As a mountain biking enthusiast, you know that the right eyewear can make all the difference in your riding experience. With the latest innovations in MTB glasses, 2023 brings a whole new level of performance, comfort, and durability. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best mountain bike glasses available in 2023, along with the latest lens technologies and expert tips for maintaining your MTB glasses. Ready to gear up for your next adventure? Keep reading!
Short Summary
- Expert-recommended MTB glasses for 2023 include Smith Wildcat, Oakley Sutro Prizm, Tifosi Sledge and more.
- Lens technology such as photochromic, polarized & mirrored lenses should be selected based on individual riding conditions.
- Consider coverage, lens type & frame design when choosing the right MTB glasses. Maintain with anti-fog spray and store in a protective case.
What are the Best MTB Glasses for 2023?
When it comes to mountain biking, your eyewear plays a crucial role in your performance and safety. The best mountain bike sunglasses provide excellent coverage, sharp optics, and a comfortable fit, ensuring that your eyes are well-protected from harmful UV rays, debris, and wind.
So, what are the top-rated MTB glasses for 2023? We’ve compiled a list of five standout options, each offering a unique blend of performance, comfort, and durability. Our top picks for 2023 include the Smith Wildcat, Oakley Sutro Prizm, Tifosi Sledge, 100% S2 and Rudy Project Spinshield. Each of these glasses has been carefully selected based on expert recommendations and extensive testing, ensuring that you’ll be well-equipped for your next off-road adventure.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these top-rated MTB glasses and what sets them apart.
Smith Wildcat
The Smith Wildcat is a top-performing MTB glass that boasts excellent coverage, sharp optics, and a high-quality frame, making it a favorite among riders. What sets the Wildcat apart is its ChromaPop color blocking technology, providing excellent coverage and a comfortable fit. The frame is sturdy yet flexible, and the arms are coated in a soft, bio-based thermoplastic known as Megol, ensuring a secure grip. Additionally, the lenses protect against harmful UV rays and offer remarkable clarity and peripheral vision.
Although the Smith Wildcat performs well in various conditions, it’s worth noting that dust protection may be an area of concern. Nevertheless, the Wildcat is recommended for riders of all levels and terrains, with some models featuring a Zeiss lens for enhanced optical performance. If you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable pair of MTB glasses, the Smith Wildcat is an excellent choice.
Oakley Sutro Prizm
The Oakley Sutro Prizm is not only stylish but also offers great optical clarity thanks to the quality Zeiss lens, making it a popular choice among riders. These glasses provide ample coverage and a large field of vision, ensuring that you can focus on the trail ahead. The lens is a Prizm Road lens with a 20% VLT and some models come with three interchangeable lenses for different light conditions.
One of the potential drawbacks of the Oakley Sutro Prizm glasses is that they may not fit wider heads as comfortably, and they are not as effective in managing sweat as some other alternatives. However, their excellent optical clarity, generous coverage, and wind protection make them a solid choice for riders who prioritize style and performance.
Tifosi Sledge
For those seeking an affordable and versatile option, the Tifosi Sledge is a fantastic choice. These glasses offer sharp optics and good wind and dust protection, giving you excellent performance at a more budget-friendly price point. The Tifosi Sledge comes with three lenses, ensuring you’ll have the right lens for a variety of lighting conditions.
While the Tifosi Sledge offers great value, it’s worth noting that the lenses may fog up when stopping, and the lens swap process can be challenging. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Tifosi Sledge is an excellent option for riders who want quality eyewear without breaking the bank.
100% S2
The 100% S2 MTB glasses feature a large, high-coverage lens with excellent breathability and fog prevention, making them ideal for riders who prioritize performance and comfort. These glasses offer great coverage and impressive clarity, providing a comfortable fit and a clear lens included for those low light conditions.
One potential issue with 100% S2 glasses is limited dust protection and airflow behind the lens. However, their high-performance design and focus on comfort make them a popular choice for riders who want the best of both worlds.
Rudy Project Spinshield
The Rudy Project Spinshield is a high-quality MTB glass that offers excellent coverage, clear vision, and a comfortable, sticky nose bridge, making it a popular choice among riders. Its wide wraparound lens ensures comprehensive eye protection, while its lightweight design and cutting-edge look add to its appeal.
These glasses are not only stylish but also come with a lifetime guarantee, ensuring you can invest in a pair of MTB glasses that will last for many rides to come. The Rudy Project Spinshield is an excellent choice for those who want top-notch performance and comfort in their MTB glasses.
Lens Technology and Performance
With so many lens technologies available, it’s essential to understand their differences and how they can impact your riding experience. In this section, we’ll explore the various lens technologies used in MTB glasses, including photochromic, polarized, and mirrored lenses.
Each type of lens offers distinct advantages and drawbacks, so it’s crucial to consider your specific riding conditions and preferences when selecting the right lens technology for your mountain biking adventures. Let’s take a closer look at these lens technologies and how they can enhance your MTB experience.
Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses are a game-changer for mountain bikers who ride in varying light conditions. With a photochromic lens, these glasses automatically adjust their tint based on the intensity of the light, providing optimal vision and protection in different environments. This means you won’t have to swap lenses or carry multiple pairs of glasses during your ride.
The benefits of photochromic lenses are numerous, including enhanced contrast, improved visibility, and reduced eye strain in changing light conditions. If you often find yourself riding in fluctuating lighting conditions, consider investing in a pair of MTB glasses with photochromic lenses for a more versatile riding experience.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare and enhance contrast, making them ideal for bright light and sunny conditions. By blocking horizontally oriented light and allowing vertical light to pass through, polarized lenses can significantly improve your visibility on the trail and reduce eye strain caused by intense sunlight.
