But let you see in bright light conditions. STNGR Ridge & STNGR Alpine ballistic sunglasses are slightly cheaper than Gatorz & Outlaw above, and might be the right pick for you if you don't necessarily want to invest into premium aluminum sunglasses. The frame is made from Oakleys signature lightweight O Matter composite and features nose pads and ear pads of Unobtanium for optimal comfort. AVOID THESE. Basically, you can't store this pair of Wileys properly without ruining the lens. If you're in doubt, that's the size that you should try first. The XL means hey provide enhanced lens coverage, and are specially curved to help protect the entire eye area against sun, wind, and ballistic damage. Just wipe the glasses with the cloth and they'll be fine for a day or two. Flak 2.0 utilizes a standard size frame and ultimate lens coverage. The frame is not adjustable. Outlaw Fugitive Prescription - Best Tactical Ballistic Prescription Glasses [For Military / Construction Workers / Pilots], The U.S. Polarized are better because they reduce glare, and help to increase contrast and minimize color distortion. But personally, I wouldn't buy these because of the lower impact resistance than MIL-Spec sunglasses (no MIL-PRF certification). Almost nobody complains about the fit. These sunglasses are not even ANSI certified. Bottom line is - don't worry about the UV stuff - it's covered. There's a lot of space between your cheeks and the sunglasses. I wouldn't recommend them for eye protection. (More on the lifetime warranty below). I wear them for cycling, running and also wore them in the sea on holiday. Plastic frame, of course. You'd probably have to go to China to find sunglasses without it. Comfortable to wear and no complaints. Navy SEALs can choose any pair of eyewear from the Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL) issued by The U.S. Armed Forces that consists of sunglasses that have passed the official MIL-PRF-31031 testing and are approved by the Army. Two pairs of lenses included - dark and clear. The polarization technology helps you deal with bright-light situations like water reflection when fishing on a bright day. The frame is durable, although made of plastic. The Under Armour UA Battlewrap can be bought on the official Optics Planet website here: www.OpticsPlanet.com. The Wiley X AirRage can be bought for $124 from Optics Planet, heres a link to the listing: www.OpticsPlanet.com. For reference, impact-resistant MIL-Spec (MIL-PRF) certified sunglasses will stop a .22 steel ball traveling 550fps which will be enough for most situations. Optical prescription lenses are available. Oakley Men's Half Jacket 2.0 Iridium glasses are a nice style and stay firmly to your head no matter what you're doing. 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That's the kind of glare that polarized lenses will protect you against. They tend to vary in price, so I ranked them a bit lower. In other words if you accidentally break your sunglasses, you wont be covered by the warranty. Theyre perfect for keeping your eyes safe from: To find the best tactical military sunglasses out there, we went out and compared 21 different pairs of ballistic eyewear currently on the market. My old pair of tactical shades gave me headaches when I wore them with hearing protection. Not only do they provide protection from the sun, but theyll also protect you from foreign object debris. 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About the lifetime warranty: The one thing that could put Gatorz above Outlaw is their lifetime warranty on frames (not lenses). These won't protect you that well while shooting. Well, nearly all soldiers in the Army and Marines are given them as part of their overall uniform issue. You'll need to change the foam every couple of years. Yes, there are tiny differences in feel and shape, but for the most part both brands: The similarities between Gatorz & Outlaw are obvious looks, construction, specs but Fugitive retails cheaper than Gatorz, which is why I believe that its a better deal for most people. This makes Smith Elite Arc one of the best pairs for side vision. Gatorz magnum comes with a heavy duty aircraft-grade aluminum frame and reinforced stainless steel dual 5-barrel hinges. These are real ballistic sunglasses that will protect you. The lenses block 100% of all UV rays, and the lightweight composite frames provide a snug but unencumbering feeling. It ain't free, but sure beats buying a new pair of sunglasses every few years. You won't have a lot of side vision, though. Aluminum-frame tactical sunglasses are the strongest when it comes to impact resistance plastic just cant compete. Once you take these things into account when browsing our list for your next pair of military sunglasses, you will be making the effort to ensure your needs are met, and that you are picking a pair of glasses that will be useful to you for years to come. 3 sets of lenses included, including a polarized pair. They come in a classic black iridium color, and the lens base color is