Figuring out how to create glasses space in motorcycle helmet can make all the difference in your riding experience. Wearing glasses with a motorcycle helmet is a common challenge for many riders.
Personally, it took me years to figure out a comfortable setup where my glasses wouldn’t pinch or fog up. If you’re like me and need glasses for clear vision, you know how frustrating it can be when your helmet pushes them against your head.
Did you know that over 64% of adults in the U.S. wear glasses, and many of them face the same issues while riding?
Luckily, there are several methods and tools you can use to make your helmet and glasses work together seamlessly. In this guide, I’ll Walk you through practical tips and solutions based on my personal experience and research.
Quick Fix
Need a fast solution? First, check if your helmet has removable or adjustable padding—this can create extra room for your glasses. If needed, gently trim the interior foam or use aftermarket inserts like padded sleeves to reduce pressure points. For an even better fit, choose glasses with thin, straight arms that easily slide into the helmet. These simple adjustments will ensure a comfortable and safe riding experience.
Helmet Types and Glasses Compatibility
Choosing the right motorcycle helmet is key to solving the glasses issue. Not all helmets work well with glasses, and each helmet type offers different pros and cons. Let’s break them down.
Full-Face Helmets:
- Full-face helmets offer the most protection, covering your entire head, but they often require you to remove your glasses to put the helmet on and off. This can get annoying, especially if you need to do it often.
- Some full-face helmets come with eyeglass channels—grooves in the padding that reduce pressure on your glasses’ arms. These channels make a big difference in comfort.
- Fact: Full-face helmets can reduce head injury risk by up to 37%, making them the safest option. If you find one that fits well with your glasses, you’re getting the best protection.
Modular Helmets:
- Modular helmets have a flip-up chin bar, allowing you to keep your glasses on when putting the helmet on or off. However, depending on the helmet design, your glasses might still shift or get stuck when you remove the helmet.
- Look for modular helmets with removable padding or adjustable interiors to better accommodate glasses.
- Tip: Always test the helmet for glasses that fit in-store if possible. Spending extra time in the store trying out helmets can save you headaches on the road.
Open-Face Helmets:
- Open-face helmets offer the least amount of protection but make wearing glasses much easier since there’s no chin bar or face shield to get in the way.
- However, with an open-face helmet, you’re exposed to the elements. Dust, wind, and bugs can hit your face, so I recommend wearing motorcycle goggles designed to fit over glasses.
- Tip: If you’re set on using an open-face helmet, opt for one with a small visor or get glasses with shatterproof lenses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Advanced Fitting 3 Tips for Glasses and Helmets
Once you have the right helmet, the next step is ensuring your glasses fit comfortably. The following tips have helped me solve many of the discomfort issues associated with wearing glasses under a helmet.
Frame Shape and Material
- The material and shape of your glasses play a big role in comfort. Opt for frames made from lightweight materials, like titanium or polycarbonate. These materials are more flexible and put less pressure on your temples.
- Straight-armed glasses are better suited for motorcycle helmets because they slide in easily without needing to hook over your ears, which can cause discomfort.
- Fact: Switching to lightweight, straight-arm frames can reduce pressure by up to 30%, making a huge difference on long rides.
Padding Customization
- Some helmets allow you to adjust or remove padding to create more room for glasses. Helmets with adjustable padding give you more control over the fit, allowing you to fine-tune the pressure points.
- If your helmet doesn’t have this feature, you can use aftermarket foam inserts to pad the areas where your glasses arms sit, reducing the pressure.
Fit Checklist
- Always perform a fit check before riding. Make sure your helmet fits snugly without crushing your glasses.
- Test your peripheral vision while wearing the helmet and glasses. If your glasses obstruct your side vision, try a different frame style or helmet type.
- Tip: When testing the fit, simulate your riding posture. Sometimes the angle of your head while riding can change the way the helmet interacts with your glasses.
How to Create Glasses Space in Motorcycle Helmet
If your current helmet doesn’t offer enough room for your glasses, don’t worry. There are several ways you can modify it to better suit your needs without compromising safety. Here are five steps to how to create glasses space in motorcycle helmet:
Step 01: Check Helmet Lining
Look for helmets with removable or adjustable cheek pads. These provide extra space for your glasses’ arms. Always test the fit with your glasses before purchasing to avoid discomfort later.
