
Whether you are a weekend warrior or an everyday shooter, a pair of tactical glasses should be an indispensable gizmo in your tactical backpack to accolade every aspect of the adventure. I mean, preparedness is the name of the game when it comes to tactical outdoor sprees. Therefore, whenever you are out hiking, fishing or hunting it is important to ensure that you can clearly see and perceive every variable of nature so that all your plans and techniques can fall into place seamlessly. The thing is, there are several obstructions that can compromise your ability to see clearly. This can potentially make it hard to evolve with unexpectedly changing situations around you, ultimately ruining your entire adventure.
Therefore, it is very imperative to raise your awareness and stay protected whenever you are out. And that’s where tactical glasses come in! Unlike typical and mediocre glasses, these are designed with impact resistance lenses, wraparound protection and a durable rugged design for strength. All these features work in tandem to not only protect your eyes but also optimize your visual acuity and awareness.
Factors To Take Into Consideration When Buying Tactical Glasses
Even though tactical glasses are crucial players in virtually all of your outdoor adventures, getting a perfect fit can be a daunting task. I mean, it is not uncommon for shoppers like you to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the brands available on the market. Fortunately, we have simplified the entire shopping journey for you by sampling the best of the best. But before you can get there, let’s have a look at some of the factors you need to take into consideration before making a purchase.
1.Wraparound Protection
A good pair of tactical glasses should have thick frames coupled with wraparound protection. This is necessary to block obstructions and minimize glare emanating from side angles. Ultimately, glasses with this design keep your eyes protected and also improve your visual acuity.
2.Polarized Lenses
With a polarized lens, you get more visual acuity and clearly see targets underwater or behind glass. For instance, car drivers can get distracted by glare resulting from the windscreen but polarized lenses keep this in check. Moreover, they significantly reduce eye fatigue.
3.High Contrast Lenses
Such lenses come in lighter colors such as orange and yellow. It comes in handy to lighten the world around you making it easier to see targets clearly. These lenses are ideal on rainy and overcast days. The biggest advantage of having these lenses is that they are as appropriate for shooting range as they are when driving your car.
Impact Resistance
When shopping for tactical glasses, ensure that the pair you have in mind meets or exceeds impact protection standards. At least, go for those with an ANSI rating of Z87.1 so that you can fully be protected high velocity and impact mass. If you are after more protection, go for those with a MIL PRF-31013 certification for ballistic impact protection.
The 10 Best Tactical Sunglasses
Comparison table
Brand | Lens material | Lens size | Lens betech | Frames material | Protection | Bridge size | Arm size |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plastic lens | Width: 60mm 35 mm | Iridium Polarized | Plastic frame | 100% UV protection coating | 15 mm | 127 mm | |
Plastic lens | Width: 57mm 35 mm | High Definition Optics, Iridium | Plastic frame | 100% UV protection coating | 17 mm | 129 mm | |
Calabar Green Glass lens | N/A | Distortion-free optical glass lens chemically toughened | Silver frame | 98% UVA 100% UVB protection | N/A | N/A | |
Glass lens | Width: 56mm 47mm | Non-polarized | Nylon | UV400 Corning Glass Lens | 17 mm | 138 mm | |
Plastic lens | Width: 70mm | Composite lens | Plastic | 100% UV protection coating | Bridge: 18 mm | Arm: 120 mm | |
Plastic lens | Width: 59mm | Polarized Iridium | Plastic frame | 100% UV protection coating | 12 mm | 133 mm | |
Glass | Width: 62mm 50 mm | Polarized | Metal alloy frame | 100% UV Protection | 14 mm | 134 mm | |
Plastic | Width: 69mm 44 mm | TAC Polarized and Mirror Coating Lens | Plastic | 100% UVA&UVB Protection | 24 mm | 140 mm | |
Plastic | Width: 63mm 45 mm | Composite lens | Plastic | 100% UV protection coating | Bridge: 19 mm | Arm: 162mm | |
Polycarbonate lens | Width: 2.4mm | Distortion-free ESSOPTICS and ClearZone FlowCoat | Plastic | 100% UVA/ UVB protection | N/A | N/A |
The 10 Best Tactical Sunglasses
Reviews
1 Oakley Men's Gascan Rectangular Sunglasses, Matte Black /Grey
If you are looking for style, elegance, and practicality, this Oakley model is packed with lots of aesthetic and functional features to be admired.