gray. Checking the reviews, I found many people complaining about the quality of these glasses: The glasses have an adjustable nose pad and seem to fit most people. This even extends to the ANSI Z87.1 protections, which dictate the standards and minimal protective ratings against high mass and high-velocity impacts. But if you read the fine print, the lifetime warranty only covers breakage and defects due to material and/or workmanship. These run a little small and will fit small/medium heads. Note: These are better suited for larger and medium heads. There are no federal regulations when it comes to eyewear for law enforcement agents, unlike the army that has its own Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL). No matter the shape of your head and face you can get a perfect fit with these. Plastic frame. In this scenario, the last thing youll want to be wearing is non-shatter resistance military sunglasses. The ArmourSight lens technology helps provide up to 20% of clear peripheral vision while being nearly 10x stronger than the usual polycarbonate lenses. The performance is not that good. The sunglasses listed below are popular with special ops forces like Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Delta Force, etc., as well as local and federal law enforcement agencies. The impact resistance is as good as it gets on these, although they do come with a plastic frame. I didn't find anything negative about Aegis Arc while doing my research. If you need an extra pair of shades to keep in your patrol car, then you probably will not need mil-spec sunglasses, unless you have other departmental directives. You can get yourself a pair of tactical sunglasses that are better in every way for about half the price as 511 burners. The wider temple area means a higher degree of protection from the sides, and the ability to quickly check your peripherals. Outlaw Fugitive TAC are premium aluminum-frame tactical sunglasses made for military personnel, law enforcement officers, bikers, construction workers, outdoor adventurers, and hell - even survivalists. Most lens colors will work for general use. STNGR ANSI Z87.1 ballistic sunglasses make no compromises. What makes tactical military-grade sunglasses different from normal eyewear? Easy to see where they got the inspiration. A.k.a. If you need additional features like anti-fog coatings or replaceable lenses, be sure to choose a model that offers them. To summarize, I consider Outlaw Fugitive TAC the best metal-frame ballistic tactical sunglasses you can buy at the moment. And that's a dealbreaker right there. Finally, Gatorz sunglasses are made in America and come with a lifetime warranty. In fact, they are one of the official sunglasses worn by US Marines. You can always get an extra pair of polarized lenses with most sunglasses and swap them out as needed to experiment. While not adjustable, STNGR tactical sunglasses deliver on comfort, too. They block out the glare. NO anti-fog coating. The ESS Crossbow Suppressor is the first spectacle frame designed for use with ear cup hearing protection and communications devices. tap the links below to check the latest price . Revision Military is a great brand - very durable glasses. Hey Jeff, For that reason, polarized sunglasses are great for fishing, biking and skiing. If you only need them for recreational or hobby use, perhaps for motorcycle eye protection or a good pair of ballistic shooting glasses to take to the range, then you also will only need ANSI Z87.1 standards. These lenses block 100% or UV A, B, and C rays. Lightweight - a little bit more than one pound in weight. Thats the main difference between the two brands. They also have a fitting guide with measurements for each of their sunglasses. Standard lenses will have much more protection against bright daylight conditions, but they hamper low light or overcast vision. Civilian ANSI Z87.1 Certification, Shallow Well Hand Pumps - What To Know Before Buying, 9 Best Tactical Chest Rigs In 2021 (For AR, AK, MOLLE & More), Cheap MREs Online - Where To Buy? If you're going to wear anything over your tactical goggles (hearing protection, helmet, etc.) Wiley X Slay Best Plastic Frame Tactical Sunglasses, 5. The cloth has about 20-30 uses. The frame is constructed in a way that you get a really good seal between your sunglasses and your face. There are no environmental forces you will not be ready to face when you have the AirRage. The glasses are also heavy. The Plutonite lenses offer Oakleys High Definition Optics increased clarity, and are interchangeable for optimal protection in any type of environment. They're proper military sunglasses. Learn more about the best military sunglasses here. The case can fit 2 extra pairs of lenses in addition to sunglasses, anti-fog cloth, and the cleaning spray. Heres just a few of the reviews we came across: The lens options include possible Polarizing, Iridium, or Photochromic choices. So STNGR Alpine will most likely be the right fit for you. You get rubberized arms and an adjustable rubberized