Best Tactical Sunglasses 2023
You only have one pair of eyes— why not give them maximum protection? Here, we pick the best tactical sunglasses that will give your eyes just that.
Life on earth is unpredictable— you might be relaxing right now, and the next thing you know, the zombie apocalypse is already upon us!
Well, we were exaggerating a bit, but you get the point…
Whether you’re an avid prepper or not, it’s never a bad idea to be prepared for what can happen tomorrow, especially with all the unexpected calamities and disasters that keep on happening.
Most of us already know the basics of prepping: store extra supplies of water and easy-to-prepare foods, strengthen the construction of your home, and keep a complete first-aid kit.
But have you thought about how you’ll protect your eyes in a survival situation?
Eyes are the windows to the soul, as they say, and you only got one pair, so you better keep them safe at all times!
And what else could be better eye protectors than tactical sunglasses!
Tactical sunglasses are safety glasses created with military personnel and safety officers in mind. They’re also popular among shooting sports players, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who work or live in high-hazard environments. That’s because of the superior protection they provide from almost everything from dust and elements to dangerous fragments of a projectile.
With that said…
If tactical sunglasses are tough enough for soldiers, they’re surely tough enough to protect your eyes, too!
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best tactical sunglasses available on the market today. Additionally, you can read about:
- Our list of the features you should look for when buying tactical glasses;
- Whether tactical sunglasses are bulletproof or not;
- The different types of tactical sunglasses;
- And lots more…
We have been longtime preppers ourselves, who also happen to spend a lot of time outdoors, so we were able to test the featured products many times while doing various activities such as camping, hiking, riding our motorcycles, practicing shooting, and even playing airsoft games.
So if you’re ready to see our list…
Let’s jump right in!
Best Military Tactical Sunglasses
Best Protection Tactical Sunglasses – Editor’s Choice Award
Oakley Men’s OO9213 Ballistic M Frame 2.0 Shield Sunglasses
• Lens: Plastic
Overall Score:
96
The Bottom Line:
The Oakley Men’s OO9213 Ballistic M Frame 2.0 Shield Sunglasses are ultra-durable tactical eyewear that provides ballistic protection and razor-sharp clarity for survivalists, safety professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts.Pros
- Superior protection
- ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF 31013 certifications
- Excellent optical clarity
- Impact-resistant
- UV protection and anti-fog lens coatings
- Blue light protection
- Comfortable to wear for long hours
- Lightweight
- Sweat-resistant
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Non-polarized lenses
Summary
Oakley sunglasses need no introduction; whether you wear sunglasses or not, you’ve surely heard of the brand. And that’s for a reason— their sunglasses are so reliable that they’ve always been part of our survival and outdoor kits!
If you need ballistic sunglasses from a trusted brand, the Oakley Men’s OO9213 Ballistic M Frame 2.0 Shield Sunglasses definitely fit the bill. This particular model is extremely popular with military and security personnel, which should say enough about how tough it is. These are certified military-grade safety glasses, with ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-31013 certifications.
In short, these are the real deal.
Indeed…
We use these a lot for outdoor shooting, and they are extremely comfortable to wear. The sides don’t dig into the head even for long hours of usage, and they’re very lightweight at 1.05 ounces. They sit well on the skin, providing maximum eye protection from dust, debris, and elements.
These sunglasses use Oakley’s SI M Frame 2.0 that’s flexible, sweat-resistant, and impact-resistant, with a rubberized nose pad that’s comfortable on the nose bridge and helps the glasses stay in place even under wet conditions.
On the other hand…
The lenses feature the brand’s HDO Optics with Polaric Ellipsoid Technology, which gives us a crystal-clear view. These Plutonite lenses offer high impact resistance with UVA, UVB, and blue light protection up to 400 nm. They also don’t get foggy easily, even when we’re in a humid environment. Nice.
Even after many years of using Oakley sunglasses, they never fail to amaze us with their build quality, and this one doesn’t disappoint, so we select this as our Editor’s Choice. It’s fashionable, as well, so they’re also great for recreational purposes.
However, all of these come with a hefty price tag.
