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[Closed] Clearing rain from glasses

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Are there any products which would help to keep glasses free of rain? I'm thinking about trying RainX, but I remember it not working well below 30mph when I used it on my car's windscreen. Also, my lenses are probably 'plastic' - not sure if it would damage them.

I wear a peaked cap, which normally works to keep the worst rain off my glasses if riding head-down. However, it doesn't work when riding in an upright or reclined position. Unfortunately, the opticians have advised me against using contact lenses.

I was riding in foggy drizzle this morning, and couldn't see much! It was most noticeable after the ride when I was fishing around in my saddlebag to try and find my keys. I had to remove my glasses to improve my vision, and normally I can't see a thing without them!


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 11:53 am
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I use Rain-X on motorbike helmet visor without any problem. Riding at low speed not sure if the rain will run off but it should bead together better.


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 11:59 am
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Nikwax Visorproof is good, it seems expensive when you buy a bottle but I'm still using one I bought in about 2001. Helps with steaming up too.


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 12:02 pm
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Rain x here too !,or just peddle faster and turn ure head...lol 😉


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 12:12 pm
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Pilkington do a hydrophilic coating on some of their glasses, the water sheets off, other companies have tried out hydrophobic coatings. I remember seeing a coating done by Tadanaga where the water drop jumped off the glass like it was a ball bearing, complete repulsion of water.
Tech is out there but not for my light and cheap plastic lenses, my specs will keep steaming up in pubs.


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 12:29 pm
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I put a bit of bike spray on mine, and it helped to get rid of droplets pretty quickly After a while you just have to give in and wipe with the back of your glove...(avoiding snot patches)


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 1:25 pm
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in light rain & mist, actually giving your lenses a good soaking from your water bottle works pretty well. Stops misting and gives a coating of water for small droplets to merge into.


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 1:29 pm
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i thought rain-x couldnt be used on certain plastics anymore due to change of formula...?


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 1:31 pm
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I got some Rain-X after starting a similar thread a little while back, seems quite effective on my glasses, you Just need to remember to re-apply it every so often....


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 2:04 pm
 nach
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I've used Oakley Nanoclear on polycarbonate and glass lenses. It's not perfect or amazing, but definitely an improvement.


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 2:24 pm
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Contacts FTW....


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 2:58 pm
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Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try some and see what works. I looked up the Nikwax one on Amazon, and it received some 1-star scores. However, it's probably worth a go. Motorbike forums mention 'Plexus' (haven't seen that in the UK) and furniture polish! It seems that Rain-X can cause plastics to go brittle over time.


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 3:13 pm
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Also look at anti-fog and lens cleaner for paintball goggles, cheep, cheerful and does the job nicely 😉


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 4:32 pm
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I've had rain x work on one pair of glasses and then completely ruin a pair of googles from the same brand as I assumed the lens would be the same material. I use pledge furniture polish on my hockey helmets visor and it's certainly stops misting, not sure how well it'd work in a downpour though.


 
Posted : 23/07/2014 4:45 pm
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I tried the clean and spray-on wax this morning (as recommended by motorcyclists). It didn’t seem to help in the haar and fine drizzle. Again, I couldn’t see much.

Turning my head to the side didn’t clear the water either – obviously not pedaling furiously enough, although I began to get a bit disorientated when I rode faster!

I stopped and squirted my glasses with water from my water bottle, which helped, but I only got a few hundred yards down the road before things were as bad as ever.

I nearly ran into three sheep. Thankfully they could see better than me, and ran across the road while I was trying to determine what the funny shape at the verge was!

I tried wiping my glasses with my glove which helped, but it’s easy to miss, and it’s not always possible to ride with one hand off the bars. I think I used to have a rubber squeegee on my motorbike gloves, but I don’t think it’s a great solution for cycling.

I’ll try some of the other products mentioned, but I suspect I have to try and stop water getting to my glasses, although I’m not sure how. A pair of windscreen wipers would be good, and I seem to remember having seen such a system…!


 
Posted : 24/07/2014 5:08 pm