I believe that everyone should have enough ear and eye protection. Both are kept in my car and in my gear bags. My desk and locker are also included. It’s everywhere. Here are my top picks to get the best ballistic protection for your eyes in 2023.
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The Best Ballistic Eye Protection in 2023
Today’s article will focus on six brands of eyewear. These are the best glasses available for shooting sports, according to what I can tell. All six companies use the finest materials and offer the most competitive pricing. My goal was to compile a list quality ballistic shades that look great, regardless of whether they are in the range.
These options are available for both budget-minded and high-end customers. Even if you’re looking for eye protection below $50, we have you covered.
1. GATORZ Eyewear
I won’t lie, many eyeglasses look identical to me. GATORZ’s styles are my favorite. The company’s models are bold and full American Made Rock and Roll. Remember that American-made eyewear can also be considered high-end eyewear.
GATORZ begins by making its frames out of lightweight, durable, aircraft-grade billets of 7075-T6 aluminium. The frame and nosepiece are adjustable to the wearer and provide exceptional coverage. There are many styles to choose from, so you won’t be disappointed. You can browse them to find the right pair for you.
MSRP: Starting at $180
GATORZ.com has more information.
2. Outlaw Eyewear Fugitive Version 2.5
The Outlaw Eyewear Fugitive TAC is full of bad attitude. The glasses were originally made as high-performance aluminum framed motorcycle sunglasses. The aluminum frame wraps around the shatterproof 2.0mm 100% UV blocking Polycarbonate lenses. They provide solid protection for both range time and on the road.
The squarish-shaped glasses will make you look like Arnold in Terminator. These lenses are modern and extremely protective against wind, dust, sun, and other elements.
Dual hinges are used to keep the Fugitive’s entire package together. Dual surface mount spring hinges provide comfort and reliability that I think you will love.
Respected ANSI Z87.1-2015 in Impact protection compliance
For increased visual comfort, Polarized Gray lenses reduce glare to increase visual comfort
Wind Protection High
Size: This size fits small, medium, and large men. The entire frame can be adjusted for a perfect fit
Ability to see through lenses
Warranty: 2 year on the frame
Soft cleaning cloth/bag included. Hard case also included
Reliable and replaceable dual-spring hinges
Frame width: 70mm
Frame height: 36mm
MSRP: $169.99
OutlawEyewear.com has more information.
3. Magpul Radius Eyewear
Magpul’s Radius glasses have a unique combination of superior ballistic protection, wearer comfort and substance. Radius frames provide Z87+ ballistic protection, durability and flexibility in a lightweight design due to the TR90NZZ injection.
Radius glasses feature padded temples that fit seamlessly under helmets, communication headsets, and over-the ear hearing protection. The Radius glasses are protected from dust, weather and debris by the 8-base wrap and temples with high coverage.
The lenses are scratch-resistant and have a unique shape that improves peripheral vision. They also have an oleophobic treatment that repels liquids and chemicals. The lenses have an anti-reflective coating inside to reduce reflections.
MSRP: $125.00
Magpul.com has more information.
4. Skullerz Odin Polarized Safety Sunglasses
Skullerz Odin Safety Glasses combine great looks with outstanding value. They are a simple brand, even though their name is derived from the Norse God King. They are not fancy but you can find them in big box stores like Home Depot.
These protective work safety glasses are full-frame and feature tough, scratch-resistant lenses. They also filter 99.9% of harmful UVA, UVB and UVC rays to protect your eyes from the sun. They are strong and flexible without breaking. The rubber nosepiece resists sweat and keeps them in their place.
The safety glasses from Odin have been tested to ANSI Z87.1+ High Velocity Impact Protection and other optical requirements. Also tested to MIL–PRF-32432 Class 1 Ballistic Fragmentation, which is the US Military Combat Eye Protection System performance specification for eyewear. These are the most cost-effective options on this list.
MSRP: $20.35
Ergodyne.com has more information.
5. Bolle Combat Kit
This one is a little different because it is a “kit”, and not just one pair of eye protection.
This set of ballistic glasses is different from other brands on the list. It is made for combat and range. They are also designed to protect your eyes against the dangers of the game.
These ballistic protection sunglasses are certified to the Ballistic Resistance Standard GL–PD 10-12, MIL–PRF-31013 STANAG 4296 and ANSI Z87.1–2010. You can get a perfect fit every single time thanks to the non-slip bridge and flexible temples.
The Bolle Combat kit comes with three sets of lenses. This will give you many options for protection and comfort.
Features:
Compatible with communication systems and ballistics helmets, ergonomic temples
Strap Adjustable
Panoramic Field of Vision
Ballistic Polycarbonate Lens
Anti-Scratch, Anti-Fog Coatings
Non-Slip Nose Bridge
Kit Includes:
Black Frame
Clear Lens with Platinum Anti-Fog/Anti-Scratch
Smoke Lens with Platinum Anti-Fog/Anti-Scratch
ESP Lens with Anti-Fog/Anti-Scratch
Strap Adjustable
Black Molle Case
Platinum Anti-Fog:
The Combat Kit comes with an exclusive Anti-Fog/Anti-Scratch PLATINUM coating. This permanent coating is applied to both the lens sides. It provides a high resistance against scratching and delays the onset fogging. It also ensures greater safety, reliability, comfort, and security. The new PLATINUM lens coating offers greater protection in all weather conditions.
MSRP: $74.50
Bolle-Safety.com has more information.
6. Oakley Standard Issue Ballistic M Frame (r) 3.0 Strike
Ok, I saved the best ballistic protection for 2023 for last. Oakley is a market leader that doesn’t need any introduction. They have been producing top-tier gear since the beginning. I can honestly say that I wore Oakley’s in my 80s.
Oakley’s eyewear is often better than industry standards. The Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame3.0 is no exception. These glasses offer high-velocity and high-mass impact protection.
MIL-SPEC MILPRF 31013 is also met by the M Frame 3.0. All lenses are made from pure Plutonite(r), an exclusive material that provides the best optical clarity in eyewear. It also has a clip that secures the lens and frame together.
Specifications and Features
Oakley’s HDO Optics and Polaric Ellipsoid Technology are featured in the lenses
The back surface of the lenses is protected by a permanent anti fog coating
UV protection of Plutonite(r), lens material that filters out all UVA/UVB & harmful blue light upto 400 nm wavelength
Meets or exceeds the high mass and high velocity impact requirements of ANSI Z87.1/2003/2010
Conforms to or exceeds the ballistic fragmentation impact standards per MILPRF-31013, Clause 3.5.1.
Hydrophilic Unobtainium (r) nose pads provide a secure fit even in wet conditions
Clear lenses have 89% visible light transmittance. They are suitable for low- to no-light conditions.
Persimmon lens has 69% visible light transmittance. It is suitable for use in low-light to no light conditions.
Grey lens has 15% visible light transmittance, suitable for bright lighting. It also meets the MCEPS neutrality requirement and chromaticity requirements
Thin stem technology allows compatibility with over-ear hearing protection systems and communication systems
The system features quick, tool-free lens change
Ultra-lightweight design (1.05-ounce total weight)
Compatibility with helmet-mounted night vision devices
Compatibility with MICH, ACH and CVD, PASGT, as well as Crye Helmets
O-Matter(r), frame with impact and chemical resistance
Oakley is a great brand when it comes quality shades. These shades are unbeatable.
MSRP: $156.00
OakleySI.com has more information.
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Personal Defense World published the article 6 of the Best Ballistic Protection Options for 2023 – For All Budgets.