nose piece. Here's what Outlaw's Director of Operations Pat told me: "We have the most advanced Wrap-Compensated Prescription service available on the market today. Finally, construction also determines the durability of your sunglasses. The polarized UA Storm lens enhances color and reduces glare. So get yourself two pairs of lenses if you need clears and shades. That's why I was pleasantly surprised when I finally got my hands on Outlaw's Fugitive TAC. That way you won't have to worry about QC problems (lens being polarized differently). If you know any brand or model that should be included in this list - please let me know in the comments. Wiley X Slay Tactical Safety Glasses come in a Plastic semi-rimless frame with a rubberized nose guard and handles. Tactical sunglasses give your eyes that extra layer of protection when you need it the most. A lot of people with big heads find that they stay on better that way. But even if you end up buying these sunglasses and getting the size wrong, STNGR offer 60-day free returns and pay the postage, no questions asked. Most of the servicemen I know who are stationed overseas prefer the top of the line Gatorz eyewear. With that being said, if you have a smaller or bigger head, you should go for adjustable sunglasses. A pair of clears and you can choose between smoke, green and tan. The frames flex slightly. Hellflys are comfortable to wear. Often times you will see amber lenses on nighttime driving glasses or glasses meant for the shooting range. Revision Military Sawfly was a very strong competitor to Crossbow One. And durability determines whether your pair's gonna break in 3 months or 3 years. They help to clarify vision in low light and overcast conditions, but do little to protect against a sunny day. The Costa C-WALL coating helps stop water, oil, dust, and even scuffs and scratches. These glasses are built with comfort in mind. While the U.S. Army does not have any specific regulations regarding military desert sunglasses, it is recommended to use a pair that covers your face as much as possible from all sides when the sun is flying around. Because you can get better value for your money with the tactical brands above. Even the waves couldn't dislodge them. These shades are MIL-PRF and ANSI certified and have the top impact resistance out there. Check the video below if you want to see it yourself. Hitting the outdoors with adequate eye protection looks extra good when you show support while doing it. These glasses are strong enough for Afghanistan and Iraq - you bet that they'll be strong enough for you. Large size is for heavy or round faces. Some of the shades that fit the bill from this list are Outlaw Fugitive TAC, Gatorz Magnum, Revision Sawfly, Oakley M-Frame 2.0, and ESS Crossbow One. You also get a soft case with the glasses. But it seems they've stopped doing that. Make sure you pay attention to other features as well, like polarizing. If you do need tactical sunglasses with prescription lens, we recommend Outlaw Fugitive that come with a lightweight aluminum frame instead of memory nylon construction. In addition, the lenses will inevitably start to show scratches on them after long term usage. With its ANSI Z87+ impact resistance certification, these glasses will withstand projectiles moving up to 250 feet per second. There is no anti-fog coating, but you get a special anti-fog cloth with them. Oakley - The brand speaks for itself. Unfortunately, these don't have the anti-fog coating. You won't feel these on your face. For comparison - a shotgun pellet travels at about 1000fps. With that being said, there's nothing wrong with ANSI-certified sunglasses either. But Edge delivers. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Non-reflective polarized lenses cost more than normal lenses. Or do you know this organization and is it legit. Lenses check all the boxes. I would get these if you want sunglasses with smaller lenses. They call it the 110-degree-hinge technology and it keeps the glasses from breaking under heavy pressure. Smith makes great glasses. The glasses meet the military MIL-PRF and ANSI certifications. When you put them away into the box, the ends of the stems touch the lens from the inside. But not enough to call them adjustable. Interested? This sunglass is made in America and is one of the most popular models for the servicemen of the U.S. military to wear. Which is around 20 bucks. Still, I don't recommend them because of the construction defect (handles touching lenses when stored) and the lack of a rubberized nose guard. They're just not as strong as military certified sunglasses. And everything's great - except for the price. The newly redesigned Under Armour UA Battlewrap sunglasses still retain their ballistic performance that exceeds ANSI Z87.1 but has made some other key improvements. Whether you need glasses for your next deployment, your next shift on patrol, or just another day at the range, these military and tactical sunglasses are for you. Gatorz Magnum glasses are also helmet-compatible - for