Ballistic eye protection isn’t just for the range or the front lines—it’s for everyday life. Eye injuries can strike anywhere, anytime. You’ve only got one set of eyes, and there are no replacements.
Wearing the right protection matters. Regular sunglasses might shield from UV, but they fall short on impact—and worse, can shatter into dangerous fragments
WILEY X PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
Wiley X, an American company known for its high-quality protective eyewear, was established in 1987 as Protective Optics, Inc. by the late Myles R. Freeman Sr., a US Army Veteran. Initially, the company focused on crafting cutting-edge sunglasses, goggles, and gloves for the US military.
Freeman’s military experience played a significant role in the founding and development of Wiley X. His understanding of the need for high-quality protective gear for those who protect America was a driving force behind the company’s success.
By 1990, Wiley X broadened its product range to cater to civilian needs, offering protective eyewear and sunglasses for activities like motorsports, cycling, fishing, hunting, and industrial manufacturing. In 2007, the company underwent a rebranding, changing its name from Protective Optics, Inc. to Wiley X, Inc.
Throughout the years, Wiley X has remained dedicated to innovation, earning a reputation for producing eyewear that meets the ANSI Z87.1+ standards for clarity, high-velocity, and high-mass impacts.
Today, Wiley X continues to supply top-tier protective eyewear to various sectors that require impact resistance. Whether it’s for military use, outdoor activities, or daily wear, Wiley X is committed to safeguarding the vision of those who safeguard America. Wiley X is an ISO 9001-certified company.
WX JAKL AMERICAN SNIPER SIGNATURE EDITION Overview
One of the latest offerings from Wiley X is the WX JAKL. Part of their Tactical Series, it’s a frame that’s been receiving a lot of attention since its release. A recent collaboration with the American Sniper brand has now led to a special edition of the WX JAKL that was developed in partnership with Colton Kyle, the son of the late U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle.
According to Kyle, the frame pays tribute to the values his father lived by—discipline, resilience, and service. “My dad wore Wiley X,” he noted. “This frame represents the warrior spirit and values he lived by… It feels like a full-circle moment.”
Chris Kyle (right) and teammate Kevin Lacz (left) at a SEAL Team 3 awards ceremony in Coronado, CALIFORNIA, on October 7, 2007. (Photo: WIKIMEDIA BY Lindsey Lacz / CC BY-SA 4.0)
Whether you see it as a personal homage or a practical piece of gear, the WX JAKL American Sniper Signature Edition blends legacy and functionality in a compelling way.
Wiley X sent one to me for evaluation.
Frame Design and Construction
The WX JAKL American Sniper Signature Edition has a matte-black nylon frame with red rubber accents and CAPTIVATE non-Polarized black mirror lenses. The frame is constructed of Triloid nylon, a type of nylon that’s known for its toughness and durability. Total weight is 22 grams (0.776 oz.).
The WX JAKL features a comfortable, lightweight semi-rimless frame. This design provides an unobstructed view and allows for airflow. The low-profile design of the temples allows for a seamless fit under helmets, comms headsets, and over-the-ear hearing protection. I have found this to be an issue with many frames.
The temples are tipped with rubber, providing additional comfort and security, I have found the glasses stay in place even during very intense activities. The frame has a medium head size optimal fit, although it fits comfortably on most face and head sizes.
Lens Technology and Ballistic Protection
CAPTIVATE is Wiley X’s proprietary lens technology. It’s designed to boost contrast, improve color accuracy, and reduce glare. The lenses are made from shatterproof Selenite Polycarbonate, which is 10 times more impact resistant than glass, according to Wiley X.
They’re very stylish in a tactical way to meet multiple high-impact safety standards:
- ANSI Z87.1+ for optical clarity and high mass/high velocity impact
- MIL-PRF-32432A ballistic standards
- US Federal OSHA 1910.133(b)(1)(1) standards
Interchangeable Lens System
One of the great features of the WX JAKL is the interchangeable lens system, allowing me to quickly adapt to different lighting conditions.
