobic layer means that no matter how hard it's raining the water droplets will just run to the edge of the goggles out of your field of vision. Not only is it water-repellant it has anti-glare technology. So it doesn't just help keep your vision clear it actually enhances it.

The fitment process is slightly more in-depth than other lens protectors, but personally, I feel it is better in the long run. The pack does come with everything you need including instructions. I would recommend you put the lens protector on a new lens as any previous scratches or chips could cause air bubbles under the protector. I could write a step-by-step guide but you would get tired of reading it so what I will do is post a link to the Infinite Optics website where they have a video guide on how to do it. 

https://infinite-optics.com/faq-and-fitting/

The lens protector leaves no smudges after you wipe.

I first used the lens protector back in November, but then due to a lot of things being cancelled over winter, it wasn't until well into the new year I got to use them again. I didn't want to just use it once and write a review. I wanted to really test the durability of the product, and I have to say I am impressed. I’ve used them with roll-offs, tear-offs, and also just wiping the mud away, the protector is still in very good condition and nowhere near the point where you would want to replace it. 

I’ve used the protector the most for just wiping away as a lot of places I have been riding have had tear-off bans. No smears, no scratches, and no problems are really the best way I can describe the Infinite Optics MX lens protector. I did recently pull the protector off just to take it full circle and the lens was as fresh as the day I opened it. 

There really isn't anything bad to say about it. If you wanted to clutch at straws you could say the fitment process is too in-depth as it needs to be planned in advance because you need to allow 24 hours for it to dry due to it being a wet fit process. But that really is all I can come up with. And really if it bothers you that much, they have recently released a dry fit lens protector. I will be doing a separate test and review on that. So, if that is something you would be interested in, watch this space.

The MX lens protector also stops glare.

Overall the lens protector does what it says on the tin. It protected my lens very well, allowed me to just wipe away any roost with my glove or sleeve, and didn't cause any issues when I put tear-offs or roll-offs on over the top.

£12 for a lens protector pack, or £35 for a new lens every other week? It’s a no-brainer in my head. In today's motocross climate, I would consider this a must-have in your gear bag, and I can see in the not-so-distant future this being as much a part of your goggles as the strap itself. 

Tested and written by Brad Wheeler

Armor Vision Smart Film review

“Wipe off, not tear off”. The slogan for possibly one of the most up and coming brands in goggle performance. If this is something you've not heard of then either you've been living under a rock, or you've clicked on this link by mistake and you have no interest in motocross. Launching the product to the public back in August at the VMXDN meeting at Foxhill with riders like; Nev Bradshaw, Bryan MacKenzie and other top flight riders, they instantly made a splash on the scene. 

Also with the likes of ex-British champion Billy MacKenzie using the impact lens and smart films through out the British championship this year, they've certainly been put to the test.

The Smart film is really straight forward to fit.

This review is going to focus on the “smart film” which seems to be the product everyone is asking about. The “smart film” is a strip which goes across the middle of the lens that comes in 2 different sizes; 36mm and 50mm. The film is a wire wool tested lens protector. Which means anything short of being roosted by little razor blades won’t cause any considerable damage to it, and most normal dirt roost won’t leave any permanent marks. It also has hydrophobic properties, which are designed to work at high speeds and wet conditions so the water just streams straight off rather than smearing across the lens.

It really doesn't affect your normal vision, you can't even see the strip when you're riding.

The first thing I wanted to try out was how easy they were to fit. I have to admit its pretty straight forward. The pack that you get comes with 3 “smart films” and instructions on the back which are really easy to follow. The best thing you could do when you purchase the pack would be to also buy a brand new lens. This is because you need to make sure the lens is spotless when you fit it otherwise you'll get little air bubbles under the film, which is the last thing you want to be looking at when you're doing a moto. It’s best to fit it to the lens whilst it is in the goggle so that it doesn't get distorted or peel off when you try to fit the lens back in the frame. Really, the only negative to the fitment process is making sure that you don't get any dust or moisture on the lens before you fit the “smart film”. This can be easily remedied by getting a new lens and fitting it at home in the dry at somewhere like the kitchen table.