The frames are crafted from hard plastic which guarantees stability regardless of the weather conditions. The frame houses Oakley HD polarized lenses which are ergonomically designed to optimize performance and enhance the comfort of the wearer. More to this, they have the capacity to filter up to 99 percent of reflected glare which is the main cause of optical distortion.
The polarized design of these lenses ensures that you are able to effortlessly maintain focus on a peripheral vision. In addition, the lenses come with High Definition Optics technology popularly known as HDO to enhance and augment visual fidelity, impact resistance, and optical clarity.
Oakley HDO technology is fully compliant with ANSI high velocity and high impact standards. To be precise, the 3-point fit feature holds the lenses in perfect alignment whilst minimizing pressure points connected to the frame.
In addition to all these features, the glasses are crafted from light and durable O-matter stress resistance material which makes it comfortable to wear them. The signature Plutonite lenses offer 100 percent protection from UVB, UVC, UVA, and harmful blue light. All in all, these tactical glasses are affordable price taking into consideration the durability, elegant design and its protective features.
PROS
- 100 percent protection from harmful UV rays
- Comfortable and stylish
- Polarized and comfortable
- A perfect fit
CONS
- A plastic frame
2 Oakley Men's Half Jacket 2.0 XL Iridium Sport Sunglasses
If you are after a pair of tactical glasses that will help you keep up with frequent changes in the environment, you might want to consider the Half Jacket 2.0. This version is a continuation of the distinguished Half Jacket models but with several updates and upgrades to improve their functionality.
Unlike previous designs, the fit and width have been redesigned. The confined hinge and curved ear stems have been widened to improve the comfort of the wearer. And like many other tactical glasses from Oakley, this pair is designed with HDO technology which meets all the standards of ANSI.
The lenses are made of Plutonite which effectively blocks all harmful UBC, UVB and UVA rays. The frames are crafted from flexible and light O-Matter polycarbonate which facilitates a perfect fit and enhances comfort. Durability and comfort are augmented with a 3-point fit which makes it ideal for athletes and outdoor concessioners who want to take their antics to the next level. For extra acuity, each lens is polished with a hydrophobic treatment to prevent moisture from water, sweat, smudges, fingerprints, and sunscreen from building up.
Not to forget, the Half Jacket 2.0 comes with a semi-rimless design which allows lenses to be interchanged. This feature makes them prescription ready and they have also been thoroughly tested to ensure that they protect your eyes from objects flying even at great speeds.
Combined, these features make the Half Jacket 2.0 ideal for cycling, hunting, hiking and any other conceivable tactical or outdoor escapade. And though you might think that they are expensive, one thing is for sure – they are worth every penny you invest in them.
PROS
- Highly durable and polarized
- A flexible and light frame
- 100 percent protection from UV rays.
- A perfect fit
CONS
- Can be narrow for big heads
3 American Optical Original Pilot sunglasses
American Optical is a brand that has been supplying the US Armed Forces for a long time so you can be assured that this is the right deal. It doesn’t disappoint in terms of durability and performance and for this reason, it has been a standard issue to millions of marines, soldiers, airmen and sailors since 1958.
These tactical glasses are revered for their high-quality finishing and sturdy structure. The frames are crafted from stainless steel coupled with true color glass lenses which enhance their functionality and practicality. These polished and distortion free lenses have for a long time made the AO original pilot glasses a best of all time.
The lenses are available in both non-polarized and polarized trims making them ideal for day to day usage regardless of the weather conditions. All in all, this pair is perfect for anybody and their price is comparatively low giving you a chance to enjoy your outdoor and tactical escapades with a stylish vintage look.
PROS
- A strong frame coupled with true color lenses
- Comfortable and stylish to wear
- Test pilot approved
-Durable and great quality
CONS
- Some users might find the pair heavy.
4 BNUS classic sunglasses
The BNUS presents a stylishly designed and affordable pair of tactical glasses for anyone with a taste for tactical gear. And in every aspect, this pair is a worthy contender and this is for several reasons.
