Good Eye Protection Recommendations

[Rack]

I'm wanting to upgrade my eye protection. I have some old Bolle shooting glasses, as well as some pairs of low-priced glasses. I want to get some very good glasses that provide more coverage and wrap around more.

Can anyone give some suggestions?

Thanks.

[peterb]

There's a good overview of eye protection and review here: http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/eye-protection-shooting-glasses-review/

[ScotchMan]

I use Revision Hellflys. They are photochromic so they get darker in sunlight, allowing me to use them indoors or out. They are a wrap style like you see in sunglasses.

[JSGlock34]

Very pleased with my Oakley M Frame 3.0.


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[Aray]

I have the smoked Revision Hellflys. No complaints.

[TAZ]

Ran Oakley flak jackets for ever. Now that I use glasses instead of contacts I've switched to ESS Crossbows. The RX inserts are much more affordable than what Oakley charges. So far so good.

[JeffJ]

I like my Flak Jackets. I usually just wear plugs, but when I add muffs the flak jackets are less uncomfortable than others I have worn

[jetfire]

I either use Rudy Project Karboneye (http://www.rudyprojectusa.com/index_inner_detail.php?group_id=1&cat_id=30&item_id=SP058119) or one of the pairs of now discontinued Gargoyles I have laying around.

[TheTrevor]

I go through a fair number of sets of eye-pro per year -- some get wrecked by kids and guests, others I just plain wear out or (occasionally) misplace. I've found the Pyramex Safety products to be the best compromise between cost and protection for semi-disposable use, and their dual-lens anti-fog eyewear is very good.

Pyramex does make a small number of products which meet higher standards than ANSI Z87, which are labeled "Ballistic" in the product name and description. I keep a few sets of these around for use in situations where there's higher risk than a range booth, i.e. taking a class or shooting on private property.

[ragnar_d]

I had a pair of Oakley Half Jackets that were great. Downside was that between my head shape and wearing a ball cap, the lenses would fog something fierce on a summer morning here in FL.

I've got a set of Rudy "Noyz" that are great as well, but I run into the same problems as the Half Jackets (fogging) sometimes . . . guess it's just a Florida thing. Only gripe about the Rudy Projects is that I really liked the G30 lens tint (really similar to the new PRIZM lenses) and Rudy didn't have a similar tint.

[EMC]

One thing to be aware of for veterans. Oakley standard issue discount has been expanded to veterans, not just current active duty/le. You have to submit your DD214 or other qualifying info specified on the site.

[Up1911Fan]

I've been using Rudy Project Rydons for a couple years with no complaint's.

[TGS]

I'm wanting to upgrade my eye protection. I have some old Bolle shooting glasses, as well as some pairs of low-priced glasses. I want to get some very good glasses that provide more coverage and wrap around more.

Can anyone give some suggestions?

Thanks.

It sounds like your protection centric, so I wouldn't even consider anything unless it is MIL-PRF-31013 rated, which is a stronger rating than Z87.

With that in mind and wanting more coverage, I'd go for either Oakey M-Frames or ESS Crossbows or ESS ICE. I own both the M-Frames (2.0 Strike) and the ICE.....I much prefer the M-Frame for a better fit on my grape, and they tend to fog less too.


One thing to be aware of for veterans. Oakley standard issue discount has been expanded to veterans, not just current active duty/le. You have to submit your DD214 or other qualifying info specified on the site.

Quick note: it's also open to Firefighters and EMS, including volunteers.

[Rack]

Thanks for all the great info. TGS - thanks for the notes on the ratings to look for. Someone else mentioned Smith Aegis ARCs. I looked them up and they also have the MIL-PRF-31013 rating.

I'll look up the others mentioned in this thread. I looked up the Oakley M Frame and some Oakley Radar models. Has anyone had experience with the Smith Aegis ARCs?

Thanks again.

[HopetonBrown]

Rudy Project Magster with the Impact X Photochromic Red lenses. Fades from dark to light depending on how bright it is. Very clear lenses.

[BoppaBear]

Anyone used any of Smith's shooting glasses? I'm a longtime wearer of Smith glasses, just don't have any experience with their ballistic offerings.

[jetfire]

I had a pair of Oakley Half Jackets that were great. Downside was that between my head shape and wearing a ball cap, the lenses would fog something fierce on a summer morning here in FL.

I've got a set of Rudy "Noyz" that are great as well, but I run into the same problems as the Half Jackets (fogging) sometimes . . . guess it's just a Florida thing. Only gripe about the Rudy Projects is that I really liked the G30 lens tint (really similar to the new PRIZM lenses) and Rudy didn't have a similar tint.

I've yet to find eye pro that doesn't fog up when I visit Florida.

