Last weekend while at a buddy’s bachelor party, I left my $170 sunglasses on the bus that was driving us around to the local watering holes. Who knows what caused my lack of responsibility or the temporary confidence that made me bring them on a party bus at 8 P.M. It could have been the three, seven-game series of flip-cup or just the overall purpose of a bachelor party. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is that they’re gone and - if it’s ever happened to you - you know how frustrating that can be. So since the topic was already occupying my mind I thought it wouldn’t hurt to channel that energy into something productive.
Whether you’re a landscape, lawn maintenance or irrigation professional, you know how important eyewear when working in the summer sun and a potentially dangerous environment. And when it comes to sunglasses, green industry pros have quite a few philosophies - from only wearing top-of-the-line brands to only buying inexpensive pairs to making sure they meet safety standards.
ANSI Standards for Safety Eyewear
Who: ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute, a private, non-profit organization that creates quality and safety standards that have been adopted by OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration). And considering over 700,000 injure their eyes at work each year, they have a pretty important job.
What: There are two classifications of performance: basic impact and high impact. For high impact classification, the frame and lenses are tested together as a unit. For the basic impact tests, lenses are tested separately from the frames.
The Tests
High-Mass Impact: In this test, a 17.6 oz. steel projectile that’s one-inch in diameter is dropped through a tube from a height of 50 inches onto the (frame-in) lens on an artificial head. The frame must fully retain the lens and no piece can become detached from the frame to pass the test.
High-Velocity Impact: From 10 inches away a quarter-inch steel ball is shot at 150 feet per second at the lens and frame. Using different angles and positions of impact this test is repeated multiple times with a new frame and lens being used each time. The pass criteria are the same as the high mass impact test.
Durability: In addition to the impact test, the frames must pass a flammability-resistance test, a corrosion-resistance test, and other durability tests.
Assessment Ratings & Markings: On the temple or front of a pair of glasses you’ll either see “Z87” (for basic impact) or “Z87+” (for high impact). So if you’re wanting a pair of sunglasses that have passed the high velocity and high mass impact test look for the plus mark. For example, 3M glasses that are impact rated and “3M+” in the upper-middle edge of the lens. Glasses may also have additional markings if they have certain UV protection.
Have questions? You can find more information about ANSI Standards here.
Lens Material
Although some brands and styles listed below offer the option to have glass lenses, most safety sunglasses are made from polycarbonate. With half the weight of glass, it's supposed to be more comfortable and has a greater impact-resistant than glass lenses. As you’ll also see, some brands say their polycarbonate lenses have a scratch-resistant coating. But you should also know this material will scratch more easily than glass.
Best Sunglasses for Landscape, Lawn Care & Irrigation Professionals
The Steve’s
3M™ Virtua™ Protective Eyewear [Find it]
My best friend Steve is a carpenter. A few summers back Steve came across a pair of these working at a job site and hasn’t taken them off since. And that isn’t a hyperbole. Golfing? They’re on. Driving? They’re on. Wedding? They’re on. Seriously, last month we were groomsmen and when the photography asked for the cliche “sunglasses” pic. Steve whips these suckers out of his coat pocket and plops them on his face. So it’s safe to say, you’ll get the most of your $5 investment.
Features
Wraparound Coverage | Unobstructed Viewing Range | Scratch-Resistant Lens | ANSI Z87.1+ Certified
What the pros say: “They are really lightweight and flexible; I don't think they will break easily. They are also solid sunglasses, so I use them for driving as well.”
Price: $5.00
The Flaklete
Oakley Flak Jackets® [find it]
The $160 price tag might not make sense if you’re prone to losing sunglasses - like me. But if you decide to fork over the cash, you won’t be disappointed. Born from the fire of world-class athletes, these shades have all the bells and whistles Oakley has to offer.
Features
100% UV Protection | Perspiration-Proof Earsocks &
What the pros say: “A little pricey but I swear everyone needs to invest in their eyes, they’re the only ones you get.”
Price: $160
The Nemesis
Jackson Nemesis Safety Glasses [find it]
Unlike the last pair, these sunglasses are a heck of an option when you compare the price ($6.40) to all the features that come with it. Not only are they sleek and sporty but they’re also designed for safety and comfort.
Features
Lightweight Frame | ANSI Z87.1+ Certified | Variety of Lens Options | Wraparound Design | Side & Front Protection
What the pros say: “Most comfortable, cheap and durable pair of glasses I've used.”