I will post a link below to how I found fitting the smart film for the first time. 

https://youtu.be/5uu9gxnGurw

So, first session out it was just force of habit to turn away when I was getting roosted. After I managed to break the habit I was very impressed. I was concerned that with the mud being quite sticky, it was just going to smear across the strip when I wiped it but it ended up just coming straight off leaving me with a clear field of vision. I used the same goggles for 4 sessions and at the end of the day I still had clear vision and there wasn't a scratch on the film. The only concern I do have would be, if the conditions were quite muddy that your gloves could become quite wet after spending 20 minutes wiping mud and dirt off your goggles. With that being said theres no rule saying you have to use your glove to wipe it, you could just as easy use your sleeve which wouldn't matter if it got wet. I was running the 50mm strip on my Scott prospects and it was the perfect width. Any of the new generation of goggles ie: Oakley Airbrake, Scott Prospect, 100% Armega, would be best suited to the 50mm strip. Where as the classics like the Oakley 2000s are better suited to the 36mm strip.

Just a quick wipe is all it takes.

As the day went on and I continued wiping it, just cleaning up the rest of the lens in between sessions, I thought I would begin to see some traces of ware or some scratches. But I have to say it still looks as new as when I first fitted it. So you have to think that you're going to get a good few hours out of each strip.

The major benefits of the “smart film” are that with a lot of tracks banning tear offs you don't have to worry about using roll offs when the conditions don't call for it. It also acts as a lens protector, prolonging the life of your lens and saving you money. And as long as you have a sleeve or a glove you will never run out of clear vision mid moto. 

4 sessions in and my main field of vision was spotless.

At a price of £15.00 for a pack of either size which includes 3 strips, it’s pretty good value for money. Especially when you consider a pack of 14 tear offs will usually set you back around £20.00 and they'll most likely be gone by the end of a full weekends racing.

Clear vision is key when tackling tracks in this sort of condition.     

I reached out to Billy MacKenzie who, like I said earlier has been racing with them all year, to get 3 words to best describe the “smart film”. He came back with “Clean, crisp, vision.” It’s hard to argue with those words; I had clean goggles all day, the strip didn't impair or distort my view and I had perfect vision after each wipe. It's safe to say that the Armor Vision smart film is definitely cementing itself as a must have product in the future of motocross goggles. 

Tested and written by Brad Wheeler

JUST1 Essential motocross kit review

Just1, not a brand rich in motocross heritage but definitely one that has been making waves over the past few years. The Italian brand is on the up and becoming the motocross kit for the Factory Ice one Kawasaki team in 2022 and 2023 has definitely not hindered their progress to become one of the top motocross kits in the world. If its good enough for 2021 vice world champion Romain Febvre its good enough for you. Or is it? The people over at Evenstrokes were kind enough to give me a set of the Just1 essential line to try through out the 2022 season. My reasoning for waiting until now to write this review is that I wanted to test the kit not only it’s performance and comfort but it’s durability too. The first thing I want to address is the name “essential”, don't let this lead you to believe that the kit is cheaply made and the bare minimum. This couldn't be further from the truth. 

The JUST1 kit looks good from any angle.

Pants 

The first thing I pulled out of the bag and i was immediately shocked at how light they felt. So much so that i had to double check that i wasn't holding the jersey. The material is thin and stretchy, which makes it easier to put on over the top of either knee braces or knee pads. Although the slim fit isn't everyones cup of tea, it doesn't feel like your traditional tight fitting pants that you see some people wearing (cough) Barcia (cough). The pants grip in all the places you'd want them to. Around the knee area, to stop your braces from moving around too much. At the bottom on your ankle, so they don't bunch up in your boot. Finally, the waist area. The JUST1 pants have a rubber pattern around the inside of the waist to help the pants grip to your waist and not slide down when you're riding. I also like the fact that they have velcro adjusters on either side. Not only does it make them easier to get on and off when they are undone, it helps distribute the strain on the pants when they are done up. Rather than all the strain being on the front buckle and feeling like you're constantly having to breathe in, the two side straps take some of the pressure off and distribute the pressure around the hole waist of the pants. The whole waist bound is elasticated which allows the pants to expand and contract as you are moving about on the motorcycle. The zipper on the front is over-lapped by a small amount of material, the design behind this is to stop and mud or grit getting in to the zipper and causing it to jam. A nice little tough from the design team over at JUST1. Unlike a lot of kit brands, JUST1 has done away with the leather on the inner knee that after time becomes fragile and subject to cracking and breaking off. Instead they've opted to use nylon cordura. Nylon Cordura is a synthetic material and is built to last, it has high tensile strength fibres that will withstand long term wear. Not only is it long lasting it is also fire retardant and water resistant. So you get all the benefits of the leather patch that most brands use with out the negative points. 

The lightness of the kit makes it easy to move around on the bike.