These sunglasses are quite expensive, but they’re definitely a good investment for us. In fact, we have a friend from the army and he’s had a pair of these sunglasses for eight years now!
The lenses are non-polarized, which might be a con to some people, but we like that they don’t make reading from electronic screens difficult.
Best Budget Tactical Sunglasses – Best Value Award
Revision Military Sawfly
• Lens: Polycarbonate
Overall Score:
86
The Bottom Line:
The Revision Military Sawfly is a great budget-friendly ballistic eyewear, offering excellent durability, tactical eye protection, and comfortable design, making it hard to beat in the affordable, MIL-PRF-certified sunglasses category.Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Exceeds ANSI Z87.1 ballistic impact and optical requirements
- MIL-PRF-32432A certification
- Lightweight, low-profile frame with adjustable arms and retention straps
- Comes with Clear and Smoke lenses
- Versatile lens with anti-fog technology and UV light protection
- Comfortable to wear even with communication and hearing protection devices
- Comes in three sizes
- Compatible with prescription lens inserts
- Great longevity
- Includes a storage pouch and an anti-fog cloth
Cons
- We wish it came with a hard case instead
- Runs a bit big
Summary
If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly tactical eyewear, look no further than the Revision Military Sawfly.
These are rugged, military-issued sunglasses that offer excellent protection in high-hazard environments and tactical situations. They also exceed ANSI Z87.1 ballistic impact and optical requirements and have a MIL-PRF certification.
The frame is lightweight and low-profile, so we had no issue wearing ear protection and communication devices over it. The arms are ultra-thin, and we love how adjustable they are for larger faces. A retention strap ensures they don’t go anywhere, even when we’re hiking, fishing, or even water skiing.
They didn’t skimp on the quality of the lenses, either. With each kit, you’re getting two pairs of sunglass lenses, clear lenses for night use, and smoke lenses for daytime use— this makes the glasses versatile and suitable for various light conditions. They block harmful UV rays and use anti-fog technology, giving you flawless and distortion-free optics.
On top of that…
We’ve had no issues swapping the lenses, and it’s very easy to set it up with our favorite prescription lenses. We were also surprised at the durability of these glasses, given the price. They can take some serious beating, and they surprisingly last years.
Sure…
It would’ve been nicer if the sunglasses came in a hard case, but it’s not an issue for us. And we think these glasses are still a great deal. At an affordable price, you’re getting a pair of field-tested tactical shades, and it even comes with extra lenses and a storage pouch! All of these make this product our Best Value awardee.
These sunglasses come in three sizes, Small, Medium, and Large, but keep in mind that they run quite large.
Best Quality Tactical Sunglasses – Top Pick Award
Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses
• Lens: Composite
Overall Score:
92
The Bottom Line:
The Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses feature a wraparound design and shatterproof lenses, giving you protection from all angles.Pros
- Outstanding quality
- Sturdy build
- Provides wraparound protection
- Clear view
- Very lightweight
- Shatterproof, interchangeable lenses
- Scratch-resistant coating
- Reduces glare
- Blocks UV rays
- Adjustable arms and nose piece
- Great for wider faces
- Reasonable price
- Prescription-ready
- Very stylish
- Comes with a head strap and a pouch
- Meets MIL-PRF-32432 and ANSI Z87.1 certified
Cons
- Might be a bit too large for smaller faces
- Doesn’t have the most comfortable nosepiece
Summary
For anyone looking for reasonably priced wraparound sunglasses, we highly recommend the Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses from the brand’s tactical series.
These sunglasses have a very lightweight design that sometimes makes us forget that we’re even wearing them. Unlike other sunglasses, this pair really hugs the eye area, no gaps whatsoever where debris can get in.
Aside from the wraparound protection, one of the best things about these shades is the adjustability. The arms are easy to adjust; you can push them in, pull them out farther, or even remove them and use the included head strap instead. Meanwhile, the nose piece has a wire you can use to tighten or loosen it over your nose bridge to get the perfect fit.
