Fog prevention

Just like a car windshield, the lenses on motorcycle sunglasses can accumulate fogging--but unlike a car, there’s no defrost button for your lenses! But given that fogging can quickly make it impossible to see, there are high stakes involved in preventing it from happening.

One of your best defenses is to buy motorcycle sunglasses that are well-ventilated. Ensuring adequate airflow helps equalize the temperature and humidity of the air inside and outside the lens--preventing condensation buildup that causes fogging and promoting comfort.

Hydrophobic coatings are an option that some riders go for, but while they can prevent condensation droplets from sticking to the lens surface, they’re not always suitable when combined with other types of lens coatings.

Trusted and top-selling brands

Chances are you’ve seen your fellow riders or pro motorcross athletes sporting Wiley X or Oakley sunglasses, but they’re not the only makers of motorcycle sunglasses. Harley-Davidson, Von Zipper, Spy, and other brands have some quality selections, as well.

How to pick a great pair

As with most products and consumer goods, there’s always a degree of subjectivity involved in defining the “best” or top quality in a class of products. With motorcycle sunglasses, style is definitely up to you, but the following features are more-or-less a must-have on any pair you consider purchasing:

• Snug fit around the eyes, with foam cups and a form-fitting frame that wraps around the peripherals
• Well-vented design for fog-prevention
• Shatter-resistant lenses compliant with ANSI Z87.1 standards, of polycarbonate or Trivex material
• Mirror coating to reduce high-intensity sunlight
• Polarized lenses
• If it works symbiotically with other lens coatings, pursue a hydrophobic coating. It’s not just for fog prevention--it can keep lenses clear of fingerprints and smudges.
• How they work with your bike--try to make it all go together