[xBhp Universal Thread]: Motorcycle Eyewears

[xpranav]

As per a dictionary "Eyewears are corrective or protective devices". So with the meaning being clarified it makes me feel then that our eyes too need an attention or say protection while we ride, as there is no denying of the value of eye for us.

Eyewears are one of the important but "probably" immensely neglected among the many bike riding safety accessories in context to Indian biking scenario. I report so because as I tried to search across the internet it yielded very less of a result or discussion actually. With your due acknowledgement of this disclosure allow me to sum up a little information. I am purposefully avoiding any discussion over the corrective spectacles, which many of us wear (including me ).

Considering biking as a sport, Eyewears can be vaguely classified as
1. Sunglasses
2. Sports Sunglasses

Sunglasses have many many kinds and they look good with their trendy designs, but in my personal opinion they are good for casual purposes but not biking as a sport. Still it is very trendy now a days to have one with an open face helmet. These can be afforded with a zero power glass or on a prescription .

So that leaves us to have a little discussion over the Sports Sunglasses or Goggles. These are the kind of sunglasses that are apt for the various sports be it swimming, para-gliding, biking etc. Luckily these can be availed in prescription too (but very limited). There are some of the goggles that are of interchangeable type i.e. they have a strap band as well as a handle for support at ears. Furthermore there are a lot more variety of these which may be discussed as the thread progresses.

I am now trying to gather the needs that a biking goggles must have be it zero or prescription based:
1. Anti-fog
2. UV-protection
3. Clear or polarized or tinted or photochromic glass etc as per the user need and wish
4. Anti-glare and optically corrected (I guess the most important of all )
5. Lightweight with geometrically correct placing of replaceable nose pads
6. Eye sealing should be soft and durable enough to protect from wind/dirt/debris if the visor is opened for some purpose
7. The side frame reaching to the ears for support should be lid friendly to enable the goggle to remain in place while the lid is taken on/off the rider.

Now when we look at the brands available internationally (which i have come across during internet search) are Oakley, Wiley-X, Bobster, Rudy Project, Liberty Sports etc. Among Indian home-names there has been some effort from Fastrack but is yet to get pronounced high from the reviews.

Did you know: As we have ISI/ECE/DOT for helmets, likewise for these biking goggles there is ANSI Z87.1-2010 compliance. There is also another compliance which is US Military's MCEPS standards for ballistic protection under MIL-PRF-31013.

But then the bottom line remains that our market and many of our bikers are yet to reach to this part of the ground. We are yet to witness an education in India about the need to protect our eyes be it while in a sport or in everyday circumstances.

Allow me to list out some websites that I came across while putting up this article (not exactly an article ) and many details.

Oakley | Innovation
Eyeglasses | Online Designer Eye Glasses, Prescription Eyeglass Frames
Sporteyes.com--Prescription Sports Goggles and Sunglasses A Sight for Sport Eyes
SafetyGlassesUSA.com - Safety Glasses, Bifocal Safety Glasses, Shooting Glasses, Sunglasses
and our very own Google

I am very positive that you will bear with my possible bewilderment and help us all with the needed amendment of knowledge in this direction through your posts as the thread progresses.

[The Monk]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

Topic Approved

[neil9381]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

I use a Rayban Aviator with my helmet...dark green shade..
it cost me about Rs.5000 two years back..
I don't use them much fearing that I might bend the frame..

[santhoshknn]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

3. Clear or polarized or tinted or photochromic glass etc as per the user need and wish

Now when we look at the brands available internationally (which i have come across during internet search) are Oakley, Wiley-X, Bobster, Rudy Project, Liberty Sports etc. Among Indian home-names there has been some effort from Fastrack but is yet to get pronounced high from the reviews.

Although I am not quite sure of your requirements, just wanted to put in a word that Polarized lenses are NOT a good idea under a helmet with a clear visor. Unless you have the combination tested (i.e wear your polarized sunglasses under your helmet with a clear visor), it's a bad idea. I wore my running sunglasses (Oakley Fast jacket) under SOL 68SII and as soon as visor was down, there was a faint violet hue. The crystal clear vision was gone. The hue changed with angles & was gone if my visor was up. Although I got used to it, I don't wear my polarized lenses anymore (no such effect with unpolarized lenses). I can't say if it's the same with all Helmets, but this is my experience. Oakleys are generally expensive though.

