[WFO-KZ]

Has anyone used a photochromic face shield that would like to offer their opinion?

For those who don't know, these are shields that automatically tint in bright sunlight and eliminate the need for sunglasses.

I am considering this specific one. They are not cheap at $300 CDN.

https://fortnine.ca/en/shoei-cwr-1-photochromic-shield#:~:text=UV%20rays%20activate%20the%20photochromic,the%20shield%20from%20fully%20darkening

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[rbentnail]

I tried one long ago and found I dislike it. It was never light enough or dark enough.

 

[MitchRider]

I lived once 20 years in the country where they used to make precision watches..they have so many tunnels and galleries ( half open tunnels) that wearing a photochromic face shield would react too slow on the sudden light chances that I changed to my old polaroid sunglasses back as a 30 ton truck was "just" standing there outside the tunnel. Back then I had sunglasses which worked the same. I used to drive there and peeking slightly over my sunglasses..it worked out for me all those years. Here in TX is the sun very bright..wish they had welding glasses a bit brighter lol. Am sure today with all the good stuff in technology they should be able to create something what reacts quick enough..back then it wasn't working out for me. Firefighters in jets were I think the first ones and then in the Fornel one they picked it up too. Interesting theme.

 

[WFO-KZ]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I have to wonder though, if the technology has improved over time.
If it does not react fast enough for tunnels, one could always raise the shield, right?

 

[MitchRider]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I have to wonder though, if the technology has improved over time.
If it does not react fast enough for tunnels, one could always raise the shield, right?

You're right..raise the shield.. and almost close your eyes for all the giant bugs flying in high speed towards you. I know for sure that somewhere are all the good stuff plans deep burried in a drawer and one day it will find it's way out and got a place somewhere in the army. Am looking forward maybe Shoei got it done right. The reviews look good it needs competition for us to get that price down..smile

 

[Kawasakian]

At that price, you could buy a pair of prescription glasses that do the same thing. I have a pair. They do suck behind a car windshield though as the u.V. blocking in the windshield does not allow the tingting glasses to work. It's U.V. light that makes them lighter or darker.

 

[WFO-KZ]

Ok thanks guys. You probably saved me a ton of money. Now then, what about the built-in retractable shaded visors?
Those seemed like a good idea. Tint is quite dark and they tilt up and down quickly.

 

[Kawasakian]

I used to ride with UVEX goggles inside my full face helmet. Eventually, I settled for glasses, as I wore them anyways. I didn't like the variable tin, so I have a pair of shades, and a clear pair, for the tank bag, when riding at night. I once had a pair with clip on shades, but they were too heavy. They left dent marks on my nose.

 

[WFO-KZ]

I wear prescription glasses also and generally find sun to be a problem. If I wear sunglasses or clip-ons, we run into the same tunnel problem as mentioned by Mitch. Same applies to riding in late afternoon as the sun goes down, or dark clouds appear. Photochromic eyeglass lenses have the same "slow to react" issues.

Motocross riders have this problem beat, by wearing peaked helmets. I wonder why we cannot design a peak that would work on a street helmet? I realize that wind uplift could be a problem especially at high speed and you look up in the sky.

All of this brings me back to internal sun visors. Any feedback on these?

Helmets With Internal Sun Visor - RevZilla

Helmets With Internal Sun Visor - Free Shipping, No Hassle Returns and the Lowest Prices - Guaranteed

www.revzilla.com

 

[rbentnail]

I wear an HJC modular helmet with the flip-down visor and I love it! Quick & easy. I wear my RX sunglasses and flip it at will, especially when on high glare white concrete highways. I'm on my 3rd helmet with it and a helmet not having one regardless of fit and comfort is a deal breaker.

The other thing I do is with Scotch 33+ electrical tape. Not the cheap Walmart/AutoZone crap but good stretchy top quality tape. I put 3 strips across the top of my visor. Depending on whether I crack open the visor 0, 1 or 2 clicks it acts as an adjustable sun visor in an auto for early morning east or late afternoon west riding.

https://www.fjrowners.com/attachments/img_20200923_080742076-jpg.72427/

 

[MitchRider]

Good idea rbentnail..i just copied it and put some black 3m tape on my visor. Thanks.

 

[Kawasakian]

You could always buy some of that stuff they put on car windows. I did the back of my Suzuki Forester with it. It goes on and stays on. Some of the Chrome stuff is dark, reflects heat, but from the inside, is nice and dark to look through. There's a YouTube video on it.

This is the wrap he uses in the video, Link = Spedy Chameleon Gloss Vinyl Tint Smoke Film (Black Rainbow, 30X60 cm) Article No.152 : Amazon.in: Car & Motorbike

Here's the video:

 

[jpd]

I have the built in sun visors in both of my helmets. I can drop them just a bit to act the same as the tape others used, or put them all the way down. They are always with you and you can operate them on the fly. No need to stop to change glasses. Many tunnels have warnings to take off your sun glasses. Some in my area have extra bright lighting at the start and end, then go darker.

Quick lighting transition are a challenge for any visor or glasses. The drop down is quicker but you still have to take your hands off your controls to operate them.

 

[WFO-KZ]

Sounds like we need Google to get involved. Hey Google, lower my sun visor please!

 

[rbentnail]

The drop down is quicker but you still have to take your hands off your controls to operate them.

What a crock! One hand, less than two seconds. Not exactly riding with "hands off controls."

 

[Kawasakian]

I use this technique called squinting. It has served me well. I can't remember the first time I did it, it was pre-verbal. I use the Clint Squint.

Clint Squint:

 

[MitchRider]

I just bumped into this video.. Here is the link

Hope it helps some.

 

[jpd]

What a crock! One hand, less than two seconds. Not exactly riding with "hands off controls."

Sorry I implied both hands. You are right it is only one hand at least until you can get goggle to do it for you.

As a super moderator I would think you could have expressed your self without being insulting.

 

[WFO-KZ]

Googles are great unless you need prescription glasses. Good video. Thanks for posting that Mitch. However after all that visor knowledge, I think I will try rbentnail's suggestion of electrical tape. I always love a cheap solution.

 

[MitchRider]

You're so welcome.. I still have to laugh about the Clint squint! The electrical tape from 3m does a perfect job on my visor. Thanks Kawasakian.