Jersey 

The JUST1 essential jersey is like most high end jerseys on the market. It is lightweight, well vented and a comfortable fit. JUST1 haven't wasted time and resources in trying to design a fancy pattern or design for the essential line. A “J1” logo in the middle of the front and a small ‘J1” logo just under the collar at the back is all the branding they've gone for. With the minimal logos and all the dead space on the front and back of the jersey, it gives you a great canvas for sponsor logo placement. It really allows you to get creative with the placement and colours of your logos as all the essential line consists of is just 2 colours. 

The small amount of JUST1 branding is a sponsors dream.

Overall 

You know the old saying “less is more”. This really is the case with the JUST1 essential line. The kit looks clean and sharp in all the colour ranges and makes it easy to match with any colour way of boot or helmet. A set of kit consisting of jersey and pants will cost you £139.98 RRP. A relatively low price in todays market of £200+ kits i think and a very fair price. This is a high quality kit and it is true to size. I am a 32”/Large and thats exactly what i was given and it fits perfectly, nothing is too tight or too loose. I have been racing and practicing in mine since March 2022 and it still shows no signs of wearing out. It has a few marks where I have snagged it on a branch or had a slip off, but in terms of just wear from riding it is holding up very well. Personally, the only thing i would change is the cuff on the jersey. I like a more tapered sleeve rather than a cuff, but some people prefer the cuff. It’s really personal preference and they may well have a tapered sleeve on another line of the JUST1 gear. Thats me really picking holes in it for the sake of it. Overall this kit is great value for money and you'd be hard pressed to find a kit of this quality for this little. If you're in the market for new kit for 2023, the JUST1 2023 essential line is well worth looking in to and i do not think you will be disappointed in your purchase. The JUST1 essential line is available in both adult and youth at https://evenstrokes.com/

As its so plain its easy to match with anything.

Tested and written by Brad Wheeler

2022 Honda CRF250 review

Track: Grittenham 

Conditions: Tacky with a few dry slick spots

Quick backstory

A few weeks a go i did a local club race at Grittenham. Unfortunately my bike blew a gasket before i even had chance to hit the track. Luckily my brother in law had a pretty much brand new stock 2022 Honda CRF 250 and was kind enough to let me borrow it for the day as we were in separate races. 

We all know Honda are one of the most successful motocross brands in the world, especially during the 80s and 90s. In previous years its really only been Tim Gajser flying the flag in the world scene with Ken Roczen and the former Geico Honda team in the states. More recently we've seen the likes of Chase Sexton emerging in the 450 class and young Aussie Jett Lawrence piloting the bike to 2 championships already. So i think its fair to say the 2022 Honda CRF 250 is capable of winning races at any level.  

The CRF250 has had some serious upgrades and not just in the looks department. 

First Impressions

As it was a borrowed bike i didn't want to play around with things like suspension too much, but he was happy for me to fiddle around with different maps and bar position etc.

The first thing i noticed was how narrow the bars felt, not just in width but in diameter too. The Honda comes standard with Renthal’s 839 fatbar, which is quite a low bend compared to some of the other bends they offer. The standard Honda grips are also quite hard and durable and don't lean much in the way of comfort. Personally this would be one of the first things i would change as i think the lack of padding on the grips is the main reason the handlebars feel so narrow. 

The other thing that is apparent straight away is how thin the bike feels. Honda have really tried to shed weight and lose some of that bulk around the rad scoops on the 2022 model, and they've definitely succeeded. The benefit of having the narrower body means you can really get a good grip with your knees when riding, giving you more confidence and a more controlled feeling on the bike. It also allows you to widen your knees and really let the bike dance underneath you. If you find yourself in a situation where you're getting a bit out of shape you can widen your stance and let the bike soak up the bumps and do the work for you. Rather than other brands where you may have to rely on strength and muscle to pull yourself out of a sticky situation. Honda have always been synonymous with cornering and this bike is no different, however they used to suffer with stability in a straight line when the track starts to get rough. Due to the new narrow chassis you don't sacrifice as much stability in the fast straight line sections of the track and you can really charge in to the corners.