Moreover…
This tactical eyewear features interchangeable shatterproof selenite polycarbonate lenses that allow you to adapt to different environments. What we love about the lenses is that they’re so thick, yet the view is clear with zero distortion! They have T-Shell
lens coating for scratch resistance and reduce glare and UV radiation on sunny days without making the view too dark.
We have to say; they’re definitely some of the best shooting glasses we’ve tried. They don’t slide out even when we sweat and protect our eyes well from flying objects at the range. In our opinion, this is comparable with our Oakley’s and other fancy sunglasses we own when it comes to quality and protection— and at half the cost!
Also, these sunglasses are prescription-ready, easy to clean, and meets MIL-PRF-32432 and ANSI Z87.1 safety standards. Our Top Pick is super stylish and we love rocking them even outside the range. They can withstand .22 caliber fragments traveling 550 FPS.
The catch is…
These are on the large side, so they may overwhelm smaller faces. We’d say they’re perfect for wider faces, though. And we like that they cover lots of areas of the face!
Best Comfortable Tactical Sunglasses
Rothco Tactical Sunglass
• Lens: Polycarbonate
Overall Score:
86
The Bottom Line:
The Rothco Tactical Sunglasses with Wind Guard are perfect for survivalists who need a functional and practical pair of sunglasses that shield eyes from wind, bright light, glare, and elements without breaking the bank.Pros
- Ideal for windy, dusty, or cold environments
- Protects eyes from glare, wind, and dirt
- Flexible yet fairly durable
- UV400 protection
- Scratch-resistant, anti-fog lenses
- Wind guards
- Elastic cord
- Inexpensive
- Great for anyone who always loses or breaks their sunglasses
- Perfect for small to average-sized heads
Cons
- Runs quite small
- Not for heavy-duty use
Summary
The Rothco Tactical Sunglasses with Wind Guard are ideal for cold, windy, sandy, or dusty environments.
Admittedly…
We were hesitant to try this out at first because of its low price. Boy, were we wrong for assuming it won’t last a week! Once we discovered how well this performs, it has become one of our go-tos when we hike in the winter and we think wearing goggles is too much.
The frame and lenses of these sunglasses are made from polycarbonate, a durable material that doesn’t shatter easily. We like how soft, pliable, and flexible this pair is. The scratch-resistant lenses also have an anti-fog coating and UV400 protection.
What makes it unique from the other sunglasses is it has wind guards on the sides. As we said, we use these shades a lot for winter hiking. The wind guards block the wind, while the lenses protect our eyes from the glare reflecting off of ice below us.
What’s more…
There’s an elastic cord you can use to hang the sunglasses around your neck— no need to stow them in your pocket anymore when they’re not in use, where there’s a possibility of it breaking. We like how we still maintain a full peripheral vision even with the wind guards because the shades wrap around the head.
And the best part?
These sunglasses are so inexpensive! If you’re the type who often loses or breaks your glasses, these are perfect as you can easily replace them, and you can buy multiple backups.
Now, you have to keep in mind…
They’re not top-grade, heavy-duty sunglasses. If you’re going to do some serious shooting, these may not be enough, but these are still great survival glasses that we recommend for preppers. These are fairly sturdy, very functional, and surprisingly resilient.
And if you consider the price, you’ll realize you’re actually getting good value for your money! This is a solid pair of glacier glasses that’s great if you’re the practical type who doesn’t care about brand names and values function over form.
These sunglasses do run small, though; we’d say they’re ideal for small to average-sized heads. We personally like that they’re quite snug, as they stay on and provide a better seal against wind, sand, dirt, and dust particles.
Best Custom Fit Tactical Sunglasses
Venture Gear VGST1322T Howitzer Glasses
• Lens: Polycarbonate
Overall Score:
90
The Bottom Line:
The Venture Gear VGST1322T Howitzer Glasses features tough construction and high-quality lenses for premium-quality eye protection in the most severe conditions.Pros
- Tough and durable
- Well-made
- Very comfortable for daily use
- Wraparound design frame
- Low-profile, non-slip co-injected temples
- Anti-fog and impact-resistant lenses
- Great light filtering
- Blocks out 99% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays
- Affordable
- Looks and feels more expensive than it is
- Comes with a microfiber cleaning bag
- ANSI- and MIL-PRF-certified
- Comes in three lens colors and two frame colors
Cons
- Fits mostly average-sized heads
- Would’ve been better if the nose piece was adjustable
Summary
Built with toughness and durability in mind, the Venture Gear VGST1322T Howitzer Glasses provide protection for survivalists, outdoor enthusiasts, and law enforcement officers, even in very harsh conditions.
