Helmets Compatible With Eyeglass Wearers

[mcmd]

Hi Folks,
I'm going to be doing some helmet shopping. I wear glasses. Some of the videos I've viewed about helmets that fit properly look as if the helmets would pose difficulty for eyeglass wearers. They look so tight. I'm sure there are other eyeglass wearers out there. I'm think I'll prefer an open face helmet with some sort of face shield. I guess my question is twofold, how are other eyeglass wearers dealing with this situation and do you have any specific recommendations. I'm not looking to spend a fortune. Perhaps something in the $200.00 - $300.00 range. I'd greatly appreciate any and all help and input.

 

[AZ7000']

I have never had a helmet that I could not wear my glasses with. Goggles can be an issue...

 

[dmonkey]

You'll want to look specifically for helmets that have reliefs in the comfort liner padding for sliding eyeglass arms into, and search reviews for what people say about wearing eyeglasses with each model you consider. Some of the very simple designs that are easy on the wallet are lacking the reliefs for eyeglass arms, which is silly because for riders who don't wear corrective lenses it is still common to wear sunglasses for daytime riding. Another thing to consider is that comfort liners break in, they should be just slightly too tight when new so that they're the right amount of cheek smooshing once broken in. My personal recommendation is always to go with a modular or full face helmet. A 3/4 helmet is 3/4 of a safety device, may as well buy and wear the whole thing.

 

[SneakyDingo]

FWIW, if you haven't seen the Jay Leno video on helmets, it's a few years old now but he has some pearls of wisdom in there, and we know Jay Leno's chin is like 3/4 of his head so he has some important tips about getting the perfect fit.

Regarding eyeglasses, pretty much every old fart on a FJR1300 or some equivalent sport tourer wears glasses, but also is made of enough money to be able to afford more than a bucket for the top of their head. It might be worth asking on ADVForum or some equivalent for ST1300/FJR1300A forums about that as well.

 

[maj]

Hi Folks,
I'm going to be doing some helmet shopping. I wear glasses. Some of the videos I've viewed about helmets that fit properly look as if the helmets would pose difficulty for eyeglass wearers. They look so tight. I'm sure there are other eyeglass wearers out there. I'm think I'll prefer an open face helmet with some sort of face shield. I guess my question is twofold, how are other eyeglass wearers dealing with this situation and do you have any specific recommendations. I'm not looking to spend a fortune. Perhaps something in the $200.00 - $300.00 range. I'd greatly appreciate any and all help and input.

How much is your head worth? Suggest that you get the best full-face helmet that fits your head shape regardless of price. Easy enough to to slip glasses on after you strap it on. Please forget about an open face helmet. Had I not been wearing a top of the line full-face Arai when I went down hard 15 years ago I wouldn’t be nearly this good looking (if I would be here at all.) Or, spring for a good modular. I currently use a Schuberth C4 that is very comfortable, quiet, and most important safe.

 

[mcmd]

I have never had a helmet that I could not wear my glasses with. Goggles can be an issue...

I'll be sticking with my glasses. Wouldn't be wearing goggles. Thank you for your input.

 

[mcmd]

You'll want to look specifically for helmets that have reliefs in the comfort liner padding for sliding eyeglass arms into, and search reviews for what people say about wearing eyeglasses with each model you consider. Some of the very simple designs that are easy on the wallet are lacking the reliefs for eyeglass arms, which is silly because for riders who don't wear corrective lenses it is still common to wear sunglasses for daytime riding. Another thing to consider is that comfort liners break in, they should be just slightly too tight when new so that they're the right amount of cheek smooshing once broken in. My personal recommendation is always to go with a modular or full face helmet. A 3/4 helmet is 3/4 of a safety device, may as well buy and wear the whole thing.

I hadn't considered a modular helmet because I really didn't know anything about them. After reading your response I started viewing some videos about them. Interesting concept. It appears there are a few on the market that allow a full flip back which would permit using them as an open face, if desired. I do get your point about safety. With that said, I do think it would be nice to have the choice. Thank you for your input, you've opened my eyes.

 

[mcmd]

FWIW, if you haven't seen the Jay Leno video on helmets, it's a few years old now but he has some pearls of wisdom in there, and we know Jay Leno's chin is like 3/4 of his head so he has some important tips about getting the perfect fit.

