How do you Glasses wearers manage with Helmet & Glasses?
Good day,
I have a simple/dumb/etc. question. I have an HJC CL-17 helmet which I love. I am approaching 54 and still use dollar store readers but I must face the facts that I need real prescription glasses. I was in the Dollar General last night and didn't want to take my helmet off because I was being lazy. So, I went up to the self checkout and tried to put my readers on. Wow, it was tight and I couldn't keep the readers touching my nose they kept moving up due to tight fit (so tight I could barely get them through the opening of the helmet) How do you guys and gals with glasses deal with helmets and such? I really like this helmet and don't want to get something else but maybe that is the answer. I]m also cheap. I just want your experiences and suggestions. Even simple things are helpful.
Even though my helmet has a drop-down sunshade, I still wear wraparound sunglasses. I do CUToff an inch and a half or so and smooth the end. No more pain or movement.
Lew L
Kaos----- Gone but not forgotten.
2014 RTS in Circuit Yellow, farkle-ing addiction down to once every few months. ECU FLASH IS GREAT.
I wear glasses and full helmets too. Basically over a week or so, they started getting better. Since I put them on in the same location, I was getting a slight indent in the helmet foam. Now they go on without issues. Try them for a week. They will loosen up.
I have a simple/dumb/etc. question. I have an HJC CL-17 helmet which I love. I am approaching 54 and still use dollar store readers but I must face the facts that I need real prescription glasses. I was in the Dollar General last night and didn't want to take my helmet off because I was being lazy. So, I went up to the self checkout and tried to put my readers on. Wow, it was tight and I couldn't keep the readers touching my nose they kept moving up due to tight fit (so tight I could barely get them through the opening of the helmet) How do you guys and gals with glasses deal with helmets and such? I really like this helmet and don't want to get something else but maybe that is the answer. I]m also cheap. I just want your experiences and suggestions. Even simple things are helpful.
I appreciate your time.
Regards,
Steve
When it comes time to get " all the time glasses " ... they will fit you for the Frames .... chose a pair that are narrower in width, having your helmet will ensure they will fit better .... Mike
For myself, I’ve been wearing glasses now for 67 years and contacts are NOT an option. I have 2 different helmets that I use, and either one works for me. I use either a half helmet or a 3/4 helmet. I prefer the half, but depending on the day and the weather, either one.
Long ago I did as BK suggested. I wear prescription bifocals. My helmet is a Shark brand that accommodates glasses. My glasses are the wraparound style with a 2 power bifocal that allows me clear vision of my dashboard. The bifocal is cut very low on frames so I don't have to move my head down to look at my dash. I simply look down and can read my dash clearly and easily. Also, my glasses frames have earpieces that don't turn down over and around my ear. They go straight in and hug the side of my head. Take your helmet to your optometrist and they will accommodate you with whatever you need. It took me a little while to get them adjusted to where I wanted them to fit just right. They can heat and bend the frames to give you a custom fit. Good luck. By the way, I have two pairs of glasses. One tinted for daytime and a clear pair for nighttime.
I wear glasses while riding. I have an old eye injury and require light reducing glasses when out in bright sun. So here is what works for me. I chose a frame with a low profile frame, not Elton John specials type. Some helmets have a slightly higher space above your nose than others allowing for enough room. Modular helmets make it easier to get the helmet on and off, even while wearing the glasses. When selecting the helmet wear your glasses when trying it on.
FWIW. I use the Oakley Gascan frame. Bit gangster type but they do the job wrapping close to your face and have a low profile.
Word of caution. I made a mistake once with riding glasses. I bought the self darkening lenses so I did not have one for day and 1 for night. What a mistake. The problem is quite often the actual lens is not in the sun, under the bridge of the helmet. Or the sun is at your back, lens in the shade again. So nil sun protection. Also totally useless most of the time in the car, as your in the shade looking out. My current helmet is a Shark Evoline, folds all the way back, hey it it works for me. Not saying its the best and lightest or quietest, but the most comfortable for me. Blokes with different head shapes may prefer another.
Just some things for you to ponder.
Last edited by Isopedella; 05-02-2022 at 11:27 AM.
I wear perscription glasses, even my sunglasses are on strenght, I find that most modular helmets nowadays are equipped, for glasses, I have a bell Helmet, no issues, and a scorpion modular, nos issues..
The pads inside are forgiving, and they will overtime adapt...
the funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realise it doesn't say anything it's to late to stop reading it........