These are very well-made mil-spec sunglasses that pass MIL-PRF-32432 high-velocity impact standards and are ANSI Z87.1-certified. We use these for outdoor activities, driving, and motorcycle riding, and they’re plenty comfortable even for 10+ hours of usage. The temples are quite low-profile, so they comfortably fit under helmets.
The wraparound frame features non-slip and flexible co-injected temples and a custom-fit soft rubber nose piece. We like the tight fit around the eyes and how it stays on even when we’re moving around a lot. It’s also lightweight but not in a cheap way; it actually feels high-quality and strong.
As for the lenses, they’re anti-fog polycarbonate lenses with excellent impact resistance, which is really important to us as motorcycle riders and outdoorsy people. The light filtering is great, they block out about 99% of UV radiation, and visual clarity is good. These may not be polarized sunglasses, but we find that the green tint is enough to diffuse bright light.
Also…
The build quality is notable, and the sunglasses are very effective in protecting our eyes from high impact, debris, and other random small particles.
While they come in three lens colors and two frame colors, we wish different sizes were also available, as this pair is a bit too small for some of us while a bit too snug for our friends with larger heads.
Best Interchangeable Tactical Sunglasses
ESS Eyewear Cross Series Crossbow
• Lens: Polycarbonate
Overall Score:
94
The Bottom Line:
The US Marines-approved ESS Eyewear Cross Series Crossbow 3LS Kit 740-0387 delivers top-of-the-line eye protection and superior ballistic performance, making it the perfect companion in any tactical situation.Pros
- Top-notch quality
- Extremely sturdy
- Well-constructed
- Features three interchangeable lenses
- Anti-fog
- Scratch-resistant
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
- US Marines-approved
- Complies with OSHA and CE EN 166 safety standards
- ANSI Z87.1+ and MIL-PRF-31013 certifications
- Includes a microfiber pouch, a hard case, a retention strap, an ESS sticker, and an instruction manual
Cons
- Only comes with one nosepiece
- Can be a bit challenging to swap out the lenses at first
Summary
When it comes to tactical eyewear, you can’t go wrong with ESS sunglasses. The ESS Crossbow Sunglasses, in particular, is our personal favorite from the brand, whether we’re at the range, mountain biking, or playing airsoft.
First off, did you know these are the only sunglasses approved by the US Marines? That should tell you about their tactical quality!
The Crossbow 3LS Kit combines form, function, and fit in a pair of durable and reliable glasses that will give your eyes outstanding protection. Each kit contains one Crossbow plastic frame, three interchangeable lenses (Clear, Smoke Gray, and Hi-Def Yellow lenses), a microfiber pouch, a snap-on elastic retention strap, a sticker with the ESS logo, and an instruction manual, all housed in a high-quality black hard storage case.
We’ve been using these for about five months now. Within those months, we’ve had some not-so-pleasant incidents happen during airsoft games, and we’re always surprised to see that there’s been no trace of any damage on the glasses.
And most importantly, our eyes were completely unharmed! We’re telling you— these are the ballistic sunglasses you’ll want on your eyes during survival situations.
Not only that…
These sunglasses feature a Tri-Tech Fit plastic frame designed for maximum comfort and universal fit. They hug the face without any squeezing or pinching, particularly on the nose bridge and behind the ears, so they’re comfortable to wear for hours.
The lenses are quite thick and easy to change once you’ve gotten the hang of it. They don’t fog inside or get scratched easily, thanks to the ClearZone FlowCoat technology used. And they cover your entire field of vision, which is great if you’re out in the sun. These are not polarized, so you get an undistorted view of the range, your target, etc.
