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

RenegadeRick · Apr 24, 2006

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

I used my REI member rebate to pick up some 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 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 · Apr 24, 2006

I have a pair of Oakley Half Jackets 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 · Apr 24, 2006

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 · Apr 24, 2006

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 · Apr 24, 2006

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 · Apr 24, 2006

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 · Apr 24, 2006

SPY Scoop HS

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

Tenchiro · Apr 24, 2006

Wumpus said:
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.

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 · Apr 24, 2006

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.....

syadasti · Apr 24, 2006

Zeal optics - 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 · Apr 25, 2006

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 · Apr 25, 2006

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 · Apr 25, 2006

oldfart said:
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 · Apr 25, 2006

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 · Apr 25, 2006

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 · Apr 25, 2006

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 · Apr 25, 2006

sanjuro said:
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 · Apr 26, 2006

syadasti said:
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 · Apr 29, 2006

Heidi said:
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 · Apr 29, 2006

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 · May 2, 2006

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 · May 17, 2006

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:

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 · May 17, 2006

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.

BIRDMAN111 · May 18, 2006

mud'n'sweat said:
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 · May 18, 2006

Smith Buzzsaw

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 · Jun 4, 2006

the Inbred said:
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.

DiRt DeViL · Aug 16, 2010

In addition to Oakleys and Spys have had good luck with Optic Nerves, affordable, comfortable and some models com with interchangeable lenses (black, yellow, clear lenses).

Damo · Aug 16, 2010

My trails are in and out of trees, forests and wide open ridgelines/mountainsides. I would rather have something that can change than something I have to change. I am sick of taking my sunnies (Oakley Oil Drums) on and off all the time.

I might have a look at those Specialized ones...

Any others similar out there?

highrevs · Aug 16, 2010

Anyone else still wearing shades they purchased over four years ago?

Mine are about that old and it's time to replace them. I am sporting some tifosi something'erothers... might just have to pick up another pair. They are cheap and have several options for lens colors.

syadasti · Aug 16, 2010

I just got Julbo Dirt sunglasses - NXT military ballistic lens with Zebra photochromatic lens and a laser anti-fog lens treatment. They are made in France and were $105 with shipping from optics planet. They fit much better than various other brands I've had in the past - zeal, oakley, smith, and a few misc others. Super comfortable and better eye protection (covers more with smaller space between my face and the glasses):

http://www.julbousa.com/performance/

Arkayne · Aug 16, 2010

highrevs said:
Anyone else still wearing shades they purchased over four years ago? Mine are about that old and it's time to replace them. I am sporting some tifosi something'erothers... might just have to pick up another pair. They are cheap and have several options for lens colors.

Yep, 4+ years and my Oakley Minute's w/Iridium lens' are starting to break down. The rubber on the arms is getting gummy and the coatings are rubbing away.

I use the Oakley Half Jacket w/clear lens for night rides.

highrevs · Aug 16, 2010

Arkayne said:
Yep, 4+ years and my Oakley Minute's w/Iridium lens' are starting to break down. The rubber on the arms is getting gummy and the coatings are rubbing away.

I use the Oakley Half Jacket w/clear lens for night rides.

Haha, I was trying to make reference to to the four year old thread that was bumped

... but yeah the rubber nose pieces on my 4 year old tifosi's are turning into a gooey black paste of sorts...

Arkayne · Aug 16, 2010

highrevs said:
Haha, I was trying to make reference to to the four year old thread that was bumped ... but yeah the rubber nose pieces on my 4 year old tifosi's are turning into a gooey black paste of sorts...

shnikeys, I didn't realize this was an old as fck thread. hahah

Evan55 · Aug 16, 2010

holy back from the dead, Batman!

I ride with Oakley Jawbones Transitions and Oakley Flak Jacket XLJ

but I also have some cheap Pricepoint Sette glasses that pleasantly surprised me with build quality, fit, and optical quality. Id go with those if youre on a budget

The housebrand stuff at performance was also pretty nice when i tried them on

tartosuc · Aug 17, 2010

I ride with really cheap glasses...
I use ElVEX RX300 safety glasses as they have the bifocal option, my old eyes like them, o read the maps! optics are good, and i dont mind scratching them as they are cheap to replace.

I bought 2 pairs of tinted and 2 pairs of clear for 40$

NiGhtt · Aug 24, 2010

Cheap, reliable, yet comfortable and efficient.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xqd/R-100054214/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

doramider7 · Sep 9, 2010

biggins said:
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.

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.

slimshady · Sep 9, 2010

biggins said:
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.

I second the use of orange lenses. They improve contrast when riding in bushy, shady areas, and don't give you too much glare when the sun hits you directly. Every pair of riding lenses/goggles I've purchased since ten years ago I've ordered with orange lenses.

On the brand/model subject, I've picked up a pair of Oakley Jawbones a couple of months ago, and I'm loving them. Before them I used the Adidas Evil Eyes on size "L". I recommend them too, even when they are a bit old now.

Willy Vanilly · Sep 9, 2010

Wumpus said:
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.

I've been using the same pair of Smith Sliders for many years now (10+) with good results. The Persimmon lenses have worked well for me in a variety of lighting conditions (not too dark in the trees and not too light in full sun). Also, their CS has been good to me. Go Smith!

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

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