Regarding eyeglasses, pretty much every old fart on a FJR1300 or some equivalent sport tourer wears glasses, but also is made of enough money to be able to afford more than a bucket for the top of their head. It might be worth asking on ADVForum or some equivalent for ST1300/FJR1300A forums about that as well.

Hi, thanks for your input. You're absolutely right, there's definitely good information in that Leno video. It made me more mindful of the importance of proper sizing. That crash clip they showed is brutal, holy crap! I'll look into the other forums that you suggested.

 

[mcmd]

How much is your head worth? Suggest that you get the best full-face helmet that fits your head shape regardless of price. Easy enough to to slip glasses on after you strap it on. Please forget about an open face helmet. Had I not been wearing a top of the line full-face Arai when I went down hard 15 years ago I wouldn’t be nearly this good looking (if I would be here at all.) Or, spring for a good modular. I currently use a Schuberth C4 that is very comfortable, quiet, and most important safe.

I get what you're saying. Sometimes we need to be reminded about the importance of good head protection. I appreciate you taking the time to push that information my way. I will be factoring it in with my purchase.

 

[SneakyDingo]

It appears there are a few on the market that allow a full flip back which would permit using them as an open face, if desired.

I think it should be very clearly pointed out that modular helmets fail the safety standards very badly when ridden open like that. I know several people who own them and there's very few riders who actually choose to do that, at least in Washington State. They're also slightly heavier.

If you're less familiar with helmets and this is your first rodeo, what you generally get with higher priced helmets are:

1. better fit
2. better pads
3. lighter weight
4. less noise
5. better ventilation
6. an easier to operate, remove and replace visor
7. occasionally better features, such as an integrated visor or OEM pinlock integration
8. This doesn't affect functionality, but decals and graphics usually cost more.

Generically speaking (and there are some nuances to this) they do operate to the same protection level, so the $150 HJC will protect your head the same as a $1000 Arai. But you might end up with less neck strain and fatigue riding with a better helmet. Considering you MIGHT crash with a helmet once but you might wear it for hundreds of hours before you replace it, a helmet that reduces fatigue and is comfortable to wear is a substantial investment.

I've bought about 20-30 helmets in my lifetime, and the question you're asking about fit with glasses is really something that can only be answered by physically going to a store and trying several helmets on. Each helmet manufacturer has their own concept of what fits, which leads to a sort of statement like, "You either have a Shoei head or an Arai head." The biggest point of this really is to go to the store and try a bunch of them. It might sound a bit counterintuitive, but start at the high end helmets and work your way down from there. Once you find one you like, when it comes time to replace it you can generally order the next version up online when you replace it without too many questions. For example, I started off on the Shoe RF-1000 so the first helmet I picked up when I went to the motorcycle store was the RF-1400, and it fit perfectly.

 

[mcmd]

I think it should be very clearly pointed out that modular helmets fail the safety standards very badly when ridden open like that. I know several people who own them and there's very few riders who actually choose to do that, at least in Washington State. They're also slightly heavier.

If you're less familiar with helmets and this is your first rodeo, what you generally get with higher priced helmets are:

1. better fit
2. better pads
3. lighter weight
4. less noise
5. better ventilation
6. an easier to operate, remove and replace visor
7. occasionally better features, such as an integrated visor or OEM pinlock integration
8. This doesn't affect functionality, but decals and graphics usually cost more.

Generically speaking (and there are some nuances to this) they do operate to the same protection level, so the $150 HJC will protect your head the same as a $1000 Arai. But you might end up with less neck strain and fatigue riding with a better helmet. Considering you MIGHT crash with a helmet once but you might wear it for hundreds of hours before you replace it, a helmet that reduces fatigue and is comfortable to wear is a substantial investment.

I've bought about 20-30 helmets in my lifetime, and the question you're asking about fit with glasses is really something that can only be answered by physically going to a store and trying several helmets on. Each helmet manufacturer has their own concept of what fits, which leads to a sort of statement like, "You either have a Shoei head or an Arai head." The biggest point of this really is to go to the store and try a bunch of them. It might sound a bit counterintuitive, but start at the high end helmets and work your way down from there. Once you find one you like, when it comes time to replace it you can generally order the next version up online when you replace it without too many questions. For example, I started off on the Shoe RF-1000 so the first helmet I picked up when I went to the motorcycle store was the RF-1400, and it fit perfectly.