[Will_H]

I've been very pleased with the Smith Director glasses, in prescription form. I choose them from the results of the vuurwapen/luckygunner tests.

They fit great.

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[EPF]

Anyone used any of Smith's shooting glasses? I'm a longtime wearer of Smith glasses, just don't have any experience with their ballistic offerings.

Ive had a few pair smiths and think they are a great compromise. I don't get the same full field of view that something like an " M Frame" gives me but a polarized lens that is ballistic all in a standard sunglass style means I can nearly always be wearing a protective lens regardless of attire.

The early gray lenses seemed to scratch easily when tossed in a bag, but I've been pleased with my latest pair.

[Erik]

I've been very pleased with the Smith Director glasses, in prescription form.

Same here.

[SPDGG]

I really like Smith's Elite Aegis "Echo" model with flat stainless arms.
- No more headaches from eye pro arms smashing into your head from headband ear pros.

[ewayte]

Rudy Project Rydon Tactical with the prescription progressive lens insert. I believe the Tactical line has been renamed to Stealth.

[TheTrevor]

I really like Smith's Elite Aegis "Echo" model with flat stainless arms.
- No more headaches from eye pro arms smashing into your head from headband ear pros.

Those sound really nice. "Temple pieces imprinted in head and interfering with ear pro" is an ongoing challenge for me.

[Crawls]

I just picked up a pair of the regular Smith Elite Aegis without the flat temples off of Sierra Trading Post during one of their big sales. I haven't fully warmed up to them yet solely due to fit issues - I have a pug nose and the brow of a neandertal. The quality and value are certainly there though.

[TheTrevor]

Smith Optics enforces tight price controls with their retailers. To get a better-than-retail price, you have to either look for a sale which doesn't exclude Smith products in the fine print, or buy directly from Smith using a discount code.

I normally skip the "buy direct" option, but I dug out a discount code I got from a class I took Q4 of last year to see if it was still good. Not only was it still valid, it punched up for 50% off instead of the 25% off I was expecting. Flawless victory! One Aegis Echo Deluxe Kit for half price, on the way...

[VolGrad]

Rudy for me. I can't recall the model but I love them. Crystal clear and super comfy under ear pro.

Google to find discount codes. They are readily available and can save you up to half off.


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[justintime]

Skyline has some bolle safety glasses that I just ordered since they felt perfect for my needs. I have to wear ear pro all day which makes the various Oakley glasses I own dig into my head.

[EMC]

Interesting video discussing the fact that ballistic protection isn't the only thing to consider with quality eyewear.

http://loadoutroom.com/10183/eyes-safe-inside-oakley-part-1/#respond

[GardoneVT]

Interesting video discussing the fact that ballistic protection isn't the only thing to consider with quality eyewear.

http://loadoutroom.com/10183/eyes-safe-inside-oakley-part-1/#respond

Indeed.

When I was in CA , I stopped by a sunglasses boutique in LA which sold Oakleys and other brands. Wondering why they command they price they do, I did some research. Turns out , cheap sunglasses damage your vision in two ways.

One, the UV protection isn't defined or isn't present at all. I compared a set of Ray-Bans I bought in California to my "usual" pair of polarized gas station shades, and the cheap ones said "advanced UV protection" on the frame. WTF does that mean? 100%? 5% ?

The Ray-Bans? 100% UVA and UVB protection with standardized markings on the frame. Two, the lens quality sucks-just like that video, you get distortions with the cheap sunglasses. Not just the in-depth type like the Oakley engineer showed, I mean visible warping of the view with your naked eye.

Its humbling to know that I spent last year on the outdoor range shooting with those on , and the entire time I was damaging my vision. Ignorance is an expensive habit.

[JSGlock34]

Skyline has some bolle safety glasses that I just ordered since they felt perfect for my needs. I have to wear ear pro all day which makes the various Oakley glasses I own dig into my head.

If you have a chance, give the M Frame 3.0 a try. I think Oakley really improved the ear pro compatability.

[EMC]

If you have a chance, give the M Frame 3.0 a try. I think Oakley really improved the ear pro compatability.

My standard issue discount M frame 3.0's arrived today. I can attest to the ear pro comfort. The ear pieces are slim and distribute the ear pro pressure nicely.

[dustyvarmint]

How do the M-frames fit smaller heads; women, smaller men?

[TGS]

How do the M-frames fit smaller heads; women, smaller men?

I wore a 6-7/8 cap when I had short hair, and I find M-Frames to fit very well.

[PPGMD]

I like my Flak Jackets. I usually just wear plugs, but when I add muffs the flak jackets are less uncomfortable than others I have worn

I used Flak Jackets for quite a while, they are very comfortable under ear pro, and have very very good lenses. Well I used them until I took a frag to the cheek right underneath the Flak Jacket lens but still dangerously close to the eye and it came from a direction that the Flak Jackets have limited coverage.

