When it comes to riding a motorcycle, safety and comfort are the most critical factors. Motorcycle goggles are protective gear made specifically for riders who want to enjoy the experience of riding while being protected. Selecting the right motorcycle goggles is important as they protect your eyes from debris, wind, and harmful UV rays. Moreover, the right pair of goggles can make all the difference between a thrilling ride and a frustrating experience. But with so many options on the market, how do you make an informed decision?
In this complete guide, we will explore essential factors such as lens types, fit and comfort, anti-fog features, and UV protection. Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting your off-road journey, understanding these key elements will help you make the best choice for your needs.
Why Should You Buy Motorcycle Riding Googles?
Protect Your Eyes from the Foreign Elements
When riding your bike through the wind, there is a high chance that something will enter your eyes. Any particle that enters your eyes immediately causes irritation and discomfort, taking your focus off the road. Therefore, wearing protective goggles is essential to safeguard your eyes while riding. The goggles design covers a larger area around your eyes and acts as a windshield.
Clear Vision in Any Weather
When on the road, riders can experience any kind of weather. Goggles with anti-fog or water-resistant coatings are especially helpful during rainy or humid conditions, as they prevent your lenses from fogging. You can enjoy a safe and comfortable ride with the right pair of goggles, no matter the weather.
Block Harmful Ultraviolet Rays
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to severe eye conditions. High-quality riding goggles with 100% UV protection shield your eyes from these damaging rays, reducing the risk of long-term eye health issues. Therefore, motorcycle riding goggles are useful for protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet UV rays.
Prevent Eye Fatigue
Motorcycle riding goggles are not just about protection; they also help prevent eye fatigue. Long rides can strain your eyes due to constant exposure to wind, dust, glare, and fluctuating light conditions. High-quality goggles act as a shield, reducing the strain caused by these elements.
Add Style to Your Ride
Motorcycle riding goggles offer protection and a stylish edge to your overall look. Available in a variety of designs, colors, and lens tints, they can complement your helmet and outfit, giving you a unique and personalized appearance.
How Do You Choose Motorcycle Goggles for a Safe Riding Experience?
Fit and Comfort
When choosing motorcycle riding goggles, fit and comfort should be top priorities. Goggles that fit well stay firmly in place, even during high-speed rides or sudden movements, ensuring your vision remains clear and unobstructed. Goggles with multi-layer foam are an excellent choice for enhanced protection and comfort. This design not only provides a soft feel against the skin but also creates an effective seal to block out wind, dust, and debris. While some motorcycle goggles come without foam, having foam padding is highly recommended for improved comfort and a secure seal.
Frame Design
Motorcyclists know that the road is unpredictable, and for safety, durability, and comfort during rides, the frame design plays a crucial role. Ergonomically shaped frames work seamlessly with helmets, preventing gaps that could let in wind or debris. Moreover, flexibility in frame design allows the goggles to adapt to any face shape.
For added functionality, impact-resistant frames are a must-have, as they can withstand minor collisions or drops without breaking. You can select frames tested for impact resistance by looking for the ANSI safety rating.
Material Considerations
The material with which the frame is constructed is also an important consideration. Goggles made with durable and lightweight materials like polycarbonate or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are the best options, as they ensure the right combination of durability and comfort when worn for long periods. TPU is also lightweight and flexible, making it an ideal material for safeguarding the eyes of riders when on the road.
Lens Material
The lens material is very important in ensuring safety and clear vision. For motorcyclists, polycarbonate lenses should be the most preferred because they tend to be impact-resistant and more durable than the cheaper acrylic lenses. Furthermore, polycarbonate lenses have a lightweight advantage over glass lenses, which tend to be fragile and uncomfortable for long periods of use.
Polycarbonate lenses were originally developed for fighter aircraft and, therefore, have the ability to be shatterproof. They are perfect for riders as they can withstand very high-speed debris and small collisions without breaking.
Lens Technology
Modern motorcycle riding goggles feature advanced lens technologies designed to enhance vision, comfort, and safety during rides. When selecting motocross goggles, the lens type you choose can significantly impact your riding experience.
Polarized lenses are highly beneficial for rides in bright or reflective environments because they reduce glare. On surfaces like wet roads or car windshields, with polarized motorcycle goggles, you can have improved visual clarity with reduced eye strain. These lenses are great for reducing glare. However, they are generally not considered good for motorcycle riding as they can cause visual distortions and reduce visibility when using digital displays such as GPS screens.
Another popular feature is photochromic lenses, which automatically adjust to changing light conditions. These lenses darken in bright sunlight and lighten in low light. This feature adapts to provide optimal visibility without the need to switch goggles or lenses when you transition between shaded areas and open terrain.
Additionally, mirrored lenses have a reflective coating that can reflect intense sunlight, reducing glare and light transmission. However, they may not perform well in low-light conditions. Also, you must keep in mind that mirrored lenses are more prone to scratches than other lenses.
Lens Color
Clear lenses are the most versatile option for motorcycle riders. They provide maximum light transmission, making them ideal for low-light conditions. While they lack protection from intense sunlight or glare, clear lenses excel in environments where visibility and precision are key. Clear lenses provide the highest percentage of visible light transmitted (VLT) at 86% to 96%.
On the other hand, tinted lenses are perfect for sunny days or bright conditions. You have the option to choose different tint levels, like light, medium, and dark. Some popular tint colors include:
- Gray: They reduce overall brightness without distorting colors, offering a natural view of the environment. Typically, allow 18-43% of light to pass through.
- Yellow or Amber: Excellent for low-light or overcast conditions. These lenses filter out blue light, improving distant objects' clarity. These lenses allow around 60-80% of light to pass through.
- Orange or Red Lenses: Improves contrast and depth perception, especially in low-light conditions, reducing eye strain caused by dim lighting. They allow 50-75% of light to pass through.
