Whether it's dry, fatigued eyes, keeping up with changing lighting conditions, or sheer discomfort, there's many irritants motorcyclists experience regarding their eyewear. But we don't have to endure it! Stick with us as we cover 7 things to know before you buy motorcycle goggles and discover which features enhance your ride, rather than cut it short.
7 Things to Know Before You Buy Motorcycle Goggles
1. Coverage & Wind Protection
2. Helmet Compatibility
3. Open or Closed-Cell Foam
3.1. Open-Cell Foam
3.2. Closed-Cell Foam
4. Impact Resistance
5. Glasses vs. Goggles
6. Transitions Lenses
7. Prescription Lenses at SportRx
Watch as Sunglass Rob takes us through 7 things to know before you buy motorcycle goggles.
1. Coverage & Wind Protection
Regarding coverage, consider your helmet. If it's open-faced, your goggles will be your main source of protection from wind, dust, and other debris. The bigger the lenses the better! You also want a wraparound shape that conforms to the curve of your head for full coverage that doesn't allow any light through the top or sides of the frame.
2. Helmet Compatibility
Since you'll be wearing your helmet and goggles in tandem, you want to verify they fit comfortably together. The strap should be snug around the helmet, but not difficult to remove. If you prefer glasses, slim, straightback temples with rubber backing work best at preventing them from being pressed into the sides of your head.
3. Open or Closed-Cell Foam
While some motorcycle glasses come without foam, it's recommended to have it for padding and protection, especially in dusty or windy environments. There are 2 types of foam for your motorcycle goggles, each with pros and cons.
Open-Cell Foam
Open-cell foam is soft and compressible, less expensive, and easier to replace. It's a good insulator, but because of this, it can get water logged and the foam is not as durable as closed-cell foam.
Closed-Cell Foam
Closed-cell foam is lightweight and durable, able to resist most solvents, and buoyant, making it a better choice if you're near water. Because it's stronger and more flexible than open-cell foam, it's typically more expensive and difficult to replace.
4. Impact Resistance
The road is unpredictable, and for that you need motorcycle goggles that are durable and lasting. You'll want a frame constructed from nylon or injection-molded plastic. Even better, you can select frames tested for impact resistance by looking for the ANSI safety rating.
5. Glasses vs. Goggles
The type of helmet you have determines whether you wear glasses or goggles. A full-face helmet typically requires glasses, as goggles can be too bulky to fit properly beneath a face shield. If you have an open-face helmet, goggles will be much more effective at shielding your eyes from wind and staying firmly in place.
6. Transitions Lenses
If you're on the road from day to night, or you want your eyewear to accommodate both a work and riding environment, you may want to consider Transitions lenses. These lenses automatically lighten and darken according to your surroundings. There are 4 main types of Transitions lenses, each with a different level of tint.
Transitions Xtractive is recommended for motorcycle riders because it is virtually clear indoors and completely dark in the sun. It is also the fastest transitioning lens. For even more information on Transitions check out Transitions Lenses: A Comparison of Each Type.
7. Prescription Lenses at SportRx
Prescription goggles or sunglasses are the perfect way to make the most of every ride. While contacts are great for some things, you definitely don't want to deal with dry, itchy, or blurry contacts while driving a motorcycle. Experience both clarity and comfort with prescription motorcycle goggles so you can ride off into the sunset with confidence.
Prescription Motorcycle Glasses & Goggles at SportRx
Need prescription motorcycle glasses or goggles? Done. When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tooltips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, Contact Us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build your prescription motorcycle glasses or goggles.
Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your glasses or goggles for 45 days. If you’re not satisfied, send them back. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your pair of prescription motorcycle glasses or goggles at SportRx today!
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We don't have lenses we can send you to see the Transitions in action, and the prices depend on the brand and what additional features you add to your prescription. The starting price for adding the Transitions option to your prescription order is $75 with additional choices for a more customized experience. Look for a frame that interests you and customize your lenses however you want. You're also backed by the See Better Guarantee when you order from us. If you don't like what you get, you can send it back for a full refund.
Please Contact Us or give us a call at 888.831.5817 to chat with one of our customer service opticians. We can help you find what you need for your next ride fast.
Have a great day!