There are so many lens types for motorcycle sunglasses, it's easy to get bogged down with the details. Luckily for you, we're here to make your lens decision as painless as possible. Read on to learn more about the best lenses for motorcycle sunglasses. You can also check out our Motorcycle Sunglasses and Goggles Buyer's Guide for the types of frames to look for.
Table of Contents
1. Clear Lenses
2. What is the Best Lens Color for Motorcycle Sunglasses?
3. Lens Materials
4. Should I Wear Polarized Lenses for Motorcycling?
5. Transitions® for Motorcycle Sunglasses
6. Lens Coatings
6.1. Mirror
6.2. Anti-Reflective
6.3. Anti-Fog
6.4. Anti-Scratch
7. Prescription Motorcycle Sunglasses at SportRx
Eyeglass Tyler covers motorcycle lenses in the video below. Watch or keep reading to learn more!
Clear Lenses
First up on our list is riding with clear lenses. Tyler says most motorcycle riders he knows also ride at night, and clear lenses are the best for that. But while they're best for the nighttime, you're going to be squinting during the daytime.
What is the Best Lens Color for Motorcycle Sunglasses?
You're likely going to need tinted lenses, so to decide which one is best, think about the conditions when you ride.
Tyler's favorite for motorcycling is a contrast-enhancing lens like brown or dark rose copper. These lighter tints boost contrast and help you see better in low-light conditions but work relatively well in sunny weather.
If it's sunny or you're sensitive to light, a grey base tint helps to darken your surroundings while still being true to color. These tints are also good if you're not a fan of contrast.
Lens Materials
First off, ditch the glass and plastic lenses. These are great for your everyday lifestyle sunglasses, but don't wear them out on the bike. Glass and plastic are far easier to break, so one piece of debris could spell the end for your favorite sunglasses. Instead, go for polycarbonate or Tyler's personal favorite, Trivex. These are both shatterproof and will protect your eyes better in a fall.
If you want an extra check on the safety list, look for safety ratings such as ANSI or ballistics. These frames are tested for impact resistance so that flying objects hitting the lenses at high speeds won't break them or dislodge them from the frame. All Wiley X frames are ANSI rated, and some 7eye sunglasses are too.
Should I Wear Polarized Lenses for Motorcycling?
Polarized lenses block glare, which is great if you ride on busy roads or by the water. We usually recommend them for motorcycling, but know that they might cause digital dashboard displays to black out. In this case, you know your bike best, and you know what will work and not work for you.
Transitions® for Motorcycle Sunglasses
Transitions®, the brand name for photochromic lenses, change tints based on the amount of sunlight they're under. So if you expect long rides or want to wear your sunglasses indoors and out, consider Transitions®! They're also a great option if you expect a lot of changing weather.
One thing to note with Transitions® is that we don't usually recommend them for driving because they react to UV light and your car windshield blocks UV light. With motorcycles, it can go either way. For example, if you leave your visor up while riding, the lenses might not get totally dark.
Lens Coatings
Next up, we'll discuss some possible lens coatings you can get for your motorcycle sunglasses.
Mirror
Mirror lenses reflect light that comes in at harsh angles, which Tyler points out is a type of light you don't get much use out of anyway. We also like mirrors because they add more customizability to your sunglasses, letting you pick out a variety of awesome colors that match your bike or your outfit.
Anti-Reflective
Anti-Reflective, or AR, coatings are commonly found in eyeglasses to make them look nearly invisible. In the case of motorcycling, AR reduces glare from headlights and roads.
Backside AR is always included when you get a mirror coating from SportRx, and may also be included depending on the type of lens you get.
Anti-Fog
An anti-fog coating is used to minimize fogging, which is handy in cold weather or when your bike comes to a stop at a traffic light. Since your sunglasses will probably sit close to your face, this is a good investment.
Anti-Scratch
Anti-scratch coatings are pretty straightforward — they protect the lens from scratching. Most lenses will already include this, but it's a good thing to add to give your expensive lenses more longevity.
Prescription Motorcycle Sunglasses at SportRx
Did we make the mysterious world of lenses for motorcycle sunglasses a little less mysterious? We hope so! If not, you can always Contact Us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can answer your questions and help you build your motorcycle sunglasses.
Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your sunglasses 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 sunglasses at SportRx today!
