In basketball, ten players wearing just a tank-top, shorts, and shoes participate in a four-quarter battle on the court. Athletes leap through the air, fight for loose balls, and block each other with their bodies-a combination of raw power and grace. Whether we are watching or playing, from Primetime on TV to youth leagues, we can see the blood, sweat, and emotions on the players' faces, connecting us to the game in a unique way. This is also the same reason the American Academy of Pediatrics found that basketball is the leading cause of sports eye injuries in kids. By wearing the right basketball goggles we can prevent 90% of serious eye injuries, creating a safe environment for our kids to play the game without detracting from what makes basketball special.
The most common injuries in all sports include being hit, struck, or poked in the eye. With the correct protective eyewear, these injuries can easily be boxed out.
This isn't just about how to buy basketball goggles. It's also about learning how to make an investment in protecting the players' eyes. Find out what features are needed to play safely on the court.
Contents
1. What to Look for in Basketball Goggles
1.1. Lens Safety Technology
1.2. Frame Technology
1.3. Sizing
1.4. Padding
1.5. Goggle Strap Vs. Temple Pieces
1.6. Anti-Reflective Vs. Anti-Fog
2. Top Basketball Goggles
2.1.Wiley X Gamer
2.1. Progear Eyeguard L
2.3. Rec Specs Maxx 31
3. Get Prescription Basketball Goggles At SportRx
What to Look for in Basketball Goggles
Lens Safety Technology
The single most important feature is to ensure your basketball goggle lenses are made out of polycarbonate and are ATSM F803 certified. An ASTM F803 certification means your basketball goggle lenses can withstand a 40 to 65.1-millimeter projectile fired at a rate of 90 mph. This will keep your eyes safe from accidents and dirty players as the goggle lenses won't break or become separated from the frame during play. The ASTM F803 rating is different than the ANSI Z87.1. The ANSI Z87.1 standard protects the wearer's eyes from a 6.5-millimeter projectile fired at 102 mph. The easiest way to think about this is that ANSI is for the job site and ASTM is for the court.
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Frame Technology
When looking at frames, go beyond the color scheme and sleek designs, ensuring they're made out of polycarbonate. This is the same stuff they make bulletproof glass from meaning it's virtually indestructible. In basketball terms, this means the frames won't break after receiving a Barkley style elbow to the face during pickup games at the Y.
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Sizing
Ensure the goggle sits snug against the face and covers the entire eye socket. This will keep sneaky fingers from slipping under the goggle and will distribute the impact of a direct hit around the socket. The best basketball goggles are made a little smaller than glasses, meaning if you wear a size 53 in glasses going up to a 55 in goggles will fit you just fine. For assistance with sizing feel free to Contact Us, and our sports opticians will answer all your questions.
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Padding
Older or lower quality goggles with full padding actually reduce air circulation around the eyes, causing lenses to fog. A high-quality basketball goggle will include padding in strategic places, helping to absorb impacts while holding the goggle in place. Rubber padding on the bridge, temples, and around the front will keep air flowing around the eyes while softening the force of a direct blow.
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Goggle Strap Vs. Temple Pieces
To go full goggle or not to go full goggle, that is the question. This one is entirely up to the wearer and what feels the best on their head. There are numerous examples of professional basketball players opting for temple pieces over the goggle strap and vice versa. Why not go with both, giving you the option to choose? Numerous brands include quick disconnects on the frames allowing the user to go from a more conventional glasses type set up to full goggle mode with the push of a button.
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Anti-Reflective Vs. Anti-Fog
Anti-reflective lenses help reduce those annoying halo effects around lights at night while also reducing glare. This can be extremely helpful when playing that Thursday night pickup game or when balling on a freshly waxed court. Adding an anti-fog coating will reduce the effects of anti-reflective lenses. Because of this, we recommend skipping the anti-fog coating and going with anti-reflective lenses. The wearer can eliminate fogging lenses by getting a high quality pair of goggles that allow for air circulation around the eyes.
Top Basketball Goggles
The following list includes a great start for reducing serious eye injury and increasing longevity on the court. All basketball goggles listed below include the features listed above. If you want to see more goggles check out our article on Best Basketball Goggles of 2019 and find your pair today.
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Wiley X Gamer
Wiley X Gamer in Matte Black & Dark Silver with Clear Lenses
Shop Wiley X Gamer
The Wiley X Gamer is part of Wiley X's Youth Force Collection, but don't let the name full you. This basketball goggle is perfect for adults and older teens. Wiley X is a SportRx favorite as their products provide you comfort and safety during practice and games. All goggles in Wiley X's Youth Force Collection include the temples, temple straps, and a goggle strap, so you can decide how you want to wear them. Wiley X's Youth Force collection frames include a hard case and soft bag to protect the gear that protects you. The Force Collection is a growing product line by Wiley X, with the major differences being the sizing of the goggle.
Check out more on the Wiley X Gamer or the complete Wiley X Youth Force Collection to find the perfect basketball goggles for your little superstar.
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Progear Eyeguard L
Progear Eyeguard L in Metallic Black with Clear Lenses
Shop Progear Eyeguard L
The Eyeguard series provides comfort, adjustability, protection, and value as it's the least expensive brand in our Best Basketball Goggles of 2019 article. Progear makes 3 different versions of the Eyeguard basketball goggles: the Eyeguard L, Eyeguard M, and Eyeguard S. The only difference between the goggles is their sizing. The Eyeguard L is Progear's largest version that's made for adults and older teens. Read more about the Progear Eyeguard L by viewing our single product review.
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Rec Specs Maxx 31
Rec Specs Maxx 31 in Crimson with Clear Lenses
Shop Rec Specs Maxx 31
The Rec Specs Maxx 31 will help adults and older teenagers concentrate on the full-court press and not their eyewear. Rec Specs Maxx 31 incorporates impact absorbing silicone pads in the bridge and temples helping them to stay in place while providing additional protection during more intense competition. See more of the Rec Specs Maxx 31, by reading our single product review. If you're looking for a smaller version for your child athlete check out the Rec Specs Maxx 21.
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Get Prescription Basketball Goggles at SportRx
Need prescription basketball 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 basketball goggles.
Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your 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 basketball goggles at SportRx today!
