Scott Prospect Goggles - Review

Nov 1, 2016
by Olly Forster  
2017 Scott Prospect Goggles Review


How do you improve upon something that hasn't really changed in the last fifteen to twenty years? After all, the humble goggle in its current and most recognized form, while long in the tooth, does its job so well that it has allowed most goggle manufacturers to focus on redefining fashion rather than design. Swiss super brand Scott Sports, however, saw an opportunity to hit the drawing board. More recognized within the mountain bike community for their range of bikes, Scott also have a rich history in the world of action sports optics, spanning a staggering 45-years. Their latest offering for the off-road world, the Prospect goggle, boasts a host of innovations ranging from a radical lens locking system, to a field of vision which Scott claim is unparalleled. We were lucky enough to get our hands on a set earlier this year and quickly set about putting them through their paces.


Scott Prospect Goggle Review
Scott Prospect Details:
• Lens Lock System
• Articulated outriggers
• 3-Layer face foam
• Extra wide 50mm no-slip silicone strap
• Scott TruView lens
• Anti-Fog lens treatment
• Breathable mesh back panel
• Spare lens and goggle bag included
• Made in the USA and Austria
• Removable noseguard
• Available in 8 colorways
• MSRP: $99.95 USD
www.scott-sports.com


Out of the box

Dwarfing Scott's previous top-of-the-line goggle silhouette, the Tyrant (which they've also superseded), the Prospects are larger than just about every every other goggle out there, including Oakley's larger than average Airbrake MX frame. The strap is 50mm wide for starters - that's 10mm more than most and, coupled with the huge frame and windshield-like lens, I was worried they wouldn't fit in any of my helmets. They did, but the fit was certainly close, even in the size large Troy Lee Designs D3 pictured. It was better in others, like POC's Coron helmet, but it could be an issue on some of the older helmet designs still in production as well as youth sized MTB-specific helmets. Aside from their dimensions, the Prospect goggles felt resoundingly tough, well manufactured and the addition of a microfibre carry bag and a spare lens was also welcome.


Lens Lock System

The 'Lens Lock' retention system utilizes a clear channel cut into the frame, and four “locks” at either end and at the top and bottom of the goggle which correspond to four strategically placed holes in the lens. As you can see from the video below, the lens effortlessly slots into the channel and is then secured in place by the four locks. While the lens is still manufactured from good old Lexan, a traditional material used for years, it is 0.2mm thicker than previous lenses used by Scott. Both the locking system and the marginally thicker lens reduce the likelihood of anything coming loose and ultimately compromising safety.

2017 Scott Prospect Goggles Review
The lens locks into the frame via four small holes.
2017 Scott Prospect Goggles Review
The lens locking system is really easy to operate.


While the forces which could not only cause a lens to come loose or be penetrated, are issues more associated with motocross, where high speeds and flying debris are a constant threat, it does have another benefit for us mountain bikers. Aside from the peace of mind which naturally resonates from using equipment designed to withstand the punishment of a sport like motocross, the system also removes the faff and frustration associated with lens removal and installation. This alone will be a welcome addition to those who regularly change lenses to suit conditions, or break goggles down for routine cleaning.




On the trail

Slipping the Prospects over my helmet and once in place, their fit and feel was immediately on point and right up there with similar premium goggles. Lacking any pressure points, especially around the nose (which is an issue I've found on some goggles) - I was immediately greeted with an almost endless field of view. Wearing goggles can sometimes give that locked-in claustrophobic feeling, especially when you roll your eyes and can see the edges of the goggle frame. While the large frame and lens help remove this tunnel-like sensation, the exceptionally shallow depth of the frame and foam play a significant role as well. Handling the large 50mm strap does feel weird at first, especially after using goggles for a long time, as it is a whopping 10mm thicker than just about every other goggle out there. Equipped with two large lines of silicone to stick to your helmet, the strap does a superb job of keeping things neatly in place.

2017 Scott Prospect Goggles Review
The fit and feel of any goggles will depend on a variety factors, not least the individual shape of your face and helmet.


The supplied lenses are of the highest quality too, especially the 'orange chrome works' lens which really surprised me, even in contrasting light conditions. I've never been a big fan of tinted goggle lenses due to the frequency and speed when entering areas of dark tree cover from sections of open-piste. This creates a medley of issues not least because a tinted lens reduces light penetration in areas where it's in short supply, and the enhancement of shadows in wooded sections can easily catch you out. Getting a balance between UV protection when you need it and unimpeded vision throughout is hard, but with a clear blue sky and a beaming sun, the supplied chrome lens proved a valued addition, especially with the more universally useful clear lens also included. The lenses also have a superb anti-fog coating which, after countless days of use, is still working. Thanks to Scott opting for a Lexan lens over a pricier molded lens, they'll also be relatively cheap to replace, should they eventually loose their de-misting prowess or become too scratched. Moisture management was similarly up there as well and it took four days of constant back-to-back use for the foam to give up on me. A quick dip in the sink, followed by a night to dry out and they felt as good as new again.



