In shooting sports, safety is paramount, and protective eyewear plays an essential role. They protect your eyes from splinters, dust and UV rays, while sometimes improving your accuracy thanks to specialized lenses. Here’s how to choose the right protective eyewear for your needs.
1. The Safety Standard
First and foremost, make sure your eyewear meets current safety standards. ANSI Z87.1 or EN166 are the most common standards, ensuring that your eyewear offers adequate protection against impact. These standards are a guarantee of quality and reliability.
2. Lens type
There are several types of lenses for different shooting conditions:
- Clear lenses: Ideal for indoor or low-light environments.
- Tinted lenses: Effective for reducing glare outdoors.
- Polarized lenses: Reduce glare and are ideal for shooting in bright sunlight.
- Photochromic lenses: automatically adapt to ambient light, offering a versatile solution for all conditions.
3. Comfort and fit
Comfort is crucial for goggles you’ll be wearing for long periods of time. Look for goggles with adjustable temples and soft nose pads for a perfect fit. Glasses that are too tight can cause discomfort, while those that are too loose can slip off.
4. Scratch and impact resistance
Shooting goggles must be scratch- and impact-resistant. Polycarbonate lenses are particularly recommended, as they are lightweight and extremely durable. Some models also offer an anti-fog coating, essential for clear vision in all circumstances.
5. Adaptability with headphones and earplugs
If you wear hearing protection, make sure the glasses are compatible with it. Thin, adjustable temples are generally the most comfortable to wear under earmuffs or with earplugs.
Conclusion
Goggles are a must-have accessory for every sports shooter. By choosing the right goggles for your needs, you not only ensure your safety, but you can also improve your performance according to shooting conditions. Don’t neglect this essential piece of equipment, and invest in quality eyewear that will last a long time.