Price: $6.40
The Special Optics
Wiley X Airrage Shatter Proof Lenses [find it]
Born on the battlefield, Wiley X continue to be worn by elite Special Forces units and this reputation can be found in their price ($150). With the mindset that puts function and practicality before everything, their
Features
Polarized | ANSI Z87.1+ Certified | 100% UV Protection | Scratch-Resistant Lens | Removable Facial Cavity Seal
What the pros say: “They have shatter proof lenses. Used by military and special forces. They are great. I have used them for years and they have held up really well.”
Price: $150
The Rad One
Oakley Radar® EV Path [find it]
The newest generation of Oakley Radar builds on this pair of sunglasses already innovative and industry-changing legacy. From a taller lens that extends the upper field of view to the comfort and protection of the O Matter®
Features
Polarized | Contouring Extended Lens | Ventilation Engineering | Perspiration-Proof Earsocks &
What the pros say: “I use the Oakley Radar - a model of the safety glasses they produce here in the USA. Nothing gets in my eyes anymore while trimming because the lens goes down farther which I really like. Plus, they are rated with the ANSI requirements for impact - I don't trust the cheap ones with my vision.”
Price: $210 (Polarized) $160 (Non-Polarized)
The Lumberjack
Stihl Work Glasses [find it]
With a style and features similar to the Jackson Nemesis sunglasses, this pair comes from a brand most in the green industry are familiar with. Stihl created a pair of sunglasses with a unique combination of style, durability, protection, and comfort at a price that won’t make you go crazy if you lose them.
Features
Scratch-Resistant Lens | Flexible & Ventilated Frame | 99.99% UV Protection | Meets ANSI Z87.1 Standards
What the pros say: “You can pretty much run a mower over these $15 Stihl Work Classes. I have only bought Stihl brand for the last 10 years. I even have 2 pairs from last year which is a rarity for cheap shades. Let’s just say they’re the only Stihl product I’ll buy."
Price: $16
The Smokeshow
DeWalt Smoke HDP™ Polarized Safety Glasses [find it]
A great pair if you’re looking for polarized glasses and don’t want to fork over a pile of green. But with that price comes a few flaws (like their durability) which
Features
Polarized | Adjustable Nosepiece | Exceeds ANSI Z87.1+ Standards | 99.99% UVA/UVB Protection
What the pros say: “Best glasses I have used, yet, and less than $30. I give them a quick wash off every morning and they are good to go. Up till now never used polarized out in the field, won't ever go back.”
The Defier
Wiley X Gravity [find it]
Another pair from Wiley X, these sunglasses are a great option if debris fills both your day-to-day life and your lenses. The removable facial cavity seal protects eyes from fine dust, pollen, irritants as well as peripheral light. And for the “four eyes” out there, the lenses are also compatible to most prescription.
Features
Meet ANSI Z87.1+ Standards | Polarized | 100% UV Protection | Scratch-Resistant Lenses | Rx Ready
What the pros say: “These Wiley’s are perfect. They have a foam insert that can easily be removed and cleaned and they offer great protection and comfort. The best
Price: $150
The Shark
Costa Hammerhead [find it]
Costa glass lenses have - arguably - the best clarity in the game. And their price shows that they probably think this, as well. But to have this impeccable clarity they sacrificed some safety.
Features
Polarized | Lifetime Warranty | Unmatched Lens Clarity (Glass) | Lightweight Impact-Resistant Lens (Polycarbonate) | Prescription Ready
What the pros say: “I’ve had the Hammerheads for 14 years now. Had the lens replaced twice. Once earlier this year. They are incredibly comfortable and yours eyes just relax when you put them on. Nothing takes care of your eyes like Costa.”
Price: $249
The Deal
Uvex Genesis Safety Glasses [find it]
These might be the best dollar-for-dollar sunglasses on this list. They’re cheap ($12), comfortable (adjustable padded frames), durable (lifetime guarantee), safe (ANSI Z87.1+ Certified) and come from a trusted brand (Uvex). Safe might be an understatement. These glasses pass the Military V0 Ballistic Impact Test that protects against impact energies 7x higher than ANSI requirements.
Features
ANSI Z87.1+ Certified | Military VO Ballistic Impact Test | Anti-Scratch & Anti-Fog Lens | Lifetime Frame Guarantee | Adjustable Temple Length
What the pros say: “These are cheap, considering that Uvex is to safety glasses what Xerox is to copy machines. Top of the line, take it or leave it.”
Price: $11.45
