The 100% Racecraft goggle might have been considered a high-end product a year or two ago, but since Oakley created the Airbrake there’s a whole new ceiling to this market – a $200/£160 goggle, who knew that would be viable? So at $65/£59.99 the Racecrafts, while top of the line for 100%, are now mid-value offerings!

They’re still pretty fancy, featuring outriggers for the wide 45mm strap (for better fit), triple-layer foam, a detachable nose guard – and handily a second (clear) lens is included in the price (as are a bunch of tear-offs, although now banned and so of no value here in the UK). The lens is Lexan (with a nine-pin retention system) and we’ve counted at least 32 options on colour and various treatments, including dual lens.  Rather neatly, the www.ride100percent.com website features a goggle simulation video, where the various lens options can be superimposed on an on-bike video (on three track scenarios) so you can get a fair idea of the kind of lens you’d like for your riding.

How did they rate?

Warren Malschinger:

I’ve tested these at the Welsh Two Day, at a long distance roadbook rally and at local club motocross. Now, like so many riders, I’ve gotten to be attached to a certain brand and type, in my case Oakley Airbrakes, but I have to say by comparison I was massively impressed with the Racecrafts. The quality of vision is excellent, the fit is good and as I sweat a lot (and so will rotate my goggles during a long ride) I found the sweat absorption was superior to my other goggles. I also liked the styling, they look bitchin’! They’re one of the nicest looking goggles and with huge a range of colours and options they’re placing themselves in a strong position in the market.

What I didn’t like was the mirrored lens started chipping after two-three rides. Not a massive detraction, but wouldn’t expect this. And I didn’t like that the nose guard felt insecure – and I particularly like to have a nose guard as I’ve had more than one rock to the face in my time.

I would rate these goggles 4.8/5, losing points there because of the nose guard being less secure and the lens chipping. Even so, they’ve moved into the top three of my goggle options.

Jon Bentman:

I’ve used mine for adventure riding, having put in four weeks on the trails in the Azores and Australia. And they’re good. I have a pair called Abyss Black with mirror silver lenses. These are great in bright light, they save you getting tired eyes from squinting, but are the opposite of great when it gets dark – time for a lens change there – yeah, not a lens I’d use for woods riding.

They vent well without creating a distracting draft (so no eye watering). Air filtration is pretty good, I occasionally got a bit of grit in the eye, but not bad. As for sweat absorption – I was riding for a while in 45º heat and they were fine! The fit is good with my Nolan N53 mx lid but needs a wiggle to fit in with my Touratech Aventuro. Lens clarity is good and the lens, while marginally smaller in area than say the Airbrake or Scott Prospect, is still generous enough. I also like that the aperture on the inside is slightly wider than my Oakley Crowbars so they don’t sit on the edge of my eyes! My lens hasn’t chipped but then I haven’t been hustling at the rear wheel of race rivals!

As Warren has said, overall they impress and for quality they compare well with Warrens’ Oakleys and my Scotts. For me, they score 4.5/5.