Maverick in Top Gun. Steve Rogers in Captain America. Wolverine. Batman. Let's face it; motorcycle riders show us the epitome of cool. In fact, they take just about anyone one step closer to cool (Wild Hogs, for example). Black leather. The lure of danger. And usually, cool sunglasses.
Eyewear is essential for a motorcycle rider. Not only does it elevate the cool factor, but it makes a statement about the rider as an individual too. With spring finally here and the itch to get back on the bike renewed, now is an excellent time to update those riding glasses to help ensure an enjoyable and safe riding season.
For sure, frame style is important not just for the look but for comfort and effectiveness too. From traditional-style frames to wraparounds to goggles, many options exist in motorcycle eyewear to give riders a comfortable and stylish fit.
Riders must also choose lens type carefully. The amount of sunlight and other weather conditions (temperature, precipitation, humidity, etc.) all contribute to the decision about lens type. As with frame style, various options exist in a wide price range.
The two most significant considerations regarding motorcycle riding eyewear are frame style and lens type. And while they are essential choices, riders should also consider the type of foam padding that comes with their eyewear.
Types of Foam Padding For Motorcycle Glasses
While some motorcycle glasses come without foam, many have them for a good reason. Foam padding around the edges of the frame and lens increases protection from wind and airborne debris. Clearly, motorcycle riding qualifies.
Over time, the foam padding on motorcycle sunglasses wears down and causes discomfort and poor fit. Also, each foam type has its comfort level as well as benefits.
There are two basic types of foam padding for safety glasses: closed-cell foam and open-cell foam. Knowing the differences between these two kinds helps make the best possible decision regarding motorcycle riding eyewear.
Closed Cell Foam:
- Durable, versatile & flexible
- Low moisture absorption
- Very lightweight
- Resists most solvents, chemicals, fungi & mold
- Buoyant, making it useful when in or near water
- Stronger than open-cell foam but requires more material to make
- Typically more expensive than open-cell foam
- Types include neoprene, polyurethane & EVA
Motorcycle safety glasses with closed-cell foam padding include:
- Bobster Crossfire Folding Goggles
- Bobster Foamerz Safety Sunglasses
- Wiley X AirRage Sunglasses
- Wiley X Gravity
- Wiley X Breach
Open Cell Foam:
- Soft and compressible like a cushion
- Requires less material to make than closed-cell foam
- Less expensive
- A good insulator because it traps air within the cells
- It can get waterlogged, like a sponge
Motorcycle glasses with open cell foam padding include:
Some motorcycle riding glasses have BOTH open and closed cell foam padding. One example is the Bobster Night Hawk OTG Goggle with a double foam layer (neoprene and open cell).
Then there's Wiley X, offering its patented removable facial cavity seal technology, touted to protect from dust, pollen & the wind and to eliminate peripheral light that can compromise the quality of the lenses.
Whether you're out for a Sunday afternoon cruise or a motorcycle is your primary mode of transportation, there are plenty of eyewear options for motorcycle riders. You'll be ready for the beautiful weather, or any weather for that matter, by updating your motorcycle sunglasses and looking at not just the lens and frame options but also the variety of choices available in foam padding.
