MXA TEAM TESTED: ARMOR VISION SMART FILM LENS PROTECTORS

WHAT IS IT? Armor Vision’s Smart Film lens protectors are the world’s first wire-wool and race-tested lens protectors made specifically for motocross goggles. 

WHAT’S IT COST? $28.95 (3-pack of 62mm), $22.95 (3-pack of 50mm/36mm).

CONTACT? www.dominuscorp.com or (800) 749-2890.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with Armor Vision’s Smart Film lens protectors.

(1) Backstory. Armor Vision was born in the United Kingdom, and their Smart Film lens protectors were designed to protect your lenses against scratching and give you clear vision, even when you don’t have tear-offs or roll-offs. 

The concept of lens protectors has caught on in Europe now that many tracks have banned tear-offs. Most Europeans have switched to using roll-offs full-time, while others have a new system for collecting tears-offs using a wire that extends from the goggles’ tear-off post to a point on their helmet. The wire looks silly, but it holds all the pulled tear-offs until after the race is over. 

(2) Design. Boiled down to its essence, the Armor Vision Smart Film is a high-quality sticker made to deflect water and dirt, thanks to its hydrophobic properties. Beneath that hydrophobic layer lies another layer of hardness, which prevents the sticker from being scratched by rocks and dirt or by your glove when it’s wiping the lenses off. With Armor Vision’s Smart Film, riders can simply wipe their goggles clean after getting roosted without fear of scratching the lenses. 

 (3) Installation. It only works if you install it properly. Thankfully, the Smart Films come in three-packs, because each of our testers made mistakes when installing their first one. First, we recommend installing the film on a brand-new lens. Putting it on a lens that’s dirty or already has scratches will only magnify the blemishes the lens already has. Second, you cannot touch the sticky side of the sticker. If you do, your fingerprints will show up as bright as day on the lens, and governing authorities will easily be able to detect who installed the film. 

Starting with a brand-new lens, use the supplied alcohol wipes and a clean microfiber cloth to wipe off any fingerprints and dust particles. Then, peel the white layer back to the halfway point and use it to identify the middle of the lens. Center the film over the lens and slowly apply the sticker from one side to the other, like installing a glass screen protector on your smartphone, pushing out any bubbles. It’s not easy, and if your lens isn’t completely clean, you’ll have bubbles. If you have a pre-curved lens, you can peel off the outer green layer right away. If you have a standard lens, Armor Vision recommends leaving the green layer on for 20 minutes to let the film adhere to the lens fully. 

(4) Performance. The visibility through the Smart Film is fully dependent on how well you install it. If you use a new lens and ensure nothing is underneath the sticker, it’s exceptionally clear. There is a slight distortion at the edges of the film in the pits, but once you’re on the track, you won’t notice it. We preferred the 62mm lens for our Scott Prospect, Factory Ride and EKS Brand Lucid goggles because it offered the most coverage. They also sell 50mm and 32mm films for smaller goggles. 

The Armor Vision Smart Film extended the life span of our lenses and ensured clear vision without the need for tear-offs or roll-offs. However, wiping the lens while riding still isn’t as effective as pulling a full tear off. Sometimes, we put it under a stack of tearoffs as a last resort. Also, we race tested it off-road and the rocky roost did enough damage to require a new sticker, it’s not bullet proof.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? Installation must be meticulous. 

MXA RATING: New lenses and laminated tear-offs are expensive! Armor Vision’s Smart Film lens protectors will save you time and money.