Bolle Tracker Safety Glasses

The Bollé Tracker is a wraparound safety glass rated ANSI Z87.1+ with Bollé's PLATINUM anti-fog coating, designed for demanding industrial environments where fog resistance and lens durability are primary concerns. Available in Clear, Smoke, Yellow, Twilight Anti-Fog, and IR Shade 5 lenses at $22.29–$28.49. The Tracker is manufactured in Europe and carries European EN166 certification alongside ANSI Z87.1+ for facilities requiring both standards.

Construction and Materials

The Tracker features a single wraparound polycarbonate lens in a soft TPR/nylon frame that conforms to a range of face shapes. The PLATINUM anti-fog coating is applied to both lens surfaces — inner and outer — providing fogging resistance from both directions, which is particularly effective in environments where temperature differentials cause condensation on either lens face. The rubber temples and adjustable nose piece provide secure fit during active work. The IR Shade 5 variant provides optical density for cutting torch and brazing operations at that shade rating.

Compliance

ANSI Z87.1+ rated for high-velocity and high-mass impact. EN166 certification for European standards. IR Shade 5 variant is rated for optical radiation protection appropriate for cutting torch, brazing, and light welding observation (not primary welding arc). ANSI Z87.1 UV protection across all standard lens variants.

Performance Assessment

The PLATINUM dual-surface anti-fog coating is among the more durable anti-fog applications available in safety glasses at this price tier. The dual-surface application (inner and outer) addresses a limitation of single-surface coatings in extreme environments where fog forms on the outer lens surface from high-humidity ambient air or splash contact.

At $22.29–$28.49, the Tracker is priced above budget safety glass options, reflecting the PLATINUM coating quality and European manufacturing standards. The IR Shade 5 variant provides the necessary optical attenuation for torch work and brazing operations where a full welding hood is not warranted.

Strengths

• PLATINUM anti-fog coating applied to both inner and outer lens surfaces provides superior fog resistance in extreme conditions
• ANSI Z87.1+ and EN166 dual certification covers both US and European compliance requirements
• IR Shade 5 variant enables use during cutting torch and brazing operations without a separate lens change
• Soft TPR frame conforms to varied face geometries for a secure seal
• Twilight lens provides neutral tint with good optical clarity across variable indoor/outdoor light transitions

Limitations

• Higher price than comparable budget anti-fog options — value is justified by coating quality and dual certification, not required for all applications
• IR Shade 5 is not appropriate as the sole eye protection for arc welding (requires Shade 9–14 depending on amperage)

Recommended Use Cases

Industrial manufacturing, maintenance, metalworking, welding support and observation, cutting torch and brazing operations (IR Shade 5 variant), and any application where high-performance anti-fog and dual ANSI/EN certification are required. The dual-surface PLATINUM coating specifically suits high-humidity manufacturing environments, food processing, and chemical processing where standard anti-fog coatings fail.

Verdict

The Bollé Tracker is a high-quality anti-fog safety glass appropriate for demanding environments where budget options fail. For general-purpose anti-fog needs at lower cost, DEWALT's Converter or Contractor Pro Anti-Fog provide ANSI Z87.1+ protection. The Tracker's PLATINUM coating and EN166 certification justify its price for facilities with strict anti-fog performance requirements or EU-standard compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PLATINUM anti-fog coating?

PLATINUM is Bollé's dual-surface anti-fog coating technology, applied to both the inner and outer lens surfaces. This addresses fogging from both directions — condensation from the wearer's breath on the inner surface and ambient humidity or splash on the outer surface. Most anti-fog coatings treat only the inner surface.

Is the IR Shade 5 variant suitable for welding?

Shade 5 provides optical protection for cutting torch, brazing, and light soldering operations. It is not appropriate for arc welding, which requires Shade 9–14 depending on amperage. For arc welding, a welding helmet with the appropriate shade lens is required.

Does the Tracker carry EN166 certification?

Yes. EN166 is the European standard for personal eye protection. The Tracker's EN166 certification alongside ANSI Z87.1+ makes it suitable for facilities operating under both US OSHA and EU safety standards.

What ANSI rating does the Tracker carry?

ANSI Z87.1+ for high-velocity and high-mass impact across all lens variants.

What is the Twilight lens?

Twilight is a neutral grey-brown tint lens that provides balanced color rendering across a range of light conditions — neither as dark as standard smoke for high-brightness conditions nor as clear as a clear lens. It is suited for variable indoor/outdoor transitions and overcast outdoor conditions.