I then switched to the Oakley Radar Range, I use the SI target red package. I love the Radars but not so sure about the TR lenses, the red tint works but it isn't this amazing contrast that makes the targets pop. If I did it again I would probably just get various grades of the gray neutral tint lenses.

[ldunnmobile]

I recently bought a pair of Smith Aegis Echos.... I LOVE THEM. They are designed to not hurt behind your ears while using ear pro. They are fantastic.

[dustyvarmint]

Polarized glasses for shooting.

Starting 20+ years ago when I started daylight bowfishing I've always worn polarized lense sunglasses. However, finding safety, small-frame (small guy), polarized lense glasses narrows the pool significantly.

Is there really any need for polarized lenses in shooting sports/classes? I specify shooting sports as I lead a fairly low-risk, "non-tactical" life (probably could choose better words there...)

happy shooting

[Odin Bravo One]

Up to you. How much do you want to spend on eye pro? What features are important about polarized lenses that you use for bow fishing are necessary for shooting?

I know there are a lot of cheap asses out there. On this board even. The only thing cheaper than a cop, is two cops. So I get it. But for someone is, or is looking to be more than a casual shooter.........why get cheap with your eye pro??

If you look above the $20 rack, there are polarized lenses in a number of brands, sizes, and styles. I have Oakley's, Rudy Project, Arnette's, Gatorz, and two different brands of transition lens saftey/sunglasses that meet or exceed ANSI and MILSPEC for eye pro. Each and every one have polarized lenses.

You can buy the cheap stuff. And get cheap stuff performance. Or spend a little more, and get an much better level of protection, and much more selection, features, optioms, etc., as well.

I'm not sure exactly how much prosthetic eyes are going for these days, but I am pretty sure they are more expensive than a top shelf pair of shooting glasses, and probably don't work as well as the OEM ones do.

[Tamara]

I just use the Wiley X AirRage (http://www.wileyx.com/EcommSuite/ProductDetail.aspx?ActivityCode=RACING&SeriesCode=566&ProductLine=881,AIRRAG&ItemCode=691) for my day-to-day sunglasses because if I needed to have a separate pair for the range, I'd always be forgetting them. :o

They're polarized and styled for smaller noggins and the non-bucket-headed.

(EDIT: With the eye cups removed, of course. I don't care how vented they are, I fog 'em up in seconds with those things in.)

[dustyvarmint]

Up to you. How much do you want to spend on eye pro? What features are important about polarized lenses that you use for bow fishing are necessary for shooting?

I know there are a lot of cheap asses out there. On this board even. The only thing cheaper than a cop, is two cops. So I get it. But for someone is, or is looking to be more than a casual shooter.........why get cheap with your eye pro??

If you look above the $20 rack, there are polarized lenses in a number of brands, sizes, and styles. I have Oakley's, Rudy Project, Arnette's, Gatorz, and two different brands of transition lens saftey/sunglasses that meet or exceed ANSI and MILSPEC for eye pro. Each and every one have polarized lenses.

You can buy the cheap stuff. And get cheap stuff performance. Or spend a little more, and get an much better level of protection, and much more selection, features, optioms, etc., as well.

I'm not sure exactly how much prosthetic eyes are going for these days, but I am pretty sure they are more expensive than a top shelf pair of shooting glasses, and probably don't work as well as the OEM ones do.

Um, was thinking my question was related to the applicability of polarized lenses in shooting sports, not cost. Plenty of non-polarized, high-quality safety glasses out there.

Happy shooting

[Odin Bravo One]

Polarized glasses for shooting.

Starting 20+ years ago when I started daylight bowfishing I've always worn polarized lense sunglasses. However, finding safety, small-frame (small guy), polarized lense glasses narrows the pool significantly.




Up to you. How much do you want to spend on eye pro? What features are important about polarized lenses that you use for bow fishing are necessary for shooting?



Guess I was confused in my reply as to exactly what you were asking. Looked to me like you said the polarized lens safety glasses narrowed selection. I was simply pointing out that once you leave the clearance rack, you can have all kinds of options.

My mistake.

[dustyvarmint]

I just use the Wiley X AirRage (http://www.wileyx.com/EcommSuite/ProductDetail.aspx?ActivityCode=RACING&SeriesCode=566&ProductLine=881,AIRRAG&ItemCode=691) for my day-to-day sunglasses because if I needed to have a separate pair for the range, I'd always be forgetting them. :o

They're polarized and styled for smaller noggins and the non-bucket-headed.

(EDIT: With the eye cups removed, of course. I don't care how vented they are, I fog 'em up in seconds with those things in.)

Thanks Tam. Good one.

