There are many factors to consider when purchasing a pair of motorcycle sunglasses. Not only do they need to be comfortable, but when spending long hours on the road, you also need to consider the protection they provide your eyes from harmful UV light. A good pair should also be durable and be able to protect the wearer from debris that may fly off the road. A pair of glasses that does so much for you should look good, too!
Some riders prefer models like the Wiley X Blink and AirRage, which are fitted with a secure elastic head-wrap to keep the shades firmly in place. Other models, such as the Bobster Ambush allow you to detach the goggle-strap and put on regular temple ends, for when you’re wearing them off the road.
Some pairs are fitted with venting systems integrated into the lens and frame designs, allowing for not only better airflow and aerodynamics, but also reducing fog and condensation. Another way to deal with the problem of fog and blurred vision is to get a pair that comes with anti-fog coating on the lenses, like the Bobster Ambush Convertible.
When it comes to UV and glare protection, there are a lot of options available. You may want to have your glasses fitted with polarized lenses, which efficiently remove the glare coming off the road. Whereas tinted glasses dim the light, only properly polarized glasses will eliminate the glare altogether, removing the danger of impaired vision on the road.
Many models will allow lenses to be interchangeable, meaning that you can change them to suit the type of ambient-light you find yourself in. The Bobster Airlock 2 is one of these models, which comes with 3 pairs of lenses to suit your every need. You may want to get a pair like the Wiley X Brick that comes with photochromic lenses. These will adjust the color of the lenses automatically depending on the amount of UV light hitting them, saving you the trouble of having to carry various pieces of headwear around with you, or having to change your lenses throughout the day.
You can rest assured that a good pair of glasses fitted with foam padding around the lenses will protect you from debris. For maximum comfort, choose a pair fitted with open-cell foam. This will be more sweat-absorbent and will fit the contours of your face more effectively due to its softer material. Closed-cell foam may be slightly less comfortable, but it will be more resistant to weather or chemical damage due to its less absorbent material.
You might not want to compromise either the feeling or the protection your sunglasses give you, and you can have the best of both worlds, that is if you opt for neoprene padding. This material is manufactured to provide comfort and durability. Like the goggle-straps on many pairs, foam padding can be removed for added comfort when you’re not on the road. With or without foam padding, it’s good to know that your lenses are made from polycarbonate, a plastic that is not only shatterproof but is also the most scratch resistant of all plastics.
By looking at all the options that are available out there, you should be able to find a pair that does as much for your style as it does for your protection.