- Blue or Purple Lenses: Often used in environments with a lot of glare, such as on snow-covered roads. Usually, blue or purple lenses allow 30-50% of light to pass through.
Ventilation
Fogging can be a major issue, especially during cold or humid weather. High-quality goggles come with good ventilation systems and anti-fog coatings that can prevent fogging, maintaining a clear vision at all times. Some models have strategically placed adjustable vents that allow the riders to customize airflow based on weather conditions and personal preferences.
Helmet Compatibility
Helmet compatibility is also a crucial factor because you are going to wear your motorcycle goggles under helmet. And goggles should fit snugly with the helmet, especially around the eye-port, to stay in place during high-speed rides or falls. The strap should be adjustable, ensuring a firm yet comfortable hold without being too tight to remove.
It's important to check that the goggles are compatible with your helmet model. Make sure there are no interference, gaps, or pressure points that could cause discomfort or allow debris to enter.
Safety Standards and Certifications
Motorcycle goggles are considered protective equipment. Therefore, they should meet or exceed the safety standards set by different organizations. While choosing motorcycle goggles for your next ride, check for the following certifications:
- EN 166 certificate confirms that the motorcycle goggles comply with European eye protection standards.
- ANSI Z87.1 certificate is issued by the American National Standards Institute.
- MIL certificate confirming goggles are produced following the American Military Ballistics Standards.
Special Features To Enhance Your Riding Experience
Adjustable Straps
Goggles that fit well stay firmly in place, even during high-speed rides or sudden movements, ensuring that your vision remains clear and unobstructed. Therefore, you should always look for motorcycle goggles with adjustable straps that allow for a customized fit and padding around the frame to prevent pressure points and skin irritation.
Interchangeable Lenses
Interchangeable lenses for motorcycle glasses are very versatile. You have an option to swap lenses easily according to weather conditions. Riders can switch lenses easily, according to the weather. You can swap to a tinted lens on bright days or a clear lens in the dark. This customization with interchangeable lenses allows riders to adapt to changing environmental factors, enhancing safety and comfort on every ride.
Anti-fog coatings
Different manufacturers tend to treat the lens of goggles using a particular anti-fog coating. This coating prevents the fog buildup on the lens, which happens when moving from a cold to a warm environment. While purchasing motorcycle riding goggles, always look out for the ones that mention treatments or coatings for anti-fogging.
UV protection
Being exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods without protection increases the likelihood of eye damage and face burning due to ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, most motorcycle goggles models feature built-in UV protection compared to regular sunglasses that offer limited protection. This acts as a shield against harmful ultraviolet rays, preventing eye strain, cataracts, or any such hindrances to the proper health of the eyes.
Tips for Maintaining Motorcycle Riding Goggles
When it comes to your motorcycle riding glasses, routine cleaning and maintenance are crucial to keep them in optimal shape.
- To clean the goggles, use a microfiber cloth or lens cleaning wipes to gently wipe away dirt, dust, or moisture. Avoid using rough materials, as they can scratch the lenses.
- It's important to thoroughly clean the frames as well because dirt can build up on the frames. You can use the bristles of a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas, but make sure not to scratch the lens.
- If your motorcycle goggles are equipped with an anti-fog coating, consider applying an anti-fog solution to maintain its effectiveness.
- When not in use, store your goggles in a protective case to prevent scratches, dirt buildup, and accidental damage.
Raytice: A Trusted Name in Motorcycle Goggles
Choosing the right motorcycle goggles is essential for safety and comfort during your rides. At Raytice, we understand that high-quality goggles can enhance your visibility and vision, especially in challenging road conditions.
Therefore, our lightweight motorcycle riding goggles come with high-impact and scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses that provide 100% UVA/UVB protection. The interchangeable lens option makes our goggles ideal for any type of light condition.
In addition to the high-performance lenses, our goggles are built with flexible and durable TPU frames that are flexible and durable. They can withstand high impact, ensuring protection during high-speed rides. Moreover, with the adjustable straps, moisture-wicking foam, and ventilation systems, the motorcycle goggles remain comfortable during use.
Raytice strives to bring you the best eyewear, including various features like anti-fog coating, scratch resistance, and UV protection. Explore our motorcycle goggles today and have fun riding your motorcycle.
Conclusion
Choosing the right motorcycle goggles is essential for your safety, comfort, and performance on the road. Whether it's protecting your eyes from debris, reducing glare, or ensuring a snug fit, the right pair of goggles can make all the difference in your ride. If you study the aspects mentioned above before making a purchase decision, you can choose the perfect pair that suits your needs, enhancing your riding experience.
FAQ:
Can I Wear Glasses Under My Motorcycle Helmet?
Yes, you can wear glasses under your motorcycle helmet. Many helmets are designed to accommodate eyewear with special padding and slots on the sides for your comfort. However, it's important to choose the right glasses and helmet to ensure comfort and safety.
What Color Lens is Best for Motorcycle Riding?
A gray lens is considered the best color, providing good glare reduction while maintaining accurate color perception across various lighting conditions. However, the color of the lens depends upon the lighting condition. Yellow lenses are suitable for low-light situations, while grey lenses are suitable for sunny days.
What Color Lens is Best for Night Riding?
For night riding, a clear lens is considered the best option. A clear lens with an anti-reflective coating reduces the glare, providing clear vision. Moreover, yellow tint is also suitable for low-light conditions in tinted lenses.
Are Polarized Glasses Good for Motorcycle Riding?
Polarized lenses are good for improving your capability to see colors more directly as they block out certain light wavelengths. However, glasses with polarized lenses are generally not considered good for motorcycle riding as they can cause visual distortions and reduce visibility when using digital displays such as GPS screens.
