Motorcycle sunglasses are essential for riders, offering protection from the sun, wind, debris, and other environmental factors. While regular sunglasses may provide eye protection, purpose-built motorcycle sunglasses offer specific features that enhance riders’ comfort, performance, and safety.
Here are some key reasons why motorcycle-specific sunglasses are a superior choice:
1. Design and Fit: Motorcycle sunglasses are designed for riders’ needs. They are usually wrap-around or close-fitting to provide maximum coverage and minimize wind and debris from entering the eyes. The design often includes features like foam padding or gaskets to create a seal around the eyes and prevent airflow, reducing eye irritation and fatigue.
2. Impact Resistance: Motorcycle sunglasses are constructed with durable materials and have high impact resistance. They are built to withstand the rigours of riding, protecting the eyes from debris kicked up by other vehicles or encountered on the road. They are usually made from shatter-resistant materials like polycarbonate, which can withstand impacts without breaking, preventing injury from shattered lenses.
UV
3. UV Protection: High-quality motorcycle sunglasses offer excellent protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to eye damage, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Purpose-built motorcycle sunglasses often have lenses with UV coatings or filters blocking UVA and UVB rays, ensuring optimal protection for the rider’s eyes.
4. Anti-Fog and Anti-Glare Properties: Many motorcycle sunglasses feature anti-fog coatings or ventilation systems to prevent fogging of the lenses, which can occur due to temperature changes and increased airflow. Anti-glare properties, such as polarized lenses, help reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as wet roads or other vehicles, enhancing visibility and reducing eye strain.
Prescription
5. Prescription Options: Some motorcycle sunglasses are available with prescription lenses or can be fitted with prescription inserts. This allows riders with vision correction needs to enjoy the benefits of purpose-built sunglasses without compromising their visual clarity and safety.
When choosing motorcycle sunglasses, you must consider lens quality, frame durability, comfort, and the specific riding conditions you’ll encounter.
Look for reputable brands specializing in motorcycle eyewear and consider reading reviews or seeking recommendations from experienced riders. Ultimately, investing in a pair of high-quality motorcycle sunglasses designed for riding will provide superior comfort, performance, and protection for your eyes while on the road.
Durability
Also, when choosing the best motorcycle sunglasses for riding, there are several factors to consider, including comfort, performance, protection, and durability. Motorcycle-specific glasses are designed to meet the unique needs of riders, providing enhanced features for a safer and more enjoyable riding experience. Here are some popular options worth exploring:
Brands
1. Oakley Gascan Sunglasses: Oakley is well-known for its high-quality eyewear, and the Gascan model is a popular choice among motorcyclists. These sunglasses feature impact-resistant lenses, excellent optical clarity, and a wrap-around design that provides a wide field of view and protects against wind and debris. The price of these sunglasses starts from $190.
Reference: Oakley Gascan
2. Wiley X Airrage Sunglasses: Wiley X is a brand trusted by many motorcyclists, as their sunglasses are specifically designed to meet military standards for impact resistance. The Airrage model offers a durable, lightweight frame, shatterproof lenses, and a removable facial cavity seal that helps block wind and debris. The sunglasses start from $120.
Reference: Wiley X
Smith
3. Smith Optics Elite Aegis Arc Eyeshield: Smith Optics is known for its innovative eyewear, and the Elite Aegis Arc Eyeshield is a popular choice for motorcycle riders. These sunglasses feature impact-resistant lenses with excellent clarity and a wrap-around design that offers maximum coverage and protection. Regarding price, they are budget-friendly and start from $64.
Reference: Smithoptics
4. 100% Blake Sunglasses: 100% is a brand specializing in eyewear for action sports, including motorcycle riding. The Blake Sunglasses feature a lightweight and durable frame, impact-resistant lenses, and a sleek design that fits comfortably under a helmet and start from $110.
Reference: Blake
5. Bobster Phoenix Sunglasses: Bobster is a brand that focuses on eyewear for motorcycle riders, offering a range of affordable options. The Phoenix Sunglasses feature a convertible design, allowing you to switch between a goggle-like fit with an adjustable strap and a traditional sunglass fit with removable foam padding. Price: $59.98.
Reference: Bobster
Tifosi
6. Tifosi Optics Dolomite 2.0 Sunglasses: Tifosi Optics provides a range of sunglasses suitable for various sports, including motorcycling. The Dolomite 2.0 Sunglasses feature shatterproof lenses, a lightweight and durable frame, and adjustable nose and ear pieces for a customizable fit.
Reference: Tifosi
Remember choosing the right motorcycle sunglasses is a personal preference, and trying them on is essential to ensure they fit comfortably and securely. Ranges start from $39.95 to $63.95.
Additionally, consider the lens colour or tint that suits your riding conditions, such as clear lenses for low-light situations and darker lenses for bright sunlight. Investing in purpose-built motorcycle sunglasses will provide superior comfort, performance, and protection while enjoying your rides.
