Are tactical sunglasses good at protecting your vision? But Edge delivers. 
These sunglasses are not even ANSI certified. If youre going for a premium brand such as Gatorz or Outlaw its worth checking out their own websites for sales. Click the links above and scroll below until you see the fitting guide. Click play below to see it yourself: The ballistic ANSI-Z87.1-certified shatterproof polycarbonate lens are built to handle any impact, splash damage, or strain that you put on them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. All Rights Reserved. 3 sets of lenses included, including a polarized pair. 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? 15 Best Tactical Military Sunglasses Reviewed 2022 [For Army, Police & Bikers], Compare Best Tactical Military Ballistic Sunglasses / Eyewear, 15 Best Tactical Military Sunglasses Reviewed [For Shooting / Military / Law Enforcement / Construction / Hunting / EDC], 1. Generally, well-known brands with a strong track record are: Most people swear by Oakleys. 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? Required fields are marked *. Its like the Hummer of sunglasses not cheap, but youre getting what you pay for. Most sunglass lenses come with one or more of the following coatings: I wouldn't even consider getting tactical eyewear without anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings on them. There is a slight magnification on the lenses.
The XYZ optics provide a sharp and clear picture. I'll do my best to keep this article up to date, and keep up to date with the top tactical sunglass brands. and any other small particles flying your way. The Under Armour Igniter 2.0 Storm Polarized WWP Edition Sunglasses can be bought for just under $150 from Dicks Sporting Goods, heres a link to it: www.DicksSportingGoods.com. You'll need to change the foam every couple of years. Marines 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. You can get yourself a pair of tactical sunglasses that are better in every way for about half the price as 511 burners. 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. The Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0 also works seamlessly with most major helmet manufacturers. In this scenario, the last thing youll want to be wearing is non-shatter resistance military sunglasses. This can put your life at risk as you must be able to see what dangers are coming from all angles.". This is the pair of glasses that I ended up going with. The case can fit 2 extra pairs of lenses in addition to sunglasses, anti-fog cloth, and the cleaning spray. While not adjustable, STNGR tactical sunglasses deliver on comfort, too. There is a quick-release mechanism and the lenses are easy to replace. Check the individual reviews and sales pages for more details. They pass the best impact certification out there. About the lifetime warranty: The one thing that could put Gatorz above Outlaw is their lifetime warranty on frames (not lenses). There's nothing new in the world of military sunglasses. 
Usually veterans. The lenses block 100% of all UV rays, A, B, and C. The Oakley Fuel Cell Polarized Sunglasses can be bought on the Optics Planet website here: www.OpticsPlanet.com. No, tactical sunglasses are not bulletproof or bullet-resistant. The Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 can be bought on the Optics Planet official website here: www.OpticsPlanet.com. A.k.a. But the short of it is unless you know you have a large head, you probably have a normal-sized head. 
Don't get me wrong - they get the job done. You can't get prescription lenses with these. Lenses being of a slightly different color. Non-reflective polarized lenses cost more than normal lenses. These lenses are great for use in direct sun and urban environments, where there tends to be a lot of reflection and metallic surfaces. Yes, there are tactical sunglasses out there that are made to be used with helmets and hearing protection. Easy to see where they got the inspiration. I've noted this down in the individual reviews. Lightweight - a little bit more than one pound in weight. We dont have any affiliation with that group. There is a quick-release mechanism for changing the lens quickly. A lot of people with big heads find that they stay on better that way. Now you can support the Wounded Warrior Project while getting your daily training or patrol in. Edge glasses are best for their price range. Side note: If you scratch up a pair of lenses after a few years, you can just send them back to Gatorz. Industrial M-Frame 2.0 is the best pair of tactical sunglasses that Oakley makes. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. XL lens shape gives a clearer, wider view, and is specially curved with the aim of increasing protection.
