Goggle Review: Oakley Wisdom

Having reviewed the Oakley A Frame earlier, I wanted to get a hold of the bigger Wisdoms for a review. Luckily I was able to get my hands on a pair for a review.   While the  A Frame can be a snug fit on larger faces/heads, the Wisdom feels much more at home on larger faces/heads.  The goggle is one of the largest Oakley offers in SNOW, and one of the most expensive, coming in at starting MSRP of $95 up well over $100 configured.

The Wisdom is an interesting goggle.  The size of the goggle itself is large enough for most bigger faces.   The strap is long enough to work with most XL-XXL helmets, and carries the big Oakley logo. Oakley designed the Wisdom frame with ventilation in mind, as the frame has multiple venting areas, which help alleviate fogging.  The lenses included also include Anti-Fog coating, so you can ride all day without worry.

I really dig the Wisdom and honestly, of the goggles I've reviewed and used, the Wisdom ranks in the top favorites, but the Wisdom  has a few quirks.  The Wisdom goggle has this interesting articulating strap connection.  I think generally it's a great idea, but man it makes for a funky helmet fit with some helmets.  The plastic strap brushed up against the helmet when testing with a R.E.D. Hi-Fi II, and Giro helmet.  The issue? When the plastic strap connection rubs the helmet, the goggle sits oddly on the face due to the strap connection resting on the helmet.   I'm trying to figure out a way to alleviate this issue, as it's the only negative I've found with these goggles.   In terms of comfort, Oakley wants riders to be comfy, and has slapped triple foam with fleece into the inside of the goggles for a super soft fit. The venting is excellent  helping to alleviate fog, and ensure you're noggin doesn't get overly hot.

I don't spend much time with the lenses because you can swap lenses pretty easily with most Oakley goggles.  The Wisdom is a lightweight goggle, and is insanely comfortable.  The goggle boasts up to 18% better peripheral vision than the ever so popular A-Frame, and quite honestly I believe it.  The lens is large, providing an insane amount of viewing area from all angles.    Oh.. another small quirk, the nose bridge is cut somewhat deep, and some riders may find their nose doesn't quite fill out the bridge area.  It's not a huge issue, but definitely try the goggles on to see if you like this fit scenario because it can be a bit weird initially.   I got used to it pretty quick.   If you're not wearing a helmet, most of the fit issues with the bridge, and the strap are non-existent.   Generally speaking I really like the Wisdom goggle, even though it has those two quirks when I use a helmet.   I think Oakley has designed a pretty solid goggle that fits larger heads/faces and provides a great visual experience.

Final Thoughts:

• One of the largest SNOW goggles Oakley Offers
• Articulating strap connector can make things funky with a helmet
• Can be pricey, but worth the price
• Anti-Fogging system works well
• Comfortable fit