Eyewear for trailriding...what do you like??

[mcoomer]

I'm getting tired of branches, bugs, and mud in the eyes (unless its bourbon) and I'm thinking that it's time to get some riding glasses. I would like to find something very lightweight, with a light tint or no tint (interchangeable?), optically correct, and not so expensive that I'm afraid to wear them for fear of destroying them on the trail. If you wear something that you like I like to hear about them. Also, where did you get them and for approx how much?

Thanks,
Mike

[RenegadeRick]

...I'm thinking that it's time to get some riding glasses.

I used my REI member rebate to pick up some Native (http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?vcat=REI_SEARCH&stat=7889&langId=-1&storeId=8000&query=native) Dash XP's about a month ago. They are lightweight come with a polarized lens and replacement orange, yellow, and clear lenses and a nifty case to keep them all in. The frames have a lifetime warranty and you can purchase replacement lenses if they get scratched up.

Before these, I wore AOSafety (http://www.aosafety.com/aosafety.com/industrial/eye_main.cfm) glasses that I picked up on the cheap at Home Depot. You could probably get a few different shades for less than $20 each.

[jacksonpt]

I have a pair of Oakley Half Jackets (http://oakley.com/brochures/eyewear/half_jacket/) for riding and other outdoor sports. They work really well for me, and the interchangeable lenses are a big plus. I absolutely LOVE Oakley stuff, but it isn't cheap. I wear the Titanium Irridium polarized lenses on road and clear lenses on the trail (I've got black irridium polarized lenses for water sports). I like them because the lenses are only about $40 a pair, so if something ever happens to them, it's not expensive to replace.

If you want something more budget, go do to your local sporting goods store and look at Raquetball saftey glasses. They aren't tinted, but in the woods, I prefer a clear lens.

[Wumpus]

I've been using Smith glasses. They aren't nearly as outrageously priced as some of the Others. I prefer yellow/orange/persimmon lenses for riding in the woods. Really help with the shadows and stuff.

[-dustin]

i've come to the conclusion that i can't ride with tinted lenses on a trail. as such, i plan on picking up clear or Ti clear for my Half-Jacket XLJs some time in the near future. if i can afford RX, i'll go that route.

[biggins]

i use Native synglasses and wear the orange lenses.all the trails are in the woods so the dark lenses have a tendancy to make some of the shady areas to dark.

[Heidi]

Oakley M Frames - got a great deal on them and I love them. I have been through COUNTLESS pairs of glasses, all brands and these I love the best.

[profro]

SPY Scoop HS

http://www.spyoptic.com/the_products/scoop_sunglasses/index.cfm?ModelName=Scoop/ScoopHS

[Tenchiro]

I've been using Smith glasses. They aren't nearly as outrageously priced as some of the Others. I prefer yellow/orange/persimmon lenses for riding in the woods. Really help with the shadows and stuff.

:stupid:

I have an old pair of the Slider 2's and the yellow and orange lenses work great in wooded areas. You can find them for $50 a pair if you shop around also.

[MtnbikeMike]

I love my M-frames, but I also have a pair of Specialized Helix's which I like better. They're a similar design to the M-frames with only a frame on the top, and they have the Adaptalite lens, and their optics are on par with the big O. The price, however.....

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/equip/06OpticsHelix_All_l.jpg

[syadasti]

Zeal optics (http://www.zealoptics.com/) - for riders by riders based out of Moab, UT.

Most of their frames offer interchangeable lens and they were one of the first companies to offer custom RX lens in the 90s (not cheesy inserts). Prices are really good too.

I had the same pair for like 4-5 years until I put them on the lift chair at Plattekill while I was adjusting my helmet and they got blown off into the abyss below by wind :nopity: They come in large lens sizes too if you are worried about peripheral coverage.

[oldfart]

I say ditto on the M frame Oakley but they do cost a lot. I have tried Smiths, Spys various Oakleys and cheaper ones over the years and I keep coming back to my M frames because they fit my face and lens of all kinds of shades are readily available and most important, they fog the least while still keeping most of the crap out of my eyes. Plus you can't beat the optical clarity. Others are equal to Oakley though, they aren't the only ones to make good eyeware. Their non-iridium lenses seem to be the most scratch resistant of any I have used. On the other hand, I don't look like a dork in the Smiths when I'm downtown in work clothes. When I see some one downtown in a suit wearing M frames, it just screams LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME, I'M AN ATHLETE. ...not.

MOUNTAINBIKEMIKE. How quickly do those adaptalite lenses change? I like the idea of that lens and I am considering trying those out.

[JRogers]

I am not a fan of buying expensive sunglasses. Partially because I use them mostly for just eye protection and partially because I've had 3 pairs of decent sunglasses- 2 ended up broken and one I accidentally left on the side of the road during a century.

Find a pair of reasonable sunglasses and make sure they fit. I picked up a pair of Uvex sunglasses from Campmor for $40. Decent optical quality (good enough for me), clear grey and brown polarized lenses. Nice and wide for my big head with great coverage and easy lens changing.

