The Best Military Grade Sunglasses & Safety Glasses
Introduction.
John was turkey hunting with a buddy last spring when the accident happened. As he quickly rounded a tree wearing camouflage from head to toe he heard the shotgun blast. "The pellet slammed into the outside corner of my left eye.” he said. "If it had been closer to the middle, I wouldn't be standing here." His life was spared, but despite the rush to the hospital his left eye couldn't be saved.
Table of Contents
*** Click Below To Jump To Section ***Introduction.
.....The Injuries
......It doesn't have to be that way
.....ANSI Z87.1 - The Ultimate Eye Protection Standard
.....The Ballistic Testing Of ANSI Z87.1
.....The Security Of ANSI Z87.1 Certification
.....The Benefit Of ANSI Z87.1 Certified Eye Protection
.....John would not have lost his eye if he was wearing one of these
Comparisions And Features Inspected.
......Frame Material
......Lens
......Transition versus Interchangeable Lens
......Prescription Capable
......Temple Arms
......Hinges
The Decision.
The MATRIX of Features Between Brands.
Details of each Brand.
......GOLD WINNER - Outlaw Fugitive TAC.
......SILVER WINNER - GatorZ Magnum.
......BRONZE WINNER - Roka AT-1x.
......STNGR Ridge Tactical.
......Oakley Ballistic M Frame.
......Oakley Det Cord.
......Revision Military Sawfly.
......Wiley X Slay.
......ESS Eyewear Crossbow.
......Swiss Eye Raptor.
Conclusion.
.....Regarding Outlaw Eyewear
.....What Else? Is Your Preparation Missing Anything?
..........Get Binoculars, Tactical Rifle Scopes, Rangefinders, Red Dot Sights
..........Get The Conceal Gun Holster That Allows You To Fast Draw
..........Get Long Term Food Storage For Emergency
..........Get More Field-Tested Gear You Need To Survive It All
..........Get A Bunker In Case There Is A Nuclear Event
..........Get A 21-in-1 Survival Tactical Watch
The Injuries
Many safety glasses cannot handle high impact accidents. Some are only good at preventing dust and flying particles like chips, sand, and dirt. Others are just limited in function like UV Rays protection. So, their use is somewhat limited, and when in extreme situations, they can end up being totally ineffective.
Even if you are careful you can still get nailed. It could happen at work, home, during vacation, in many outdoor activities, and where ever you are. The risk is even greater for dangerous occupations such as law enforcement and police. And let us not forget extreme sports such as alpine skiing, hunting, shooting, motorcycle racing, jet skiing, skydiving, and the like.
A mother lost her eye at a baseball game. An incoming golf ball tore into a golfer’s eye. A flying rock from a mower blinded a landscaper. Anything can happen anytime. It is a dangerous world. 800,000 eye injuries occur annually. 20,000 of them occur in the workplace. On top of that, UV radiation has immense effects on the eyes, causing many devastating diseases.
It Doesn't Have To Be That Way
One of the best investments you can make in guarding your eyes is a special type of eye protection. They can’t be just any pair of eye protection. In fact, eye protection in general are not strong enough for many dangerous activities. You instead need eye protection that gives you rock solid protection, shatterproof even to the point of extreme impact. You want maximum protection from all situations.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***ANSI Z87.1 - The Ultimate Eye Protection Standard
The US Federal government saw a high need to safeguard those in law enforcement and military. So a standard was needed. As a result, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) stepped in to oversee the safety for eyes. They came up with ANSI Z87.1, the top standard for eye protection from extreme impact. You can’t do better than the US government. That is why you really should look for only those that are certified as meeting the ANSI Z87.1 standard. Look for ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses and sunglasses. The best military sunglasses are built on this standard.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***The Ballistic Testing Of ANSI Z87.1
Safety eyewear that are certified ANSI Z87.1 are also known as Z87 safety glasses. You should know that Z87.1 certification at military-grade level requires eyewear to pass extensive ballistic testing for safety. Ballistic means military-grade impact protection, designed to survive the military's high-speed impact on the battlefield. Below are some of the Z87 qualifying tests.
