14-Year Review of Fogtech DX and RainCoat

[MotoNews]

Published in: Gear

Motosolutions Fogtech DX and RainCoat Coating - I Can See Clearly Now

One of the most ongoing and annoying problems is lens/visor fog when riding, especially in rain. To date, I’ve not come across a better solution than MotoSolutions’ RainCoat, a visor/goggle coating that disperses water, and FogTech DX, a fog inhibitor. I’ve been involved as a product tester and user since 2007, when I met California inventor Gene Menzies via ADVRider.

Fogtech DX— Anti-Fogging Coating

 Fogtech DX prevents visors from fogging for up to five days. That depends, however, on humidity, temperature, air flow, and perspiration. Pinlock systems work in a similar way but eventually the pins wear out, the seal fails, or the coating scratches. When I ride in extremely foggy conditions I apply a new coating daily or every second day, which is why Fogtech DX is a permanent part of my kit. With one Fogtech DX applicator you can protect up to four visors, handy when you ride with friends.

Inventor Gene Menzies says, “The carrier liquid completely evaporates, leaving a thin coat of the combination surfactant and hydrophilic chemicals. The combination of the chemical mix is somewhat ‘oily,’ which is an important part of how Fogtech DX works. The hydrophilic part soaks up loads of water and the surfactant part spreads it evenly and so thin that it’s transparent.” That’s why it’s important, when the layer is applied, to avoid touching the film.

PROS:

• Super easy to apply when a visor fogs up
• Small and easy-to-use packets store easily in a riding jacket or under the seat
• One of the best products as an aftermarket alternative that works well for visors and goggles
• Can be used on glass, not just plastic visors
• Depending on conditions, can last up to four days

CONS:

• The product is on the expensive side; nevertheless, it is absolutely worth the money

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RainCoat - Water Repellent Coating

RainCoat is to motorcycle visors and goggles what Rain-X is to windshields on cars. RainCoat creates a hydrophobic layer, by which water hitting the visor forms tiny beads and rolls off. Even a little bit of wind will quickly have the rain droplets disappear. Note that Rain-X is for glass, not polycarbonates. RainCoat is specifically designed for polycarbonate motorcycle visors and goggles, not glass.

RainCoat comes in small packets of paste that is applied with a microfiber applicator and soft polishing cloth. The trick is to use a pea-sized amount, and not too much. Riding in torrential rain, I’ve gone as far as 800-1,000 km before needing a reapplication. I carry it in my riding jackets and it lasts for a long time. One packet can easily coat a visor 10–15 times.

PROS:

• Small packets store easily in riding jacket or handlebar bag for quick use
• Works on polycarbonate shields such as goggles, not just visors
• The stuff works!

CONS:

• Wish Motosolutions would invent a coating that is permanent.

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There are a few small items on my permanent list of stuff that’s always part of a bike trip, even commuting. Both RainCoat and Fogtech DX are part of that kit—products that actually work!

MotoSolutions.com

MSRPs: Fogtech DX ~$12 |  RainCoat ~$40

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