You mentioned going to the stores and trying on a bunch of helmets. This is a good point and I was slowly beginning to come to this conclusion because of the many variables. The problem with online helmet buying is that you really won't know how it fits until it arrives. With head shape, sizing, safety features, comfort, etc. it only makes sense to put them on your head to choose the right one. I also get your point about it being easier when it's time to replace one. I used to ride years ago. Back then these hi-tech helmets didn't exist. We all just wore ill fitting open face helmets. It's great to see how things have changed for the better. Thanks for your help!

 

[SneakyDingo]

You mentioned going to the stores and trying on a bunch of helmets. This is a good point and I was slowly beginning to come to this conclusion because of the many variables. The problem with online helmet buying is that you really won't know how it fits until it arrives. With head shape, sizing, safety features, comfort, etc. it only makes sense to put them on your head to choose the right one. I also get your point about it being easier when it's time to replace one. I used to ride years ago. Back then these hi-tech helmets didn't exist. We all just wore ill fitting open face helmets. It's great to see how things have changed for the better. Thanks for your help!

Yeah, unfortunately the only other option is to find a store with an excellent returns policy that is ok with it. It's a really big challenge. I'm glad you posted about this because I'm about to buy another (bicycle) helmet, and I forgot that I need to bring my summertime sunglasses with me when I try the helmets on until this came up.

 

[dmonkey]

RevZilla has a great return policy for helmets. You can try them on indoors, wear it around the house for a bit, and try on all your glasses with it. If you don't have a local RevZilla/J&P Cycle/CycleGear brick and mortar location near you then online returns cost $7.99 to ship back (free if you're a member of their loyalty rewards program). Don't remove any stickers or labels from the helmet (the visors usually have a label on them) so you can avoid being charged any restocking fees should you end up returning it.

No Hassle Return & Refund Form - RevZilla

Doesn't fit or just not happy with it? Fill out your return form here and check out RevZilla's no nonsense, no restocking fee return policy.

www.revzilla.com

If you end up considering a full face helmet, the HJC F70 has my recommendation and is at the top of your budget. I have the slightly lighter and more expensive carbon fiber version and have put at least 20k miles on it over the past year in all riding conditions and on various motorcycles. My favorite thing about it is the MASSIVE field of view. If you're concerned about claustrophobia in a full face helmet then it might be the best full face helmet solution to that. The biggest downside I've found about it has not been anything I've noticed from wearing it, but instead that it's missing MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) as a safety feature. MIPS is essentially a slip liner that helps prevent rotational injuries to the brain in case of an accident, it's one of the "safer" features to look for on any type of helmet. Still, the helmet is DOT (bare minimum) and ECE (better) certified.

F70 SOLID - HJC HELMETS AMERICA

The new F70 combines cutting-edge design with upgraded features for a fresh, must-have helmet. If you’re a rider who likes to stay ahead of the pack, this first addition to a new generation of helmets is calling your name. The unique design includes an aggressive-looking breath guard and...

www.hjchelmets.us

 

[mcmd]

RevZilla has a great return policy for helmets. You can try them on indoors, wear it around the house for a bit, and try on all your glasses with it. If you don't have a local RevZilla/J&P Cycle/CycleGear brick and mortar location near you then online returns cost $7.99 to ship back (free if you're a member of their loyalty rewards program). Don't remove any stickers or labels from the helmet (the visors usually have a label on them) so you can avoid being charged any restocking fees should you end up returning it.

No Hassle Return & Refund Form - RevZilla

Doesn't fit or just not happy with it? Fill out your return form here and check out RevZilla's no nonsense, no restocking fee return policy.

www.revzilla.com

If you end up considering a full face helmet, the HJC F70 has my recommendation and is at the top of your budget. I have the slightly lighter and more expensive carbon fiber version and have put at least 20k miles on it over the past year in all riding conditions and on various motorcycles. My favorite thing about it is the MASSIVE field of view. If you're concerned about claustrophobia in a full face helmet then it might be the best full face helmet solution to that. The biggest downside I've found about it has not been anything I've noticed from wearing it, but instead that it's missing MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) as a safety feature. MIPS is essentially a slip liner that helps prevent rotational injuries to the brain in case of an accident, it's one of the "safer" features to look for on any type of helmet. Still, the helmet is DOT (bare minimum) and ECE (better) certified.

