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Shooting Safety Glasses 101

When selecting shooting safety glasses, impact resistance, clarity, and comfort are crucial factors to consider. You can go all out and get a nice pair of Wiley X glasses, or keep things less expensive.  This article compares five pairs of safety glasses, analyzing their ANSI standards compliance and impact resistance. Additionally, we discuss what ANSI standards mean to help you make an informed decision. As our busy shooting safety school, we use the Bison option below.

Featured Products

Titus G20 Glasses for Shooting, Motorcycle Protection, ANSI Compliant

Features: Wrap-around design, lightweight polycarbonate lenses, ANSI Z87.1 compliant.

Pros: High coverage, affordable, versatile for shooting and motorcycling.

Cons: Limited style options, not polarized.

See review

BISON LIFE Glasses, Protective Polycarbonate

Features: Anti-scratch polycarbonate lenses, ANSI Z87.1+ certified, UV protection.

Pros: Enhanced durability with scratch resistance, relatively clear optics, lightweight.

Cons: Basic design, no adjustable features. The optics are sometimes a bit distorted, which is to be expected at the price point.

See review

Smith & Wesson Safety Glasses, Anti-Fog Sunglasses

Features: Anti-fog lenses, ANSI Z87.1 certified, tinted for outdoor use.

Pros: Ideal for sunny conditions, fog-resistant, comfortable fit.

Cons: Tinted lenses may not suit indoor shooting.

See review

Understanding ANSI Standards

The ANSI Z87.1 standard is a benchmark for eye protection, defining criteria for:

  • Impact Resistance: Glasses must withstand high-velocity and high-mass impacts.
  • Optical Clarity: Ensures distortion-free vision.
  • UV Protection: Shields eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Products labeled “ANSI Z87.1+” meet enhanced high-impact requirements, making them suitable for shooting sports where high-velocity projectiles are involved.

Performance and Impact Resistance – Shooting Safety Glasses 101

All three glasses feature polycarbonate lenses, which are lightweight, shatterproof, and provide 10 times more impact resistance than plastic or glass lenses.

  • The Smith & Wesson Safety Glasses offer added anti-fog properties, reducing lens clouding during dynamic activities.
  • The BISON LIFE Glasses stand out for their scratch-resistant coating, ensuring longevity in harsh conditions.
  • The Shooting and Motorcycle Glasses provide versatile use but lack advanced coatings seen in the other models.

Premium Options

If you seek higher performance and additional features, consider these premium options:

  • ESS Crossbow Suppressor

    • Features: ANSI Z87.1+ and MIL-PRF-32432 certified, designed for comfort with earmuffs.
    • Pros: Exceptional ballistic resistance, designed for shooters wearing hearing protection.

  • Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0

    • Features: ANSI Z87.1+ certified, ballistic-rated, with interchangeable lenses for varying conditions.
    • Pros: High performance, stylish design, adaptable to various environments.

Conclusion

Each of the five safety glasses analyzed in this “Shooting Safety Glasses 101 ” article meets the ANSI Z87.1 standard, providing adequate protection for recreational shooting. However, if you seek higher performance and additional features like ballistic resistance, anti-fog, or comfort with earmuffs, premium models like the ESS Crossbow Suppressor and Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0 are worth considering. Regardless of your choice, prioritizing ANSI compliance ensures your eyes are well-protected during shooting activities.

shooting safety glasses 101