The power

Now the Honda CRF250 has always had great bottom end power but lacked a bit of mid to top power. Personally i don't think the 2022 is much different, Honda have definitely improved the mid to top area but i found my self searching for more power on some of the faster sections. I was gating top 3 against 450s so the initial blast when you slam on the throttle is pretty good, but when i was coming out of corners and wanting to give it a handful it left me almost trying to push the bike along with my body until it got up to the top of the revs. After speaking to other people with the bike it seems this was a common opinion, this could be improved with an after market exhaust system (Yoshimura seemed to be the most popular) and an after market filter cage. The standard filter cage, like most modern 4 strokes comes with a spark resistor (a metal mesh designed to stop sparks igniting your filter). The problem with the spark resistor is that it robs BHP as it restricts the amount air being sucked in to the engine. An after market filter cage is something that could give it a bit of extra power for not a lot of money; and I've never in my 22 years of racing seen a filter catch fire. Fiddling around with gearing could also potentially help with the mid to top power but with gearing what you gain somewhere you will sacrifice somewhere else. So this is something that would be more rider preference, if you carry good corner speed you may want to look at going down a tooth or two on the rear sprocket and vice versa if you're looking for a more explosive power.

As far as top end goes the CRF 250 performs well. There is a long straight at Grittenham and it was the perfect opportunity to stretch little reds legs. Like i said i was racing with 450s and didn't find myself getting yarded down this long straight which i was very impressed with; and even made a couple passes on other 250s based on pure top end speed. So all in all power wise, the CRF 250 has great bottom end, falls off a little in the middle but picks back up once it is up on song.

Forks,shock and balance

The Honda comes straight out of the crate with 49mm Showa coil spring forks and Showa rear shock with a Honda pro link. Showa make great suspension straight out of the box and this is part of the reason the Hondas handle so beautifully in the corners. Like i said before, this was a borrowed bike and was set up for someone weighing probably 10kg lighter than myself. I did find my self blowing through the stroke on the forks and shock on a couple of the heavier landings, as well it riding quite low on the rear. Even with the wrong set up i got a pretty good feel for the suspension, and got the feeling that given an hour or two to set it up for my self i could have the bike handling really well. Like most suspension companies you can of course purchase a higher level of suspension, this being the Showa A-kit. However i would really try and make sure you're getting everything out of the stock kit first before spending thousands of pounds to upgrade it. The stock suspension is probably one of the best straight out of the crate and you can really get it working incredibly well. 

In terms of balance, even though the suspension was a bit soft for me i didn't experience any pitching come in to the corners. With the forks being so soft i was expecting to have a lot of weight on the front wheel under braking, but the bike was well balanced and utilised both fork and shock under braking. Also coming out of corners under power the bike squats down but not so much so that it blew through the stroke when hitting acceleration bumps. Overall the balance and suspension work really well together and does give you a lot of confidence to charge your turns.

Mapping and launch control

There are 3 different types of map on the Engine Mode Selection Button (EMSB):

Mode 1 - standard, a consistent power curve and easy to ride

Mode 2 - smooth, a slower bottom end with a steady build

Mode 3 - aggressive, a sharp power curve, with lots of bottom end and quick pick up

I tried all 3 through out the day and to be honest no matter what the conditions, if you are a relatively good rider (senior level or above), i think you will want mode 3. I just found that mode 1 and 2 were just a little gutless and underwhelming. If you were looking at doing a super hard pack race with next to no traction you may want to try mode 1 but i personally feel mode 1 and 2 are aimed at beginners with very little experience.

There are also 3 different HRC launch control options. Unlike the engine modes these would be beneficial on different surfaces.

Level 1 - 13,000rpm, dry conditions and expert level

Level 2 - 11,750rpm, dry conditions and standard level

Level 3 - 10,000rpm, muddy conditions and novice

The expert, standard and novice level are based on a standard dirt start with relatively decent grip. What i want to focus on is the conditions for your expert and standard ability riders. Level 1 is what i used all day during the races as it was quite grippy behind the gate and i needed get the jump on the 450s. Level 1 is what i think you will find yourself using most of the time. However, i think level 2 would be quite well suited to either a concrete start or a mesh start, where you don't want maximum revs and you almost want to ride away rather than being super aggressive. Finally, level 3 is aimed at wet sloppy conditions where higher rpm’s will cause too much wheel spin and no actual forward movement. The lower rpm’s allow a much more useable power and will get you off the gate better than someone who is revving it like a normal start.

Now a quick course on how to initiate both the HRC launch control and the EMSB. To activate the HRC launch control, whilst the bike is idling pull in the clutch and press the start button down for 1 second, the LED button will blink once then release the start button. This will activate level 1. To activate level 2 whilst keeping the clutch in hold the start button down for another second, the LED will blink twice and this will activate level 2. Repeat this again for level 3 and the LED will blink 3 times. Once you've got your chosen level just do a start as normal.