F70 SOLID - HJC HELMETS AMERICA

The new F70 combines cutting-edge design with upgraded features for a fresh, must-have helmet. If you’re a rider who likes to stay ahead of the pack, this first addition to a new generation of helmets is calling your name. The unique design includes an aggressive-looking breath guard and...

www.hjchelmets.us

Hi, Thanks for your feedback. This forum is a great resource for support from fellow riders. I'm in the midwest and unfortunately none of the retail bike shops you mentioned have locations near me. You hit the nail right on the head with my concerns with a full face helmet, claustrophobia and field of view. The other concern would be overheating in the summer sun. On the subject of heat, two other things that don't get much mention are the color of the helmet and the helmet vent systems. I'd certainly welcome any comments on these subjects. I looked at the helmet you suggested. Based on my limited knowledge, it looks like a helmet of quality. I think my first step will be to visit some local shops and start trying some helmets on. This seems like a good place to start. Thanks so much for taking the time to provide input.

 

[AZ7000']

I think you are way over thinking it…. Ive ridden 10’s of thousand miles in Baja and never noticed a difference with color or vents. When it’s hot it’s hot, Mexico hot! I found the bell carbon 9 fits me and buy the last seasons colors. $600 helmet for about $250 on whoever is clearing them out and has an XL.
Find one that fits ya and enjoy the ride! I do have a bunch of the smaller cheek pads I swap out in the bell’s

Yes, others will have opinions but that’s mine. Suerte

Do Black Motorcycle Helmets Get Too Hot? (In The Sun) | Motor & Wheels

Black motorcycle helmets are easily the most popular.

motorandwheels.com

 

[SneakyDingo]

I think you are way over thinking it…. Ive ridden 10’s of thousand miles in Baja and never noticed a difference with color or vents. When it’s hot it’s hot, Mexico hot! I found the bell carbon 9 fits me and buy the last seasons colors. $600 helmet for about $250 on whoever is clearing them out and has an XL.
Find one that fits ya and enjoy the ride! I do have a bunch of the smaller cheek pads I swap out in the bell’s

Yes, others will have opinions but that’s mine. Suerte

Do Black Motorcycle Helmets Get Too Hot? (In The Sun) | Motor & Wheels

Black motorcycle helmets are easily the most popular.

motorandwheels.com

Different strokes for different folks for sure, I absolutely get overheating issues with helmets but mostly if I'm having to physically work hard, especially if I let my hair grow out. Right now in the PNW we're around 28F and I am rolling around with both vents open. Cold chin, warm head navigating a lot of our roadworks. I'm a very warm person naturally, the subject of many cold girlfriend feet.

Regarding cooling, I'd agree with that article. A black helmet will heat up more (and I wear a black helmet) but generally I've found airflow matters more than the color of the helmet and helmet color is not that much of a factor. Cracking open your visor if you need more airflow is always an option at lower speeds too until the vents take over.

You can always buy two helmets, too, and get the other one later. This isn't a problem you have to solve all at once. In material science theory, heat, humidity and pressure breaks down the padding and foam, so that might actually make your non-warm weather helmet last longer too.

 

[dmonkey]

I would worry more about helmet color for how visible it makes you rather than temperature. That's something specific to the Carbon version of my helmet that I don't love - yes carbon fiber looks dope and I'm sure many people who pay the extra $$$ for carbon fiber helmets are doing so for the aesthetic rather than the weight savings. My motivation when I bought it was weight savings, I'll take all I can get to reduce neck fatigue off-road and when touring. I would personally have preferred it if the HJC F70 Carbon came with a hi-viz decal or even just a white overlay to be more visible. Your helmet is big and it's usually the highest part of you and the motorcycle visible in traffic.
Law enforcement versions of the HJC modular carbon fiber helmets sold through 3rd parties do feature some white color for extra visibility, likely added by the companies that adapt them for LEO use and add comms and organization specific decals to them.


