Tinted Shield or Sun Glasses?

[gammer]

I usually wear sun glasses, but I'm seriously considering getting a tinted face shield.

What do you use/prefer?

[Wahrsuul]

I thought about the tinted shield as well, but since I ride in the (very) early morning sometimes, I'd want a clear shield, so I go with sunglasses instead.  I have to look for ones that'll be comfortable under the helmet, and try to get a couple pair at a time since I either lose or break them.

[gammer]

Yeah, I was wondering about what to do when it is dusk and if I would have to carry a clear visor with me?
On the plus side, my visor is very easy to change. I remember the first 'quick-release' visors were a pain to get to work properly.

[Wahrsuul]

Its more of the 'carry' issue for me, I don't like having to carry a spare visor with me.  I'd have to worry about it getting scratched when I wasn't using it, then there's the "stop and swap" routine.  Sunglasses are easy and cheaper for me.

[hockeyhawk]

Sunglasses for, easier to take off glasses than swap shield.   

[ROJ]

I use sunglasses, as long as I can find ones that are comfortable under the helmet. Another thing to consider besides the tinted visor is the addition of a small tinted visor that can clip to the outside of some helmets clear visors. I picked the Nolan one as it was the first one to come up, but other helmet manufacturers do this as well for some of thier helmets.

[hockeyhawk]

I use sunglasses, as long as I can find ones that are comfortable under the helmet. Another thing to consider besides the tinted visor is the addition of a small tinted visor that can clip to the outside of some helmets clear visors. I picked the Nolan one as it was the first one to come up, but other helmet manufacturers do this as well for some of thier helmets.

I use sunglasses, as long as I can find ones that are comfortable under the helmet. Another thing to consider besides the tinted visor is the addition of a small tinted visor that can clip to the outside of some helmets clear visors. I picked the Nolan one as it was the first one to come up, but other helmet manufacturers do this as well for some of thier helmets.

That's cool ROJ, I never seen that set up before, looks like something I'm going to look into.

[ROJ]

There are also the helmets with the visor built into them that you can push down, kind of like a fighter pilot's sun visor, but I don't really trust them yet.

[BCinMD]

There are also the helmets with the visor built into them that you can push down, kind of like a fighter pilot's sun visor, but I don't really trust them yet.

I have one like this in my HJC IS-16 helmet...it was one of the features I really wanted, as I don't want to mess with sunglasses or having to change visors. 

So far it's working very well...what I like is that I can ride with the main clear visor up, but the sun visor down and my eyes are completely protected.  It does a nice job blocking bright sunlight, too, of course.

The only thing that I think I have to watch for is the spring mechanism that lowers and raises this sun shield - it seems a little cheap-feeling and I haven't taken all the padding out of my helmet to see if it is accessible if I need to replace it.

[Custom82Hawk]

yeah, having that spring give out and the thing falling down at night time would definately be a bad thing.  why not just go to the army/navy surplus store and buy a used fighter jet helmet? :D

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chinese-MATTE-Black-Fighter-Jet-Pilot-Moto-Helmet-SZ-L_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem3ef6b3a9b0QQitemZ270426941872QQptZApparelQ5fMerchandise

That one isn't used like I mentioned, but I don't know if I'd use it.  Doesn't look like it would even be DOT approved for that price it's selling at.  Looks more like a toy than actual protection.

[Bumblebee]

why not just go to the army/navy surplus store and buy a used fighter jet helmet? :D

1. No face protection during a face plant = completely unacceptable IMNSHO.
2. Not designed for motorcycle crash dynamics.
3. Too much exposed area on the back of the head. (See #2 above)
4. Thin impact foam compared to motorcycle helmets thus higher g forces delivered to the head.
5. Surplus is at best unknown condition and likely rotted or old impact foam.

BTW, the one in the link is Chinese. Based on the quality of their tools and other things I've seen coming from there, I wouldn't wear that helmet for anything beyond as a prop on a theatre stage.

There are also the helmets with the visor built into them that you can push down, kind of like a fighter pilot's sun visor, but I don't really trust them yet.

I thought about one of those (schuthbert) but they're spendy and that big gap between the impact foam and shell isn't conductive to proper dissipation impact forces IMO. Granted I haven't looked much lately however I've only seen them on flip ups so that eliminates those helmets entirely due to the lack of cheek pads.

I pennyteched a sun visor. I took black posterboard, cut it to the desired shape, covered it with clear box tape for waterproofing and inserted the edges into the side of the visor opening between the shell and impact foam. (There's usually a small space along the sides or across the top that you can get into for about 1/2" on most helmets with just a little effort) I made 3 different sizes for better coverage as needed. I can put glasses on and remove them easily without removing the sun shield.

[martian]

It only took misjudging sundown once with the tinted visor before putting the clear one back on and finding a set of sun glasses that fit under my helmet.  The tinted visor is now on the passenger helmet - the less they see the better!

[Custom82Hawk]

BTW, the one in the link is Chinese. Based on the quality of their tools and other things I've seen coming from there, I wouldn't wear that helmet for anything beyond as a prop on a theatre stage.

Well, the bike you ride is made in a country right next door to where the helmet is designed, but ok :D.  And lots of people where half helmets, so this wouldn't be any different.  Assuming it offered any protection at all that is.