This stylish and highly technical pair of tactical glasses absorb 85 percent of blue and visible light making it ideal for extremely bright conditions. It is fitted with natural glass lenses are significantly abrasive resistance when compared to plastic lenses. The glass lenses also work perfectly in blocking sun rays improving your vision.
These HD glare-free polarized lenses let you see colors as they are. They achieve this by enhancing the contrast sensitivity of yellow, red, and green colors by 75 percent. Besides, the lenses are strong which offer you ample protection from high impact and high-velocity mass.
The glass lenses are designed with several layers of coating which provide a remarkable color contrast for better visual acuity. The top Nano anti-spill coating makes it easy to clean which ensures that water or dust will never blur or compromise your vision. The second multi-layer reflection reduction coat minimizes reflection which makes them ideal for driving. The third layer is made of Corning glass which ensure that you see objects as they are enhancing your visual acuity and awareness. The fourth layer is a 0.03mm polarizing film which filters glare. Last but not least, is another corning UV 400 filter which blocks UV rays protecting your eyes.
All in all, the BNUS is a pair of tactical glasses optimized for driving, sports, fishing and virtually any other conceivable everyday use. Another interesting aspect of these glasses is the price. They are pretty affordable so you don’t have to break the bank to own a pair. As a matter of fact, you can buy several pairs for your fellow outdoor companions.
PROS
- Their natural lenses facilitate for precise color tuning and natural vision.
- Filter most of the glare
- Abrasive resistant
-The Nano coat on the lenses makes it easy to clean
- Absorb blue light and 85 percent of visible light
- Highly durable
CONS
- Might not comfortable fit on extra large heads
5 X Men Valor Sunglasses
The Wiley X Valor comes with a distinctive glossy wrap and an interchangeable lens design. They are designed to be strong without compromising functionality and practicality. With them, you can bring the power of the Armed Forces in every adventure you undertake with them.
Its semi-rimless frame is crafted from heat resistant plastic which is not only sturdy but also ballistics standards rated. Composite interchangeable lenses are mounted on these frames. This means that you can interchange the lenses in response to the environment. With such versatility and flexibility, you can choose from a wide range of light colors depending on your needs and preferences. These lenses meet OSHA grade occupational protection standards and also ANSI standards. Therefore, you can rest assured that you have a reliable pair of tactical glasses wherever you go.
In addition, the lenses come with a protective coating which prevents harmful UV rays from damaging your eyes. And since they come with non-slip nose pad, they offer a perfect and seamless fit making them ideal even for the most trying tactical adventures.
PROS
- Lenses can be interchanged depending on need and preferences.
- The lenses are shatterproof and block 100 percent of UV rays.
- Battle proofed eyewear technology
CONS
- Some users might find them very stiff.
6 Flak 2.0 Xl OO9188 Sunglasses
If your heart beats for performance and functionality, you will be pleased to learn that Oakley is transforming the performance and practicality of retro glasses. On this particular model, they have maintained the distinctive vintage style but radically improved several features of the glasses making them a perfect blend of retro and conventional technology.
The Flak 2.0 is designed with standard sized frames but with an enhanced lens coverage. Every millimeter of its tangential view is developed with high definition optics which makes the entire construction of this pair light and durable.
Its base lens curvature design protects you from extreme wind and unbearable sunlight. The lenses offer impressive glare minimizing the power of high definition polarized optics, the well-balanced light transmission of iridium and a cutting edge Prizm lens technology. Prizm technology allows the lenses to control how light is transmitted by acutely tuning vision to enhance visibility and optimize contrast.
To crown it all, the Flak 2.0 is designed with a patented XYZ optics technology which guarantees a secure grip of Unobtainium and sharp visual acuity.
PROS
- 100 percent protection from UV rays.
- Light and still durable
- Polarized iridium lens
- Excellent performance and stylishly designed
CONS
- Doesn’t fit perfectly on big nose bridges
7 J+S Premium Ultra Sleek sunglasses
The J+S Premium brings with it an authentic touch, improves your visual acuity and protects your eyes without compromising safety, comfort, and style.
It comes with a strong golden frame coupled with strong legs which are light yet strong enough to withstand brutal handling. On this frame, there is a spring loaded hinge and an adjustable nose pad to facilitate flexibility and maximize comfort.