I use Tifosi Tyrant now. They are a good pair of sunglasses (with interchangeable lenses) recommended & used by triathletes/cyclists. They are helmet friendly and have great flexible nose pads.

Rudy project sunglasses are favoured by triathletes as well as runners. They're very expensive. Good luck trying to choose one from their website.

Cheers
Santhosh K

[rxdude]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

Good thread and nice reading.
Its very difficult for me to ride without either the visor down or wearing sunglasses. I am always surprised to see people riding with out all these. There's always tons of dust that is thrown by the vehicle in front and it always land right in my eyes. After 6 pm, its the bugs time to disturb the ride.
I use a sunglass that is a Harley merchandise I think. It covers the eyes well which is most important for me.
Lets see what other members think.


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[xpranav]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

Topic Approved

You are awesome

I use a Rayban Aviator with my helmet...dark green shade..
it cost me about Rs.5000 two years back..
I don't use them much fearing that I might bend the frame..

That's good but actually Avaitors look cool and probably have UV protection too but they have no protection from the Dust and pollution and are neither lid friedly

Although I am not quite sure of your requirements, just wanted to put in a word that Polarized lenses are NOT a good idea under a helmet with a clear visor. Unless you have the combination tested (i.e wear your polarized sunglasses under your helmet with a clear visor), it's a bad idea. I wore my running sunglasses (Oakley Fast jacket) under SOL 68SII and as soon as visor was down, there was a faint violet hue. The crystal clear vision was gone. The hue changed with angles & was gone if my visor was up. Although I got used to it, I don't wear my polarized lenses anymore (no such effect with unpolarized lenses). I can't say if it's the same with all Helmets, but this is my experience. Oakleys are generally expensive though.

Thanks for the input. I need to dig a few more details before I offer my opinion on your experience. Infact the basic purpose behind putting up this thread is to learn about these optical devices and their behaviour wrt the biking & absolutely true Oakley do dig pockets

I use Tifosi Tyrant now. They are a good pair of sunglasses (with interchangeable lenses) recommended & used by triathletes/cyclists. They are helmet friendly and have great flexible nose pads.

Rudy project sunglasses are favoured by triathletes as well as runners. They're very expensive. Good luck trying to choose one from their website.

How much did you pay for your Tifosi ? and good to know that it is lid friendly. BTW do you know any brand with anti-fog goggles ?

Good thread and nice reading.
Its very difficult for me to ride without either the visor down or wearing sunglasses. I am always surprised to see people riding with out all these. There's always tons of dust that is thrown by the vehicle in front and it always land right in my eyes. After 6 pm, its the bugs time to disturb the ride.
I use a sunglass that is a Harley merchandise I think. It covers the eyes well which is most important for me.
Lets see what other members think.

Even I am waiting too to read more inputs from our fellow bikers. Is yours lid friendly ?

[santhoshknn]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

Thanks for the input. I need to dig a few more details before I offer my opinion on your experience. Infact the basic purpose behind putting up this thread is to learn about these optical devices and their behaviour wrt the biking & absolutely true Oakley do dig pockets

How much did you pay for your Tifosi ? and good to know that it is lid friendly. BTW do you know any brand with anti-fog goggles ?

I bought the Tyrant here for $60 when the $ was in mid 50s. They are vented, so I have not had any problems with fogging. And yes, they are helmet friendly. But it will take a few days to get used to (frames take a while to settle down). Oakleys come with Hydrophobic coating. But mine always fog up.

[princesirohi]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

you will be shocked to see your digital speedometer wearing polarized sunglasses.

[xpranav]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

here's something

Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses Lens Test - YouTube

[itsnotv]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

I have very sensitive eyes, and I am always looking for the perfect pair of sunglasses that I can use for my rides.
I have used the below ones so far.

