About Helmet Compatible Goggles
- Helmet-compatible goggles may have UV coating to protect against sun glare or to simply be clear protective goggles. In some cases, you may be able to interchange different types of goggle lenses but still use the same goggle frames throughout your ride. In all cases, this UV coating works in the same way that typical sunglasses do: the darker the lens, the higher the level of UV protection.
- Any helmet-compatible goggles that you purchase should have shatter-resistant lenses. This is particularly important for off-road riding, though it is still important for those times when you find yourself riding on-road. Rocks thrown from the trail or even large bugs can wreak havoc by smashing non-shatter resistant lenses. This typically happens with lenses made of glass. Look for helmet-compatible goggles made with polycarbonate lenses, which are far tougher than glass and more scratch resistant than other types of plastic.
- Replacing your goggles lenses may become necessary if something smashes the lenses, or they suffer from other damage such as you dropping, stepping on or running over them. While it may be more expensive initially, you can save money if you purchase goggles with interchangeable lenses. Interchangeable lenses allow you to replace the lenses relatively inexpensively. Many of the goggles produced by companies that also manufacture helmets have this feature because they specifically design their goggles to work with their helmets.
- At the time of publication, no manufacturers of helmet-compatible goggles produce prescription lenses for their goggles. However, purchasing goggles that will fit comfortably over your prescription glasses is an important consideration that you must take into account. Not all goggles will fit over the glasses you already wear. When you purchase your helmet-compatible goggles, try on the helmet, put on your glasses and try on the goggles that go with the helmet. If you can feel the frames rubbing too hard on your temples or squeezing together, the combination of helmet, goggles and glasses will likely result in a headache out on the trail. Always select helmet-compatible goggles that work well with your existing prescription glasses.
