This is my review of the Dragon X2 Goggle. In my opinion, it is a chunky, well-rounded goggle with a spherical lens and excellent change system. It also has a large field of view and a great seal, two features that make up for the lack of durability.
Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this ski goggle, who it is best for, and other similar alternatives to consider.
Contents
Quick Summary
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Best for: Tougher weather conditions or skiers with larger faces.
- Pros: These goggles have a unique shape that allows for an extremely wide field of view. The lenses offer excellent optics, and the lens change system is quick and intuitive. The anti-fog properties also work well.
- Cons: The lenses could be much more durable, as could the entire shell. Skiers with smaller faces may not be a fan of the larger fit.
- Alternatives: Smith I/O MAG, Wildhorn Roca, Anon M4 Toric
How many lenses does the X2 come with?
You will get two lenses, one for dark conditions and one for light conditions. That adds to the general versatility.
Do these come with a case?
Yes. There is an included hard case.
Do these work with glasses?
Unfortunately, the Dragon X2 Goggles are not made for glasses. You’re going to need special OTG options if you want that functionality.
Why Trust Me
I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was a kid. I enjoy getting out in the snow and have hands-on experience with a wide range of different skiing items. I have spent ample time researching these goggles and analyzed how they perform under different winter conditions.
Detailed Review of Dragon X2 Goggles
The Dragon X2 is a solid goggle. It provides a lot of strength, but in doing so does sacrifice a bit in terms of sleekness and design. You get two different lenses, and there are many more options beyond that. While the X2 could be much more durable, the ventilation works and provides you with a ton of value.
Lens Ups and Downs
In my opinion, the lenses are the feature that helps the Dragon X2 stand out. The goggles come with two different pairs of Lumalens lenses, one of which helps you see when it’s light and one that helps you see when it’s dark. That’s not necessarily something new, but it will give you multiple ways to see and comes with excellent optics/contrast, so you’re never caught off guard.
While the water and dust-repellent features work as advertised, the lens durability is one of the X2’s weak points. The lenses look great and work well, but they are prone to scratching over time. They also aren’t as tough as some other premium models. Even so, the impact-proof construction does work well enough to protect your investment.
Something else worth noting about these goggles is their quick-change system. Though it’s not the most intuitive on the market, the small levers are easy to operate. You simply move them down to release the lens and then shift them back once you have them in. It doesn’t have the ease of magnetic systems, but it’s quick and won’t give you too much trouble.
Another bonus is that the X2 comes with many different lens options. You can always perfectly mix-and-match the tints as you need, giving you extra versatility in shifting conditions.
Comfort and Fit
Fit is another important aspect of fully understanding what makes a good goggle. The X2 does a pretty good job in this area, but it’s not perfect. The fit is quite large. Though bigger skiers won’t mind that, especially because it comes with such a wide field of view, those with smaller or slender faces will. As such, the sizing differs from person to person.
However, it’s worth mentioning that Dragon does offer an X2s option of these goggles. That’s a medium-sized goggle that has many of the X2 features in a more manageable package. You get the great features without losing the wide field of view seen in the larger model.
Beyond the fit, these are comfortable due to their special tri-foam technology. The Dragon X2 has a triple-layer foam complete with a lining made from hypoallergenic fleece to keep your face happy throughout the day. Not only does that keep moisture away from your face, but it also creates a snug fit that locks out cold air.
Cutting Down on Fog
These goggles have solid breathability and cut down on fog, which is a definite plus for me. The spherical lenses, already covered above, come with a special anti-fog treatment on the inner layer. Though such layers are often hit-and-miss, this one does a nice job even when things get particularly blustery.
Backing that up is Dragon’s special armored frame ventilation. This is another handy attribute that gives you a lot of airflow and allows extra breathability to ensure your face stays dry without letting in too much cold air. That solves one of the bigger problems I have with other goggles, which is open vents that work, but make you too cold as you ride.
Price and Value
In terms of value, the Dragon X2 Goggles are a mixed bag. You’re going to pay a decent amount for them, but you’re also going to get a lot for the price. Whether that’s worth it is largely up to you. The ventilation is solid, the look is great, and the wide optics let you see in a multitude of conditions. The durability isn’t quite up to snuff, especially on the lenses, but with proper care you’ll get them to last a long time.
What I Like
My favorite aspect in the X2 is their feel on the face. Comfort is not always something people keep in mind when buying goggles, but the face foam and seal both do a good job of keeping your face warm and dry. These feel good against your face and enable you to ride for long periods of time and not worry about any lasting discomfort.
I also really enjoy the ventilation here. Dragon attacks this on two fronts, through their anti-fog coating and the armored frame ventilation. Both work together extremely well and ensure you’re able to make use of the goggle’s wide field of view. It’s always nice when eyewear works hard to keep your sight clear.
What I Dislike
If there’s one characteristic I don’t like about the X2, it’s the lack of durability in the lenses. They are large and chunky but just don’t have the sturdiness I expect in large goggles. If you’re not careful, it doesn’t take long for scratches to become an issue.
While the lens change system is solid, it still doesn’t quite have the same functionality as magnetic options. I always prefer that to more traditional locking systems and would have liked to see it here. I also do think the fit can be a bit awkward, and it will only get tougher for skiers with smaller faces.
The Alternatives
The Dragon X2 Goggles are sturdy, stylish, and reliable. However, if you like the large design but still want different eyewear, these options all bring something unique to the table:
- Smith I/O MAG – Smith is another well-known snow goggle brand, and their I/O Mag is a wider goggle that offers an exceptional field of view. I love their slimmer look and, while they don’t have the same large lenses as the X2, they are lightweight and come with exceptional ventilation. The different color options are also nice.
- Wildhorn Roca – If you want large lenses at a much more affordable price, try the Roca. These have an impressive magnetic and integrated clip locking system alongside a strong frame made to hold up in a variety of environments. The lenses are scratch-resistant and offer 100 percent UV protection.
- Anon M4 Toric – Equipped with Sonar Lenses, Magna-Tech Lense Change technology, and MFI face mask integration, the M4 Toric goggles are perfect for skiers who want something sturdy. While these are definitely more expensive than the Dragon X2, they come with many different attributes and will hold up for many seasons.
Final Verdict
The Dragon X2 is a tough goggle made to work on both light and rough days. Though the lenses don’t quite hold up to the same standard as the entire package, there are many different available tint options to ensure you’ll be able to see in any type of light. You can always switch lenses in and out quickly, thanks to the simple quick-change system.
These lenses aren’t the cheapest around, but they aren’t crazy expensive either. That price, mixed with the ample traits, offers a lot of value. The Lumalens technology and armored ventilation are both standouts too. All in all, this is a great goggle for skiers who want something reliable and feature heavy.
James Rossi
Great review by Christine. I just purchased the X2s and they feel great and look great with my Pret helmet. They go together well. Too many times you don’t get such an in-depth review which for me hit all the key points that I was looking for. Thanks James
Christine
Hi James,
That’s awesome, thanks for letting me know!