Polaroid Sunglasses
I bought these because I had read somewhere that polarized sunglasses are good for driving, and they came with a sticker that said driving sunglasses.
Pros:
- The clarity with these glasses is exceptional, nothing beats the glare cutting abilities of polarized glasses.
Cons:
- With the visor down, the polarization effect is lost and you start seeing weird rainbow like colors.
- The first time I wore them for a ride, I thought the console on my NS was dead. After a few mins, my g-shock watch was also dead. Only when I took off the glasses, I realized that any digital display will mostly be blacked out under polarized glasses depending on the viewing angle.
- Though they were wrap arounds, they offered poor wind protection.

Ray-Ban Aviators
Everyone has these.
Pros:
- Good clarity, brown ones are usable at low light conditions like dusk and dawn.
- Very comfortable under the helmet, they have a very thin frame that slides very easily under your helmet, they come off easily too.
Cons:
- Very poor wind protection, cannot ride at speeds > 60 with visor up.
- Glass, not recommended for wearing under helmet because, if you have a fall, the glass might shatter into pieces and cut you or worse get into your eyes. I have crashed once with these glasses, they were absolutely fine.

Karam Safety Glasses
Pros:
- Excellent wind protection, could keep my visor open at 100
Cons:
- Poor optics, distortion

P.S. I am still looking for the perfect ones, do share your views!

[xpranav]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

P.S. I am still looking for the perfect ones, do share your views!

It is nice to know of your experiences .............. I am thinking of investing in an Oakley with prescription ............. but am yet to zero in on any of their product kind ............. may be you should check them out at sometime. One big reason for an inclination to Oakley is that they have a presence in India and they are seriously damn good and known world over for their expertise.

[AK3D]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

Using Oakley non polarized myself. Polarized ones are very good, but it depends on your helmet visor as well.
I have a dark bronze lens shade, they offer great protection in Indian (very bright sunlight) conditions. Not too good once the sun is sinking though (same thing as not wearing a tinted visor after dark ).
Try avoiding 'glass' glasses, as they might shatter. Modern polycarbonate glasses offer superb clarity. Remember, you get what you pay for. Don't expect a Rs 500-1000 glass to be of the same optical quality as a good brand.

[xpranav]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

Using Oakley non polarized myself. Polarized ones are very good, but it depends on your helmet visor as well.
I have a dark bronze lens shade, they offer great protection in Indian (very bright sunlight) conditions. Not too good once the sun is sinking though (same thing as not wearing a tinted visor after dark ).
Try avoiding 'glass' glasses, as they might shatter. Modern polycarbonate glasses offer superb clarity. Remember, you get what you pay for. Don't expect a Rs 500-1000 glass to be of the same optical quality as a good brand.

Would you mind dropping a link/pic of your oakley ........... I am thinking (but still saving) of making a double purchase at once i.e. one sports prescription goggles and one prescription frameless (with clear lens) from the same brand to keep it easy for my eyes............what do you say ?

For sports goggles I am more inclined to buy something which is lid friendly, i mean the lid can be taken on/off with that goggles on. Can you suggest any specific product that suits this vital need ?

[B7ACKTHORN]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

Very good homework Pranav and nice to see the thread up. You're absolutely right, there are almost standards for everything in US, right from job related optics to sports, to on and off ground etc etc.

The notion I wanted to convey to folks is this, at least most people would be convinced, why whenever they see a foreigner they always a black sunglass even while driving a car. A car's windshield has most of the properties that most glasses have, UV shield, optically corrected you name it, but.. there are always buts.. not every car. But most do have. The seemingly simple thing protects us from different UV rays and what not.

But when riding in a motorcycle the scenario is different, though most visors are UV treated, a tinted visor is by far the best way to reflect UV rays but infrared rays almost rays almost always screw up a biker's face, that's why it's recommended to use a tinted visor, they almost 95% reduce the rays. Visors like aluminum/silver, gold all reflect UV and Infrared very well. That's why they are almost unanimously used by most bikers.

If you drive a car, perhaps this would be a good idea, or if you ride using an open face helmet. But sticking to a tinted visor is easy, hassle free and most of all, you never lose your glasses.

Cheers!
VJ

[salman.rvf]

Re: Motorcycle Eyewears

How about the sunglasses sold by Decathlon? Here is the link: Buy Btwin Cycling Online

I'm a complete n00b at this. Just asking for the relevant experiences.