Face shield recommendations

[Shawn T. W.]

I wear prescription glasses, last pair was WELL over $500 ... Seems I usually forget to set my new pair down and grab the previous "damaged/scratched" pair of glasses when I pickup my trimmer, and get scratches and dings in them quite quickly!

I'm past due for a new pair of glasses, but reluctant to replace these I have, even though both lenses are "messed up"!

I want to buy some kind of "shield" to protect my glasses, and the rest of my face ... I've tried safety glasses over my prescription glasses, and goggles too, but they fog up ...

While I'm not really brand loyal ... Both my chainsaws, trimer and pole pruner happen to be Stihl brand ... I've looked at there helmets with shields, but they have pretty poor reviews ... I'm far from fashion conscious, so It's fine if it were Husqvarna brand for example or something else ...

I've also seen Bison, Oregon, Echo helmet/shields ...

I'm thinking I want a "mesh" style shield, but read that small stuff still gets through, but would it be enough to scratch my glasses ... Or should I get a solid polycarbonate shield? (It can get hot and muggy in Missouri!)

I don't really need a "hard hat" but it seems to be a good system to hold the shield in place, and I normally wear a cowboy hat to keep the sun off me, don't usually wear ear protection either, but the muff style never seem to really seal around my glasses anyways, use plugs when I mow though!

I'm running a Stihl FS91, it has the bicycle handlebars and I swing it both directions as I walk along my mile plus of fence, plus the usual around the house and driveway ... It does still have the guard on it, but it doesn't seem to do much!

I wouldn't mind spending $100 - $150 to save my next pair of $600 glasses!

Any recommendations?

 

[RayIN]

Buy actual glass instead of plastic lens.
OR; buy a plastic face shield from Harbor Freight.
I have 2 in my garage, 1 is a spare JIC I need a new one and HF is closed.

 

[anomad]

I wear my chainsaw helmet with muffs and mesh face shield for weed eating. It's nothing special, Oregon brand. But it is comfortable enough I don't mind wearing it at all. I like the mesh face shield because it doesn't fog up when I am huffing and puffing and doesn't scratch. It also provides a little shade. Can't imagine anything that would damage your glasses would get in. Maybe if you were weed eating sand?? LOL

 

[scootr]

I wear my chainsaw helmet with muffs and mesh face shield for weed eating. It's nothing special, Oregon brand. But it is comfortable enough I don't mind wearing it at all. I like the mesh face shield because it doesn't fog up when I am huffing and puffing and doesn't scratch. It also provides a little shade. Can't imagine anything that would damage your glasses would get in. Maybe if you were weed eating sand?? LOL

Weed eating sand happens around here if you cut real short You learn to tilt the head and cut in the right direction to throw debris away from you after a while.

 

[aba4430]

Look at the Milwaukee bolt system also. I have their helmet, hearing protection and mesh shield set. A bit pricey, but worth it. Home Depot sells it. You can even customize it with shield type, muffs etc. Could reduce the cost significantly. I wear it over my glasses.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

While the Milwaukee is pricey ... It has a lot of modular options, and it's proudly states "Made in USA"! That means a lot to me ...

I put the separate items in my cart at HD that I like ... They have choices of mesh material, choices of DB rated muffs for example ... Next time I'm due home, I'll probably pull the trigger on the order a few days beforehand ...unless I find something better ...

 

[Topzide]

Check out these guys www.discountsafetygear.com
There in PA. They have USA gear along with others. They'll have what you need. Ordered from them a few times.

 

[bigtiller]

Stihl sells a $100 arborist helmet that looks similar to the $229 Milwaukee posted above.

I have no idea what the difference between them is.
I have the Stihl. I wish the ear muffs were larger, I have to poke mine in to get it to seal up.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Clip On/Flip Up sunglasses..? Would provide a cheap form of protection.

Amazon.com : flip-up sunglasses

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Clip On/Flip Up sunglasses..? Would provide a cheap form of protection.

Amazon.com : flip-up sunglasses

I actually have a couple pair of those ... Never thought to use them for that ... I got them before I got my high dollar prescription sunglasses which I leave in my truck ...