There are quite a few potential features for airflow in a helmet:

• Visor: Opening this is the most significant way to regulate air into your helmet, but be sure you still have adequate eye protection. If you do not have something like a pinlock lens installed for anti-fog, cracking the visor open a notch on the detents pivot is also one of the easiest ways to mitigate fog when you're riding in cold, humid, or rainy conditions. There are lots of temporary anti-fog solutions out there as alternatives to a pinlock, a travel bottle of Head & Shoulder's dandruff shampoo is a surprisingly good option, inexpensive, and widely available.
• Chin vent(s): On some helmets these are always open. Be cautious of that because some of them have poor designs that let rain though (my Biltwell Lane Splitter experience). I ride with them open all year on my helmet, you can close them while moving in the winter to keep cold out but may need to open them when stopped to not have excessive fogging from your breath inside the helmet. On some helmets the chin vents can be annoying and blow air right up into your eyes, I had this issue on the latest generation of Shoei helmets that fit differently for me than previous generations.
• Top/chipney vent(s): These let fresh air in to the top of your head. I leave them closed unless it's scorching hot out, they often feel like someone's taking a straw and blowing on one or two very specific points on your head and that can be a weird feeling if you don't have long hair to diffuse it. That said, they're great to have when the weather is very hot.
• Rear/top rear exhaust vent(s): These let air exit the helmet when moving, that way air actually flows through the helmet rather than just ramming into it and fighting the pressure of what's already in the helmet. Some helmets don't have rear vents. They're uncommon on retro style helmets and even some high end helmets like the Schuberth modular helmets which don't have them because ventilation and airflow inside the helmet cause noise. Airflow noise doesn't matter much if you wear hearing protection.
• Comfort liner and EPS foam: some have pathways and spacing intended to help air flow through the helmet, retro helmets with quilted liners (Biltwell Gringo) usually lack this. The material and density of comfort liner can also help keep you cool, and you can also add a layer of wearing a thin bandana, skull cap, or balaclava made out of a fabric like Coolmax meant to wick moisture and cool.
• Chin skirt: These are sometimes removable or adjustable. In cold weather they're great for reducing how much cold air enters the helmet below your chin, at the expense of trapping your breath condensation in the helmet to create fog. In hot weather they're often something you want to be able to remove or not have at all. Chin skirts also greatly reduce wind noise inside the helmet.

Consider not only the temperatures you'll be riding in, but the speeds and how long of stretches you'll have your helmet on for. Ventilation matters more on long low speed rides, or on trail riding where you're exerting effort, than it does on short rides around town or higher speed (on the CT125 we'll cap this at "mid-speed" ) commutes.

As @AZ7000' said though, when it's hot it's hot. Protective gear impedes airflow, and airflow doesn't cool you if it's hotter than you are. When it's 100°F+ out some of your best options are to take breaks from riding, that's what siestas are for!, and soak your hair, bandana, clothing, etc in water so you can cool off through wicking moisture (not as effective when it's already hot and humid).

 

[jBIRDt]

Hi Folks,
I'm going to be doing some helmet shopping. I wear glasses. Some of the videos I've viewed about helmets that fit properly look as if the helmets would pose difficulty for eyeglass wearers. They look so tight. I'm sure there are other eyeglass wearers out there. I'm think I'll prefer an open face helmet with some sort of face shield. I guess my question is twofold, how are other eyeglass wearers dealing with this situation and do you have any specific recommendations. I'm not looking to spend a fortune. Perhaps something in the $200.00 - $300.00 range. I'd greatly appreciate any and all help and input.

Good question and tough search. I settled for BELL Pit boss half helmet with a pull down eye shield that works with one pair of glasses but not my newest ( larger lenses ). It has adjustable head band good for haircuts and hotter days comfort. I am pleased with this helmet

 

[AZ7000']

I guess I should have been more clear, I ride in dirt bike helmets, no shield and plenty of ventilation!

And glasses!!!

 

[mcmd]

I think you are way over thinking it…. Ive ridden 10’s of thousand miles in Baja and never noticed a difference with color or vents. When it’s hot it’s hot, Mexico hot! I found the bell carbon 9 fits me and buy the last seasons colors. $600 helmet for about $250 on whoever is clearing them out and has an XL.
Find one that fits ya and enjoy the ride! I do have a bunch of the smaller cheek pads I swap out in the bell’s

Yes, others will have opinions but that’s mine. Suerte

Do Black Motorcycle Helmets Get Too Hot? (In The Sun) | Motor & Wheels

Black motorcycle helmets are easily the most popular.

motorandwheels.com

Yes, perhaps over thinking it. I mentioned earlier that it's been years since I have ridden motorcycles. Back in the day, none of these high tech options existed! We all just rode with ill fitting, mostly open face helmets. I suppose I'm just trying to get with the times. Thanks for weighing in.