mountain biking, tactical stuff etc. The best overall features include: The adjustable wrap-around frame means that you'll get a perfect fit no matter how big or small your face is. They come in a hard storage case with a cleaning cloth. Outlaw Fugitive TAC Overall Best Z87 Ballistic Tactical Sunglasses, 3. They're pretty much tied with Crossbow One and Revision Military Sawfly. Take advantage of that (and save yourself some headache). They're both great Z87 ballistic-rated tactical shooting glasses that'll give you excellent eye protection - but for the time being, Outlaw Fugitive TAC will give you better value for the money. The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses are one of the highest rated in the Oakley inventory. These sunglasses ain't cheap and for what they cost they don't really compare with the competition. I wouldn't wear them as combat glasses, but they're more than enough for casual wear. Side note: You know how the sunlight reflects from the surface of the water? They are also treated to block certain wavelengths of blue and yellow light in order to clarify colors. Lenses being of a slightly different color. I wouldn't beat these up too much. Still, some colors work better than others in the night, etc. You can pick between dark gray and brown colors. Grilamid is just thermally-processed Polyamide, a.k.a. They'll give your eyes the best protection. Rubberized nose piece and handles. 1. This pair is inferior to other tactical sunglasses in every way. I've noted this down in the individual reviews. The Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0 also works seamlessly with most major helmet manufacturers. This makes them perfect for shooting, biking, or any other situations where theres a risk of small particles hitting your eyes. You get a quick-swap mechanism - it's easy to take out and switch the lenses. Just like Outlaw Fugitive TAC above, the frame is fully adjustable. This will influence the type of glasses you get since not all of them offer the same protections or even features. Don't let their marketing trick you. Revision Military Hellfly Tactical Shooting Glasses, 9. Revision Sawflies come with 2 pairs of lenses included. This makes them good enough for most of the stuff that you throw at them. You get razor sharp optical clarity, unrivaled durability and protection, and an exceptionally comfortable close-style fit. Professional daily solar eye protection is as simple as the Oakley M2 Frame XL. Are tactical sunglasses good at protecting your vision? Impact-resistant tactical eyewear is a must-have for combat situations to keep your eyes protected from dirt, sand, debris, and even small pieces of shrapnel flying towards you. Are tactical sunglasses bulletproof / bullet resistant? The sun wont be able to keep you from having fun when you have the stylish and protective Costa Del Mar Fantail 580P Polarized Sunglasses to shield those peepers. You get lots of coverage, great contrast and good coverage in low-light conditions (I've got the copper lens). If you were to venture a guess, which of these is the choice you'd make for a big headed guy who looks ridiculous in most normal sized sunglasses? The polarization also improves your depth perception and enhances the overall color experience. In short, these are truly the most official military sunglasses you can buy. If you're serving (or about to join) any part of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Special Forces, you are restricted to only using the tactical eyewear that is listed on the APEL list. But the lens is not very big. Your email address will not be published. Crossbow Suppressor One Best Value For The Money [Plastic Frame], 8. Some military sunglasses manufacturers allow for replaceable lenses, so you keep your frames if they are in good shape. The Walkers Game Ear Shooting Glasses can be bought for just under $10 from Dicks Sporting Goods, heres a link to the listing: www.DicksSportingGoods.com. Half Jacket 2.0 doesn't fit that well on larger faces. Because of their superior protection, you should always go for MIL-PRF-Certified sunglasses. They're tough enough and work well for handling everyday situations. STNGR sunglasses are built with an ultra-durable memory nylon frame that can take a beating and keep on going. Your email address will not be published. You can measure the fit before you buy if you want to. Edge TSK216 Kazbek Best Cheap Durable Military Tactical Sunglasses, 15. No matter how well you are for your sunglasses, they will show wear and tear at some point. Just get a normal dark-grey color and you'll be fine. As you can probably guess, aluminum is more durable than plastic when it comes it impact resistance & ruggedness. While they don't really compare to Outlaw or Gatorz in terms of durability or comfort, STNGR ballistic sunglasses do offer a lot considering their plastic build. Are Oakleys scratch resistant or bulletproof? And if you want Oakley, this is the right pair for you. I'll do my best to keep this article up to date, and keep up to