At the back of the case, there’s a loop attachment that you can use to attach to your belt, backpack, or a MOLLE system, which is a nice touch.
We just wish it didn’t come with only one nose piece because it’s quite annoying that we have to disassemble the whole thing if we want to swap out the lenses. But other than that, these sunglasses are definitely top-of-the-line.
Best Anti-Reflective Tactical Sunglasses
Outlaw Fugitive Aluminum Tactical and Motorcycle Sunglass
• Lens: Polycarbonate
Weight – 5 ounces
Overall Score:
94
The Bottom Line:
The OutLaw Fugitive Aluminum Tactical and Motorcycle Sunglasses keep your eyes well-protected from the sun, wind, projectiles, and glare from reflective surfaces, all while ensuring perfect fit and comfort with its adjustable parts.Pros
- Anti-reflective
- Durable aluminum construction
- Removes glare from reflective surfaces
- 100% UV protection
- Anti-fog
- Anti-scratch
- Excellent adjustability
- Thin, tapered temples
- Shatter-resistant Polycarbonate Pathfinder polarized lenses
- Prescription-ready
- Sleek, matte finish
- ANSI Z87.1-2015-certified
- Comes with a soft cleaning cloth and a hard case
Cons
- Not the most lightweight
- Doesn’t get super dark
Summary
Looking for a rugged pair of glasses that gets the job done while making you feel like a complete badass? You should check out the OutLaw Fugitive Aluminum Tactical and Motorcycle Sunglasses.
These sunglasses are specifically created for military personnel, police officers, motorcyclists, skydivers, shooting range enthusiasts, and everyday users who need optimal eye protection.
It boasts ultra-durable aluminum construction and superb build quality. We appreciate that you can customize it for a perfect fit; we’d say these glasses fit medium to large heads the best, but the arms are so flexible we think they can definitely accommodate most head shapes and sizes. The nose piece is also adjustable for various nose sizes.
Aside from the great fit, we love how well-designed this bad boy is. The temples are thin with a tapered design that allows them to work well with helmets, night vision goggles, and comms systems. The dual-spring hinges add comfortability and provide a snugger fit.
Furthermore…
The highlight of these sunglasses is definitely the lenses. The Polycarbonate Pathfinder polarized lenses have a squarish shape that helps effectively shield your eyes from the sun, dust, high winds, and projectiles.
They’re shatter-resistant, 100% UV-proof, and anti-reflection, eliminating annoying and eye-damaging glare from water, ice, and other reflective surfaces. This is why we love taking these glasses with us when boating or fishing.
Honestly, though…
The lenses transition from clear to dark, so we like that they’re hassle-free, as we don’t have to change the lenses constantly. However, they don’t get super dark, so if you need glasses that darken a lot for very bright light conditions, you might want to look for something else.
Best Hand Crafted Tactical Sunglasses
Gatorz Magnum Tactical Hand Crafted Military Sunglasses
• Lens: Polycarbonate
Overall Score:
96
The Bottom Line:
The Gatorz Magnum Tactical Hand Crafted Military Sunglasses are extremely durable and sturdy ballistic sunglasses built to last and withstand any kind of situation and environment.Pros
- Incredibly durable and built to last
- Premium quality
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Ultra-tough, military-grade frames
- Super sturdy lenses
- Adjustable and bendable for a perfect fit
- Stays on no matter what you do
- Impact-resistant
- Anti-reflective
- Anti-scratch
- Hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings
- Built-in UV protection technology
- Compatible with helmets and ear protection devices
Cons
- Very expensive
- On the heavy side
Summary
The Gatorz Magnum Tactical Hand Crafted Military Sunglasses is one of the best the market has to offer when it comes to super heavy-duty military tactical sunglasses.
We discovered this through our soldier friend, and we’re so glad we did!
These sunglasses are built to last with their handcrafted frames made from 7075 military-glade aluminum, one of the toughest materials out there, and nearly indestructible polycarbonate lenses. No wonder these glasses are a favorite among US Navy SEALs and law enforcement officers— they can withstand pretty much any situation, even blasts!