Spyder F3s 2019 All Black ( Named it: Brutus)
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I have a modular helmet, HJC in my case, but it fit's so tight against my cheeks that I have to put glasses on first, then helmet. The helmet fits fine and HJC has always fit the best. But the HJC just has a tight face fit making it difficult to put the helmet on prior to glasses.
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GR Horst - Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
We use modular helmets. No issues for either of us with all the time glasses. There is even room for the flip down sunshades, which I use most of the time.
Linda is claustrophobic so full face helmets are not for her. As for me, I never liked them. Had a couple and use them no more.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
My wife works for two optometrists. If she knows you ride, she tells you to bring your helmet with you when choosing new glasses.
I never had much of a problem until I was looking for a new helmet a few years ago.
I don't know how many helmets I tried before I found one I liked and fit my glasses.
Now I have a pair of glasses just for riding ( transitions) so I don't have to bring sunglasses.
Lots of great suggestions. Might go with a new modular. Appreciate everyone's time.
Good move, IMO. I use a modular because of glasses. Another benefit with modular is you can grab the helmet where the straps are attached and pull the sides out, making more room to drop it down on your head and not rub your ears and the glasses temples.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
Word of caution. I made a mistake once with riding glasses. I bought the self darkening lenses so I did not have one for day and 1 for night. What a mistake. The problem is quite often the actual lens is not in the sun, under the bridge of the helmet. Or the sun is at your back, lens in the shade again. So nil sun protection. Also totally useless most of the time in the car, as your in the shade looking out.
Interesting you say that. I've been wearing self darkening lens for probably 50 years now. They darken due to ultraviolet light, not ordinary visible light, whether the light is direct or indirect scattered. Shade does not hinder the darkening process. Mine get as dark, or darker, than any clip-on sunglasses I've ever used, even with my helmet on, but I ride with the visor open. In a car the windows block the ultraviolet light so my glasses don't darken any at all.
There are newer formulations of transition lens that claim to darken, at least moderately, in a car or behind a helmet shield.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
Yes. Just my findings. I really do require the darkest available glasses when looking towards sun lighted areas or out in the sun at all times. Bit of a impediment but much better than becoming totally blind. I found the transition type, well didn't actually do the job I required.
I need glasses I can 100% rely on to get the job done, not darken somewhat depending where I am.
Each to their own.
Edit.
FWIW. I hang out and ride with an Ophthalmologist and a family member manages an eye-ware / spectacle place so I have the best advice available and not someone trying to "up grade me to the latest and greatest" and make a buck..
Last edited by Isopedella; 05-02-2022 at 01:59 PM.
Reason: info
I'll be the odd man out.
Not one of the ABATE people, but in 40 years of riding, I only wore a bucket for first 10 yrs in Virginia (mandatory) when stationed there. When I moved to Ohio (optional use), I put on the bucket perhaps 5% of the time. Never had an accident yet as I drive a bike the way I drove a Navy Cruiser & Amphib Helo Carrier. "Ship driving" is far more dangerous as the cargo ship crossing my path will need 3 miles to stop as he's going 15mph with no brakes. If he's not sleeping on duty. Beyond defensive driving, I'm looking ahead and judging EVERY vehicle as a potential threat. And of course, I'm NOT drinking and NOT showing off, 2 of the main causes of accidents. If I have No accidents, then I don't need a bucket blocking part of my vision and part of my hearing. Yeah, but what about the other guy that comes out of nowhere? If I don't see him coming out of nowhere and I can't take evasive action - that's my fault. In my view, how many road rash, collision or flat tire accidents are going to be AVOIDED completely by a bucket? NHTSA lists only 60% use in optional states.
Former Navy LT, Retired Chemical Dependency Therapist, Retired Widower, "Do, or do not, there is no try"... Jedi Master Yoda. Proud member of AA, PGR, and a Navy Shellback!
Always take your glasses off before you do so with your full face helmet. When those nose pads cut into your head above your eyes, you will be reminded of what you did not do. Forgetting will give you the "rassler" look.
Always take your glasses off before you do so with your full face helmet. When those nose pads cut into your head above your eyes, you will be reminded of what you did not do. Forgetting will give you the "rassler" look.
Only took me once. Helmet on before glasses. Glasses off before helmet.
Only took me once. Helmet on before glasses. Glasses off before helmet.
Another reason I use a modular. It's a freaking pain to get my glasses on after the helmet is on. In fact, sometimes if my glasses get knocked off my ears I take the helmet off, put my glasses on straight, then put the helmet back on!
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.