Last weekend was Round 1 of the WORCS race series, which took place here in Arizona. It was a very wet and cold race, which is uncharacteristic for AZ. Needles to say, I don't have a lot of experience prepping for these race conditions.

During this race I had nightmare goggle fogging issues. Being a native of AZ, I'm not used to riding in these conditions or with fogged goggles. In the past when I was a novice rider, I used to fog my goggles while grinding my way up nasty hillclimbs and such, but fogged goggles were a minor nuisance during a trail ride (ya just take a break). However, during a race it's really aggravating to have to pull off the track and wipe out your goggles. Many racers chose to remove their goggles, but I'd prefer to race with eye protection.

Does anyone have any tricks (especially you guys that ride in the colder climates)?

Here's some ideas I've tried/generated:

1. Riding faster. Goggle fogging diminishes when I'm riding faster and not working hard grinding over obstacles. However, sometimes you just can't go fast all the time.

2. Drilling small holes around the perimeter of your lenses. I've tried this trick on one old lens. The added airflow seems to reduce fogging, but in adverse conditions I don't think having holes in the lenses is a good idea.

3. Snowboarding goggles. I haven't tried this option yet. Most snow goggles supposedly offer better fogging resistance... BUT cost more than typical MX goggles.

4. Anti-fog spray. Supposedly products like Kleer-Vu can be applied to standard lenses to resist fogging. I've never tried this approach.

5. "Home brew" anti fog spray. Here's a link I found to a recipe for anti fog spray: Homemade anti fog spray. I don't know if it works.


Has anyone tried any of these approaches? Does anyone have any other ideas, or preferably a tried and true method to minimize fogging goggles?


Ride Safe!

-DC

You can get anti-fog lenses from pretty much all the brands which are dual-pane (like a window), but the problem with those is that I haven't seen any that are tear-off or roll-off compatable. Best bet is to go with an anti-fog spray if you need roll-offs. If you don't need roll-offs and tear-offs are good enough, the Pro-Grip anti-fog coated lenses do a good job of staying clear, just make sure to clean them with water only, Windex (or the like) will ruin the coating.

go out and buy some double pane lenses, or just a pair of cheap ski googles for some where like walmart

If you are in a fix where you end up in the situation you were in and don't have the other fixes mentioned, you can remove some of the foam in the top of the googles. This lets more air circulate and keeps the lens from fogging.

This doesn't work well in dusty conditions, most of the time when you need to do this it's muddy and or cold so you can get away with it. It's good to keep and old pair of googles around with this set up. :thumbsup:

Snowboard goggles work well, but.... The better snowboard goggles have vents facing forwards, including holes in the lenses facing forwards. They also have double layered lenses (like double pane glass) to reduce fogging in the cold, but getting dust between the lenses will be a problem. And I don't think they are really cheaper than MX goggles. They have different levels of cost and features just like MX goggles.

I know Smith offers lenses that don't fog, but you gotta be careful when youre cleaning them.

My Pro Grips never fog up.

I just started using the Scott No Sweat Xi's last year and they do a really good job of not fogging up, as compared to other goggles I've used.

another thing to think about is controlling your breathing. its free with practice, exhale through your nose, and you will get less fogging. or some soapy water solution to clean the inside of the lens helps with fogging later.

Couple suggestons for you:

Replace your goggles if the foam gets flattened (there is less room for air to vent).

Spit on the inside of your goggles before the race. Not a slimey green one but a nice white (salvatory) one. Spread it around with a clean finger. It will also work trailside during a race. Just pullover and hok a good one in there. Again, not too much, just enough to cover the lens when wiping with your finger. This also works on swim / snorkle / scuba goggles!

You can also buy some anti-fog spray / lube.

Finally, breath through your mouth (not your nose). When you breath through your nose, the hot air comes up though the vents and fogs the lens.

ringding said:

They need to start making MX goggles with double pane lenses asap. Once I bought my first paintball mask with them, I was hooked. They are the best thing since sliced break (well... one of many best things)