They look good, but how they help you see is even better. Photo: Steve Andrews/The Inertia
There’s nothing like riding on a bluebird day. Especially if it snowed overnight and the heavens parted first thing in the morning to unveil a velvety landscape. While sunny days in the mountains are the stuff dreams are made of, they are also the culprit for harmful conditions on the eyes that, over time, can lead to serious issues. For the longest time the focus for ski and snowboard goggles (and even sunglasses) has been to filter UV light, which is important to the long-term health of one’s eyes. But the other side of the spectrum can also pose a threat: infrared rays. These are especially harmful in a mountain environment where the snow reflects the light and can amplify the radiation. So on those bluebird days, it’s wise to get some extra protection.
Dragon’s NFX MAG OTG IR Goggles ($300) claim just that. By blocking infrared rays, they give your eyes only what they need — visible light to see where you’re going — and less of the harmful stuff that causes issues down the line. I’ve been riding with these goggles since last year and I can say with confidence that Dragon does have a leg up on the competition with these new lenses. On top of that, the NFX MAG OTG frames they attach to are comfortable, and sport one of the easiest lens-changing systems on the market. As you’re shopping, just be aware that the violet-lens colorway is the only one sporting the new infrared technology – look for the “IR” designation to make sure you’re getting what you want.
Dragon NFX MAG IR Goggles
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy lens changing system | IR lens is only available in one color |
| Eyes feel great after a long day on the hill | Sparkles on the frame seem out of place |
| Wide field of view | Expensive |
| Extra low-light lens included |
First Impressions
Upon taking the goggles out of the box, the lens immediately stands out as having a “full-bleed” effect where the cylindrical shape overlaps the frame. The result is a frameless appearance. It’s a cool look that immediately caught my attention. But while the look of it from the outside is great, it’s what it looks like from the inside that really counts (cue the sappy Hallmark music). Seriously, though, a lens has to do its job. And immediately upon wearing these in bright light, I noticed a substantial difference compared to other lenses. It’s dark but not too dark, giving a welcome respite in strong sunlight conditions when the snow reflects the sun.
Even in overcast situations it didn’t feel too dark – always allowing enough light in to feel safe when riding. This is a welcome difference to other full-sun goggles that can be way too dark as soon as a cloud blocks the sunlight. So it was apparent that Dragon is on to some thing here.
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These goggles didn’t need full sun to perform well – variable light still held great contrast and color definition. Photo: Steve Andrews/The Inertia
Notable Features of the Dragon NFX MAG IR Goggles
The MAG in the name of these goggles comes from the magnetic lens swap-ability, with the added bonus of Dragon’s proprietary Swiftlock system. This gives the convenience of a magnetic lens change but with the added security of being able to lock them in place. It really is as simple as a flick of a switch that can happen in a matter of seconds while the frames stay on your face. As someone who has tried nearly every lens-swapping system on the market, I can confidently say Dragon has one of, if not the, best lens-swapping system on the market.
Dragon’s Luma Lens tech provides stunning clarity, which is easily noticeable by a simple comparison of having the goggles on your face and taking them off. The light filtering is optimized for snowy conditions, and I found that they really have put some thought into the lenses, and more than just looks. This was true not only for the Infrared lens, but also for the low-light lens that I wore on storm days.
These frames are also large enough to fit over a pair of glasses, making even the riders with four eyes able to see in high-definition. As a glasses-wearer myself, I appreciate the ability to not need contacts and still have a good time, seeing everything in front of me with clarity and good color contrast.
Even when blasted with face shots, the goggles do a good job of repelling the snow. Photo: Steve Andrews/The Inertia
Drawbacks
While the infrared filtration is a huge step forward, it only comes in one color at the moment, which doesn’t give everyone the style options that today’s market demands. Sure, it’s more about how the product performs than how it looks, but the reality is that people do care about looks in this day and age. So if you’re not into the whole purple and red lens-motif, then you’re out of luck as far as the infrared blocker goes. The NFX MAG OTG Goggles come in a wide variety of colors, but at the moment, the purple and red lens is the only one sporting this new infrared technology.
The frame also has a bit of sparkle to it that seems a bit unnecessary and out of place. While the sparkle design isn’t ostentatious, one has to wonder why there isn’t a matte option that is a bit more simplistic.
Both of these gripes are more about how the goggles look than how they perform, so when you add up the drawbacks it’s fairly insignificant in the grand scheme of things. And while the sparkly design and purple color might not be for everyone, it’s still a standout look that wins style points in most people’s book.
Final Thoughts
The Dragon NFX MAG IR OTG goggles come from a brand with over 30 years in the game. It shows though the simple design, one of the best lens swapping systems, and a new breakthrough lens that filters infrared light. The science says that it’s good to block infrared exposure, and anecdotally, my eyes had far less fatigue after a long sunny day on the slopes. Over time that protection should compound and create less risk to cataracts.
Since the goggles are large enough to wear glasses underneath, that light filtration is even more crucial since glasses can magnify the light that enters. So for some top-notch protection and a frame that looks as good as it performs, the Dragon NFX MAG IR goggles was a top pick for our list of The Best Snowboard Goggles.
Check Price on EvoEditor’s Note: For more in-depth reviews of the top snowboard gear in the industry, check out our guides to: The Best Snowboard Jackets, The Best Snowboard Pants, The Best Snowboard Goggles, The Best Snowboard Gloves and Mittens, The Best Snowboard Boots, The Best Snowboard Socks, and The Best Snowboard Bags. Curious about the brands behind it all? Check out The Best Snowboard Brands. Looking to protect your head? We’ve reviewed Ski and Snowboard Helmets, too.
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