[detdrbuzzard]

both my ff helmets have a dark smoke  face shield and my ac-3 has a mirror face shield, the shield actually had a light smoke tint inside which is good for me at night cause it cuts glare and i see better than with either ff helmet. why do i need a tint at night? well when i was in my early 20's a hard ball ended up in my right eye and the pupil stays dilated

[rotomotor]

I use both a tinted shield and clear shield with sunglasses, not at the same time. If I know it's a daytime ride in bright light, I use the dark smoke shield. If it's getting late and I'm likely to be out after sundown, I use the clear with sunglasses. I really prefer the dark shield without extra sunglasses so I don't mind carrying both shields once in a while. I tend to have saddle bags on much of the time, so having the alternate shield isn't a big deal. Changing a shield on my helmet is FAST 

[Burgi]

I have a Caberg 104 Gara helmet that has the dual shield. Outer is clear, inner is smoke. I really like the two shields since I don't have to worry about the day/night transition. However, the helmet is one noisy POS so I don't use it unless I'm in a situation where I really want that feature.
Most time I use a dark smoke shield and swap out as necessary.

[happycommuter]

FYI, polarized sunglasses reveal the stress patterns of a helmet visor in a trippy iridescent way, and it is very distracting.  You'll also see patterns in car windshields, but that's less of a concern.  Anyway, that's why my prescrip sunglasses that I drive with are a no-no for riding.

[Old_Rider_54]

On sunny rides, I typically wear shades and keep my shield flipped up.  My windscreen keeps the bugs from smacking me in the face and I usually welcome the air conditioning.   I don't like wearing the shades with my shield down, the double layer of plastic seems to hinder my vision a little.

[gammer]

FYI, polarized sunglasses reveal the stress patterns of a helmet visor in a trippy iridescent way, and it is very distracting.  You'll also see patterns in car windshields, but that's less of a concern.  Anyway, that's why my prescrip sunglasses that I drive with are a no-no for riding.

I found this out the hard way with my latest pair of sunglasses. I've switched back to my oldie - but goodie sunglasses (non polarized)

[Wizbangboom]

I used to work 3rd shift and now work 2nd, so I do a lot of riding at night. I find that a light yellow tinted visor keeps the oncoming headlights from blinding you, but still allows you to see well at night. I have the "Yellow Mirrored Exovision" shield for my Scorpion helmet and leave it on all the time.

http://www.newenough.com/helmets_eyewear/replacement_shields/scorpion/everclear_no_fog_shield_for_exo_700_and_exo_400_motorcycle_helmets.html

(Although they call it "Mirrored" IMO it isn't.)

[Uncle Fester]

Clear visor and auto-tint prescription glasses for me.  Sometimes, though it's just not enough.  I used to work 2nd shift, and recently worked 3rd for a short time.  Man! Riding west at sunset and east at sunrise is a pain! Just my luck! lol!  I wear an AFX FX-28 modular helmet, which is a decent price, good fit, and has plenty of possibilities...

AFX FX-28 (pic from Dennis Kirk)

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=3302221L&store=&catId=&productId=prod1520273&leafCatId=&mmyId=

AFX Fast Shield
These go inside your regular face shield... I'd considered getting one or two when I was on 3rd shift... Smaller than a full face shield...

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=326527&store=&catId=&productId=p326527&leafCatId=&mmyId=

[LOKi]

Needs other for an option. I got the HJC IS-Max. It was the only helmet with the flip down interior "SunShield visor system" in my price range. I wear glasses so when I change directions and find myself heading into the sun I would have to remove my glasses and put on sun glasses. This helmet has the sun glasses built in. A slider switch lowers the shade and a button releases it so it pops out of the way when you enter a tunnel or something. I also like that in town I can put up the clear shield and still have the shaded one down to keep the wind and debris out of your eyes.

On the down side in heavy rain spray gets on the inside of the face shield. From under the chin though not the top. In those situations it's best to tuck in and keep your chin down to minimize the blow back under your chin.  

[niteman]

I am currently using clear windshield on my scorpion exo400 and wearing either presciption glasses or prescription sunglasses. Ride with the sheild up when wearing the sunglasses because of what HappC stated above...kooky effects...

I am thinking about picking up a tinted sheild in lieu of carrying around two pair of glasses everywhere...the yellow mirrored exovision that Wizbangboom uses might be on the list.

[Uncle Fester]

I see more than a few folks who wear prescription glasses, like myself.  But am I the only one who wears Transitions lenses? I must admit, they're not dark enough for "riding into the sunset", but I've found they're much more convenient than hauling around two pair of glasses.  I had two pair of glasses that cost about $275 each for a total of $550... I got my new pair with Transition lenses last April for $690, yep more expensive, but I don't leave them behind anywhere, and I've always got them with me. Still, I think about that slick inner visor for my FX-28... (Not as slick as LOKi's HJC IS-Max, though.  Hey, LOKi! How much was that helmet?)

[LOKi]

Less than $200 from New Enough. It's a little louder than a one piece helmet but if you wear hearing protection anyway that's not such a big problem.

http://www.newenough.com/helmets_eyewear/closed_face_flip_up_chin/hjc/is_max_solid_and_metallic_motorcycle_helmet.html