Ahoy ye landlubbers! If you’re looking for a new pair of ballistic-rated shooting glasses, here’s our top five picks.
Ok, so most of us think pirates are pretty cool looking right? They’ve got a cool hat, eye patch, and often a hook for a hand. But realistically, nobody dreams of wearing an eye patch in real life… at least not because you only have one eye.
Protecting your eyes is kind of important, especially when you’re out shooting, hunting, or doing some other kind of outdoor activity. We tend to pick glasses based more on fashion and price, but I like to think of ballistic sunglasses as insurance for your eyesight.
I’ve made lists of my favorite sunglasses in the past, but there are new models out, and I now have new favorites. So, here’s a quick look at the top five ballistic-rated shooting glasses that are stylish but keep you from needing to rock an eye patch.
1. Vortex Jackal Sunglasses
First on our list are the Vortex Jackal Sunglasses. I wear these glasses daily because they are comfortable and have a sporty look.
The Jackal glasses are made with a TR90 nylon frame, which is known for its flexibility and toughness. This material holds up great over time, so it’s a good choice for glasses to wear during outdoor activities.
The lenses themselves are made from polycarbonate, meeting the ANSI Z87.1 safety standards. This means they’re highly resistant to impacts, keeping your eyes safe from flying debris and flying cartridges at the range. The lenses also offer full UV protection and are anti-reflective to reduce glare.
One thing I like about this style is that the lens is wide, but still a little taller than a lot of other sports glasses. This is a personal preference, but I’m not a big fan of the skinny, wide lens used on a lot of outdoor glasses.
Besides the style and quality, the biggest advantage of buying from Vortex is the VIP lifetime warranty. While they are the world’s largest manufacturer of optics, they extend the same warranty to their glasses. This means if they ever break, they will make it right with no questions asked. There are not too many companies that will offer a warranty like that.
Specifications
- Frame: TR90 Nylon
- Lens: Polycarbonate
- UV Protection: 100%
- Rating: ANSI Z87.1 ballistic
- Colors: Black, Gray
- Price: $99.99
2. ShellShock Eclipse Sunglasses
ShellShock is a newer company, and they have had some great feedback on their products. They produce hearing protection and ballistic glasses. One of my favorite pairs they have is the Eclipse.
These Sunglasses offer an advanced photochromic lens technology that adapts seamlessly to varying light conditions. A simpler term for this is “transitioning” lens. I can’t say I’ve ever found a pair of ballistic-rated shooting glasses that transition before.
I’m going to guess most of us have at least two pairs of shooting glasses, one that is clear and one that is tinted. With these, you can wear them both in and outdoors. The transition is quick, and while they don’t get as dark as a tinted pair, they still work just fine. This technology prevents eyestrain and gives you better visibility over extended periods.
Constructed to ANSI Z87.1+ ballistic standards, the Eclipse glasses are impact and scratch resistant. They also have anti-fog capabilities.
You can wear these glasses for just about any activity, but they were made specifically for dynamic shooting environments like indoor/outdoor ranges or even professional use like law enforcement.
Specifications
- Frame: Lightweight, durable polymer
- Lens: Photochromic, scratch-resistant, anti-fog
- Ballistic Rating: ANSI Z87.1+
- UV Protection: 100%
- Adaptive Light Technology: Yes
- Price: $119.99
3. BLOC Tactical Bolt Sunglasses
My first pair of BLOC glasses was the Tactical Bolt pair. I’ve been using them for nearly two years, and these are what I keep in my work bag.
For those who need a pair of adaptive ballistic glasses for tactical purposes, these things are great. Don’t get me wrong, they also work great on the range or for everyday use, too.
These glasses are a little beefier than a lot of the others, and they come with a foam anti-fog liner you can snap on to them. They also allow the earpieces to be replaced with an elastic band, which I also like. I keep the foam liner and elastic band on mine because I use them for work.
The Bolt glasses have high-quality polycarbonate lenses of ANSI Z87.1+, which meet ballistic ratings required for most tactical and competitive shooting. As I mentioned above, this pair is a little on the larger side, so the lens will cover your eyes very well.
The frame is constructed from TR90 material, making it flexible yet durable. Anti-slip nose pads and temple grips help keep the glasses from moving around, even during active scenarios or when sweat becomes an issue.
Global Ordnance retails these glasses here in the US and several other pairs of their glasses.
Specifications
- Frame: TR90 flexible polymer
- Lens: Polycarbonate
- UV Protection: 100%
- Ballistic Rating: ANSI Z87.1+
- Features: Wraparound design, anti-slip grips
- Price: $85.00
4. Vortex BANSHEE Sunglasses
If the Jackal design isn’t the right fit or style for your face, the Vortex Banshee Sunglasses may do the trick.
They have the same TR90 nylon construction but offer slightly taller lenses and a distinct frame style. My wife likes to wear this pair when she goes to the range, hiking, or any other type of outdoor activity.
They are available in various color options, including matte black, gray, and bronze. These glasses cater to individual style preferences.
Just like the Jackal glasses, the Banshee sunglasses have a polycarbonate lens and are ballistic rated. With this pair of glasses, you also get UV protection and an anti-reflective and scratch-resistant lens.
And don’t forget, these also come with the Vortex VIP, no questions asked warranty. If you have issues with any of their products, their customer service will answer the phone quickly and take care of whatever issues you have.
Specifications
- Frame: TR90 Nylon
- Lens: Polycarbonate
- UV Protection: 100%
- Colors: Matte Black, Gray, Bronze
- Rating: ANSI Z87.1 ballistic
- Price: $119.99
5. Magpul Helix Sunglasses
For the last pair on my list, we have the Magpul Helix Sunglasses. This is a classic sporty-looking pair of glasses with a half-frame on the front.
Magpul makes great products, so you know these glasses will hold up well outdoors and on the range. I keep these in my range bag as a backup pair, but I used to wear them daily.
Like a lot of other quality glasses, they are made from thermoplastic TR90NZZ. This has started to become the standard in the world of shooting and sports glasses.
My experience with them has been great, and I can say firsthand, this pair is durable and comfortable to wear.
Magpul offers a variety of lens colors, including polarized and non-polarized, so there are plenty of options to choose from.
Specifications
- Frame: TR90NZZ Thermoplastic
- Lens: Polarized and non-polarized options
- UV Protection: 100%
- Colors: Matte Black, Flat Dark Earth, Clear Gray
- Ballistic Rating: ANSI Z87.1+
- Price: $109.00
Ready to upgrade your eye pro?
Everyone likes different styles of sunglasses. But when you’re going to be out on the range, make sure the pair you choose are ballistic rated. It’s ok to have some cheap glasses, but when you are doing some type of dynamic activity, I wouldn’t skimp on something that protects your eyes.
Buy a good pair and keep those eyes safe. Because looking like a pirate should remain part of your Halloween costume, not a daily reality.
