z87.1 vs z87+ (Which One Should You Buy)

Standardized eye-protective gears are popular in the market for airsoft gun users. In terms of standards, people often get confused when choosing one between z87.1 vs z87+.

Due to a lack of information, people aren’t aware of the basic differences between them.

Are you struggling with that too? Well, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered!

So, which one is better between z87.1 vs z87+?

Well, we can compare them by the outcomes of the tests that they go through. Like, the ball drop test mechanism. We can also compare them by the high mass impact test and high-velocity test. Finally, they can be compared by the outcome of the puncture test as well.

Wait, that’s not all. We have more to share with you. To know everything about z87.1 and z87+, read through the article!

What Do the z87.1 vs z87+ Markings Mean?

If you look closely inside your pair of safety eyewear, you’ll find some markings. The different markings indicate different ratings that they received.

Eye protective gears that are aligned with the z87.1 standard, are marked as “z87”. Eyewears that are aligned with the z87+ standard, are marked as “z87+”.

For the eye-protective gears to get that “z87+” marking, they first have to get the “z87”. It means that they already are compliant with the z87.1 standard.

z87.1 VS z87+: 7 Basic Differences

Although these two might have a similar ring to their names, they aren’t the same. Unlike the result, we’ve seen while comparing EOTech 553 and 512. These two safety goggles have some basic differences that you need to know.

Here we have mentioned 7 basic differences between z87.1 & z87+:

Features	z87.1	z87+
No. of Tests	1	4
Ball Drop Test	Only has to pass the ball drop test.	Must pass the ball drop test and 3 more tests that follow
High-Velocity Test	Doesn’t necessarily pass this test.	Must pass this test and the other three too.
High Mass Impact Test	Doesn’t necessarily pass this test.	Must pass this test and the other three as well.
Puncture Test	Doesn’t necessarily pass this test.	Must pass this test and the other three as well.
Usability	Works best for workers who work around dust, and chemicals.	Works best for people who are working around the possibility of impact hazards.
Cost	Around $9- $15	$15 - $ 150

From the aforementioned basic differences, we can understand how totally different these two standards are.

They are inferior to military-grade eyewear but they are durable. Here is some military-grade eyewear that might interest you:

Hope you find these handy!

z87.1 vs z87+: In-Depth Comparison

Here, we deep-dive into a descriptive comparison of the previously mentioned features:
Cost
The z87.1 certified eyewear cost around $9-$15, which is pretty reasonable.

But on the contrary, z87+ standardized ones cost more than $15. You can get this protective eyewear for around 50 bucks more or less.

Winner: Clearly, the z87.1 eyewear is much more affordable and hence, the clear winners.

Usability

The z87.1 ones mostly help people working in dust, splashes, or biohazard chemicals. However, they don’t provide much safety when it comes to impact hazards.

On the other hand, the z87+ certified eyewear pass rigorous high-impact tests. They are sufficient for people who are working around high-impact hazard chances.

Winner: z87.1 certified eyewear doesn’t survive this test. But, the z87+ certified ones must pass it. Again, they win in terms of durability.

Number of Tests

Z87.1 standardized eyewear is tested for dust, biohazard chemicals, fine dust, uv resistance, etc. It has to pass the ball drop test to acquire the “z87” marking.

Whereas, the z87+ gears need to go through three major additional tests. Such as; high mass impact test, high-velocity test, and puncture test, while being intact.

Winner: Since the z87+ standardized eyewear goes through more tests, they are more reliable and durable.

Ball Drop Test

This test’s performed by dropping a 1-inch steel ball from about 50-inches onto the lens.

This is equivalent to being hit in the eye with a golf ball real fast. The z87.1 ones only have to pass this.

The z87+ eyewear has to pass this and the other three major impact tests.

Winner: Since the z87+ standardized ones go through more high-impact tests, they are clearly better.

High-Velocity Test

In this test, a 0.25 inch is shot straight at the lens. The shot is taken on 6 particular spots. The speed of the shot is 150 feet per second.

This is more like getting hit by a BB gun on the eye.

Winner: z87.1 certified eyewear doesn’t necessarily pass this test. But, the z87+ certified ones definitely do. Hence, they again prevail.

High Mass Impact Test

In this test, a 17.6-ounce missile is used that is just over 500 grams. The missile is then dropped from 50-inches of height.

This is equivalent to getting hit on the eye by the head of a hammer.

Winner: z87.1 certified eyewear doesn’t need to pass this test. But, the z87+ certified ones are needed to pass it. For that, they win again in terms of durability.

Puncture Test

Here, a needle is used that weighs around 1.56 ounces.

The needle is dropped from 50 inches onto the lens. It is the same as getting hit by a dart on the eye.

Winner: z87.1 certified eyewear doesn’t pass this test. But, the z87+ certified ones must pass it. And so, they win again in terms of durability.

From this comprehensive comparison, we can get an idea of the differences between the z87.1 & z87+

Final Verdict

From the above debate, you can observe that both of them are good in different factors.

If you are working around dusty and biohazard atmospheres, you can go for z87.1. This eyewear will provide you with enough safety in those conditions. Here we have recommended some of the best z87.1 compliant eyewear:
But if you are working around the possibilities of high-impact hazards, get z87+ protection. You can put it on while trying out pellet guns with 22 bullets.

Here we recommended some quality z87+ eyewear for you:
We hope you find these recommendations useful!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is Z87+ equivalent to Z87 1?

Answer: Z87+ Your safety glasses must be branded with a Z87+ marking. The Z87+ indicates that the glasses are Z87.1 compliant and pass the next three tests.

Question: What does ANSI Z87 1 stand for?

Answer: ANSI categorizes eye protection as either impact-rated or non-impact-rated. Impact-rated eye protection must pass particular high-mass and high-velocity tests. A plus symbol will appear on impact-rated eye protection.

Question: Is Z87 OSHA compliant?

Answer: If you’re seeking OSHA-approved prescription safety glasses, ANSI Z87-rated safety glasses are what you need. OSHA standards are often met by ANSI Z87 certified safety eyewear.

Final words

Hopefully, now you won’t struggle with the z87.1 vs z87+ issue. With our detailed comparison guidelines, you can decide which one’s better for you.

Always remember that these are not military grades. Hence, they are not ballistic-proof.

Until next time, adios!