Safety always comes first in any sports activity. In the shooting area, all shooters are exposed to inherent risks, including flying debris and ejected cartridges. That’s where shooting safety glasses come into play.
From target shooting to hunting and competitive shooting events, good shooting glasses shield your eyes against impact, debris, and harmful UV radiation. It prompts questions like how to choose the best shooting glasses and where to find top shooting goggles. This guide will lead you through all you need to know for them.
Features to Look for in Shooting Safety Glasses
1. Impact Resistance
Impact resistance is the most critical factor, as shooting involves high-speed particles with immense power. Among diverse eye protection ratings and standards, you should look for shooting goggles that meet or exceed the ANSI Z87.1 standard.
Related Posts
The ANSI Z87.1-rated shooting safety glasses can be divided into 2 main types. Those marked with Z87.1, which typically utilize durable and impact-resistant polycarbonate for lens manufacturing, can provide essential protection. Meanwhile, those labeled as Z87.1+ can withstand more severe impacts.
2. Lens Options
As you may shoot in different scenarios in varied lighting conditions, the key to achieving maximum visual contrast is to adopt lenses of the right color.
- Low-light Conditions:
For low-light conditions, it’s recommended to use lenses with high contrast, such as yellow or rose-tinted lenses. Shooting safety glasses with these lenses can help enhance visibility and depth perception in dim lighting.
- Bright/Sunny Days:
On bright and sunny days, it’s best to use lenses with dark tints to reduce glare and brightness. Gray or smoke-tinted lenses are commonly used for bright conditions as they provide comparatively natural color perception while reducing overall brightness.
- Indoor Environment:
Indoors, especially in artificial lighting conditions, clear or lightly tinted lenses are often preferred. They allow maximum light transmission and provide clear vision without altering color perception. When there is significant glare indoors, polarized or tinted lenses designed for indoor use may be beneficial.
Additionally, lenses with anti-reflective/ anti-glare coatings can further help improve your performance. If you desire one solution for all, you may consider shooting safety glasses with interchangeable lenses.
3. UV Protection
One more consideration related to light is the UV protection level. When shooting outdoors, you are exposed to the UV rays that your eyes will absorb. It will induce general eye fatigue and more severe eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and eyelid cancer. Therefore, to ensure you can always enjoy the fun of precise targeting, you should go for shooting protective eyewear of 99% or 100% UV protection.
4. Anti-Fog Coating
Lens fogging can significantly interrupt your fun, particularly in humid or cold environments. As you target the bullseye, you wouldn’t want your shooting safety glasses fogging up and impairing your vision, nor would you want to be defeated by opponents while wiping them, would you?
If so, choose shooting protective eyewear with anti-fog coatings. They help prevent condensation buildup and offer clear and unobstructed vision, ensuring a worry-free experience.
5. Frame Design
Now, we can move on to the frame features for the best shooting safety glasses. Look for frames that are ergonomically designed for a snug yet comfortable fit, so that the shooting protective eyewear can stay securely in place. Popular choices are TPU frames, as the material offer much flexibility and is highly durable.
Additionally, opt for frames that offer ample peripheral vision, enabling you to stay aware of your surroundings while focusing on your target. Normally, wraparound styles are preferred as they offer full coverage while maintaining a broad field of view.
6. Adjustable Features
To further enhance your comfort and performance, shooting protective eyewear with adjustable features can be at the top of your list. For instance, customizable nose pads enable you to achieve a personalized fit that suits your facial structure, enhancing comfort and stability.
Similarly, temple arms that can be adjusted for length or angle ensure a secure and customized fit, minimizing the risk of glasses slipping or shifting during shooting sessions.
Shooting Safety Glasses Examples Illustration
As shooting protective eyewear can come in different types for different applications, in this part, we will discuss two shooting safety glasses from Yoziss for a better grasp.
The first one is its Tactical Shooting Glasses 3 Interchangeable Lenses Kit. It meets those features we mentioned before. Firstly, they comply with ANSI Z87+ standards, offering peace of mind during intense shooting activities. Secondly, their lenses are scratch-resistant and anti-fog polycarbonate lenses, providing effective UV protection.
Overall, they feature stylish semi-rimless frame designs, with the bonus of being made from lightweight, durable materials. But their biggest advantage is that they are shooting glasses with interchangeable lenses. The package has yellow, smoke, and clear lenses, which can cover most lighting conditions, making them a perfect fit for shooting and casual outdoor activities like fishing, riding, and hiking.
The shooting safety glasses for more competitive games, like playing airsoft, are airsoft goggles. The critical features are generally similar to those of regular shooting glasses. Take Yoziss’s XTG07 Airsoft Goggles Tactical Glasses Interchangeable Lens Kit as an example. They are military-grade eyewear utilizing high-impact polycarbonate lens rated ANSI Z87.1 and featuring anti-scratch coating and 100% UVA/UVB protection.
The difference lies in their full-seal designs, preventing BBs and debris from all directions. Regarding these shooting safety glasses, check features exemplified by Yoziss’s models, including double-layer anti-fog coatings, full-perimeter ventilation and sponge system (for more effective airflow), impact-resistant TPU frames, and adjustable headbands.
And there you are! You’ve become somewhat of an authority on shooting protective eyewear!
Last Step to Expertise: How to Maintain/Use Your Shooting Safety Glasses
The last step to fully master shooting eye protection is knowing how to maintain and use your safety eyewear. Simply put, there are 4 primary tips.
1. Clean Regularly and Properly
Use a lens cleaning solution specifically for eyewear or mild soap and water to clean the lenses. Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol-based cleaners, or abrasive materials like paper towels, as they can damage or scratch the lenses. Moreover, employ a soft, lint-free, or microfiber cloth to wipe the lenses gently. Store your shooting safety glasses in the protective case after they are completely dry.
2. Inspect for Damage Before Each Use
Inspect your shooting protective eyewear for any signs of damage, including scratches, cracks, or dents, before you put them on. Pay attention to the frames, hinges, and nose pads for loose or damaged parts. If you notice any, do replace them with another pair of flawless shooting goggles, as minor flaws can turn into critical weaknesses.
3. Replace When Necessary
Over time, your shooting goggles can degrade due to frequent wear and tear, exposure to environmental elements, or repeated impacts. It is time to say goodbye if you find something wrong with the lens or the frame cannot fit perfectly. You may consider replacing your shooting glasses periodically, like every 1-2 years, to ensure optimal performance and protection.
4. Wear Consistently and Correctly
The final tip for utilizing your shooting eyewear to its full extent is always to wear it correctly. Make sure your shooting glasses fit securely and comfortably on your face. Adjust the nose pads and temple arms as needed for a proper fit.
Conclusion
Here, we reach the end of this article. To choose the best shooting safety glasses in 2024, you need to have full command of their significant features, like excellent impact resistance and UV protection. Additionally, shooting glasses with interchangeable lenses can be a better choice as you can choose the appropriate lens color according to the live lighting conditions. Top sports eyewear bands like Yoziss can be your ideal destination to explore for more!