These lenses are especially beneficial for mountain bikers who frequently ride in bright, sunny environments where glare can be a significant issue. If you find yourself squinting or struggling to see clearly on bright days, a pair of MTB glasses with polarized lenses might be just what you need to enhance your riding experience.
Mirrored Lenses
Mirrored lens technology features a reflective coating that reduces glare and provides additional protection from bright sunlight. These lenses are available in various tints and can improve contrast, making them ideal for riders who frequently encounter intense sunlight on their rides.
While mirrored lenses typically come with a higher price point, they can be a worthwhile investment for mountain bikers who prioritize eye protection and visibility in bright conditions. If you often ride in sunny environments, consider adding a pair of MTB glasses with mirrored lenses to your gear collection.
Comfort and Fit
A top-notch lens is only as good as the comfort and fit of the glasses that hold it. That’s why it’s crucial to find MTB glasses that are comfortable, lightweight, and well-ventilated, ensuring optimal lens quality. Factors such as adjustability, nose pads, and temple grips can significantly impact the overall comfort and fit of your MTB glasses.
When selecting a pair of mountain bike sunglasses, look for a rubber nose piece with adjustable features, ear stocks with adequate length that do not obstruct the helmet’s retention system, and grippers on the ear stocks. By considering these factors, you can ensure that your MTB glasses not only protect your eyes but also provide a comfortable and secure fit throughout your ride.
Frame Design and Features
Mountain biking glasses come in various frame designs, including half-frame, full-frame, and frameless options. Each design offers unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to consider your riding preferences and needs when selecting a frame style.
Half-frame and full-frame designs typically provide more support and durability, while frameless options offer a sleek, minimalistic look with less obstruction of your field of view. Additionally, some frames come with replaceable lenses, adjustable nose bridges, and arms, allowing for a custom fit and the ability to adapt to different light conditions.
By considering these factors, you can select a pair of MTB glasses with a frame design that best suits your riding style, helmet, and needs.
Lens Swapping and Customization
Some mountain bike glasses allow for easy lens swapping and customization, enabling you to tailor your eyewear to specific conditions and preferences. This can be particularly useful for riders who often encounter varying light conditions or have specific vision needs.
When selecting MTB glasses with lens swapping capabilities, ensure that the lenses are easy to switch and provide excellent optical clarity. By choosing a pair of glasses that allow for lens swapping and customization, you can enjoy a versatile and adaptable eyewear solution for all your mountain biking adventures.
Budget-Friendly Options
Not everyone wants to spend a fortune on their mountain bike sunglasses, and luckily, there are budget-friendly options available that still offer good performance and value. The Madison Crypto and Toolfreak Spoggles are both excellent cost-effective options for MTB glasses.
While these budget-friendly options may not offer all the high-end features of more expensive models, they still provide adequate protection and performance for riders on a budget. By considering your specific needs and budget, you can find a pair of MTB glasses that offer the right balance of performance, comfort, and affordability.
How to Choose the Right MTB Glasses
Selecting the best MTB glasses involves considering factors such as coverage, lens type, frame design, and fit. It’s essential to try on different glasses to ensure a proper fit and evaluate the comfort and stability of the frame materials.
Additionally, consider the lens technology that will best suit your riding conditions and preferences. Amber or brown lenses are ideal for different conditions, and having one lens for brighter conditions and another for darker conditions can be beneficial.
By taking these factors into account, you can choose the right pair of MTB glasses that will enhance your riding experience and protect your eyes.
Expert Tips for Maintaining Your MTB Glasses
To ensure your MTB glasses remain in top condition and provide optimal performance, it’s essential to properly clean, store, and care for them. Utilizing an anti-fog spray is a critical component of maintaining your MTB glasses, as it helps prevent fogging and keeps your glasses clear. Cleaning your glasses with dishwashing soap and a soft cloth is also an effective way to ensure they remain free of dirt and debris, while preserving the scratch resistant lens.
When storing your MTB glasses, it’s important to keep them in a protective case when not in use and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. By following these expert tips, you can ensure your MTB glasses stay in top condition and continue to provide the best possible performance for your rides.
Summary
In conclusion, finding the perfect pair of MTB glasses for your adventures involves considering factors such as coverage, lens technology, frame design, and fit. With so many options available in 2023, you’re sure to find a pair that meets your needs and enhances your riding experience. By following the tips and advice provided in this blog post, you can confidently select the best MTB glasses and enjoy a clear, comfortable, and protected ride, no matter where your mountain biking adventures take you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all MTB glasses compatible with helmets?
MTB glasses are generally compatible with helmets, however, it is best to try them on together to ensure a proper fit and avoid any discomfort.
This will help you make sure that the glasses fit comfortably and securely with your helmet.
Can I use regular sunglasses for mountain biking?
Regular sunglasses may provide some protection, but for the best mountain biking experience you should invest in MTB glasses specifically designed for the demands of the sport.
How do I clean my MTB glasses without scratching the lenses?
Clean your MTB glasses with a soft cloth and mild dishwashing soap or cleaning solution, using a gentle scrubbing motion to avoid any scratches.
Be sure to rinse the glasses thoroughly with clean water afterward to remove any soap residue.
Are there any budget-friendly MTB glasses that still offer good performance?
Yes, there are budget-friendly MTB glasses that still offer good performance. Madison Crypto and Toolfreak Spoggles are two great options for riders on a tight budget.
Can I use photochromic lenses for all riding conditions?
Photochromic lenses are a great option for varying light conditions, but you should still consider your riding environment and preferences when making a selection.
When choosing a lens, think about the type of terrain you ride, the amount of time you spend in the sun, and the type of light conditions you typically encounter. Consider the lens tint and the amount of protection it provides.
What additional safety measures are necessary for mountain biking?
Here, we list the top gear options available.
