Some hobbyists and DIYers risk eye injury and occasionally forego wearing safety goggles, with the most common excuse being that they’re uncomfortable to wear. While safety glasses can sometimes be an appropriate alternative, and are certainly better than nothing, there are times when goggles are required.
The goggle styles discussed in this mini-review are exceptionally comfortable, and nobody that has followed our recommendation of them has ever regretted their coice (yet).
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We are sometimes asked about which brands or styles of safety goggles we recommend, and the answer is always the same: by far, our favorite goggles are the: Radians Cloak, Dewalt Concealer, and Uvex Flex Seal goggles.
Radians Cloak & Dewalt Concealer Safety Goggles
Dewalt’s Concealer goggles are actually rebranded Radians Cloak goggles, so the two styles are interchangeable, with the only differences being cost, availability, and color scheme.
Safety goggles need not be uncomfortable to wear, and these Radians Cloak goggles prove it. These goggles feature: a tough anti-fog polycarbonate protective lens, a soft dual mold rubber lining that provides a comfortable face-seal, a strong Neoprene elastic adjustment strap, and perimeter ventillation channels for improved air flow.
We have used quite a few different styles of safety goggles in the past, and have found that Radians’ Cloak and Dewalt’s Concealer goggles are extremely comfortable to wear, even for prolonged periods.
While these goggles resist fogging somewhat effectively, prolonged wear can still sometimes lead to high humidity and condensation, but it is important to note that the same has been true for almost every single pair of goggles we’ve ever worn. When this happens, we typically resort to our our patented remove and wipe anti-fog technique.
We mostly wear these goggles by themselves for protection against impact and particulate hazards, but they’re also low-profile enough to fit underneath face shields. You of course know that face shields should be worn with safety glasses or goggles underneath them, right?
I wear corrective prescription glasses, and these Cloak/Concealer goggles fit well right over them.
These goggles meet ANSI Z87.1+ standards and provide 99.9% UVA/UVB protection. These goggles, at least those that we’ve purchased, are made in the USA.
Buy Dewalt Concealer Goggles via Amazon (lowest price we’ve found, and eligible for free super saver shipping)
Buy Radians Cloak Goggles via Amazon
Sperian/Bacou-Dalloz/Uvex Flex Seal Safety Goggles
Our other favorite goggles are Sperian and Uvex’s Flex Seal. These OTG (over the glass) goggles are incredibly comfortable to wear, even moreso than the Cloak/Concealer goggles. Uvex Flex Seal goggles have an incredibly soft silicone body that conforms to facial contours to provide an exceptionally strong yet comfortable seal.
These goggles also feature a polycarbonate lens with anti-fog coating, indirect ventillation, and a Neoprene adjustment band with pivoting attachment clips.
Although we wear Flex Seal, Cloak, and Concealer goggles interchangeably, there are times when we favor these Flex Seal goggles. The Flex Seal’s soft silicone lining truly provides for a comfortable extended-wearing experience, but we also find it to offer additional peace of mind when dealing with particulary nasty chemicals.
We have worn both goggles styles for chemical splash protection, but find that the Flex Seal offers a more liquid-tight seal, at least in our minds. The Flex Seal goggles are approved for chemical splash protection, but were not certain about about the Radians Cloak design.
We have two minor complaints about these goggles. First, yes, you guessed it, the goggles do resist fogging, but only up to a point. After prolonged wear, humidity and condesnation accumulates and we typically have to remove the goggles to wipe and dry them out. Second, if left out in the open, the silicone liner tends to attract dust. To avoid this, we keep the goggles in a plastic bag or make sure to wash it every now and then.
Uvex Flex Seal goggles meet ANSI Z87+ standards. These goggles, at least those that we’ve purchased, are made in the USA.
Buy Uvex Flex Seal Safety Goggles via Amazon
Uvex’s Stealth and Stealth OTG glasses are decent Flex Seal alternatives although they’re not quite as comfortable.
Shopping links:
Dewalt Concealer Goggles
Radians Cloak Goggles
Uvex Safety Goggles
Uvex Flex Seal Goggles
Additional product information:
Dewalt DPG82 Concealer, via Radians
Radians Cloak, via Radians
Uvex Flex Seal, via Uvex
Carol Griffin
Just now reading this in May, 2020. I found the Radians easily enough…I guess the availability and price have improved since this post was written. Again, I have you to thank for good advice!
Stuart
I’m glad you found it useful, thanks for letting me know!
10 years later, I still keep yo-yoing between Uvex Flex-Seal and Radians or Dewalt goggles as my favorite. The Radians are now imported, which might help with production volume.
I tend to favor Flex-Seal more these days, as they fit over my corrective glasses a bit better, but the Radians are still a little more compact, which helps them play nicer with other safety accessories.
I’ve tried a couple of other goggles, but these two main styles continue to earn my favor.