Rubberized nose piece and handles. or read our full Gatorz Magnum Sunglasses Review. You can bend the frame slightly to fit your face. Or if I forgot to cover any features that you find important. They tend to vary in price, so I ranked them a bit lower. The Sawflys lightweight frame and ultra-thin arms ensure a perfect fit with hearing protection and communications headsets. Revision Military gives you a better bang for the buck on the lower end, while Gatorz give you a better bang for the buck on the higher end. The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses are one of the highest rated in the Oakley inventory. If you are looking for a cost-effective pair of tactical glasses for the range, Walkers Game Ear Shooting Glasses are a great piece of inexpensive glasses that will have you focused on targets much quicker than before. Anti-scratch surfaces. Most sunglasses will fit most people, otherwise, those companies would be out of business. Don't go for photochromic lenses. tap the links below to check the latest price . Plastic frame, of course. You can always get an extra pair of polarized lenses with most sunglasses and swap them out as needed to experiment. Because of their reputation of making the best & toughest tactical military sunglasses on the market, Gatorz is popular with the US Navy SEALs, SWAT teams and special forces operators around the world. Oh, and these come with a lifetime warranty. This model is on the small size - both the frame and the lenses. You get the best bang for the buck if you want to have the 3 lenses. Side note: These are popular glasses and you'll see other sites recommending them. This pair is inferior to other tactical sunglasses in every way. Some tactical sunglasses will ship with 2 or 3 pairs of lenses - I've mentioned this in the reviews. Heres a video of an independent ballistic test where you can see the lens surviving small- and large-caliber projectiles: As for visibility, the lens are polarized and come with STNGRs RAZR Polarization technology. STNGR Alpine / Ridge Best Nylon Frame Tactical ANSI-Z87 Ballistic Sunglasses, 4. Note: These are better suited for larger and medium heads. Two colors available on these lenses - black and iridium violet, Optical Prescription lenses are available. Note that these glasses come with polarized lens ONLY. The O Matter frame provides strength and flexibility, and the Unobtainium earsocks and nose pads actually increase their grip when you start to sweat. The Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0 is the culmination of years of innovation and refinement from Oakley. 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. First up on our list is the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses, which are actually standard issue in the US Military. Side note: You know how the sunlight reflects from the surface of the water? The polarization technology helps you deal with bright-light situations like water reflection when fishing on a bright day. Aluminum-frame tactical sunglasses are the strongest when it comes to impact resistance plastic just cant compete. The glasses wrap around the face, giving you side protection as well. The downside is that they're not adjustable and might fall off if you're not wearing them with the strap. In addition to the memory nylon frame, STNGR sunglass hinges can bend an extra 20 degrees when pressed together, unlike normal sunglasses with 90-degree hinges. STNGR do not offer prescription lens at the moment of writing this review. One common complaint was that the rubber at the end of the arms doesn't hold in place properly. This also means that any pair of tactical shades that has the military-grade MIL-PRF-31031 certification will also have the ANSI certification. The lens is good. If you're in doubt, that's the size that you should try first. Perfect for active lifestyle adventures like running, cycling, and tactical training.
Lets take a closer look at their features. The polarization also improves your depth perception and enhances the overall color experience. Plastic frame. This sunglass is made in America and is one of the most popular models for the servicemen of the U.S. military to wear. I wear them for cycling, running and also wore them in the sea on holiday. Because you can get better value for your money with the tactical brands above. There's a lot of space between your cheeks and the sunglasses. 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. Polarized lenses cut down on shines, reflections, and glares. You get a quick-swap mechanism - it's easy to take out and switch the lenses. You also get a soft case with the glasses. The purpose behind this is it helps the wearer to acquire targets quicker and easier. Unfortunately, this pair from Oakley's doesn't have the MIL-Spec certification. In addition to impact resistance and ruggedness, the U.S. Army MIL-PRF-31013 standard also evaluates UV-protection, chemical resistance, optical clarity, fit, and environmental stability of tactical eyewear. I wouldn't recommend them for eye protection. Basically, you can't store this pair of Wileys properly without ruining the lens. These glasses use Oakley's 3-point fit system. 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. So I wouldn't worry about it too much. With sizes, regular will fit most adults. The design protects against sweat, weather, even dirt, and debris, and is a favorite pair of sunglasses used by Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Green Berets, and other Spec. Besides that, both pairs are MIL-PRF certified, look similar, and retail for a similar price. In short, make sure that any lenses you will be wearing for protective reasons should have the ANSI Z87.1 impact rating qualification. In fact, its the first time Ive seen a plastic-like material being able to take this amount of abuse without breaking (video below). Make sure you pay attention to other features as well, like polarizing. Check the video below if you want to see it yourself. That way you won't have to worry about QC problems (lens being polarized differently). Before we move on to the list, lets take a quick look at what you should be looking for when choosing tactical sunglasses. }); You'd probably have to go to China to find sunglasses without it. These glasses are built with comfort in mind. They take a beating and last a long time. Civilian), The Pros & Cons Of Non-Reflective / Anti Glare Polarized Lenses, Optical Prescription Tactical Military Sunglasses, Tactical Sunglass Comfort, Head Shapes & Helmet Compatibility, Popular Tactical Military Sunglasses Brands, Army-Approved Sunglasses Used By The U.S. Army & Special Forces. Side note: Unfortunately, they don't include a head strap with these.
