How to choose the right motocross mask?

Mud is good for the skin, and there's no denying it for trail and endurance runners. However, this adage has its limits. Particularly when that mud ends up right in your eye. The essential accessory? The cross mask. In addition to protecting your eyes, these 2.0 binoculars have another advantage: they offer optimal ventilation, allowing you to pant at the top of your lungs during your hard-core TT outings. So, why should you make infidelities to the good old integrated visor? How to choose your cross goggle? The Ixtem Moto team answers your questions:

Why not a helmet with a visor? It's true: a visor is super practical. When you need it, you lower it. You don't need it anymore, you just flip it up. So why bother with the gymnastics involved in wearing a mask? To increase ventilation. Yes, in motocross and enduro alike, everything is designed to improve air circulation, enabling the rider to breathe deeply. That's exactly why helmets designed for these disciplines feature a pointed chin. This frees up space in front of the pilot's panting mouth. In this way, the mask is limited to protecting the bare essentials (i.e. the eyes), to promote ventilation, whereas a visor encloses the volume of air in front of the face. Not convinced? We invite you to go jogging with your favorite full-face gear.

Well, in essence, trail riding is a versatile sport: equally at home on the road and on the trail. So, once again, it's up to you to find the right compromise for your needs. For example, a model with a mask offers incredible breathability, allowing you to crawl along trails without suffocating. But when it's time to head home on the main roads at 90km/h, you'll curse this ventilation and all the turbulence it generates. On the other hand, if you're into trail riding, or even trialing, then a "traditional" visor helmet will quickly give you the feeling of being in a steam room.

Comfort with a cross mask adapted to your morphology

We all have different facial morphologies. It's important to find the mask that perfectly matches the shape of your nose, cheeks and brow bones. The right mask not only has the right shape, but also features soft, thick foams. Double or even triple-layered, these gaskets prevent pressure points from forming, and thus the pain of prolonged contact with your skin. Just make sure they're breathable, otherwise you'll have the unpleasant sensation of constantly having wet sponges on your face.

The possibility of wearing corrective frames

Do you wear prescription glasses? Don't worry, there are models to suit you. It's true that setting off for Le Touquet without being able to see at 20 meters can be problematic. With an enlarged eye area, space for temples and nose foam, these masks guarantee absolute comfort even with your binoculars - and without premature fogging.

----> Scott SPLIT OTG Dark Blue/Neon Red - Clear motocross mask

Good ventilation

Yes, trail or enduro riding also means sweating profusely under your helmet. So if you want to avoid steamy eyes and excessive fogging, it' s essential to choose a cross helmet with effective ventilation. You should also be aware that there are "double" screens, which act exactly like double-glazing, delaying the onset of fogging even when you're dripping. These models come at a price, and you can happily reserve this technology for Erzberg Rodeo and Hard Enduro enthusiasts of all kinds.

Wide field of vision

More or less important depending on the model, this is a super-important element that determines quite directly the width of the cross goggle. Our advice? On a trail outing, the main objective is not to beat the clock, but to enjoy the beauty of the scenery. So, as far as possible - and as long as it's compatible with your helmet - opt for an open screen so you can enjoy the scenery as much as possible.

----> Alpinestars SUPERTECH CORP Cross Goggle Blue/Orange - Transparent

Cross goggle compatibility with your motorcycle helmet

Why is it essential to try before you buy? There is no standard size. You need to make sure, for example, that the mask is not too wide in relation to the helmet. It must fit snugly without exerting pressure. To put it simply, the two elements must fit together perfectly. You should also check that the strap holding the mask in place is wide enough not to slip over the back of your helmet.

Staying within your budget

This is obviously an essential criterion. It will determine the overall quality of the mask, and therefore its lifespan, but also its resistance to impact, the solidity of the frame, etc. It's up to you to weigh it up according to your use.

The choice of screen is (almost) as important as the choice of chassis. And why is that? Because there's a plethora of colors to choose from, each with its own particularities. Let us guide you through this wide chromatic spectrum!

Transparent or clear screen

This is the one that adapts best to all weather conditions. Clear skies, rain, low light or full sun: it's versatile.

Smoked screen

Particularly suitable if you're sensitive to the sun's rays, it prevents unwanted glare. Be careful when choosing it, though, as it mustn't degrade color perception, or make it too dark, otherwise you'll constantly be seeing life in black.

Iridium screen

It acts like a mirror - which explains why some models are called Mirror. It reflects part of the light so you don't get too much in your eyes. It avoids glare without the blackout effect of smoked screens. It can be combined with colors.

----> 100% ACCURI 2 BLUE IRIDIUM BLUE motorcycle mask

----> Alpinestars SUPERTECH CORP Cross Goggle White Mirror - Silver

----> Alpinestars VISION 8 CORP Cross Goggle Black - Mirror Red

Polarized lens

This model eliminates some reflected light. It's the darling of winter sports because it protects the eyes from the reflection of snow on the ground. Its second advantage? It accentuates relief. So you can read the ground better. It's an invaluable asset when you're off-roading, trying to outwit a vicious root or the mischievous stones that litter the trails.

Blue screen

Perfect for winter riding in poor light conditions.

Yellow and orange screens

Enhance contrast in low-light conditions.

----> Motorcycle goggle 100% ACCURI 2 SNOW ORANGE YELLOW

----> Yellow screen for FMF VISION POWERBOMB / POWERCORE goggles

What are the selection criteria common to all these cross goggle models?

It's important to opt for a screen that's anti-UV - otherwise your ninja turtle tan will make all your colleagues laugh - and anti-fog, otherwise you won't be able to see a thing at the first sweat in your helmet. What's more, the screens are easily interchangeable. It's a good idea to carry a smoked screen with you, in case the sun makes an unexpected appearance.

Finally, we'd like to remind you that at Ixtem Moto, what we love is trail riding. In other words, a combination of on-road and off-road. Why do we tell you this? Because for all models, you need to make sure they're road-legal, so you can legally ride home on the main roads after your TT. And yes, the new ECE standard also puts screens through their paces. For full details, we invite you to read our detailed article on the subject.

In enduro or cross-country racing, every second counts. It's hard to imagine riders stopping, getting out the pack of tissues and cleaning the screen of their muddy masks.

The solution to this problem? Tear-Off

Detachable tabs. The principle is the same as your smartphone's protective screen. When it's too worn, you peel it off and change it. With this Tear-Off system, dozens of films are superimposed on top of each other to give you a head start. The problem? When you've got 200 drivers each scattering 50 plastic strips all over a circuit, you've got to be a little more environmentally friendly. That's why this technology has been banned from competition by the FFM.

This is how the Roll-off device came into being.

What does it mean? Rather than having a thousand and one screens, the film is presented in the form of a continuous reel. So, when you can't see anything, you simply pull a tab to activate the rollers and unwind an immaculate film before your astonished eyes.

Well, that's all very well, but it's a bit pompous if you're just going to hit the TransEuroTrail trails for a weekend, isn't it? The wipes or pack of tissues in the camel-bag option remains the best solution. Plus, you can enjoy the scenery while you scrub the screen.

----> Alpinestars SUPERTECH CORP Roll-Off Cross Goggle

Well, we hope this article has given you some clarity! By the way, if you've reached the end of this article, chances are you're a trail runner at heart. If so, we invite you to take a look at our blog. There are plenty of articles for you. For example: how to protect your bike off-road, how to ford a ford, or our tips for repairing a punctured tire on the trail. Happy reading!

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Image credits: header photo and biker in the sand - images by Freepik