PRODUCT REVIEW: BLUR B-60 GOGGLE

WHAT IS IT?

The recently released, all-new B-60 takes over as the top-of-the-line goggle from Blur Optics; a brand that’s been in the motocross goggle game since the late 1990s but has only had a relatively small presence in Australia where, up until recently, it primarily offered kids’ and price-point models. The new B-60 Goggle comes packed with features that are traditionally only found on significantly more expensive goggles – the most notable of which is its cleverly designed, easy-to-change, dual-layer magnetic lens (this same magnetic lens was fitted to its predecessor, the B-50, but wasn’t secured by the outrigger locks). The B-60 is also available with a roll-off kit pre-fitted, albeit with a single-layer lens.

WHY WE RATE IT

THE PROS…

Comfort – Even though the frame feels more rigid than average when you twist it between your hands, its construction still allows the goggle to conform to your face’s shape really well. The quality triple-layer face foam helps with that face-fit, without blocking your nostrils or cutting into the bridge of your nose after prolonged use. The face foam also wicks away sweat really effectively.
Magnetic Lens – Using six small, recessed magnets to secure the lens to the frame might sound a bit gimmicky, but it genuinely works, and for several reasons. First, it allows the frame’s perimeter design to be minimised (Blur call it a “frameless design”), which in turn creates a broader field of vision. Second, it makes swapping lenses a 10-second breeze. And third, being able to remove the lens so quickly means you’re able to properly clean the thing (inside and out) before popping it back in place and fastening it with the outrigger lens-lock system. And unlike a couple of other brands whose magnetic lens tend to pop out too easily by accident, the B-60’s lens is securely fastened by a combo of stronger magnets and the two outrigger locks.
Quality of Finish – The B-60 uses quality materials throughout, including: the silicon-backed adjustable strap; the pre-curved lens (with anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings), and the triple-layer face foam, the perimeter ventilation foam (which comes with a tough protective layer to prevent it from being easily pierced). You even get a hard-shell goggle case (in addition to the traditional draw-string bag)! And after using and abusing these things with mud, sweat and tears for more than six months now, none of those parts are looking tired or tattered or in need of replacement.
Dual-Layer Lens – Thankfully (especially if you ride in cool or wet conditions), the B-60 comes with a dual-layer lens which, when combined with its 360-degree ventilation foam, does a bloody good job of preventing the dreaded lens fog. Also, unlike some dual-layer lenses, the B-60’s pre-curved lens is optically correct – meaning no distorted vision at its extremities.
Roll-Off Kitted Model – In Australia, where tear-offs are banned for off-road racing, it’s cool to see that Blur offers a couple of vision-clearing options: a standalone roll-off kit that sells for $69.95, and a B-60 goggle that comes complete with a pre-fitted roll-off kit (for $149.95). The only downside of these two options is that they both only use a single-layer lens.
Price – In the USA, the B-60 Goggle sells for $99USD, which at the current $USD/$AUD exchange rate equates to about $150AUD. And yet the B-60 retails for just $99.95 in Oz. At least, they do for the time being. You get the feeling Blur may be loss-leading to help fast-track their B-60’s market share in Oz, meaning this sharp RRP may well be short-lived.

THE CONS…

Branding – No, “Blur Optics” is not an obvious brand name for a product that’s designed specifically to give you life-saving vision while riding a dirt bike. Let’s assume they’re being ironic?! BTW, although Blur is often associated with O’Neal Racing, the brand is in fact a separate entity.
Helmet Compatibility – With the B-60’s frame being a little larger (top-to-bottom) than average, it is a tight fit in the eyeport of some helmet brands, which means you may need to remove the helmet’s breath deflector and/or goggle’s nose guard to adapt its fit.
The Outriggers – Traditionally, the idea of outriggers is to elevate the strap away from the frame to ensure the goggle sits firmly against your face. The B-60’s outrigger, however, simply serves as a hinged locking mechanism for the lens. That said, the depth of the frame’s design ensures the face foam still ‘seats’ evenly on your face, from the middle of your forehead to outside your eyes.

When it comes to moto goggles, you generally get what you pay for. But with this Blur B-60, you’re getting the features of high-end goggles (in the $150-$180 price bracket) for less than $100, along with what is arguably the best lens-changing system on the market!

PRICING – GOGGLES

$99.95 (B-60 Goggle with dual-layer magnetic lens) – available in Red, Black and Grey colours
$149.95 (B-60 Goggle complete with pre-fitted Roll-Off Kit on single-layer magnetic lens) – available in Black and Grey colours