Wearing glasses with a motorcycle helmet can be challenging, but there are ways to make it work. I remember getting my first motorcycle right after high school and struggling with my glasses and a Bell Star helmet. The padding put so much pressure on the frame that it was painful. I even tried using a ball-peen hammer to fix it, which was a terrible idea. Over time, I realized that many people face similar issues, and better solutions are available.
Finding the right helmet and glasses combination is crucial. A full-face helmet often requires you to remove your glasses to put it on, which can be a hassle. Open-face or flip-front helmets are easier but might not offer the same level of protection. Ensuring the glasses sit correctly on your eyes and nose is important for vision, especially with bifocal, progressive, or high-powered lenses.
One solution is to use contact lenses or even consider refractive surgery if glasses become too inconvenient. However, if you must wear glasses, choose a thin, flexible frame with sprung joints. Avoid rimless or thick plastic frames as they are either too fragile or cause blind spots.
For the helmet, look for one designed for spectacle wearers with features like a pin loc on the visor to reduce fogging and an integral flip-up sun visor. Avoid photochromic lenses as they don’t adjust quickly enough under a visor. A strip of black tape along the top of the visor can help reduce glare. Remember, glasses can lead to severe injuries in a crash if not properly fitted, so always prioritize safety.
Best Helmet Types for Glasses Wearers
When choosing the best helmet for glasses wearers, consider open-face and modular helmets. These helmets don’t have material covering your face, making them more comfortable for glasses. However, modular helmets have an extra piece acting as a chin bar, which is often made of weaker material. In an accident, this piece can break and cause more damage instead of protecting you. Open-face helmets lack a chin bar altogether, leaving your face unprotected in a crash. If you’re planning a leisurely drive with your glasses, these helmets might be suitable, but avoid them for open road rides.
A full-face helmet with grooves for glasses is a safer choice. These helmets prevent your glasses from getting dirty or fogging up, which is a common issue with open-face helmets. To avoid fog, use an anti-fog insert with your visor. Choose glasses with thin hinges to maintain your peripheral vision. Many helmets allow for adjustments in the grooves to fit your glasses properly. For those who prefer goggles, they protect your eyes from debris and rubble and are ideal for off-road riding. Even glasses-friendly helmets can accommodate goggles comfortably.
Choose to Wear Glasses with a Motorcycle Helmet
When choosing eyeglasses for riding with a motorcycle helmet, it’s crucial to consider both comfort and safety. Opt for glasses with a thin metal frame that doesn’t touch the padding inside the helmet or block your peripheral vision. Straight arms that slide easily into place without needing to hook over your ears are ideal. It’s also wise to bring your helmet to the optometrist when shopping for frames to ensure a proper fit. This way, you can get professional advice on thin, flexible frames, and hinged, spring-loaded arms that suit your needs.
If you ride in the rain, use an anti-fog insert like Pinlock for your face shield and consider anti-fog sprays or lenses with anti-reflective treatment to minimize light refraction. If contact lenses are your preference, be aware they can dry out from airflow inside the helmet, so always carry spare contacts and a cleaning kit for your glasses. A hard carrying case and a photo of your prescription on your phone can be lifesavers if you lose or damage your glasses. Small adjustments now can prevent a big headache later on.
FAQs
Will my glasses fog up in a motorcycle helmet?
Yes, glasses can fog up in a helmet if hot air escapes through a loose or gaping face mask, especially around the nose and cheeks. Using a well-fitting mask helps prevent fogging and keeps your vision clear to avoid accidents
Can You Wear Glasses Under Helmets?
Yes, you can wear glasses under helmets by carefully sliding the temples between the padding and your head. Make sure they sit comfortably close to your eyes for a clear view when you ride.
Can You Ride a Motorcycle with Prescription Glasses?
Yes, you can ride a motorbike with prescription glasses or goggles to improve your eyesight and protect your eyes from wind, dust, and debris. Just make sure your glasses or goggles are clean before riding for clear vision.
How to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet with Glasses?
Choose eyeglasses with straight arms to easily slide between the temples and the interior padding of your helmet. Picking the right frames makes it more comfortable, just like choosing the right helmet.