[MtnbikeMike]

MOUNTAINBIKEMIKE. How quickly do those adaptalite lenses change? I like the idea of that lens and I am considering trying those out.


Not too terribly fast. It's not something you can really see, even if you try to. That said, I haven't had problems transitioning from shaded to sunny areas on my rides.

[mud'n'sweat]

I bought a pair of interchangable lens glasses and have a bit of a problem with irritation from the lens edge on my cheak since there is no frame around the bottom of the lenses to smooth the contact point. To keep wind out of my eyes when doing fast descents, I keep the glasses close to my face. I found using a full frame pair instead was the way to go for me. It just sucks because they are not interchangable and I have to have two pairs for dark shading and orange hued shading/defining. Make sure you keep this in mind when your trying them on. Try as many on as you possibly can to see what fits your face right.

[BikeGeek]

I've been wearing my Smith Voodoo Sliders for almost 4 years now. The frames have been through it all and have never failed me. The rubber nose and temple grippers eventually wore out but Smith was happy to send new ones. I primarily wear clear lenses when riding, but have used the brown or orange when kayaking. My only complaint is that the lenses scratch pretty easily, but ,on the plus side, replacements are only $20.

[sanjuro]

I have to speak up for the Specialized mountain optics. I have owned 3 pairs, and they do an excellent job changing tints in varying light conditions. If I am riding in covered singletrack, I use them.

They do a fine job in exposed, bright conditions, but I have polarized glasses which do a little better job.

[syadasti]

I have to speak up for the Specialized mountain optics.

I wanted to try a pair the first year they came out. They don't come in different frame sizes and/or are just shaped badly. They didn't fit my head well - pressed too hard in some spots when when I tried them out. Haven't checked them since - maybe they've fixed them by now.

Oh well...

[sanjuro]

I wanted to try a pair the first year they came out. They don't come in different frame sizes and/or are just shaped badly. They didn't fit my head well - pressed too hard in some spots when when I tried them out. Haven't checked them since - maybe they've fixed them by now.

Oh well...
I think the two models are the Singletrack and the Chicane, one for smaller faces and the other for bigger.

Well, I have a melon head, and while I liked the bigger Chicane, the Singletrack fit tight, but they do fit, and they look less like a freakshow and more like cool sunglasses.

[Acadian]

Oakley M Frames - got a great deal on them and I love them. I have been through COUNTLESS pairs of glasses, all brands and these I love the best.

+ 1 for M Frames. I've been using them for YEARS and love em' to death. I just got some half-Jackets, but keep going back to my M-Frames! :thumb:

[Transcend]

I like my race jackets personally. The M frames fit my head funny. Although, it's not like the race jackets are making any fashion statements.

[monkeybutt]

I have a pair of Rudy Project Hyde glasses that fit well and they came with Yellow and Rose lenses. They work well and I think retail is about $100.

[TreeSaw]

I have a couple of pairs of Smith sunglasses, but I tend to always ride with my Sequels. I absolutely love them...best $100 I ever spent. They come with 3 sets of lenses (yellow, orange/brown, silver mirror). I pretty much always ride with the orange/brown, but I did buy a pair of clear replacement lens for riding at night and in the overcast conditions. Check them out:
http://www.smithsport.com/products/sunglass/sunglassimages/sun_sequel_crystalfuel_pm15.jpg

Link to Smith site: http://www.smithsport.com/products/sunglass/interchangeable_sequel.html

I also have Smith goggles for DHing and love them as well.

[skinny mike]

i wear some tifosi slips. cheap, have interchangeable lenses, and work fine for me. although i do wear oakley mx o frames when dhing as they arent super expensive like everything else from that company.
http://www.tifosioptics.com/images/slip/frame02.jpg

[BIRDMAN111]

I bought a pair of interchangable lens glasses and have a bit of a problem with irritation from the lens edge on my cheak since there is no frame around the bottom of the lenses to smooth the contact point. To keep wind out of my eyes when doing fast descents, I keep the glasses close to my face. I found using a full frame pair instead was the way to go for me. It just sucks because they are not interchangable and I have to have two pairs for dark shading and orange hued shading/defining. Make sure you keep this in mind when your trying them on. Try as many on as you possibly can to see what fits your face right.


yeah me too just some random performance interchangable lenses. theyre pretty ugly just wearing but they do the job and i dont care if they get scratched on branches.

[dfinn]

Smith Buzzsaw

http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/64/a4/Apparel_Accessories-Smith_Buzzsaw_Sunglasses-resized200.jpg

Smith glasses tend to not fit my fat head but these ones are designed for people with big brains. :) It's hard to beat having sliders. You scratch up the lenses, no big deal, just order some replacements and pop them in. It's raining and the dark lenses are too dark, no big deal, just pop in the yellow lenses.

[-dustin]

i've come to the conclusion that i can't ride with tinted lenses on a trail. as such, i plan on picking up clear or Ti clear for my Half-Jacket XLJs some time in the near future. if i can afford RX, i'll go that route.
lately i've been getting a lot of sweat dripping on my lenses...morning riding combined with lots of sweating? i don't know, but it's annoying. ordered up some Adidas Evil Eyes.