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Dragon DX Review

Dragon DX
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Price:  $45 List | $11.98 at Backcountry
Compare prices at 2 resellers
Pros:  Comfortable, soft and flexible frame, tons of color options.
Cons:  Lens scratched easily, lots of air around edges.
Manufacturer:   Dragon
By Aaron Zanto ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Mar 7, 2016
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53
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Lens Quality Low Light - 35% 5
  • Breathability - 20% 6
  • Comfort - 15% 6
  • Protection - 10% 6
  • Durability - 15% 3
  • Style - 5% 7

Our Verdict

The Dragon DX goggle is a classic. This is the goggle I think of when I picture Dragon goggles. Similar to the Oakley A-Frame this goggle is extremely flexible and moldable. The lens is flat which helps keep the price down. Nearly 20 frame color and band pattern options ensure that you can suit your style. There is also a small version DXS for a smaller face.


Our Analysis and Test Results

Hands on Comparison


Dragon DX profile view.
Dragon DX profile view.

Protection


This goggle worked fine in the sun, wind, and rain. the flexible frame is unlikely to crack with a large impact. There are some gaps on the perimeter of the frame. Some air entered via the bottom of the goggles when charging fast. We noticed our eyes drying out at high speeds.

Breathability


The Dragon DX breathes very well. The vent ports allow for air to flow freely. This pair did fog up during our uphill skinning test but did a good job un-fogging on the descent. The frame protrudes on this model. Because of the extended frame, snow, and water collected on the outside, adversely affecting our peripheral vision.

Comfort


Katie finishing the day strong with the Dragon DX goggles in fading light.
Katie finishing the day strong with the Dragon DX goggles in fading light.
The DX works best with smaller faces. Female testers found this goggle fit their faces well. These goggles put some pressure on the cheekbones and brow. The peripheral vision was less than most of the other goggles. We felt slightly claustrophobic with the frame trapping our eyes. Adjusting and locking the strap into place is simple. Worn with a helmet or no, there is enough strap to accommodate either.

Lens Quality


Katie making the Dragon DX goggles work in low light on an evening Yosemite tour.
Katie making the Dragon DX goggles work in low light on an evening Yosemite tour.
As far as flat lens goggles go, the quality in the Dragon DX is OK. If you are not used to spherical lenses this would be fine. We noticed that the lens allowed glare and minimal distortion. Unlike higher quality lenses we definitely noticed the lenses, instead of feeling like there was nothing covering our eyes.

Durability


Significant scratches on the Dragon DX lens after a few days.
Significant scratches on the Dragon DX lens after a few days.
The durability of this particular goggle was not up to the standard of the other goggles in this review. We treated all our goggles the same way. We put them in their provided bag for protection. All the goggles tested were put in backpacks and bags for transportation. The Dragon DX was easily scratched and became unusable after 10 days of use. The good aspect of the DX is that it did not feel like it would be easily cracked or broken due to it flexibility.

Style


The Dragon DX style is a classic. With 18 frame colors and patterns there is a DX to fit everyone's personality. There is plenty of frame to draw attention. This goggle has been a staple in the industry and sets the bar for Style, although it looks best on smaller faces.

Best Applications


The DX is ready for resort and backcountry riding, as well as snowshoeing. These goggles especially excel in low-velocity snow sports.

Value


The price of this goggle makes it an entry-level goggle. It works well for most applications, but there are plenty of entry options for a goggle that keeps the sun's UV rays out of your eyes.


— Aaron Zanto