We’ve been using ours for months now, and it has been through lots of abuse at the range, the woods, mountains, and snow, and there’s still no sign of wear. Not to exaggerate, but we feel like a pair will last us forever!
Next…
The craftsmanship in these glasses is excellent; the edges are smooth, and everything about it screams premium. You can actually bend the frame, and afterward, it fits your face like a glove— it doesn’t slide down the nose, and it stays on even when we’re riding our motorcycle at high speed or running around during an airsoft game.
Completing the glasses are the polarized lenses, which have tons of coatings that you’d think the glasses will feel super heavy, but they don’t. They also use TruRay optics lens technology, giving you superior visual clarity with zero glare.
But here’s the kicker…
There’s no getting around it— these sunglasses are expensive. But for us, the premium experience is priceless.
Best Frame Tactical Sunglasses
Gatorz Eyewear, Wraptor Patriot Model
• Lens: Polycarbonate
Weight – 0.32 ounces
Overall Score:
94
The Bottom Line:
With its incredible durability and superior optics, the military elite special operations groups and law enforcement officers’ favorite Gatorz Eyewear Wraptor Patriot Model Sunglasses are a must-have for any serious survivalist and outdoor enthusiast.Pros
- Top-quality materials
- Impact-resistant lenses
- Superior optics
- 100% UV protection
- Anti-reflective, anti-scratch, hydrophobic, and oleophobic coatings
- Stylish
Cons
- Would’ve been nicer if it came with a hard case
- High cost
Summary
Next up on our list is another awesome product from Gatorz: the Gatorz Eyewear Wraptor Patriot Model Sunglasses.
Crafted from premium aircraft-grade billet aluminum, these sunglasses are extremely heavy-duty yet light and comfortable, with stainless steel dual-sided 5-barrel hinges and impact-resistant polarized lenses.
The lenses are equipped with Gatorz proprietary TruRay technology for a crystal-clear view, and anti-reflective, anti-scratch, oleophobic, and hydrophobic coatings. The coatings repel water, dirt, and grease, improving clarity.
While this one and the Magnum are both fully adjustable, we find that this has a slimmer profile, making it a little more stylish.
Still…
A hard case to protect a pair of sunglasses this expensive would be nice. Not a big deal, just a bit of a bummer.
Best Scratch Resistant Tactical Sunglasses
Ess Photochromic Safety Glasses
• Lens: Polycarbonate
Overall Score:
84
The Bottom Line:
The ESS Photochromatic Safety Glasses are equipped with clear lenses that darken when you’re in a bright area and go back into being clear once you’re in a shaded area— this feature allows your eyes to see clearly no matter what the lighting situation is.Pros
- Transitions from clear to dark pretty fast
- Offers good eye protection from the sun, strong winds, and small particles
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Lightweight frames
- Looks nice
Cons
- On the pricey side
- Nose piece could be a little wider
Summary
Finishing off our list are the ESS Photochromatic Safety Glasses.
These are high-quality transition glasses with lightweight plastic frames and polycarbonate lenses with scratch-resistant coating.
As very outdoorsy people, most of our time is spent outside doing things— camping, hiking, mountain biking, shooting, or just doing some backyard work. It’s a hassle to always change the lenses of our glasses to adjust to the changing lighting, and these sunglasses solved that problem for us.
We love how clear the lenses are and how quickly they darken when it gets super bright and sunny (within only seconds!). Once we’re in a shaded area, they revert to clear lenses, which is pretty cool.
As far as protection goes, they’re very effective, as well. They’re excellent protectors against strong wind and the dust and debris that come with it. They’re very practical and save us a lot of time.
However…
We think the nose piece could be a bit wider. The glasses are also a bit pricey, but they’re still more reasonably priced than most photochromatic sunglasses.
Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Military Sunglasses
What are the different types of tactical sunglasses?
Ballistic Sunglasses
Ballistic sunglasses are ultra-tough, military-grade sunglasses that provide maximum protection for the eyes from shrapnels and projectiles in harsh combat environments. The U.S. Armed Forces issued a list of military-approved sunglasses called the Authorized Protective Eyewear List or APEL, which includes ballistic sunglasses.