- 1st Test - The lowest level test is performed by dropping a 1-inch steel ball (2.4 oz) directly on the eyewear lens from a height of 50“.
- 2nd Test - A 0.25” steel ball fired at 150 feet per second, to 20 areas on the eyewear lens. Bulletproof protection is the goal.
- 3rd test - A high mass impact test, a solid steel missile (500 grams weight) dropped from a height of 50“, hurtling downward toward the lens. It is like getting slammed in the eye with the end of a crowbar or the head of a hammer.
- 4th Test - A puncture test, an extremely sharp needle (1.56 oz), dropped on the lens from a height of 50“. Like getting hit in the eye with a dart that is extra sharp.
ANSI Z87.1 testing takes into consideration the different types of extreme impact. You want to be ready for anything. And if you are around guns, you should seriously think about owning a pair of Z87 certified eyewear. There are even prescription safety lenses that can meet this standard.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***The Security Of ANSI Z87.1 Certification
This standard's certification helps ensure that lenses, frames, and tactical sunglasses can successfully withstand extreme high impact, non-ionizing radiation (visible light and UltraViolet light), chemical exposure, and durability to flammables and corrosion. Proper safety eyewear and shooting sunglasses based on this standard helps ensure protection for eyes world-wide and are verified by extensive research, testing, and analysis. Purchasing safety glasses backed by this standard gives you the best eye protection available. Don’t settle for less.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***The Benefit Of ANSI Z87.1 Certified Eye Protection
A Marine was stationed at a special operations training camp in NC. He was wearing his GatorZ sunglasses (certified ANSI Z87.1) and conducting an explosive breach operation. Suddenly fragments from a door ricocheted around the protective barrier and struck his GatorZ sunglasses with devastating force. The sunglasses were damaged but thankfully his eyes were saved and also his job.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***John Would Not Have Lost His Eye If He Was Wearing One Of These
The eye protection of shooting glasses are far superior for eye safety than normal safety glasses. When searching for the strongest shooting glasses and goggles, look no further than the military. The tactical military glasses and goggles perform like the bulletproof windows you see on the Presidential limo and Space Shuttle windows. These are hands down, the best eye protection glasses you can get. They are more versatile, more resistant, more durable, and give you maximum protection from extreme impact. Consequently, they are also the best sunglasses for extreme sports. Nothing else comes even close. On our search for these types of sunglasses, we looked at the durability, quality, comfort, features, and even appearance that would fit for all occasions of lifestyle with the highest protection. After extensive research and vetting, we have cut the list to these extraordinary sunglasses below. All of them are excellent pieces. But there were a few of them that stood out from the pack.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Comparisions And Features Inspected
Frame Material
The titanium core wires material in the Roka AT-1x was a good feature. But the standout feature was the aluminum construction on frames for Outlaw and GatorZ. In general, frames made from aluminum are more durable, corrosion-resistant, flexible and strong. High-end frames frequently lean to this material. The highest quality aluminum you can find is military grade.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Lens
All brands we covered had solid UV protection. Polarization technology among the brands that had it was outstanding, providing sharp vision and clarity. Both regular and transition lenses worked well. Outlaw’s lenses are 0.2 mm thicker than its competitors for added strength. GatorZ excellent TRU-RAY technology polarization, was infused into the lens, provided optimal clarity. STNGR’s RAZR polarized lens technology gave a crisp, clear view. Wiley had complaints that its lens were not polarized. Roka had some visual distortion around the edges based on the curves.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Transition versus Interchangeable Lens
Some brands offered interchangeable lenses including Oakley which outperformed with its one-hand lens change capability. Others including Outlaw and GatorZ had transition that will quickly turn dark in sunlight and become clear again when indoors.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Prescription Capable