Most lens colors will work for general use. In addition, the lenses will inevitably start to show scratches on them after long term usage. . Some military sunglasses manufacturers allow for replaceable lenses, so you keep your frames if they are in good shape. In other words cops wear all kinds of sunglasses, according to personal preference. Keep in mind that these glasses are not adjustable. They are also treated to block certain wavelengths of blue and yellow light in order to clarify colors. Revision Sawflies come with 2 pairs of lenses included. 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. But it seems they've stopped doing that. The main difference between Revision Sawfly and ESS Crossbow is that Revision offers different sized sunglasses, while ESS Crossbow only comes in one size. It ain't free, but sure beats buying a new pair of sunglasses every few years. 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. I was surprised when I found out that for a little more than $20 you can get yourself MIL-PRF-31013 certified tactical sunglasses. They'll give your eyes the best protection. I like the style, too. Maybe they'll bring them back, but at the time of writing this review, there is only one size available. 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. Since they reduce or eliminate glare, polarized lenses are also great for being able to see into water from above the surface. The frames come with a stylish tortoise color scheme and copper-colored lenses. With the leading blend of technology and design, the Oakley Fuel Cell Polarized Sunglasses have a classic look that sports the latest in features. 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 result is splotches and optically-induced distortion and aberrations. MIL-Spec (MIL-PRF) certified sunglasses will stop a .22 steel ball traveling 550fps. Just like Outlaw Fugitive TAC above, the frame is fully adjustable. In fact, the guy in the video below drives a car over the STNGR sunglasses and they survive. Bottom line is - don't worry about the UV stuff - it's covered. Gatorz Magnum are heavy-duty ballistic combat glasses that are top of the line in quality, durability, ruggedness, and performance. Outlaw Fugitive Prescription - Best Tactical Ballistic Prescription Glasses [For Military / Construction Workers / Pilots], The U.S. They're only ANSI-certified. I liked the much tougher case of the ESS Crossbow. I didn't find anything negative about Aegis Arc while doing my research. There is no anti-fog on these, so expect them to fog up. The Costa Del Mar Fantail 580P Polarized Sunglasses can be bought on the Glasses USA website, heres a link: www.GlassesUSA.com, Related Article 11 Best Military Grade Binoculars. Revision Military sunglasses are combat-ready safety glasses issued by the military and used on deployments. Lastly, polarized lenses help to reduce eyestrain, which is paramount for those conducting long-term reconnaissance missions. These are Oakley's ballistic sunglasses. I would get these if you want sunglasses with smaller lenses. This even extends to the ANSI Z87.1 protections, which dictate the standards and minimal protective ratings against high mass and high-velocity impacts. For example, if you need a pair of sunglasses for the service, you will need to make sure that they meet all the necessary specifications in order to meet your military guidelines. But the lens is not very big. The high-grade polycarbonate lenses surpass the ANSI 287.1 high impact requirements, so you know your eyesight will be safe if the unexpected should happen. You might have light spots in gaps. They're proper military sunglasses. No matter how well you are for your sunglasses, they will show wear and tear at some point. I'm planning to get clear lenses in the future, just because I like to shoot in them. You can bend the frame and the nose piece to fit your face. Temples and nose piece are rubber-covered. Comfortable to wear and no complaints. These military sunglasses are used by tactical units like the Navy SEALs, Delta Force, Green Berets, Army Rangers, and Marine Corps Recon. So not the best choice if you have a bigger/smaller head than average. They come in a hard storage case with a cleaning cloth. No major complaints about the fit. The frame is not adjustable. The Plutonite lenses offer Oakleys High Definition Optics increased clarity, and are interchangeable for optimal protection in any type of environment. The polarized UA Storm lens enhances color and reduces glare. If you know any brand or model that should be included in this list - please let me know in the comments. As you can probably guess, aluminum is more durable than plastic when it comes it impact resistance & ruggedness. An important point you left out of the "The Pros & Cons Of Polarized Lenses" section is that pilots cannot use polarized lenses in modern cockpits. They are shaped with a Polaric Ellipsoid geometry give the gray lenses optimal clarity at all angles of view. What makes tactical military-grade sunglasses different from normal eyewear? Just get a normal dark-grey color and you'll be fine. Plenty lens colors available on these, the most from all tac glasses I've seen. Outlaw's warranty policy is standard for the industry, and Ive read praise about their customer service from a few of the reviews. This is the pair that I ended up going with. You can pick between dark gray and brown colors. Almost nobody complains about the fit.