Polarized Sunglasses
Also called anti-glare sunglasses, this type of eyewear is designed to reduce or eliminate glare caused by light reflecting off the water, ice, mirror, or any smooth surfaces. These sunglasses also allow you to see properly even in very bright light conditions, preventing eye strain and any possible eye damage.
Photochromatic Sunglasses
This type features light-sensitive photochromatic lenses that automatically darken when exposed to very bright light, sunlight, and UV rays. Once the wearer goes indoors, or in a shaded area, the lenses go back to their original clear appearance. Photochromatic sunglasses
are convenient to use, as the user won’t have to constantly change the lenses of their sunglasses to fit various lighting conditions.
Features to look out for
Comfortability
Whether you’re going to use a pair of tactical sunglasses for a combat situation or a camping trip, comfortability is an essential feature. Most of the time, you’ll have to wear the glasses for hours, or even weeks, depending on the circumstances, so make sure to look for something comfortable, and you don’t mind wearing all day.
For a pair to be comfortable, the fit is important. Always check the size and dimensions of the product you want and the product descriptions, which often indicate whether the glasses are most suitable for small or large heads. Also, try them on before buying. You don’t want to feel any pinching, especially on areas prone to it, like the bridge of the nose and behind the ears, and your head shouldn’t feel like it’s being squeezed. If you’re going to wear anything over the glasses, like a helmet or an ear protection device, choose glasses with thin temples.
Durability
Pick durable tactical sunglasses that can withstand elements, high impact, and anything that might get thrown your way during survival or combat situations. When it comes to toughness and impact resistance, aluminum is hard to beat. Combine a good aluminum frame with some polycarbonate lenses, and you have a super sturdy pair that won’t fail you even during a zombie apocalypse.
Certifications
There are two certifications that you should look for when looking for the perfect tactical sunglasses: the ANSI Z87.1 certification and the U.S. Military MIL-PRF-31013 certification. The difference between the two is that the ANSI measures the lenses’ impact resistance, while the MIL-PRF also puts UV protection level, chemical resistance, environmental stability, and optical clarity to the test.
For everyday use, an ANSI certification would be enough. But for the highest level of eye protection, always choose a pair of tactical sunglasses with a MIL-PRF certification.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q – What to consider when buying tactical sunglasses
A – First, you should consider why you’re buying tactical sunglasses. Are you going to use it in a high-hazard environment? Or for simple outdoor activities? For survival and combat use, consider the materials of the sunglasses— the more heavy-duty, the better. After you determine which type of tactical glasses you’re looking for, consider your budget, the fit of the glasses, and the level of protection you will need next.
Q – Are tactical sunglasses bulletproof / bullet resistant?
A – No. Unfortunately, tactical glasses are neither bulletproof nor bullet-resistant. However, they are effective in shielding your eyes from ricochet shots and debris that are harmful to the eyes.
Q – Are tactical sunglasses good at protecting your vision?
A – Yes, tactical sunglasses are great at protecting vision. They are built using materials and coatings that help protect your eyes from the sun, wind, sand, dirt, debris, glare, and more.
Conclusion: Best Tactical Sunglasses
Protecting your eyes should be one of your main priorities in a survival situation. Luckily, tactical sunglasses that even the world’s bravest soldiers use are available to us ordinary people. And with a wide variety at that!
If you’re still stuck in the selecting stage, let us help you further.
The Oakley Men’s OO9213 Ballistic M Frame 2.0 Shield Sunglasses are our Editor’s Choice for a reason— they’re extremely durable yet lightweight, give you crystal-clear vision, and the eye protection is top-notch. It’s made by Oakley, after all.
For something that offers ballistic protection and has ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-32432A certifications, can you believe how affordable our Best Value awardee, the Revision Military Sawfly, is? If you want the most bang for your buck, definitely go for this.
And lastly, if you want top-quality glasses that are shatterproof, stylish, and within a reasonable price range, then you’ll like our Top Pick, the Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses.
We hope we’ve helped you in choosing tactical sunglasses that are perfect for your needs.
Stay safe out there!
Original post here: Best Tactical Sunglasses 2023
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