What I Use For Eye and Ear Protection

Published on August 13, 2023
Duration: 4:48

This video emphasizes the critical importance of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for firearm range activities. It details why standard sunglasses are insufficient and highlights the difference between ANSI Z87 and ballistic-rated eye protection, recommending the latter for superior safety against high-velocity projectiles. The speaker also discusses preferred ear protection options, favoring in-ear models for comfort during extended range sessions.

Quick Summary

For firearm range safety, ballistic-rated eye protection is recommended over standard ANSI Z87 glasses because it's tested against high-velocity projectiles. While ANSI Z87 offers basic protection, ballistic eyewear provides a superior defense against fragments and malfunctions, making the higher cost a worthwhile investment for your long-term eye safety.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Importance of PPE on the Range
  2. 00:11Why We Wear Eye and Ear Protection
  3. 00:19Not All Protection is Equal
  4. 00:25Why Ray-Bans Aren't Enough
  5. 00:28Eye Protection Safety Ratings
  6. 00:32Primary Reason for Eye Protection
  7. 00:43Protecting Eyes from High Velocities
  8. 00:50Bullet Fragments and Malfunctions
  9. 01:03Life-Altering Consequences
  10. 01:11Two Main Safety Standards
  11. 01:17ANSI Z87 Safety Glasses
  12. 01:25Ballistic vs. ANSI Standards
  13. 01:38My Eye Protection Choices
  14. 01:41Oakley M-Frame 3s and Revision Rose
  15. 01:47Investment in Eye Protection
  16. 01:58Ear Protection Options
  17. 02:03MSA Muffs vs. Axil In-Ear
  18. 02:15Comfort of In-Ear Protection
  19. 02:22When to Use Muffs
  20. 02:33Axil Brand Popularity
  21. 02:42Personal Experience with Axil
  22. 02:52Axil Reliability and Comfort
  23. 03:02Other In-Ear Brands (Otto)
  24. 03:11Price Comparison of In-Ear Options
  25. 03:17Personal Protective Equipment is Personal
  26. 03:23Share Your PPE Choices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ANSI Z87 and ballistic eye protection for firearm ranges?

ANSI Z87 is a general safety standard, often found on less expensive safety glasses. Ballistic eye protection, however, is tested to military or higher standards, specifically designed to withstand impacts from projectiles traveling at high velocities, making it superior for firearm range use.

Why are regular sunglasses like Ray-Bans not suitable for firearm ranges?

Regular sunglasses are designed for sun glare reduction and do not meet the necessary safety ratings to protect your eyes from high-velocity projectiles like bullet fragments or debris that can occur during firearm malfunctions on a range.

What are the recommended types of ear protection for extended firearm range sessions?

For extended firearm range sessions, many users find in-ear protection, such as those offered by Axil, to be significantly more comfortable than traditional over-ear muffs. However, over-ear muffs are still valuable for indoor shooting or when double hearing protection is required.

What is the testing standard for ballistic eye protection?

Ballistic eye protection is tested using a 0.5-inch diameter projectile fired at a velocity of 650 feet per second. This rigorous testing ensures the eyewear can withstand significant impacts, offering a higher level of safety than standard safety glasses.

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