Introduction
With workplaces emphasizing safety more than ever, having proper protective eyewear is crucial. For those required to wear safety glasses on the job, cost can be a major factor in choosing the right pair. This is where online retailers like Zenni Optical come in. Known for budget-friendly prescription glasses and sunglasses, Zenni also offers a wide selection of safety glasses. But how does the quality, durability, and effectiveness of Zennis protective eyewear stack up? Lets take a look in this Zenni safety glasses review.
What is Zenni Optical?
Zenni Optical is an online eyewear store founded in 2003 by Kevin Zhou and Mimi Hou. Based in Novato, California, Zenni sells prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and safety eyewear direct to consumers through their website ZenniOptical.com. By cutting out the middleman and selling factory direct, Zenni is able to offer lower prices compared to traditional optical retailers.
While Zenni is best known for budget prescription glasses that start at just $6.95, they also offer safety glasses and goggles. With over 100 different safety frame styles and lens options, Zenni aims to provide protective eyewear that is affordable for everyone.
Zenni Safety Glasses Frames
Zenni has safety glasses frames designed for both men and women. Frame materials include lightweight and durable TR90 nylon as well as stainless steel. Many of their frames have adjustable features like ratcheting temples for a secure fit.
Popular safety glasses frame styles from Zenni include:
- Concord - sporty wrap frame with ratcheting temples
- Senator - rectangular stainless steel frame
- Tribeca - round nylon frame ideal for small faces
- Pilot - aviator-style nylon frame
- Full-Metal - flexible stainless steel frame
Zenni safety glasses frames come in sizes from 50mm all the way up to 58mm to fit most face shapes and sizes. They offer frames in black, tortoiseshell, gray, brown, silver, gold, and other on-trend colors.
Prescription and Non-Prescription Lenses
One perk of buying safety glasses from Zenni is the ability to get them with your prescription. They can make lenses for safety frames in prescriptions ranging from -20.00 to +20.00 and add coatings like anti-reflective and hydrophobic. For those who don't require vision correction, Zenni offers non-prescription Plano lenses.
Zenni uses polycarbonate lenses for all their safety glasses. Polycarbonate is extremely impact resistant and 10 times more durable than plastic or glass lenses. It protects against projectiles, dust, debris and other hazards.
Zenni Safety Glasses Features
Key features of Zennis safety eyewear line include:
- Meets ANSI Z87.1 standards - ANSI is the main safety certification for eye protection in the US. Zenni safety glasses meet the testing requirements for high mass impact resistance.
- 99.9% UV protection - Lenses offer UV protection essential for sun and glare protection outdoors.
- Anti-scratch coating - Helps prevent minor scratches and abrasions that can hinder visibility.
- Fog-resistant - Special lens coatings prevent fogging in hot, humid work environments.
- Side shields - Wrap-around side shields provide extra protection from debris entering peripherally.
Zenni Safety Glasses Reviews
Reviews of Zennis safety eyewear praise their products for being exceptionally affordable while also offering sufficient protection and durability. Satisfied customers say Zenni safety glasses are ideal for jobs like construction, landscaping, manufacturing, auto repair, warehouses, and other industrial occupations. Here are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
Pros
- Inexpensive - For those that need safety eyewear regularly, Zenni offers big savings over more expensive brands.
- Good quality - Many mention that Zenni safety glasses are well-made, especially considering the low prices.
- Lightweight - Frames like nylon and TR90 are very lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear.
- Variety of styles - The range of frame shapes, colors, and sizes makes it easy to find ones you like.
- Prescription options - Getting prescription safety glasses through Zenni is very affordable.
Cons
- Durability issues - Some claim that the frames or lenses break relatively easy with very rough use.
- Limited fog resistance - Fog prevention coating seems decent but not 100% fog-proof.
- Sizing problems - Getting the right fit can require some trial and error when ordering online.
- Shipping times - Online orders take 1-2 weeks in most cases.
Testing Zenni Safety Glasses
To provide an accurate and thorough Zenni safety glasses review, I decided to test them out myself. I ordered three different pairs to evaluate the fit, comfort, optical clarity, and durability. Here are my impressions after putting them to use around the house and garage:
Concord Ratcheting Safety Glasses
The Concord glasses I chose have a lightweight TR90 frame in black with frosted yellow-tinted polycarbonate lenses. I really like the stylish sporty wrap-around frame design. The ratcheting temples allow you to adjust the width for a custom fit. The lenses feel substantial and offer clear undistorted vision. Even with the tint, the optical clarity is excellent.
Wearing them for a full work day, I barely notice them on my face. The frame never pinches or causes discomfort. At one point I did get some fogging in hot conditions but it cleared quickly when I returned to normal temperatures.
Ive dropped them and banged them around a bit while doing woodworking and home repairs and they dont have a single scratch. For $16 with prescription single vision lenses, the quality far exceeds the price with these Concord safety glasses.
Senator Metal Safety Glasses
I picked the Senator frame to test out the stainless steel style. The silver metal frame with black temple tips looks very sleek and professional. Though they weigh slightly more than the plastic frames, the Senator glasses are still quite comfortable to wear. The spring hinges provide a snug yet flexible fit.
The lenses I chose are clear with an anti-reflective coating. Optics are crystal clear edge to edge. The AR coating also cuts down on eye fatigue. Ive been impressed with how well these glasses have held up to drops and bumps against hard surfaces.
For those that prefer metal frames or want their safety eyewear to also look stylish with work clothes, the Senator model is a great choice. At $36 with single vision prescription, theyre still a bargain compared to designer metal frames.
Tribeca Small Safety Glasses
I picked Tribeca frame to test out Zennis sizing options. These have a fifty millimeter lens width, ideal for those with smaller faces. The petite nylon frames come in a cute crystal pink color. Matching side shields give them a sleek rounded look.
Even with the tiny frame size, the lenses offer full front and peripheral vision. They sit comfortably without pinching. Ive been using the Tribeca glasses for yardwork and exercise. They stay in place remarkably well even when I'm sweating. For petite prescription safety glasses, these are a home run.
Buying Zenni Safety Glasses
Ordering safety eyewear from Zenni online is quick and easy
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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