6D INTRODUCES ALL-NEW MAX GOGGLE

[MotoFactory]

Leave it to Bob Weber and 6D to reinvent something as simple as goggles. Designs have evolved but the core concept hasn’t changed much. Until now. We got a first look at the all-new Max Goggle from 6D Helmets at the AIMExpo in January, and we now have our hands on some production units to see how they perform.

6D Helmets has helped redefine the way we think about helmet safety, and while the company has made significant strides in its evolution of ATR helmets, it still sees a big problem: the eye port. 6D calls it the biggest weakness in off-road helmets, and after studying crash data and head injuries happening through the eye port, Weber decided to address it head-on.

Bob Weber, founder of 6D Helmets, gives media the back story of the Max Goggle at the Glen Helen launch.

The Max Goggle effectively seals up the entire eye port, and the “6D Float Fit” design allows the goggle to seal to the helmet rather than on the rider’s face. The challenge then became sealing the rider’s eyes against dirt, dust and debris. This was no easy problem to solve and the team at 6D went back and forth on many concepts—their crude prototypes proudly on display at the Max Goggle media launch at Glen Helen. Engineers finally settled on a nose piece that attaches to the bottom of the goggle frame, bridging the gap between the goggle and the bridge of the rider’s nose and face. After exhaustive testing, 6D is proud to reveal the revolutionary product to the public.

The Max Goggle is roll-off and tear-off compatible. 6D was proud to display the prototype evolution of the Max Goggle and nose interface at the recent media launch.

The Max Goggle is compatible with the 6D ATR-3 helmet, and will also pair with the upcoming ATR-3X helmet, which is designed for dual-sport and off-road use. Existing ATR-3 helmets will require a couple of modifications in order to effectively seal out dirt and dust from the interior. The generous airflow to the brow of the helmet actually has the potential to let dirt in through the ducts, but a few quick mods can rectify that. Two foam inserts and a strip of adhesive that seals the EPS liner to the lip of the eye port are a quick fix (these items come with the Max Goggle) and you’re ready to run the setup. The end user will need to make these mods to their existing ATR-3. The newest ATR-3 helmets, and the ATR-3X models, will come already equipped with these features.

The Max also comes with two interchangeable nose interfaces, short and long, so you can find your ideal fit. The system is tear-off and roll-off compatible, and lenses are available in clear, rose, blue and dark tints.

The Max Goggle is compatible with current ATR-3 helmets, though they will require a couple of mods that the user will need to make in order to effectively seal out dirt and dust. The ATR-3X helmet is coming soon for off-road and dual-sport riders. The X version has sealable brow vents and a cam-type opening at each end of the goggle.

But… why?

Fair question. Why reinvent the wheel when the current goggle concept was working just fine for most of us? These are the reasons 6D gave for the Max Goggle:

• Safety is the number-one reason from Bob Weber. With the 6D Float Fit, the Max Goggle rides on the helmet and not on your face. In an impact, the load transfers to the helmet, so there is a lesser risk of injury. The design also eliminates the gap between the helmet and the chin bar of the helmet, an area that can allow in rocks and roost. (Raise your hand if you’ve been roosted in the face by a 450 with a scoop tire.)
• A wider field of view increases peripheral vision on the track.
• Improved comfort and less fatigue. Pressure on your face and foam that can trap sweat and heat can wear you out faster.
• “But won’t sweat get in my eyes?” With better airflow to your face, there is less heat and less sweat. Not many test riders reported any problems with sweat. For the extra sweaty types, 6D has skull caps that can be worn under the helmet to help absorb and redirect sweat away from the brow.

Is this for everyone? No. And that’s something 6D can freely admit. This fresh concept is in its early stages, at least in the world of motocross and off-road. We’ll be putting ours through the paces to see how they fare. Let us know your thoughts on this all-new design.

So far so good. Pete Murray likes it! The concept works well enough—but is it truly an advantage over the traditional design? We’ll let you know.

The post 6D INTRODUCES ALL-NEW MAX GOGGLE appeared first on Dirt Bike Magazine.

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