Will I need High Visibility lenses/goggles for Japan?

Hi Guys

I currently use a pair of Oakley A Frame goggles with the Fire Iridium Lenses. Have been pretty happy with them but it can get a bit tough to see whats going on in low light/foggy conditions. A fair bit of this is caused by fogging (I didn’t help the matter by wiping the inside lens when they were wet ) but I’ve also read this lens is best for bright/sunny days.

I’m a little worried I might get to Japan and have trouble’s with visibility. First off is this a valid concern?

If so would I be best off sourcing a replacement lens for the A frames (clear, yellow or amber??) or would it work out similar to pick up another set of goggles?

I’m fairly well researched on the recommended goggles i.e dragons, smith, oakleys etc but finding them with a high visibility lens is proving to be tricky.

Cheers

Yeah, I’d get a yellow lens for sure!!!!! There’s nothin worse than not bein able to see the definition in the snow surface in low light!!!!!

You’ll find that when it’s cold you wont really have the same trouble with moisture in ya goggles, due to the freezin temps and lack of humidity in Japan!!!!!

A spare lens normally costs around half the price of the goggles, and most stores will have to order them in for you!!!!!

Hey mate,

Yeah, I’d definitely recommend picking up a low light lens. It will make a world of difference. I’d probably go with high intensity yellow (awesome for low light / night riding) or high intensity persimmon (good for low light but more versatile). Either should serve you well in low light. Clear is more for night riding.

To be honest, you’re probably better off getting the lens and sticking with your A-frames, assuming the frame works well for you.

Fantastic, Thanks guys nice easy answer which is of course going to cost me more $$$ best off finding out now though so I can fully enjoy/see Japow

Just have to work out now whether to pick up a lens for the Oakleys (which I’m pretty sure I’m happy with but concerned about fogging but what Mizu has said gives me hope they may be better behaved in Japan)

Would either of you happen to know if there are goggles that you can purchase that comes with the high vis yellow lens? (I’ve searched dragons site and it only appears to be an optional extra purchase)

The Dragon Rogue goggles in coal (matte black) come with a pink ionised lens (also excellent for low light). I’ve used this lens before and they work great.

A good lens shouldn’t fog. The only time it could happen is if you put your goggles on your helmet or beanie, or if you’re hiking and sweating up a storm. Either way, leave them on your face or take them off completely and they should de-fog in no time. What was the situation when they started fogging?

Yeah, I only ever really had trouble with fogging if I stuck my goggles on my beanie when I was hot, or if I had a major derailment and they ended up fillin with snow!!!!!

Now that I wear a Helmet, they don’t come off in a ‘mishap’, and if I stop for a breather I either leave them on or take them off completely, like rider said!!!!!

Fire iridium is probably the least versatile lens you can get….its pretty damn bad in low light conditions
so you will definitely need one even if you aint riding night time

however, Oakley len’s are rarely on sale
prices arent any cheaper in japan either

the white/clear and persimmon are is the cheapest at around 60 bucks
Hi Vis Persimmon or HI Yellow cost the same as iridium lens do(basically cause it has iridium coating) ~110 bucks

forget oakley if you’re on a budget. Get a pair of dragons - they seem to be reasonably priced. I used the blue ionized lens in rogues last season in super low/flat light conditions and they were great. Then you’ll have two pairs of goggles! If you fog up one pair you’ll have a backup

I got my anon majestics with low light lenses for $140 I think they were. I think the majestics all come in with low light lenses. They are pretty versatile though. I’ve ridden in all conditions with them and never had any problems…just a suggestion.

Thanks for all the replies, Looks like I’ll be spending some money but at least going by what everyone has said I should see some solid improvements.

Interesting info on the cost of replacement oakley lenses and good to know that they won’t be any cheaper in Japan (as I was considering picking something up once I arrived) will start researching some of the options everyone has mentioned.

Rider to answer your question, It seemed to happen most often once I had got some liquid on the inside of the lens this seemed to happen mostly after a decent face plant. It also seemed to happen on the days it was raining. As I mentioned earlier though I did the wrong thing though and wiped the inside dry with the cleaning case which I’ve since read is a big no no.

IMPORTANT GOGGLE CARE: DO NOT RUB INNER LENS SURFACE WHEN WET.

If snow or water should collect inside the goggle, follow these steps:
Shake excess snow from the goggle interior. Clear all ventilation ports and lens vents.
Use the Microclear™ Bag that is included with your goggle to gently blot any remaining moisture.
Allow time for moisture to dissipate. Once the goggle is put back on, keep moving as much as possible. Airflow through the vents will help dry the goggle.

http://www.oakley.com/customer-care/care-goggle
rest of care instructions

drc13 - 01 December 2011 06:57 AM

Rider to answer your question, It seemed to happen most often once I had got some liquid on the inside of the lens this seemed to happen mostly after a decent face plant.

Yep, that will do it too.

If you get snow in your goggles, its probably best to take the time to shake them out and even dry them under a hand dryer. Hopefully you don’t do many face plants.

I have been riding with the blue ionised Dragon lens Gamblor mentioned and they work really well for me. The pink ionised are better still for low light. A few of the Rogue goggles come with either lens. I should also probably mention I absolutely love the Rogues in general; super comfy, spherical lens, nice shape etc.

Dragon Rogue in coal with pink ionised lens:

in my excitement of going to japan i completely forgot about getting some low light lens for my goggles, thanks for the reminder!

Thanks Rider I’ll take a look into the dragon’s (trying to work out difference between the rogues and dx)

Haha glad I was able to help trent!

The main difference is the DX has a curved lens while the Rogue has a spherical lens. The Rogue is also $50 more expensive on average (depending on frame/lens).

Ahh ok that answers that question thanks again mate