Motorcycle Goggles
From LoveToKnow Sunglasses
For serious bikers, motorcycle goggles are more than a fashion accessory – they are a necessary tool to improve both riding performance and safety. Choosing the best goggles should take both of these necessities into account.
Why Wear Motorcycle Goggles
All sunglasses help protect your eyes to some extent, but a biker needs special goggles to protect his eyes from more than just the sun. A biker travels at high speeds and endures wind speeds regular sunglasses can not handle. While regular sport sunglasses may be fine for short rides at lower speeds (such as in-town driving), any journey on a highway or other high speed road requires specialized equipment to counteract high winds, blowing sand and dust, or potential debris (gravel, twigs, etc.) thrown up from other vehicles.
In addition to traditional motorcyclists, individuals who enjoy motocross riding, sport bikes, and ATVs may also want to consider buying goggles to protect their eyes.
Types of Goggles
There are several basic styles of motorcycle goggles riders can choose from. Some brands are designed to fit over a helmet and contain adjustable elastic bands to provide a snug fit, while others are worn without a helmet and fit beneath your safety equipment. Some goggles are large enough to fit over regular or prescription glasses, and other variations include interchangeable lenses so riders can adjust them for varying weather, light, and riding conditions.
Most biker goggles are stylishly designed, frequently with leather or chrome accents that compliment popular biking attire. The exact shape and dimensions of lenses varies, but most bikers can easily find a style that both suits his fashion preferences while providing excellent safety precautions.
Goggle Features
Just as goggles have different basic styles, they also offer different features. A biker should choose which features are most needed for his riding habits and typical road conditions. Popular features include:
- Shatter and scratch resistant coatings for durability against impacts
- Hydrophobic, anti-fog coatings for use in all weather conditions
- Curved lenses and exceptional length to offer wide peripheral vision
- Ultraviolet protection for the entire UV index range for different light levels
- Assorted lens colors to function in different lighting conditions
- Mirror coatings and polarization to reduce glare and enhance visual acuity
- Ventilated frames for comfort and temperature equalization
- Flexible frames and elastic to adjust to different face sizes and shapes
- Polycarbonate construction for the ultimate in durability
- Clear or tinted lenses to meet riders’ preferences
Not every line of goggles offers identical features, and most serious bikers own several pairs of goggles he can interchange to meet different riding conditions. Spares are also recommended in case of an accident or damage to the frames or lenses.
Finding Goggles
Most motorcycle accessory stores carry a range of goggles in popular styles. Motorcycle retailers usually offer a limited selection, but specialty stores are the best option for finding suitable styles. When choosing sunglasses or goggles, you should try on several pairs and check your visibility in different kinds of light. Some stores offer a “test range” where you can "test drive" goggles, either on your bike in a controlled area or by simulating different conditions with assorted light bulbs and electric fans to imitate wind.
Price
The price of motorcycle goggles varies widely depending on the features of the style, the brand name, and any prescription requirements. Generally, prices range from $10 for basic goggles to as much as $150 for more elite models with extensive features. Less expensive brands are perfectly acceptable for casual riders, though an experienced biker who travels extensively with his motorcycle may want to consider a pricier style for its higher quality and better construction.
Online Retailers
The best place to find a large selection of goggles is online. Before purchasing online it is best to investigate the merchant’s return policy and history of satisfied customers. Reviews by experienced bikers are particularly valuable and can help a novice rider choose the best pair of goggles for his personal riding needs.
Online retailers for different biking goggles include:
- Harley-Davidson Motorclothes
- Nannini Goggles
- BikerNeeds.com
- RidersEye.com
- Classic Goggles
- MotorcycleEyewear.com
- Phat Sport Shades
Motorcycle goggles are an essential accessory for any serious biker. For a relatively small investment, goggles provide critical protection against wind, weather, and debris in all riding conditions. With many designs available, your goggles can also make a stylish statement about the biking lifestyle.
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