To pick your engine map you're going to want to start the bike, and while idling hold the small clear button on the black box by the clutch for 2 seconds. The LED will then flash once signifying you're in map one. Repeat this process to get to map 2 & 3.  

The little black box that can get you out the gate and across the finish line first.

Other notable changes

Since the induction of the CRF250 back in 2004 Honda have switched back and forth between a twin pipe exhaust and the traditional single exhaust. Back for 2022 is the single muffler, which personally i do prefer. Not necessarily power wise but its just easier on the eye. Along with ditching the twin exhaust and a whole new frame the 2022 model is a whole 3kg lighter than the 2021 model.

The seat and plastics have a whole new design to, with the seat being 10mm lower at the back to aid rider movement and the number of 8mm bolts holding on the plastics has dropped from 6 to 4 either side.

Another bit of information i think would be useful is that the 2022 CRF 250 takes 1.35L of oil. Not necessarily something thats better or worse but just a FAQ for most MX riders.  

The 2022 model has resorted back to the traditional single exhaust system much like the 2010-2013 models.

To sum up the 2022 Honda CRF250 is virtually a new bike from the frame up compared to the 2021, but it still has that great feel you get from a Honda when cornering. Is it the perfect bike? No, but with a few of your own personal tweaks you could get it damn near close. There is also no denying the looks of this bike, it has that factory look straight out the crate that you really do only get from a Honda. Were i in the market for a 250F it would definitely be on my short list of ones to buy.

Tested and written by Brad Wheeler

SCOTT prospect goggle & SCOTT prospect WFS goggle review

Recently i have had the opportunity to try out a few pairs of SCOTT prospect and SCOTT prospect WFS (Works Film System), and this being England they've been put to test in everything from dust to deep mud. The SCOTT prospect is the standard tear off goggle and the prospect WFS is their roll off system.

SCOTT was formed way back in 1958 and entered motocross in 1970. For those who are long time moto fans, you will know SCOTT is about as engrained in to the sport as anyone. They've long been the supplier of goggles for the Pro Circuit Kawasaki team as well as riders such as 2018 SX 450 champion Jason Anderson, 2 x MX2 world champion Jorge Prado, 2020 MX2 champion Tom Vialle,  Malcom Stewart, Max Vohland to name a few. If their reputation alone isn't enough to make you want to buy them then the fact they keep turning out high end goggles now in 2022 maybe should.

Putting the WFS prospect through the race paces

I’ll start with the prospect tear off goggle. The prospect comes with SCOTT’s truview lenses, which are lightweight and block 100% of harmful UV rays. Unlike all other traditional tear off goggles with 2 tear off pins, the prospect comes with 4 tear off pins. 2 on either side, so rather than one pin either side in the middle there is 2 pins either side one at the top and one at the bottom. The idea behind this is that the tear offs fit tighter to the lens and give the rider better vision as a result. 

The SCOTT prospect also makes use of SCOTT’s lens lock system which works by the outriggers being pulled forward away from the frame, the lens then inserted and then the outriggers pushed back to their normal position locking the lens in place. The lens has 4 locking pin holes rather than other goggles that have grooves around the outside. This means it would take a serious impact or something very strange to knock the lens out. I don't mind admitting I used Oakley Airbrake’s before the prospects and changing the lens was very easy on the Oakley’s. It can be a bit fiddly to start with on the SCOTT’s if you're new to doing it, but once mastered it is a great system. With this in mind i will be doing a short video on the best way to replace a lens on the SCOTT prospect. 

Just a small look at some of the awesome designs Scott has to offer

Moving away from the lens and on to the foam. The feel and comfort of a goggle is perhaps the biggest factor in choosing a brand. Like i said, i used to use Oakley goggles and i thought they were comfy, that is until i tried on a pair of the Scott prospects with their NoSweat 3-layer moulded face foam. I am not exaggerating when i say its how i imagine putting my face in a cloud would feel. Just instant comfort. The foam moulds to your face and with the outriggers, as you tighten the strap it is evenly distributed across your face. The long and short of it is, i believe the Scott prospect to be the comfiest goggle on the market.

Now, on to the WFS roll off system, and with a lot of tracks around the UK implementing a tear-off ban roll offs are becoming increasingly popular. So a decent roll off system is paramount to any goggle company who wants to thrive in todays market. 

