DeWalt Safety Glasses

Safety is paramount when working in environments where eye protection is necessary, and having a reliable pair of safety glasses can make all the difference. Recently, I had the opportunity to test DeWalt's DPG99 safety glasses, and my experience with them has been a mixed bag of impressive features and notable shortcomings.

At first glance, the DPG99 safety glasses boast a sleek design and come equipped with polarized lenses. The polarization is a standout feature, significantly reducing glare and enhancing visibility in bright conditions. This makes them particularly useful for outdoor work, where sunlight can often be a hindrance. The lenses also provide 99.9% UVA/UVB protection, which is an added bonus for those long days in the sun.

Comfort is another area where these glasses initially excel. The adjustable nosepiece allows for a customized fit, and the dual-mold rubber temples ensure the glasses stay securely in place without causing discomfort. They also come with a neck cord and carrying bag, which adds convenience for those who need to take them on and off frequently or keep them handy while working.

However, the initial positives quickly began to unravel with extended use. The first issue I encountered was with the durability of the frames. Despite handling them with care, the frames snapped above the lenses within a few days of use. This was particularly disappointing, given DeWalt's reputation for building tough, reliable tools. I found myself needing to replace the glasses far sooner than I had anticipated, which is not ideal for a product that's supposed to provide safety and protection.

Another significant drawback is the quality of the lens coating. After a few weeks of use, I noticed the polarized film starting to peel off. This made the glasses almost unusable, as the peeling created visual distortions that were not only annoying but also potentially hazardous. It seems that the lens coating is not well-suited to withstand regular wear and tear, especially in environments where the glasses might be exposed to heat or sweat.

The rubberized material on the temples, which initially added to the comfort, also began to deteriorate quite rapidly. Within a few months, the rubber started to crumble away, exposing sharp plastic edges that made the glasses uncomfortable to wear. This was particularly frustrating because the glasses were otherwise still functional, but the deteriorating rubber made them unpleasant to use.

Despite these issues, there are some aspects of the DPG99 that are worth mentioning positively. The lenses themselves are quite resilient to scratches and impacts. I found that debris and small projectiles bounced off the lenses without causing any damage, which is crucial for safety glasses. They also offer good peripheral vision, which is important for maintaining situational awareness while working.

The glasses meet the ANSI Z87.1+ high impact safety standards, which provides some assurance that they can handle the rigors of a work environment. However, the frequent frame breakages and lens peeling undermine this confidence, as the structural integrity of the glasses seems to be a weak point.

In terms of aesthetics, the DPG99 safety glasses are quite stylish. They have a modern, sporty look that makes them suitable for use as both safety glasses and casual sunglasses. This dual functionality is appealing, especially for those who might want to use them outside of work settings.

Unfortunately, the negatives outweigh the positives for me. The frequent frame breakages, lens peeling, and deteriorating rubber make these glasses a poor investment in the long run. While they offer excellent glare reduction and UV protection, the lack of durability means they cannot be relied upon for consistent use.

In conclusion, while the DeWalt DPG99 safety glasses have some commendable features, their overall durability leaves much to be desired. I cannot recommend these glasses if you are looking for a long-term, reliable solution for eye protection. The frequent need for replacements and the rapid deterioration of key components make them more of a hassle than they are worth. If DeWalt addresses these durability issues in future iterations, the DPG99 could become a top contender in the safety glasses market. Until then, I would suggest looking for alternatives that offer better longevity and reliability.