[Hizzie]

I wear ESS Eye Pro daily. I wear their Crossbows on the ambulance whether driving or providing patient care. I have a pair of Crossbows in my range bag. I wear CDI Max's as my everyday sunglasses. Every bit as comparable to Oakley except for price. The Crossbow 2X Kit is a great deal.

[Chuck Whitlock]

I just use the Wiley X AirRage (http://www.wileyx.com/EcommSuite/ProductDetail.aspx?ActivityCode=RACING&SeriesCode=566&ProductLine=881,AIRRAG&ItemCode=691) for my day-to-day sunglasses because if I needed to have a separate pair for the range, I'd always be forgetting them. :o

They're polarized and styled for smaller noggins and the non-bucket-headed.

(EDIT: With the eye cups removed, of course. I don't care how vented they are, I fog 'em up in seconds with those things in.)

I wore the AirRage the same way for a long time. I got a couple scratches on the right lens from shooting NTCH on a fully collapsed AR once....didn't effect my vision. the left temple finally cracked through at the hole where the T-strap goes.....about 3 years after taking a couple punches to the noggin from a resisting suspect. I will likely pick up another pair sometime.

[richiecotite]

Just got a pair of edge Blade runner xl's in the mail. Going to the range to try them out. They're supposed to be very fog resistant, we'll see, as that is one of my biggest complaints at the range I shoot at with the glasses I currently use.

[jetfire]

I keep a pair of Rudy Project Karboneye in my range bag at all times. The lenses are photochromatic, so they're great for anything from direct sunlight to indoor range use. I rotate my "daily" sunglasses through the usual collection of Ray-Bans, ESS/Oakley, Gargoyles, etc. I discovered a long time ago that eye-pro is one of those areas that I don't really want to go cheap on, because if I spend a reasonable amount of money, I get more comfort, better lens selection, and a higher overall quality than spending 20 bucks at a mall kiosk.

[Sal Picante]

Tifosi finally came out with a set of impact resistant glasses: http://tifositactical.com

I really liked their sunglasses, and bought was waiting for 'em to release these...

Bought a pair from www.sibasports.com and love 'em!

[EricM]

I wear ESS Eye Pro daily. I wear their Crossbows on the ambulance whether driving or providing patient care. I have a pair of Crossbows in my range bag. I wear CDI Max's as my everyday sunglasses. Every bit as comparable to Oakley except for price. The Crossbow 2X Kit is a great deal.

I like the ESS Crossbows as well. I tried a LOT of different glasses before settling on them, fit is very personal of course but for me they fit very well. The Crossbow Suppressor frame is excellent with electronic muffs -- very thin earpieces, no discomfort after a day-long class or match.

[guymontag]

Does anyone know the highest impact rating on Rudy Project's ImpactX offhand? I know it meets Z87 - I presume it meets MIL-PRF-31013? I've only found claims of "bulletproof", "unbreakable" and "Apache windshield"... I mean I wouldn't mind a pair of Genetyks, I simply want to know the value I'm receiving per dollar.

I currently own the Uvex Genesis XC (http://www.peosoldier.army.mil/equipment/eyewear/uvexxc.asp). They're inexpensive, light, adjustable and supposedly meet the military V0 ballistic impact test.

[idahojess]

Has anyone tried the ESS 5B or Credence prescription glasses? They look like they just have an RX lens without an insert. I was thinking about just getting some clear ones for hunting and range days where I don't want to wear contacts.

http://www.esseyepro.com/Rx-For-Sunglasses_165_category.html

[Sasage]

If you qual for the LE or EMS discount at Oakley check out the Ballistic M frames.

[JHC]

If you qual for the LE or EMS discount at Oakley check out the Ballistic M frames.

And now Mil vets can qualify for the special "standard issue" Oakley pricing by submitting a copy of their DD214 with specific redactions Oakley requires (they don't want to know all that, just the basics). Their site says relax cause it's gonna take some time to get it cleared but once it does its a lifetime qual for standard issue pricing.

OTOH I'm pretty happy with ESS Crossbows and ESS E5B.

[cosine]

For inexpensive shooting sunglasses, I have a few pairs of Edge eye protection: http://edgeeyewear.com/site_us/

They're nearly as nice as my ESS sunglasses at 1/5 the cost.

[Default.mp3]

And now Mil vets can qualify for the special "standard issue" Oakley pricing by submitting a copy of their DD214 with specific redactions Oakley requires (they don't want to know all that, just the basics). Their site says relax cause it's gonna take some time to get it cleared but once it does its a lifetime qual for standard issue pricing.

OTOH I'm pretty happy with ESS Crossbows and ESS E5B.

If you qualify for the Oakley SI program, you should also be able to get pro-deals on ESS, since Oakley had originally acquired ESS back in 2006:
http://i.imgur.com/PJDvzV2l.png