FOOTHILL RANCH, CA – Oakley, Inc. today announced the release of Airbrake™ MX, the culmination of 35 years of goggle evolution and a landmark of technology. The first ever MX goggles with impact-resistant Plutonite® lens material, Airbrake MX is engineered to set a new standard for protection as it raises the bar for performance and convenience.

“Not since the early days of motocross has a single goggle design brought so much innovation,” said Oakley CEO Colin Baden. “Our goal was to invent a goggle that would make riders invincible, and make ordinary goggles obsolete. Armed with all the benefits of decades of Oakley R&D, Airbrake MX is a true game-changer. Every other goggle is now competing for second place.”

Baden continued, “In pro racing, concentration demands confidence, and riders get it by knowing Oakley goggles are engineered with industry-leading protection. And when it comes to protection, Airbrake MX is the ultimate.”

Typical MX lenses are stamp cut from flat sheets of generic material then bent to fit conventional goggles, and the crude process can result in optical distortion. All Airbrake MX lenses are injection molded under extreme pressure to create a contour of optically correct geometry, achieving the precision and clarity pro riders need for performance and safety.

All lenses for this interchangeable-lens design are composed of Oakley Plutonite, an optically-pure impact-resistant synthetic that has been proven by those who cannot compromise on protection. Oakley Switchlock™ Technology makes the process of lens changing quick and easy, allowing the wearer to adapt to changing light conditions and optimize vision for the environment.

To match the protection of durability with the highest possible level of comfort, Airbrake MX is composed of durable yet lightweight O Matter® combined with urethane. The rigid outer frame holds the lens securely without bending that can cause visual distortion, and a soft and pliable inner faceplate conforms to facial contours for a fit that feels custom made.

Answering the demands of MX pros, the sleek frame design has lens curvature that maximizes the field of vision. In addition to a wide peripheral view with uncompromising visual fidelity, Airbrake MX offers an optimized fit that takes into account the vertical frame orientation when the rider is in racing position — crouched over the bars with bent elbows — so the lens is positioned precisely in front of the eyes.

Airbrake MX is engineered to be fully adaptable, and the benefits go beyond the conven­ience of Switchlock interchangeable lens technology. Riders can quickly go from roll-offs to tear-offs, and easily swap out faceplates, outrigger configurations and straps. Motocross can push goggle endurance to the limit, so Oakley matched uncompromising durability with a design that makes Airbrake MX virtually rebuildable. Customers will not have to purchase an entirely new goggle when a component such as a faceplate finally wears out or becomes damaged.

This new Oakley goggle will be available with a revolutionary roll-off system that utilizes a fully-integrated cartridge canister inside the outrigger strap attachment for the ultimate in conven­ience. A clean surface moves into position with the tug of a drawstring, and the vertical field of view has been maximized to let riders see more of the track in front of them. Compared to ordinary roll-offs, the new Airbrake MX system increases the total field of view by nearly a third, and expands the vertical field by a full 60%. The roll-off system is slated for release on May 1st.

Baden added, “We innovate beyond reason to serve the uncompromising performance demands of world-class riders like Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Ryan Dungey, Ryan Villopoto and others who take the beyond-reason approach to pushing their limits in competition. With the ultimate in technology, Airbrake MX redefines the limits of possibility as it sets a new standard for protection.”

Oakley’s new Airbrake MX goggle is available at select motorsport retail locations, Oakley Stores and via http://www.oakley.com/airbrakemx. Ten different styles are available in the initial release, and the retail price is between US$160 and US$210. In addition to the race-ready roll-off editions, two Signature Series designs are slated for release on May 1st. The Ryan Villopoto Signature Series Airbrake MX will be available worldwide, and the Jeffrey Herlings Signature Series Airbrake MX will be released in Europe.

Visit oakley.com/airbrakemx, and learn more about the company’s premium performance MX goggles.