Eyes and ears…the two most important things to have at the shooting range.
You don’t want to end up like this guy…
We bought several of the most popular ones across different price points and tried them out with several buddies over a bunch of range trips.
By the end, you’ll know which one is best for your budget and intended use.
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Ballistic Eyewear Standards
When you get shooting glasses…you want to make sure they meet some standard of impact resistance. Otherwise, what’s the point?
There are three major standards:
- US Civilian: ANSI Z87.1
- US Military: MIL-PRF-31013
- European: EN166
It’s recommended the minimum to meet is the civilian ANSI Z87.1 and if you’re really at risk of frag or projectiles…to meet the U.S. military specs.
Now let’s get into it…
Best Shooting Glasses
1. Wiley X Saber
My overall favorite for style, coverage, and protection is the Wiley X Saber.
It covers more angles and exceeds the military MIL-RF-31013 standards for impact resistance, UV protection, and optical clarity.
Nosepiece is pretty comfortable and adjustable while the frame is normal thickness. It didn’t smush into my head when wearing electronic earmuffs.
Also light…but not the cheap kind of light.
Smoke grey is also perfect for sunny days or gloomy days like the above.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
2. Radians Revelation
Radians Revelations are what I consider the bare minimum — $8 and available in a couple colors. They are decent in style but I do feel their affordable price point in the construction.
Meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards for high-velocity impacts so they’ll protect your eyes.
One great thing is that the frames are pretty thin and can bend up at angles to match almost all faces.
I got the light smoke lens and it’s a good mix for daytime and when it starts getting dark (or indoors).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
3. Radians Clay Shooting Glasses
If you’re really into clay shooting…Radians Clay Shooting Glasses might be for you.
The color is meant to make the orange clays pop out. It works somewhat and I like how there’s no frame on the top to obstruct views…especially when looking upwards.
Nose is not that comfortable since it’s not adjustable. But the frame is a thin wire so earmuffs are not a problem. Very light overall but also a little flimsy.
Meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards for higher velocity.
If only I could pull off red lenses…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
4. Oakley Radar
You can never go wrong with Oakley.
I’ve been rocking the Oakley Radar for years since it has great coverage, meets the standards, and has different-sized nose pieces.
It feels great even with earmuffs and never falls off when I’m sweaty.
I also like how it makes the colors pop out and it does help a little when I’m shooting with fiber optic sights.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
5. Smith Aegis Echo II
I really like the Smith Aegis Echo II. It has everything I want in a frame…
Meets ALL three standards, has great coverage, and fit everyone that tried it because of the adjustable nose piece. Think Oakley’s “Asian Fit” for us with smaller noses.
Also has a super-thin frame that doesn’t get caught up in even tight earmuffs.
It feels quality and that means a little more weight than the others.
My only complaint is that the frame that’s “missing” in the top middle makes it a little bit too aggressive. One person asked if I was on SWAT and another if I was from the Matrix.
Otherwise…it comes with a case and two lenses so you can shoot in both day and low-light.
This is great for something that really protects your eyes and has you set for whatever environment. As long as you can pull off the look.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
6. STNGR Alpine & Ridge
STNGR makes awesome and affordable AR-15 handguards…
And are one of our favorite picks in Best AR-15 Handguards.
But I gave their ballistic sunglasses a try and they might be my favorite ones yet for something equally at home on the range or in the truck.
They come in two-size flavors and a few colors. And all have ANSI Z87.1 shatterproof lenses.
AND are crazy durable…cringe factor activate!
First up is the Alpine for medium faces…which include mine.
I really like these since they were super clear and cut enough glare/sunlight but won’t intrude on target acquisition.
And had adjustable rubber nose pieces to custom fit my face.
They have a great return policy and lifetime warranty.
Plus we’ve secured a 10% off coupon for our readers with code PEWPEW-10.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
There’s the larger version which they call the Ridge.
Same great build and lens quality…just a little larger and with a fixed nosepad.
Here is how the green view through looks…
Want a “regular” color? There’s also smoke for each type.
It didn’t fit my face as well but for our larger faced shooting buddies…they loved them.
All the glasses came in a nice case and also a retaining strap which was a nice touch.
Again, be sure to use the PEWPEW-10 code we secured to get 10% off your sunglasses.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
7. STNGR Lo-Drag
The Lo-Drags are tough and comfortable with a wraparound style that covers your eyes — even on the periphery.
Its thin earpieces don’t grind into your head under muff-style ear pro either.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
These glasses come with two lenses — clear and smoke — allowing you to swap when shooting indoors or outside. The Lo-Drags are rated to MIL-PRF-32432.
Conclusion
There you have it…my pick for the affordable range is the Wiley X Saber.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
While for those that enjoy the finer things in life (and can pull off the look)…the Smith Aegis Echo II.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Now…my current favorite are STNGR’s Alpine and Ridge sunglasses for their durability, fit, and look.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Now that your eyes are protected…get yourself the best ear protection out there too. We cover everything in-hand from earplugs to all the most popular electronic earmuffs in Best Shooting Ear Protection.
The post 7 Best Shooting Glasses [Hands-On & Real Views] appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.