Motorcycle riders have long debated the merits of helmets, and state legislators have argued over whether they should create laws requiring cyclists to wear them. But often lost in this debate is another piece of important safety equipment: motorcycle goggles.
Motorcycle goggles are one way for riders to protect their eyes without having to deal with the weight of a complete helmet. Of course, goggles won’t be much help to motorcyclists who get into an accident. The choice, then, becomes one of comfort versus safety. Many states require all motorcyclists to wear helmets, while others only require younger riders – usually 17 or younger – to wear them. Other states have no helmet laws at all. Helmets do prevent serious damage. But some riders simply don’t like wearing them. For these riders, motorcycle goggles are a potential alternative. They will protect the eyes of riders, and will also give them a clearer view of the road and any potential hazards in it.
Riders who must or choose to wear helmets can still wear motorcycle goggles, too. Riders who choose a helmet without a face shield, for instance, can wear both their helmets and their motorcycle goggles. Those riders whose helmets are of the full-face variety or who wear one-half or three-quarters helmets with face shields, can instead choose motorcycle sunglasses, which are smaller than typical motorcycle goggles. Whether you are buying motorcycle goggles or motorcycle sunglasses, make sure that the lens are made of polycarbonate and not glass. Glass lenses break far too easily if they’re struck by debris such as a rock kicked up by traffic. This can quickly render your lens useless. Polycarbonate lens, though, are largely shatterproof, and will easily deflect objects kicked up by your fellow drivers. Choosing the right set of motorcycle goggles for you is a fairly easy process. It simply requires a bit of research and common sense.