I especially appreciate being able to switch to clear lenses for low-light or nighttime operations. Wiley X offers additional lenses for purchase, making it easy to customize or replace them as needed. The glasses are also prescription-ready. Just keep in mind that once prescription lenses are installed, the interchangeability feature is no longer available.
Coatings and Optical Performance
The lenses are coated with what Wiley X refers to as T-Shell. It’s designed to provide superior scratch resistance. My own experience proves this to be accurate.
They also feature Foil anti-fog lens coating, and I haven’t had any fogging, even when working up a sweat. The lenses are distortion-free, provide superior clarity, and offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.
Understanding Ballistic and Safety Standards
For those who rely on eye protection in high-risk environments, knowing what these standards mean can make all the difference. Here’s a closer look at ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-32432A.
ANSI Z87.1 Standard Overview
The ANSI Z87.1 Standard is a comprehensive guideline developed to mitigate eye and face hazards in occupational and educational environments. It outlines the criteria for selecting, using, and maintaining various face and eye protectors, promoting the most effective materials and methods of use. Adherence to this standard is voluntary.
Z87.1 Classification System
The current version of the standard, ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020, is the second major revision since 2010. The 2010 update marked a pivotal shift toward a hazard-based classification system.
Before this, protective eyewear was categorized as either basic or high impact. Since the 2010 revision, eyewear has been classified as either:
- Impact-rated (Z87+)
- Non-impact-rated (Z87)
The 2020 edition further refines these classifications and introduces updates to address emerging technologies and new use cases.
High Impact Testing Requirements
The Z87+ standard involves two main tests.
ANSI High Mass Test: A pointed weight of 500 grams (17.6 oz.) is dropped from a height of 50 inches (127 cm) onto lenses mounted on a head form. No parts of the frames or lenses may break free or fracture.
High Velocity Test: A 0.25-inch (0.635 cm) steel ball is shot at the lens on the head form at 150 fps (45.72 m/s). The pass/fail criteria for the high velocity test are the same as for the high mass test, with the added requirement that no part of the lens may touch the “eye” on the head form.
Other ANSI Z87.1 Requirements
The standard also establishes criteria for optical clarity, impact resistance for both prescription and non-prescription eyewear, anti-fog and anti-scratch properties, ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) filtering, frame durability, and side protection.
Eyewear that passes the impact tests carry the Z87+ mark on both the lens and the frame or housing. Prescription products that comply with the standard are marked with Z87-2+.
Note: Commercial eyewear products, even if marked ANSI Z87.1 compliant, may not necessarily meet the more stringent military impact requirements.
MIL-PRF-32432A: Military Ballistic Standard
The MIL-PRF-32432A ballistic fragmentation performance standard goes far beyond ANSI requirements. For Class 1 eyewear (spectacles), this standard requires lenses to withstand:
- Two impacts from a 0.15-caliber (3.81 mm), 585 (± 0.15) grain, T37-shaped projectile
- Impact velocity of 700 to 725 fps (213.36 to 220.98 m/s)
This kinetic energy level is over seven times greater than that of the ANSI Z87.1 high-impact tests.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I really like the WX JAKL American Sniper Signature Edition. It’s outstanding eyewear. There really isn’t anything that I would change. They look sharp, feel incredibly comfortable even during long wear, and give me complete confidence in their top-tier protection. The design of the frame and the lenses offer crystal-clear, unobstructed vision, which I consider critical.
MSRP is $160.00. The WX JAKL American Sniper Signature Edition comes with a black nylon zippered clamshell protective case with a clip and belt loops, a cleaning cloth with the Wiley X logo, and a leash cord with rubber grips. Like all Wiley X products, it’s designed and manufactured in the USA. It’s covered by a 30-day return policy and a limited lifetime warranty.
Photos courtesy Wiley X unless otherwise noted.
