Motorcycle Goggles

For many years motorcyclists and legislators have been at odds over helmet wear. On the one hand they save lives, on the the other you're talking about an individual's right to choose, rather than have safety protection mandated. Regardless of where you stand on helmets- there shouldn't be any debate on motorcycle goggles. With or without a helmet, a good pair of motorcycle goggles can protect your eyes from flying rocks, dirt, debris, and even bugs. I vividly remember having a bumblebee bounce off one of my goggle lenses, if I hadn't have had them on, the shock of getting hit in the eye at 45mph most definitely would have knocked me off the bike.

Helmets are pretty much mandated for younger riders- motorcycle goggles are still a matter of preference. If you're got a full face shield you don't need them, although a good set of UV blocking shades never hurts. If you have an open face helmet, or no helmet at all you should have a set of impact resistant goggles to protect your eyes. You want shatterproof polycarbonate and not glass. While you can certainly get a set of goggles that look cool, you want to make sure they do their primary job, which is protecting your eyes from high speed impacts. While you're at it, make sure to get a set of goggles that block harmful UV rays as well. You can actually do more damage to your eyes by wearing dark goggles that don't have UV protection, than by wearing no motorcycle goggles at all. The reason why is your eyes dilate more with the darker lens, letting in more harmful UV radiation.

When you're ready to buy your goggles, it's a good idea to go to the bike store and try them on (even if you're going to purchase online, where prices are better). You want to make sure the goggles fit with the helmet (if you have one), and also make sure they're comfortable. You may also want to look for some anti-fogging vents- airflow can prevent your lenses from fogging up and make your motorcycle goggles that much more comfortable.