exposure. See, the cheap, ill- fitting discount glasses I rolled around in were often dark lenses but not UV- filtering. This meant my pupils were dilating but getting maximum UVA / UVB rays. This also meant I was raising my risk of things like cataracts and macular degeneration. Why does that matter? Because I was risking major degeneration of my sharp, central vision, meaning straight lines could start to appear blurry and I could start to experience dark, blind spots when I’ m rolling down the road.
The other obvious problem with cheap glasses was the lack of meaningful impact resistance if I crashed, had significant road debris smack the lenses, or encountered yet another unhappy citizen of the fine city I worked in. And to be honest, I couldn’ t tell you if any of the inexpensive sunglasses I wore had any level of impact resistance at all. Could I determine if they made me look marvelous when I modeled them next to the check- out register? Absolutely. Actual protection? No idea.
Eventually, I decided I needed a few key features and benefits in a solid pair of motorcycle sunglasses, and in no particular order, they included: meaningful UV protection, significant impact resistance, thin and flexible arms that could squeeze inside my helmet but not put pressure on my ears, durability that survives regular drops, enough flex to allow them to be sat on or packed aggressively, a nose bridge that wouldn’ t melt or unglue or bend, and sizing to accommodate my little noggin.
Notice I didn’ t mention anything about polarization? Well, polarized lenses, while fantastic when I take my kid for a few laps around the lazy river at our local water park, tend not to be a safe bet on the motorcycle. That’ s because they can hide hazards like water patches, oil, black ice, and other wet areas in the roadway, making your path of travel appear dry when it is not. Another problem with polarized lenses comes when using a dash display, because the polarized lens makes it far more difficult to read. That means things like navigation, speeds, and fuel readings can vanish from view. Oh, and while I’ m griping, polarized lenses can generate a“ rainbow effect” when you look through your helmet visor. Beautiful for sure, but not great when we want to minimize visual distortion.
I’ ll land the plane by saying that I’ ve been wearing a brand by the name of Flying Eyes Optics for the last few years,
While it’ s great to have sunglasses that look cool, they are maybe the most important piece of equipment you purchase, so choose wisely.
and they’ ve been instrumental in supporting the safety and welfare of my eyes in the face of sun, wind, dirt and debris. Developed by a pilot( and avid motorcycle rider) for the express purpose of wearing under headphones( and motorcycle helmets) for long hours in the saddle, these are shatterproof, 100 % UV400- protected lenses. They are exceedingly light and strong, have very thin arms that provide great flex to squeeze into my helmet, and don’ t give me headaches even after multiple hours in the saddle. Maybe the best part is the fact that they offer multiple sizes of the same styles for smaller craniums like mine, which makes them fit much better than other sunglasses I’ ve tried at any price. I’ ve torqued on them, sat on them, and dropped them more than I’ d like to confess. Oh, and no rubber nose tabs to get affected by sun block. No, I didn’ t love the price tag when I first heard about them from a journalist buddy of mine that used them, but they have a lifetime frame warranty( 1 year lens warranty), and for a few bucks more I was able to purchase loss protection, so
I don’ t have to buy another pair if I lose them on an exotic trip to my local parking lot for slow- skills training. If you need prescription sun glasses, they do that too.
Listen, I don’ t usually name drop about specific product brands when we get together each month and discuss motorcycles because it comes off like I’ m reading a sales brochure to you. But if I sat here and watched you continue to risk your long- term eyesight by wearing inadequate sunglasses and politely abstained from providing you with a solid motorcycle- specific solution I knew about, what kind of riding buddy would I be? After all, this isn’ t like getting a cavity and going to the dentist. Once your eyesight starts waving goodbye, those glorious summer days chasing the sun will leave the building shortly thereafter. Let’ s not let that happen.
Quinn wears Schuberth helmets, Richa apparel, Lee Parks Design gloves, and Indie Ridge boots. Find out more at Quinn’ s website, PoliceMotorTraining. com. Send feedback to rider @ ridermagazine. com.
RIDERMAGAZINE. COM / SEPTEMBER 2026 / 51