Roka and Revision have good prescription programs but Outlaw’s prescription technology was far superior and offers vision Rx on single, progressive, and bi-focal. Furthermore, Outlaw had many more coating types available than the competition, including some extra hard coatings to make it even more scratch resistance. And they have a 2-year remake warranty if the lens ever scratch, a generous option that the competition does not have. GatorZ prescription technology is also excellent but currently offers Single vision Rx only.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Temple Arms
Several brands of temple arms were compatible and fitted well with hats and helmets, with the exception of STNGR and Revision.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Hinges
Noticeable features include STNGR’s 110° system. GatorZ has an outstanding stainless dual-sided 5 barrel setup with a classic 4-rivet system. Outlaw matched that with dual surface mounted spring hinges that replaced their previous rivets system. Swiss Eye’s adjustable system was not firm enough which could allow frame to fall off.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***The Decision
At the end it was really a battle between the Outlaw and GatorZ. Both of them had features and qualities that were superior. Their aluminum military grade frames made a big difference. Between the two, the Outlaw equaled the GatorZ in practically every department and outperformed with its cutting edge technology in the prescription area. Even after all that, the Outlaw average price was close to half the cost of a GatorZ, which is incredibly cheap when looking at the outstanding quality offered. We are not sure how long this price difference will last. Perhaps they are trying to gain market share. It is our impression that the Outlaw Fugitive TAC wins the gold medal. GatorZ Magnum came in a very close second, taking the silver medal while Roka AT-1x surprisingly grabbed the bronze medal.
The MATRIX of Features Between Brands
Details of each Brand
GOLD WINNER - Outlaw Fugitive TAC
Pros
Solid aluminum frames. Best prescription capable lenses program in the market. Built like a tank. High quality. Adjustable and made in USA. Good looking sleek appearance and comfortable fit. Lens clarity view is crystal clear. Transition lenses quickly darken in sunlight, freeing you from the need to change lenses. Best customer service in the business. Fits the face like a glove. Lots of positive reviews saying these are bad-ass shades. Blocks the wind from coming in very well. Surprisingly better price points considering the extremely high quality. Sharpest vision sweeping even the outer sides of the lenses. They have a special lab setup that uses the necessary wrap compensation lens fabrication process to give precise edge to edge vision correction with no distortion while the other brands give you a column of vision correction in front of your pupils only. Extremely protective of wind, dust, and the sun. Slim temples arms fit under a helmet comfortably. Blocks light and debris coming from the side very well. Excellent stability and stays on well even during rough movements such as when you are riding in a helicopter, skydiving, alpine skiing, or motorcycle racing.
Cons
Transition lenses could be darken a tad more in direct light. Switchable lenses are not available but not needed due to transition capability.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***SILVER WINNER - GatorZ Magnum
Pros
Solid aluminum frames. Damn good shades. Stylish, low profile, highly functional. Extremely well made. Built like a tank. Solid construction. Looks good. Shipping was fast. Reduces the pressure above ears while wearing them with Peltors. Shades stick to the face well. The frames stays snug. Easy to adjust. Nothing sticks to the lenses not even wet grass. Adjustable and made in USA. Crystal clear optics. No hassle with outstanding customer service. Blocks light and debris coming from the side very well.
Cons
Limited to Single Vision Rx Only. Progressive and bi-focal not available. A little bit more expensive than the Outlaw for identical quality. Could slide down the nose unless tightened correctly. Lens can scratch. Frames can get mighty hot to the touch when left in a car even when stored in the case and in the cars glove compartment. No hard case. Could slide down if on top of head. No slip resistant rubberized molding on the ear pieces to help keep them in place. Must take care to bend and adjust the temple arm tips correctly in a way to not scratch the inside of the lenses.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***BRONZE WINNER - Roka AT-1x
Pros
Does not fall off easily. No-slip GEKO pads. Very lightweight. ROKA C3i OPTICS has very strong levels of optical protection. Bendable titanium core wires that offer ultralight stability and an adjustable, precision fit.
