Whether you're a professional or recreational shooter, having quality ballistic eyewear is paramount for safety at the range. It can withstand virtually any type of ballistic attack, including bullets, explosives, and high-speed impact from numerous projectiles. We're talking about military-grade, warzone-level protection.
However, looking for ballistics, recreational shooting, and eyewear certifications can lead you down a never-ending rabbit hole of large, thick goggles and glasses that may or may not suit your particular needs. Therefore, there are some important considerations to take into account when shopping.
The Brand Does Matter
Not all ballistic eyewear on the market is created equal. So, shield your eyes at the range with premium Wiley X tactical eyewear. Wiley X sunglasses, safety glasses, and goggles all have excellent frames that look great, protect your eyes, and incorporate a lot of performance technology. Every Wiley X frame is safety-rated. There are safety glasses for men, women, and children that meet ANSI, ASTM, ballistic, and other standards. Despite this, there are many casual styles.
When buying, make sure to check which safety ratings you require, especially if you are looking for safety glasses for work. Different ratings protect against different things, and the one you require is determined by the purpose of your glasses.
You should also make sure that you have adequate coverage, which is determined by how you intend to use your safety glasses. Sunglasses and eyeglasses from Wiley X for sale offer a variety of coverage options, including side shields, face foam, and a wrapped design. You also want to make sure your glasses fit properly, as nothing should be able to slide between the gaps.
If you don't want or simply can't be limited to a single type of lens, you can consider interchangeability. Some Wiley X frames, such as the Valour, have interchangeable lenses, allowing you to swap to the one you need the most, ensuring that you always have the right lens for any situation.
Wiley X CAPTIVATE, on the other hand, is a proprietary lens technology that enhances colour and contrast, allowing you to see details you previously overlooked. The best part is that these lenses are still incredibly black and protective, just what you need when working in bright, harsh sunlight.
If you get custom prescription lenses for your safety glasses, they'll have a marking on the lens that indicates they're safety certified. Although the lens markings may not have ANSI on them, they will nonetheless meet the necessary safety standards. The Wiley X tactical lens’ markings vary based on the type of lens you get.
Glasses Types
Shooters' eye protection falls into two categories: those constructed to civilian standards and those built to military requirements. The civilian ANSO Z87.1-2020 standard requires ballistic glasses to protect your eyes from projectiles in a wide range of situations. This includes hunting and recreational shooting, although the risks you'll face are nothing compared to those of a hot battlefield. The military's MIL-PRF-31013 standard subjected ballistic glasses to significantly more rigorous testing.
If you need eye protection for work on a construction site, machine shop, lumber yard, or other dynamic conditions, the ANSI standard is more than enough. You may expand your selections and save money by purchasing in this category of eye protection as well.
Not every service member is a seasoned gunfighter. Most people only shoot once a year to qualify-if at all. The army probably has more motorcyclists than serious shooters. A good set of ballistic glasses can help you ride more safely. The options include impact-resistant eyewear and cushioned goggles. Each of them is superior to your reflexes.
Ballistic Standards
There are several standards for protective eyewear, but the most prevalent is ANSI Z87.1-2020. This standard serves as a stamp of approval for protective eyewear designed for the civilian market. If you own protective glasses for work, hobbies, or recreational shooting, "Z87+" is most likely stamped somewhere on the frame.
However, the military's MIL-PRF-31013 standard is far higher. That's because, rather than protecting your eyes from mulch spat out of a lawnmower, ballistic glasses must deflect projectiles such as shrapnel from explosives.
Colour and Clarity
You can't shoot what you can't see, thus your eye protection must provide a clear vision at all times. Most ballistic glasses come with transparent lenses, allowing you to see the world precisely as it is. Some employ coloured lenses that act as sunglasses. Others utilise different colours that are intended to help your vision in specific situations.
One typical issue with eye protection is fogging. Moisture from the air or your breath can condense on the lenses and blind you, therefore the best ballistic glasses have anti-fogging coatings to keep them clear. They should also be scratch-resistant since you won't be babying your eye pro.
The Right Fit
You are less likely to use ballistic glasses if they are uncomfortable. In addition to choosing something that suits the size and shape of your face, you'll want to choose eye protection that complements the rest of your equipment.
Oversized frames may interfere with the appropriate fit of your helmet. Large temples may provide side protection, but they can also break the seal of over-ear hearing protection, compromising your hearing. It may be tempting to purchase the ballistic glasses that appeal to you the most but take a step back and ensure that they will be able to do their function.
