Proper Eyewear Protection

Biker Motorcycle Eyewear Protection

article by Terry Geitner & Debi Inge

When choosing eye wear, proper fit, functional usage, protection and style are your four main objectives. You need to determine which style will fit your face and provide a comfort level while you wear them. Therefore, you will need to find the size and shape of your face for the perfect fit. An understanding of different face types will enhance your ability to make the right decision when getting ready to purchase your eye wear.

The following guide will lend a helping hand to help you make the right choice for your face type:

ROUND FACE: With dimensions of length and width very equal, the curved face requires more of an angular, narrow type frame to assist in elongating the facial shape. The wider look can also be minimized with darker and deeper colors such as shades of black and tortoise.

SQUARE FACE: The width and length are also equal to each other and has a strong jaw line with a broad forehead. Try the classic oval or cat eye style. This style will help reduce the angles of the face.

DIAMOND FACE: High, usually dramatic cheekbones and narrow at the eyes and jaw line requires a frame style with a brow line that is pronounced or a rounded style. Rimless and oval shape glasses soften and contour the face.

TRIANGLE FACE: A broad forehead and narrow mouth and chin make up the triangle. Look for frames with vertical lines with a thin frame. Avoid large frames, bold colors and square shapes. A good shape would be cat eyes, rimless or angular. Try to stick to a lighter lens.

OBLONG FACE: A face with an extended cheek line that dimensionally is longer than it is wide. To balance the face, look for frames that do not extend past the widest part of your face. Try a glass with more vertical depth. Square or round frames are a good fit. A decorative temple helps even out the face with width perception.

OVAL FACE: The "ideal" face. Proportionately balanced, most eye wear can be worn on this face. To maintain a balance, wear frames that are as wide as or wider than the broadest part of the face. Have fun trying on many different styles to find the one that is right for you!

PROTECTION: Consider the reason you are getting ready to purchase eye wear. If for riding make sure to get the proper fit that is snug to the head and blocks wind and debris that may be blowing in the air. Foam back glasses are suitable for riders without shields, or a sport wrap that provides a snug fit. Make sure the lens is large enough to cover the entire eye. Check state laws for regulations regarding eye protection. Most, if not all, require you to wear eye protection if your helmet does not have a face shield.

If considering clip-on glasses, the clip should fit the edges of the glass and should fit close to the lens without touching it. Adjustments are usually required at time of purchase.

Choosing the lens color can benefit you as well depending on the functional use of your eye wear. Listed below are a few small guidelines to help you with the decision making and selecting process.

Smoked lens are a great all purpose lens and good for extended wear. (Doesn't distort color). Amber lens, also know as a driving lens, filters blue light. Amber also provides excellent contrast, depth perception and shadow definition in bright, overcast conditions. Blocks the glare! Clear lens are excellent for night riding and low light conditions and yet, they still provide you with UVA/UVB protection. Yellow lens increases brightness and contrast in low lighting, such as fog, snow, rain and night driving. Grey and orange photo chromic lens are great for changing light conditions. Reflective lens (mirror) reflects light away from the eye, making eyes more relaxed for a longer period of time. Polarized lens is two layers of polarized materials applied over each other in opposite directions that create the glare blocking qualities. Glare is created on flat surfaces such as water and pavement where light is concentrated and magnified. As with anything, you get what you pay for so be aware that polarized glasses made of cheaper materials may produce a haze and distortion. Better quality, not necessarily more expensive eye wear will offer better filtering, higher definition and visual acuity and will diffuse concentrated light waves up to 99%.

Pros and cons of glass vs. polycarbonate: Glass materials are a better selection regarding scratch resistant qualities. Glass offers greatest visual acuity. Glass can be used in photo chromic applications and is more impact resistant. Polycarbonate material is very durable and preferred in active sports and more aggressive activities. Poly carbonates are also greater impact resistant than glass and are lighter as well as less expensive.

We suggest you do your research and find what is best for each application. Aside from style, protection is first and foremost. Protect your eyes.

- Terry Geitner & Debi Inge

BIO: Terry Geitner founded IronHorse Trading Post in 2005 with the intention of offering customers unique, quality merchandise that is both multi-functional and practical. "As a biker, outdoorsman, and adventurer, it is essential I use products that are functional, practical and that make a unique statement. In other words, cool!"

"After many years and miles of riding, exploring, and examining much of the merchandise currently available to the biker community, I have concluded that quality in a product is paramount and the small difference in price negligible. When I decided to open IronHorse Trading Post, I did so on that premise. I only offer products I have used, tested, and can fully endorse."

"So cruise on in, email us, write us, or simply call—you will always be greeted with a "live" voice eager to assist." The company's website is http://www.ironhorsetradingpost.com/ Terry answers emails personally: tatankas@bellsouth.net

"Until next time, ride safe and never stop exploring!" —Terry Geitner