Sceen protector or Z Force?

I have a Z Force on preorder, but I would really prefer a Moto Z. Looking at the Moto Mod functionality, it's pretty clear that neither phone will work well with a cover.

So my question is this: can I get close to the Z Force's durability with a high quality screen protector on the Moto Z, and if not, would it at least bring me to a level where a normal user could feel comfortable without a case?

I'm normally very careful with my phones, but once every year or so, a real drop does occur. Shattered my Galaxy S6 screen a week ago with the Samsung minimal case. Went for almost a year and a half with my nude first gen Moto X before cracking my first screen ever (on carpet!!!)

Thanks!