Its multi-layered polarized lenses are designed in such a way that they can block and filter 99.6 percent of glare to maximize your visual acuity. It achieves this through a vertically oriented filter which is embedded in the lenses. These lenses are also light, abrasive resistance, and distortion free factors which come in handy in improving your vision and acuity. Moreover, these qualities make it perfect choice water based and any outdoor activities.
They are also UV400 rated which implies that have the capacity to block and filter up to 99 percent of UVB and UVA radiation. By so doing, they prevent harmful UV lights from damaging your eyes.
All in all, the J+S Premium is an all-around pair of tactical glasses. They are ideal for fishing, hiking, boating, and traveling among other activitiesPROS
- Polarized for visual acuity, comfort, and a better light contrast.
- Minimize reflection and eye strain
- Eliminate glare
- Light yet very durable
- Fit for all genders
CONS
- The size of the lens can be too big for girls
- Fragile lens
8 Duduma Sports Sunglasses
Looking for a mix of style and functionality? Well, look no further! This tactical glass perfectly combines with unrivaled performance. The design is light and also ideal for both men and women. However, there are several other factors that make this pair of tactical glasses an icon of style and functionality.
They come with a solid and super light DU645 frame which is impressively flexible. This implies that it resumes its normal shape even after extreme bending. With this, you can go by your tactical activities without worrying about breaking the frames or disfiguring them.
Moreover, they are equipped with HD polarized lenses which filter and block 100 percent of UV radiation. These lenses are also equipped to eliminate reflected glare without optical distortion. They also block harmful UVB, UVA and UVC rays providing you with a seamless and superior visual experience regardless of the weather conditions.
They are also strong enough to protect you from dust, wind, and debris making them an ideal choice for fishing, sporting hiking, snowboarding and cycling among others. If you are in any of these categories, try them out and they could turn up to be the missing link you've been looking for.
PROS
- A polarized lens that perfectly restore true color
- A stylish design for both women and men
- Eliminate glare for enhanced visual acuity
- Offer 100 percent protection from UV light
- Light and yet durable
CONS
- Less grip on the nose area
- Not a fit for all
9 Oakley OO9060 Ballistic Sunglasses
With no doubt, Oakley is at the forefront of bringing revolutionary and high-quality tactical glasses at affordable prices. This spirit of style and functionality is well imbued in the Men OO9060 and that’s for several reasons.
The frames of this pair of tactical glasses carry lenses reinforced with 3 shields of pure Plutonite composite which not only improves its visual functionality but also makes it stronger. Its grey lenses effectively control light transmission and reflection whilst VR28 lenses offer an optical shield against low light shooting.
Its signatures POLARIC ELLIPSOID geometry technology keeps your eyes focused. The build includes Unobtainium ear socks and a low profile nose pad which don’t interfere with your field of vision. The lenses also feature HDO technology which eliminates refraction, offers better clarity and 100 percent protection from harmful UV rays. The 3-point fit also holds the lenses in a seamless alignment making it easier for you to see.
PROS
- Neutral color contrast for visual acuity
- 100 percent protection from harmful UV rays.
- Comes with a nose pad for a comfortable wear
CONS
- The lenses easily absorb dust and water, therefore, need to be cleaned frequently
10 ESS Crossbow Suppressor
Looking for a pair of tactical glasses that you can use alongside communication devices? Well, the ESS eyewear could your perfect match. It comes with Z-bend geometry frames designed cancel noises and distortions.
The design also gets rid of pressure points caused by normal glasses while the suppresser frames are fitted with highly functional Crossbow lenses to enhance your vision. These polycarbonate lenses are designed with distortion free ESSOTOPICS and CkearZoneFlowCoat technology which overcomes fogging and is abrasive resistant.
It provides UVA/UVB protection. This premium sunglasses with overhearing protection is a must try for anyone. Also, the price is reasonable. The package also comes with a Snap-on elastic retention strap, Micro-fiber pouch, and ESS sticker.
PROS
- Functional and comfortable
- Universal fit
- Eliminate pressure points
CONS
- The frame is fragile
Bottom line
By narrowing down to the best tactical glasses on the market in 2020, we hope that we have made it easier for you to make an informed decision. However, keep in mind all the other factors that make a good tactical pair of tactical glasses tick without forgetting your needs and preferences.
Keep smiling!
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