What's the difference between ballistic-rated and safety-rated glasses? For starters, ANSI compliant eyewear is indicated by a Z87+ marking on the safety glasses or goggles. Oddly enough, there's currently no marking system in place for military-grade eyewear. Sunglass Rob and Karen from Wiley X help us dig deeper into the differences between ballistic and ANSI-rated glasses.
Ballistic
Typically used in combat, military-grade glasses are designed and tested to withstand high impact and fragmentation standards. Because of this, ballistic-rated glasses meet criteria that civilian safety glasses do not. Sunglass Rob makes the distinction that ANSI-rated eyewear is a good choice for when you're shooting, but ballistic-rated eyewear is designed for situations when someone is shooting at you.
The ballistics test is similar to the ANSI test, but more rigorous. There are two main Military Ballistics Standards used for testing; one for eyeglasses and one for goggles. If the item passes, it is qualified to be listed on the APEL (Authorized Protective Eyewear List). Military-grade glasses include ANSI certifications, but ANSI-rated glasses do not have the APEL certifications unique to ballistics-rated eyewear.
ANSI
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) oversees the design, performance specifications, and marking of safety eye and face products. Civilian safety glasses must be compliant with high-impact and industrial safety standards, but the test omits the fragmentation standards of the ballistic test.
Prescription Ability
To maintain a true ballistic rating on a pair of military-grade glasses, you must use prescription inserts that have also passed the ballistics test. There are safety-rated prescription lenses you can install, however it will alter the status of the ballistic rating and the glasses will be considered an ANSI safety product. The only way to maintain a true ballistics rating is to use prescription inserts.
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Wiley X PT-1 + RX Insert
Wiley X PT-1 safety glasses will have you protected no matter where the job takes you. These Wiley X glasses feature a Wrapback design for maximum peripheral vision, adjustable nose piece for a customized fit, and T-shell coated lenses that work to resist scratching. The Wiley X PT-1 glasses are ANSI Z87.1 safety-rated and meet high velocity, mass impact, ballistic standards. If you're in need of prescription safety glasses or sunglasses, you can't go wrong with the Wiley X PT-1 prescription glasses.
PRICE
USD88.00
LOCATION
US
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Wiley X Saber Advanced + RX Insert
The Wiley X Saber Advanced with Rx Inserts are a great option for those looking for reliable prescription safety sunglasses. These Wiley X sunglasses feature fully adjustable temples for a customized fit, making the Saber Advanced suitable for many face sizes. The Wiley X Saber Advanced with Rx Inserts will be sure to keep you safe with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that surpass ANSI Z87.1 high velocity and mass impact safety standards. If you have vision needs, turn to the Wiley X Saber Advanced sunglasses with Rx inserts to satisfy those needs.
PRICE
USD60.00
LOCATION
US
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Oakley Shocktube SI Ballistic
The Oakley Standard Issue Shocktube has set a new standard for ballistic eyewear. This frame meets all MIL PRF 32432 standards which makes it acceptable for the active needs of the military, law enforcement, or recreational shooting. It is composed of O-Matter™ frame material for strength and durability. The Unobtanium® nosepads increase with grip the more you sweat, keeping the glasses perfectly aligned. Ultra sleek temple arms make this model hat and helmet friendly. Oakley Plutonite lenses filter out 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC light as well as blue light up to 400nm. And if you wear a prescription, we can make custom Rx lenses for you! Don't hesitate to reach out to one of our certified optic… Show more
PRICE
USD186.00
LOCATION
US
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Wiley X Saint
Rock Wiley X Saint sunglasses the way Bradley Cooper wore these sunglasses in the movie American Sniper and they're the REXYs Winners of the 2018 Best Safety Glasses. Wiley X Saint sunglasses are OSHA grade, impact-resistant safety glasses that are certified to ANSI Z87.1-2003 standards. Interchangeable lenses makes Wiley X Saint sunglasses versatile in a range of light conditions. These shatterproof, semi-rimless safety sunglasses meet GL-PD MCEP Standards and surpass MIL_PRF-31013 Ballistic Standards. Need prescription Wiley-X safety sunglasses? We've got you covered. Call our friendly opticians 7 days a week with prescription safety glasses questions. We're here to help!
PRICE
USD70.00
LOCATION
US
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Wiley X Censor
Safety and style meet with the ANSI rated Wiley X Censor. The Censor is constructed of durable nylon and features a hidden pin hinge for ultimate safety as well as flexible temple arms and large landing nose pads for added comfort. Features Include: hidden pin hinge, ANSI Z87.2 approved, prescription ready
PRICE
USD80.00
LOCATION
US