Melon Optics Diablo Mountain Bike Goggles Review
I just got back from a brilliant ride on my emtb. It was the first time I got to wear my new Melon Optics Diablo goggles, and I have to say that I loved them for many reasons.
What Are The Melon Optics Diablo Goggles?
The Melon Optics Diablo goggles are high-performing mountain bike goggles. They are an evolution of Melon’s Parker goggles with extra features to make them even better for mountain bikers who ride wearing full-face helmets.
What Made Me Choose The Diablo Goggles?
My previous goggles were Oakly O frames, which have lasted me several years despite heavy use. They served me well, especially considering how cheap they were, but the strap has become saggy, the foam around the frame is starting to peel off, and the lens is becoming cloudy.
As I contemplated buying new mountain bike goggles, I had an email alert announcing Melon’s collaboration with Iron Maiden. They have a limited run of Iron Maiden goggles, glasses, and gloves, which appealed to me greatly. I also thought it was about time I bought some quality mountain bike goggles with decent lenses and proper UV protection.
Trying to not get seduced by the Iron Maiden branding, I took a closer look at the Diablo’s features:
One Piece Outrigger
The outrigger comprises the extensions at each side of the frame, which the strap runs through. Melon says this design gives you even pressure across your face and superior fit.
Deflector
The deflector is built into the outrigger and funnels air into the goggle’s vents. The extra air keeps your face cool and prevents the lens from fogging.
Triple Layer Face Foam
The foam around the inside of the frame is super-soft, providing a high level of comfort and sweat absorption.
360 Degree Venting
This system maximizes airflow from all angles. The result is clear vision even when you’re getting hot from pedaling hard.
Rip N' Roll Compatible
I probably won’t need this, but you can buy Rip N Roll lens covers to clear your lens of mud and water on bad weather days.
Switchfast Strap System
Melon Optics makes all its products extremely customizable. You can choose the perfect combination to dial in your style when you order. I chose the Iron Maiden Eddie strap featuring pictures of the iconic mascot. But you can also buy a new strap to change the look later. Hopefully, I won’t need to do this unless Bruce Dickinson upsets someone and causes a scandal.
UV Lexan Lenses
The lenses are also replaceable and provide 100% UP protection. In fact, my Irion Maiden Diablos came with an additional clear lens as I placed my order as soon as they were available on pre-order.
Super Wide View
Melon has fitted the Diablo goggles with a 17.5cm lens, which offers a wide field of view. This appealed to me both on and off the trail. I often have to ride along a busy road to get to and from the lifts in Morzine. When looking over my shoulder, I found the narrowish field of view from my old goggles made it difficult to see traffic coming up behind me.
How Do The Melon Optics Diablo Goggles Feel And Perform?
Feel
I was impressed by their fit when I put the goggles on over my mountain bike helmet. For reference, I ride with a Fox Proframe full-face mountain bike helmet. I love this helmet, but unfortunately, the Diablos don’t fit under the fixed peak when I want to take them off. Therefore, I turn them around so they face backward and tuck the strap under the peak for security until I want to put them back on.
These goggles fit perfectly with my helmet, and the soft foam feels plush and cozy. It’s like a warm face hug from your favorite grandma but in mountain bike goggle form.
The foam does an excellent job of keeping the sweat out of your eyes. I had just finished riding to the top of the mountain (the lifts are closed this time of year) before putting the goggles on for the descent. I was still a bit sweaty (even from riding an emtb), but the foam absorbed my perspiration, allowing me to concentrate and enjoy the ride back down.
Performance
The fit makes the Melon Optics Diablo goggles super secure. They don’t press down on the top of your nose or jiggle around on bumpy terrain. I rode a red downhill run called “Da Trail” in Morzine, which is quite rooty and has a few step downs/little drops, and the goggles stayed exactly where I put them for the whole run down.
Lens
I opted for the blue lens as it has the lightest VLT of 36%, and I thought it would be best for the varying light conditions when I ride in and out of the trees.
The light on today’s ride was mainly grey and dull as rain clouds were approaching. But the sun did poke out a few times, giving me a good mix of light conditions to see how the lens performed.
I was impressed with the Diablo’s lens, and DA Trail was the perfect place to test its performance. I liked how the Diablo’s lens enhanced contrast and the details of the techy MTB trail. My friend has a red lens, which he reckons is even better. Maybe I’ll try that one when it’s time to replace my blue one, but I’m more than happy with my choice.
Final Thoughts On The Melon Optics Diablo Mountain Bike Goggles
As you can see, I’m pretty happy with my choice. I don’t know why I haven’t treated myself to a decent pair of mountain bike goggles before. Especially as during the winter, I ensure my snowboard goggles are high quality and have interchangeable lenses to suit the conditions.
I just want to say that Melon hasn’t paid me to write this review or given me anything for it, nor am I an affiliate. This is a genuine account of my experience with the goggles. They are still brand new, so if I experience any problems or more positives, I’ll update this blog accordingly.
If you have any questions or thoughts on these goggles, please leave them in the comments section below.