Step 02: Modify Padding
Use a small blade to carefully trim the foam where your glasses sit. Be sure not to cut too much or damage the helmet’s safety features. This small adjustment creates enough room without compromising protection.
Step 03: Use Aftermarket Inserts
Consider soft padding sleeves or spacers specifically designed for glasses wearers. These products reduce the pressure of the helmet against your temples. They also maintain the helmet’s structure while offering a more comfortable fit.
Step 04: Choose Low-Profile Glasses
Opt for thin frames or flexible glasses that fit better inside the helmet. Low-profile designs help prevent unnecessary pressure. Test different frame shapes to find what works best for you.
Step 05: Test in Riding Position
Once you’ve adjusted your helmet, test it in the actual riding posture. This ensures that the helmet and glasses don’t shift or cause discomfort while you ride. Always make adjustments as needed for maximum comfort.
Following these steps will help you create the perfect space for your glasses in your helmet, significantly improving your riding experience.
Anti-Fog Solutions for Glasses
Fogging is a major issue when wearing glasses inside a helmet, especially in colder weather or high humidity. Fog can obscure your vision and become a safety hazard, so here are some solutions to keep your lenses clear.
Pinlock Visors
Pinlock visors are one of the most effective solutions for keeping both your glasses and visor fog-free. These visors come with anti-fog inserts that prevent moisture buildup.
Fact: Pinlock visors reduce fogging by up to 80%, making them an essential accessory for rainy or cold weather riding.
Anti-Fog Sprays and Treatments
Anti-fog sprays can be applied directly to your glasses lenses. These sprays form a barrier that prevents moisture from sticking to the surface. While their effectiveness can vary, they’re a good backup plan.
You can also use anti-fog wipes, which are easy to carry and provide a quick fix when you’re on the go.
Proper Helmet Ventilation
Look for helmets with well-designed ventilation systems. Proper airflow inside the helmet will help reduce the temperature difference that causes your glasses to fog up.
Tip: Open the vents during stops to let air circulate inside the helmet, reducing the chances of fog buildup.
Specialized Eyewear for Motorcycle Riding
Not all eyeglasses are made equal, especially when it comes to riding. Choosing the right eyewear for motorcycling can significantly reduce discomfort and enhance safety.
Straight-Armed Glasses
- Glasses with straight arms slide in easily between the padding of the helmet and your head. This reduces the need for adjustments mid-ride and prevents discomfort from the arms pressing against your temples.
Flexible Frames
- Flexible frames made from materials like titanium or polycarbonate adapt better to the shape of your head inside a helmet. These frames are also more durable, which is useful for long-term wear under helmets.
Anti-Reflective Lenses
- Anti-reflective coatings on your lenses can reduce glare from sunlight or headlights during night rides. They also help with visibility in bright conditions, making your rides safer.
- Tip: If you wear glasses with thick frames, consider switching to frameless or thin-frame designs to improve comfort inside your helmet.
Pro-Level Gear Setup
Even if you’re a seasoned rider, finding the right setup with glasses can still be tricky. Here are a few advanced options to improve your gear:
Prescription Inserts
- Consider getting prescription inserts for your helmet’s visor. These attach inside the visor, eliminating the need to wear glasses at all. This setup ensures optimal vision without the discomfort of frames pressing against your head.
Anti-Fog Coatings
- Invest in lenses with built-in anti-fog coatings. These lenses reduce the chance of fogging without needing external treatments, making them a long-term solution for glasses wearers.
Helmet with Larger Eyeport
- Some helmet brands, like Shoei and AGV, design helmets with wider eyeports specifically for glasses wearers. These helmets give your glasses more space and improve peripheral vision, making your rides safer and more comfortable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to create glasses space in motorcycle helmet is essential for your riding comfort and safety. Whether you’re adjusting the padding, choosing the right frames, or using aftermarket inserts, there are several ways to ensure your glasses fit perfectly inside your helmet.
Don’t forget, when it comes to riding with glasses, a small adjustment can make a big difference. So, take your time, experiment with different setups, and enjoy your rides to the fullest.