Riding a motorcycle is one of my greatest passions. The open road, the wind in my face (well, behind my helmet!), it's an incredible feeling. However, as someone who needs glasses to see clearly, I quickly realized that finding a comfortable and safe motorcycle helmet was going to be a bit of a challenge. It wasn't just about finding a helmet that fit my head; it was about finding one that worked with my glasses.
My first few attempts at wearing a helmet with my glasses were, frankly, a disaster. I remember squeezing my glasses onto my face after putting on the helmet, only to have the arms dig into the side of my head. It was incredibly uncomfortable, and honestly, a bit dangerous because it was distracting. I was constantly fiddling with my glasses, trying to get them to sit right. I also had issues with them fogging up more easily inside the helmet. This made riding less enjoyable and more stressful. Finding the right motorcycle helmet became a mission.
Determined to find a solution, I started researching different helmet types and features. I quickly learned that not all helmets are created equal when it comes to accommodating glasses. I considered a few different options.
I even considered switching to contacts, and while that might be the ideal solution for some, I prefer wearing glasses. So, I continued my search.
Initially, I thought any full-face helmet would work as long as I carefully put my glasses on. I tried squeezing my glasses in after putting on the helmet. While I could eventually get them on, the pressure on my temples was noticeable, and I worried about discomfort on longer rides. I found that as long as my glasses didn't have really thick frames, it was manageable. But still not ideal.
Someone suggested I try a modular helmet. The ability to flip up the front made putting on my glasses so much easier! I could put my helmet on, flip up the front, slide my glasses on comfortably, and then flip the front back down. This was a major improvement, and it made a noticeable difference in my comfort level. This is definitely a good option if you want to easily put on and remove your glasses without any fuss.
I also explored helmets that are specifically designed to accommodate glasses. These helmets often have grooves or channels in the padding on the sides, which provide extra space for the arms of your glasses. I tried on a few different models, and I could definitely feel the difference. The glasses sat more comfortably, and there was less pressure on my temples. I noticed that AGV RPHA 11 and 70 models felt pretty good. And the Shark brand also has some helmets with grooves for glasses. These small design features can make a big difference for glasses wearers.
One of the most important things I learned is that you really need to try on a helmet with your glasses before you buy it. What works for one person might not work for another. Head shapes vary, and so do glasses styles. I found that I needed to spend some time in the store, wearing the helmet with my glasses, to really get a feel for how comfortable it was. I also tried moving my head around to see if the glasses would shift or cause any discomfort.
The type of glasses you wear also plays a big role. I found that glasses with thinner arms were much easier to manage inside a helmet. Thicker frames tended to create more pressure and discomfort. I also realized that the size and shape of the lenses mattered. Larger lenses could sometimes interfere with the helmet's eye port, while smaller lenses were less of an issue.