date with the top tactical sunglass brands. With sizes, regular will fit most adults. In other words, a sunglass pair can have both polarized and multiflection lens. Perfect for having multiple pairs. Don't go for photochromic lenses. Required fields are marked *. Before we move on to the list, lets take a quick look at what you should be looking for when choosing tactical sunglasses. I like the style, too. Wiley X is one of the brands used by the army for their sunglasses, including deployments. The handles are also rubberized at the end. Crossbow Suppressor One is a proper pair of rugged, MIL-SPEC glasses. With this pair of ballistic eyewear, youre getting: STNGR sunglasses come in two different sizes: If youre wondering which size is right for you - or which lens you should choose - STNGR has a 30-second sunglass quiz that'll help you pick the perfect sunglasses for your needs. You can bend the frame slightly to fit your face. With these, the headaches are gone. If you will need these for military service or law enforcement, they will absolutely need to be Z87 rated. So I wouldn't worry about it too much. In other words cops wear all kinds of sunglasses, according to personal preference. You can get polarized lenses on most tactical sunglasses out there. The Oakley M2 Frame XL can be bought on the Optics Planet website, heres a link: www.OpticsPlanet.com, Related Article Best Fat Burners for Women (+ 1 runner up). There is no quick-release mechanism for the lenses, so changing them takes some time. The Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 can be bought on the Optics Planet official website here: www.OpticsPlanet.com. There is a quick-release mechanism and the lenses are easy to replace. Benefits of Copper, Orange, Yellow, and Brown Lenses, Why Polarized Lenses? Most of the tactical sunglasses on this list are available with prescription lenses. While not bulletproof, most Oakley sunglasses come with a scratch resistant coating. I liked the much tougher case of the ESS Crossbow. No ANSI certification alone is enough for me to say pass on these. Industrial M-Frame 2.0 is the best pair of tactical sunglasses that Oakley makes. Heres what just a few of the reviews had to say: Because of their prizm polarization, they also happen to be great for fishing, hunting, and most other outdoor activities: The Oakley OO9188 Flak can be bought from Optics Planet, heres a link to the listing: www.OpticsPlanet.com. This is the pair that I ended up going with. These have all the possible certifications: With that being said, the frame is made of plastic. Smith Elite's Aegis Arc exceeds the US-MIL-PRF-31013 standard. The changes of the 3.0 over the 2.0 retains all f the best features but makes certain improvements over the last version for military or tactical users. Here's a lengthy article (admittedly a bit hard to read) that explains which colors work best in different conditions. The glasses wrap around the face, giving you side protection as well. Temples and nose piece are rubber-covered. This is crucial for Soldiers and Marines on the battlefield, and is one of the more popular sunglasses used by US Marines. This can put your life at risk as you must be able to see what dangers are coming from all angles.". Make sure the rest of the features that you want are there, however. You'll have visible marks on your nose when you take them off. For ballistic resistance and protection, unless given special permission from your commanding officer, you will need eye-wear that meets or exceeds the requirements of military specifications MIL PRF-31013, which provides a much higher degree of protection than the civilian equivalent, ANSI Z87.1. With Crossbow Suppressor ONE, you're getting incredible value for your money. My experience with tactical sunglasses is that you get what you pay for. As I said above, I do recommend Outlaw Fugitive TAC over Gatorz Magnum for the following reasons: Still, Gatorz has been the top rated brand for durable aluminum sunglasses for a long time. While many brands offer prescription lenses, Outlaw Fugitive Prescription model is our #1 pick for tactical prescription sunglasses because of their superior vision correction technology. Other companies can only put the prescription in the center of the lenses giving you corrected vision in the middle, but blurry vision to the sides. The frame is the exclusive ArmourFushion and is durable yet flexible enough to make through any dangerous scenarios or extreme conditions. Also, some frames run smaller and others run bigger. Uses, Description, Benefits & Drawbacks, I received an email from USA Tactical giving away sunglasses w/ 3 different sets of lenses, headband and pouch for free if I pay for S & H. Is this part of your group? With the leading blend of technology and design, the Oakley Fuel Cell Polarized Sunglasses have a classic look that sports the latest in features. The Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0 can be bought on the Optics Planet website, heres a link to the listing: www.OpticsPlanet.com.