Pinkbike's Take
bigquotesThankfully Scott haven't reinvented something that didn't need reinventing with the Prospect. They have instead taken what worked and what could be improved upon and bottled it. And, while it could be suggested that nearly all goggles are "cookie cutter" products designed for moto and sold to mountain bikers, based on our sports tangible parallels, the Prospects thankfully lack that feeling of taking a gun to a knife fight. Aptly engineered, rather than over-engineered and coming in at a price which is still less than other premium goggles, the Prospects should raise eyebrows for many reasons, not least because they offer a viable alternative to looking like the flock at your local bike park or DH track. - Olly Forster



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MENTIONS: @SCOTT-Sports



Author Info:
ollyforster avatar

Member since Jun 8, 2005
78 articles

35 Comments
  • 57 5
 Looks like a great product, are they compatible with enduro?
  • 41 4
 I'm not sure if you're serious or joking when you ask that...
  • 35 3
 @giantbird: any reasonable person would know that these are cyclocross only. The Enduro ones come with the added nasal protection.
  • 4 3
 Do they come with Prizm lenses?
  • 3 2
 @hoolydooly: if they don't i'm not even considering buying them, riding without Prism technology is like riding with my eyes closed.
  • 40 5
 Yes they come in Enduro version with compartment for multi tool and ID card. Instead of a strap you get a little fanny pack attached to frame of the goggles... Then they come in Park Bro version with lens dusted and scratched out of the box. Finally in Hardtail Bad Ass version, that is without lens. They make you a better rider.
  • 4 10
flag Husker2112 (Nov 2, 2016 at 6:48) (Below Threshold)
 @hoolydooly: Exactly what I was wondering, in other words, are they Hillary Clinton ccompatible?
  • 2 0
 @giantbird: that a very serious question. I was pretty concern about it.
  • 36 0
 The only goggles I wear are beer.
  • 4 1
 Like Ronnie Mac!
  • 2 0
 Everything looks better with those.
  • 1 0
 They are actually pretty good goggles, EKS brand came up with a new model this year as well, and its half the price
  • 17 9
 I like it how Mr Scott tries to be more than 100% while keeping up with the Smiths.
  • 5 0
 Oh crap I thought these were smith's. Thanks for the clarification.
  • 6 1
 Great product but still a bit on the expensive side of things around 100 bucks,i stick to my Melon Parker MX goggles which is below half the price of Prospects,you can customize the whole goggle and it is using large/wide lenses too that are also larger than Oakley Airbrake goggles,
  • 3 1
 I've also got Melons.....and I can almost guarantee that ours look different....plus they are only £30.....I love mine, swap out the lenses depending on the weather etc....
Great find
  • 2 1
 @CornishKiwi: Second that. My only gripe - and it's a small one - is that the Melon straps don't have silicone moulded on the inside to keep them in place on the back of the lid. @melonoptics (I presume they have an account on here)
  • 2 0
 Thanks for pointing these out, I've been looking for good but affordable goggles
  • 6 1
 Thank God it's not made by Luxottica.
  • 2 1
 A proven outrigger design, nothing new there. The foam looks sweet on those. I had serious problems on my smith's with the foam becoming kelp-y after a few dozen laps.
  • 2 1
 I like the lock system. It's always a bit disheartening to get your new lens in the frame only to see its plastered with prints.
  • 1 0
 Not sure how you figure this will change that. Watch the lens change video, he has his fingers all over the things. And I can't say I've ever had a problem will lenses popping out of any goggles. Seems like a fix for an imaginary problem. But hey, they can charge more now!
  • 1 0
 @lostlunchbox: I clearly am hamfisted when it comes to goggle lens installation. Seems I can never get the last tab to hold without manhandling the thing to death
  • 1 0
 @robwhynot: Lol, i know what you mean, i just don't see any major benefit here. Still gotta wipe down the lenses after. Now a "sandwich" locking system, where the entire face plate came off and you just dropped the lenses in, would make sense to me. Kinda thought that's where they were gonna go with these. (Feel free to send me a free pair of goggles, company that uses this idea)
  • 1 0
 Doesn't TLD look too small in the picture. Like its sitting on top of your head not over it. The chin bar doesn't even cover the bottom of the jaw. weird.
  • 3 1
 Wonder how this will fit a Small Fox rampage pro
  • 1 1
 Scott really makes some nice looking and stylish products, i like most of their stuff..But let's just hope the goggles are stronger than their bikes..
  • 7 5
 looks like a session
  • 2 2
 I'm interested to know, which parts are made in the USA and which parts are made in Austria?
  • 3 4
 So Austria got annexed by US?
  • 2 1
 Good to see an unbiased view, I look forward to getting a pair
  • 2 1
 Scott a lot of potential to be a top seller methinks.
  • 6 5
 I'd buy those,for $40
  • 8 4
 I'd put my face between a pair
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