Cons
Some visual distortion around the edges based on the curves.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***STNGR Ridge Tactical
Pros
Durable and rugged. Good customer service. Quick delivery. Clear view with color. Looks good. Comfortable and stylish. Fits well for large faces. Lenses have good dark tint.
Cons
Tendency for glasses to 'seal' to face, which can cause fogging on the inside. A little bit too close to eye, eyelashes can touch the lens. A little bit large on small faces. Thick temple arms doesn’t work well with hats which can push down on the temple arms.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Oakley Ballistic M Frame
Pros
Advanced anti-fog coating. Full compatibility with helmet-mounted night vision devices. This special metal oxide coating allows Oakley to fine-tune lenses of any color. Ease of changing lenses even with one hand. Head strap is useful. Gasket keeps bugs and dust out. The 3.0 version has rubber socks over the ears that are more comfortable using ear protection.
Cons
Rather expensive based on the quality. Complaints on orders issues where contents of the order do not match what the details list is. Lenses seem to fog up frequently. Design could be improved for better venting. A little big on the face. Frames appear not to be as durable as previous versions. Not polarized.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Oakley Det Cord
Pros
Comfortable. Rugged and stylish. Good clarity. Sturdy and stays on your face well. No slippage. Fast shipping.
Cons
Lenses scratch easily. Not dark enough. Pricey for the features offered. Not polarized. Could be a tad bit darker. Outside corners of the eyes could have more protection.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Revision Military Sawfly
Pros
Exceeds ballistic standards. Tough. Ventilation good and don't fog easily, comfortable. Interchangeable lenses easy to swap. Reasonable price.
Cons
May tend to not stay secure on head unless you use the band. Very wide & made for big faces. Gap not close between cheeks and lenses, open space leaves eyes vulnerable. Sun protection not very good. Scratches easily. Prescription lens okay. Case is soft and would not protect the sunglasses completely. Temple arms thick and not work well with helmets.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Wiley X Slay
Pros
Quality is good. Fit real close/snug to your eye socket. Durable, fast shipping.
Cons
Lenses not dark enough. Multiple customer complaints that the lenses were not polarized as expected. Tend to fog up. Not the best riding glasses. Too much air gets by them into your eyes. Scratches easily. A little bit large to small faces. No nose bridge pads.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***ESS Eyewear Crossbow
Pros
Temple arms are thin and comfortable under helmet or ear muffs. Lens give clear view. Interchangeable lenses that are easy to switch.
Cons
Falls off easily, without retaining band. Temple arms a little narrow and tight. Nose piece breaks easily.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Swiss Eye Raptor
Pros
Looks relatively good. Good resistance against scratches. Tint is good strength. You can change both the temples arms and the glasses. Temples easily adjust. Extremely comfortable. Fast delivery.
Cons
Not as durable as the competition. Does not dim sunlight lenses enough. Easily fogs. Clip adapter sits badly. Changing the lenses is a real challenge. Two-part nose bridge often falls apart. Big on the face. Gap between the nose bridge and the glasses too big. Fine sunglasses but not superior. Adjustable hinges are not firm enough. Needs a band to prevent falling off. Soft carry case.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Conclusion
Regarding Outlaw Eyewear
I personally contacted a prescription expert at Outlaw Eyewear and bought a piece for myself, prescription and all. As we all know, their customer service is top notch and they paid careful attention to my needs and interests. I went on and chose a nice black frame with Electric Blue Mirror coating. Received it in the mail and loved it. The view range and clarity was crystal clear, even from the sides. To top it off, it was an excellent fit under my hats too. I could not have been more pleased. They really are quality built like a tank and look really good when wearing them. You won't be disappointed.
*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***What Else? Is Your Preparation Missing Anything?
Check out below additional things you might need.
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*** Go Back To Table of Contents ***Get More Field-Tested Gear You Need To Survive It All
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