The WORX lens pins keep the tear offs tight to the lens for improved vision

The WFS (Works Film System) comes with a 50mm large film which is the largest roll off film on the market, this increases your overall field of vision making it easier to see bumps and ruts in wet muddy conditions. The WFS also comes with a anti stick grid with mud flap. The anti stick grid is a clear thin bit of plastic in the shape of two large rectangles joined in the middle that sits between the roll off film and the lens to stop the film sticking to the lens in wet conditions. The mud flap sticks to the top of the lens and acts as a little hood for the roll off film. So, basically the film glides under the mud flap so if you get roosted or it is raining, the mud/water will run down on to the front of the roll rather than getting in between the lens and roll causing you an absolute nightmare. 

Another unique thing about the WFS is that the canisters can be clipped directly on to the WORKS lens pins for easy installation that requires absolutely no tools. This means you can switch between a tear off goggle and a roll off goggle with out having to pick up a tool and one lens does it all. Which personally i think is pretty cool. 

Last but certainly not least is the integrated canister design. Simply put, the canisters are situated behind the out riggers unlike all other brands which sit in front. This means that should a stone or any other debris flick up and hit the goggle the outriggers will protect the canisters and stop them from smashing open and your roll off film flapping everywhere. So no more spending time wrapping electrical tape around your goggles to hold the canisters together, with the WFS you can be confident that they are ready for what any race has to throw at them.

Just like changing the lens in the Scott prospect tear off goggle, putting the canisters on for the first time can seem a bit confusing so i will post a short video on how to do this also. 

The WFS also comes with all the same perks that the normal prospect comes with, such as the truview lenses and lens locks systems.

The only negative i can think of, and this really is the only thing i can come up with. With the goggle  being one of the largest on the market you may want to check it fits in your helmet before spending your money. It will however fit in most well known brands but better to be safe than sorry.

So £90 for the tear off goggle and £130 for the roll off system i personally think its a good bang for your buck and well worth the investment. Especially when you factor in that you could buy the Scott prospect WFS goggle and pretty much have two pairs of goggles, in that you could unclip the canisters and use them as standard tear off goggles. 

All in all both are great goggles and i would highly recommend them to anyone who is in the  market for new goggles

No denying the Scott Prospect looks awesome 

Tested and written by Brad Wheeler

SHIFT 3lack Label kit review

 SHIFT 3lack Label

The first thing I noticed when I got the gear out the bag was how light it was; in particularly the jersey. The jersey is a thin stretchy material that falls nicely over the body with enough room to get a body armour/roost protecter underneath if needs be. The sleeves benefit from a tapered fit rather than the traditional cuff, which in my opinion helps decrease the chances of arm pump as the sleeve gets gradually tighter down the arm rather than having one fixed tight point around the wrist area. 

The shirt as well as being incredibly thin is well ventilated around the chest and side of the torso; this is noticeable when riding as it directs the air flow under your arms and around your back.

The pants were made of quite a durable material for the most part with some stretchy areas which made it easy to put on over a pair of knee braces with out it snagging on them. Around the knee area is a stretchy, breathable material which hugs the knee area stopping them from moving up or down the leg when riding. The black label pants; like the shirt, are also well ventilated around the upper thigh where the material is a little thicker than the rest of the pants.

The inner waist of the pant also comes with a rubber strip to help grip the shirt and stop it coming untucked during riding which i myself suffer with a lot.

The pants also have leather on the inner knee which offer more grip on the bike as well as being well insulated against the exhaust and engine. So far i have not experienced any cracking or tearing of the leather after washing; which i used to have issues with on other kits. The leather is still in good condition and very soft; I will keep an eye on this though after a few more washes.

As far as the fit and the sizing, as a rule I am a comfortable 32” pant and Large jersey. The jersey is a good fit and very true to its size. However I am right on the limit in when it comes to the pants so if you are thinking about getting the next size up from your normal size I would recommend you do.

I have worn the kit a total number of 7 times so far and i am yet to notice any wear marks on either jersey or pant. I will re visit this half way through the season with an update as to how well it is holding up with various weather, race and washing conditions.

SHIFT claim that the 3lack label line “out perform and out styles everything in its class”, and at just £187.00 for the jersey and pants it is really hard to argue that. The gear really does everything you would want it to, it is a great fit for the every day rider as well as the more serious racer. If you do prefer a more fitted feel maybe take a look at the 3lue label line. A review for the 3lue label will be available shortly

 

5 things i liked:

1: The light weight feel

2: The tapered sleeves

3: The ventilation on the jersey

4: The stretchy material around the knee area

5: So far the durability of the leather on the inner knee

Written and tested by Brad Wheeler