The Best Shooting Glasses of 2022
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Loading... - Logan Jacinto
- 22 Jun 2022
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Shooting glasses do two main things for you. First, and maybe the most obvious, they protect your eyes from any debris or discharge that might occur while shooting. In case you haven’t heard(or seen), eyeballs are kind of important, especially when you enjoy shooting. Whether from spall flying off steel targets, ejected cartridge casings, gas blowback, or dirt and oil splatter, having a ballistically rated lens between your eyes and whatever is coming at them can make all the difference for a good day at the range.
Besides protecting your eyes, a good pair of shooting glasses can heighten your overall shooting experience. High-quality lenses give better clarity and when tinted with certain colors, give the shooter better contrast between light and dark for a faster pick up on sight picture and targets whether you’re shooting pistols or rifles.
I tested several different options to see which ones you’ll want to have whether you’re hunting, competing, or just plinking at the range. Throughout the process, I looked at safety ratings, clarity, comfort, price, and last but not least—style—to determine the best shooting glasses for a variety of applications.
How to Choose Shooting Glasses
Variations in personal comfort, locations, conditions, and prices play a huge role in determining the best shooting glasses for you. However, tested and proven ballistic ratings on whatever model you’re considering should trump all other considerations. Yes, even above style.
Expensive Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safe
If the company you are considering doesn’t have their eyewear tested to some level of American(ANSI Z87.1(+), MIL-PRF-31013) or European(EN166) standard, you should consider alternate options. Each of those ratings include high impact tests that consist of high mass projectiles being dropped onto or shot at the lenses to test the overall durability, shatter resistance of the lens, robustness of the frame, and ability of the frame to retain the lens during the test. The tested rating is often marked on the inside of the frame or lens. Anything, even your best polarized sunglasses, that doesn’t have one these ratings probably won’t perform like the best shooting glasses.
Best Overall: Wiley X Saber Advanced
Key Features
- Weight: 0.8 pounds
- Materials: Selenite Polycarbonate lens, rubberized polycarbonate frames
- T-shell lens coating
- Compatible with PTX prescription insert
Why It Made The Cut
With a hard-to-beat price and comfortable, durable construction, the Wiley X Sabers were the best shooting glasses I tested.
Pros
- Fully adjustable
- Secure fit
- Affordable price point for three-lens pack
Cons
- Arms can pop out if you adjust too fast
Product Description
I first heard about Wiley X when I started working in the firearms industry about five years ago. After finally getting my hands on the Saber Advanced glasses, I was able to see what all the hype is about. I have a large head and found them to fit comfortably, especially with the adjustable nose piece and length adjustments on the arms. The thin, rubberized adjustable arms easily fit under earmuffs but don’t feel like they’re going to slide off my face.
When the arm fist popped out it caught me off guard, but when I watched this video from Wiley X, I discovered that the arms are intentionally easy to remove, which allows you to utilize the tactical strap that’s included with the glasses. Perhaps the best thing about these glasses is the price, especially since they include three interchangeable lenses. So, even if something happens to the first pair of lenses, you’re covered. These were the most comfortable glasses I tested, and their durable construction, clarity, and reasonable price made them a no-brainer for the top spot.
Best Budget: Radians Revelation
Key Features
- Weight: 0.140lbs
- Materials: Polycarbonate
- 99.9 percent UV protection
- Vent channel for fog control
Why It Made The Cut
The Radians Revelation are feature-packed shooting glasses for the frugal.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Fully Adjustable frame for a snug fit
- Vented frame to lens interface keeps fogging to a minimum
Cons
- Heavier overall weight
- Frame does not feel as robust when compared with higher dollar options
- Plenty clear for general shooting, but not the clearest on the market
Product Description
I’ve introduced a few of my friends to shooting sports over the last few years, and many of them are instantly hooked. For those just getting started or on a budget, these glasses are hard to beat. Their adjustability allows them to fit just about any head size or shape, and they won’t break the bank for those new to sport. But, despite the incredible adjustability, I found the arm ends on the Revelations uncomfortable, even without ear muffs. And while these glasses are clear enough for shooting, they weren’t as clear as other options I tested. Still, if you want to protect your eyes on a budget, these are hard to beat.
Best Interchangeable Lens: Smith Optics Aegis Echo II
Key Features
- PivLock interchangeable lens system
- 100 percent UVA/B protection
- Materials: Polycarbonate and alloy metal
Why It Made the Cut
The Smith Aegis Echo might not have many color options, but the PivLock lens interchanging system makes swapping lenses pain-free.
Pros
- Easy lens change
- Thin alloy frame adjusts for temple placement
- Fits under earmuffs easily
- Multiple sizes
- Adjustable nosepiece
Cons
- Limited lens color options
Product Description
A large number of the interchangeable lens glasses on this list requires enough force to make me sweat, especially when I have to bend the frames just to get the lens to fit. However, Smith’s PivLock system requires much less effort, and I don’t feel like I’m on the verge of breaking the frame when I need to swap lenses with the Echo IIs. I do wish there was a three lens kit available on their website with a vermillion red lens option, just to give me a bit more contrast on especially sunny days, but overall, these lightweight, rugged glasses make a great option if you find yourself swapping lenses often. Read More...