Heavy duty case and strap are included. The ANSI Z87.1 rating will keep your vision safe during circumstances with inherent risks. In other words if you accidentally break your sunglasses, you wont be covered by the warranty. The only reason why I included them here is so to warn you about buying them. when looking into the sun, sun reflecting from the water, sun reflecting from the road, etc. The hinges are pretty thin as well. 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. STNGR sunglasses are built with an ultra-durable memory nylon frame that can take a beating and keep on going. }); P.s. 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. Which is around 20 bucks. Instead of hooking behind your ears, the handles go further around your head. The Under Armour UA Battlewrap can be bought on the official Optics Planet website here: www.OpticsPlanet.com. Despite their high price tag, Gatorz is worth considering if you want a more established brand. We recommend buying tactical sunglasses from Amazon, since they have most of the popular and authorized models for sale (usually at the lowest price). It's got everything that you need for less than $50. The Flak 2.0 features non-glass blue lenses and are prizm polarized. A very comfortable pair. Combined with their durable aluminum-frame construction, these combat glasses are hard to beat if you want the absolute best ANSI-Z87 ballistic rated prescription goggles on the market. And not everyone can drop a couple of hundred bucks on a pair. 1. There is no anti-fog coating, but you get a special anti-fog cloth with them.
All of the tactical sunglasses I've included here on this list have UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C protection. The thinner hinges on Crossbow Ones are specially designed to be worn with earmuffs. In the end, I felt that the Crossbows were slightly better built, so I ended up going with them. 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. Just wipe the glasses with the cloth and they'll be fine for a day or two. The amber lenses help to highlight the difference between the environment and your orange target. Lenses check all the boxes. They come in a classic black iridium color, and the lens base color is gray. But are the mirrored lenses worth it? And let's face it - there is no way these glasses are going to last for more than 1 year. 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. If you will need these for military service or law enforcement, they will absolutely need to be Z87 rated. Finally, the customer service is great and a part of Gatorz proceeds goes to a charity of your choosing. Grilamid is just thermally-processed Polyamide, a.k.a. Crossbow Suppressor One is a proper pair of rugged, MIL-SPEC glasses. They're not adjustable.
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. Oakley - The brand speaks for itself. 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. Click Here For Latest Price Buy From Outlaw Eyewear. I'll tell you why these stood out as our pick for #1 ballistic sunglasses below, but first here's a quick overview of the features: When it comes to build quality, these goggles have everything you might want from a premium pair of tactical sunglasses: While they're not unbreakable, the rugged aluminum frame is about as close as you can get, while still maintaining comfort. Lightweight glasses with a rubber nose guard and hinges. Edge TSK216 Kazbek Best Cheap Durable Military Tactical Sunglasses, 15. #3 Oakley Fuel Cell Polarized Sunglasses. There is no rubber on the nose guard. Often times you will see amber lenses on nighttime driving glasses or glasses meant for the shooting range. The impact resistance is as good as it gets on these, although they do come with a plastic frame. My old pair of tactical shades gave me headaches when I wore them with hearing protection. They're just not as strong as military certified sunglasses. We included 15 reviews in this list, including the following top picks: jQuery(document).ready(function(){ You can bend the frame to fit your head. I don't know what to think about the "Titanium-Infused Grilamid" frame. There is a strap and a hard case included with the glasses. The #1 thing separating the good tactical sunglasses from the rest is their impact resistance certification. Outlaw Eyewear specifically designs their tactical sunglasses with thin temples and profiles so they fit comfortably under tight helmets and hearing protection - that means they don't squeeze or cause painful pressure points, a neat touch that I haven't seen from most other brands. This will influence the type of glasses you get since not all of them offer the same protections or even features. Hey Jeff, Hope that this guide helped you find the best tactical glasses. These shades are MIL-PRF and ANSI certified and have the top impact resistance out there. On high-end models you can also find: Even the cheapest $5 pair from Walmart will have it. 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. The "goggle-style" lenses are not good for side vision. Not only do they offer increased peripheral coverage and clearer vision, but the ballistic rating exceeds both the ballistic fragmentation impact standards of MIL PRF-31013, but also the high mass and high-velocity impact requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2010. Read our full Outlaw Fugitive TAC review above, or check the latest price on their prescription models. They're tough enough and work well for handling everyday situations. For less than $100 and the protection that you're getting, Revision Sawfly is hard competition to the Crossbow One. The Costa C-WALL coating helps stop water, oil, dust, and even scuffs and scratches.