Eyes and ears…the two most important things to have at the shooting range.
You don’t want to end up like this guy…
We bought several of the most popular ones across different price points and tried them out with several buddies over a bunch of range trips.
By the end, you’ll know which one is best for your budget and intended use.
Table of Contents
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Ballistic Eyewear Standards
When you get shooting glasses…you want to make sure they meet some standard of impact resistance. Otherwise, what’s the point?
There are three major standards:
- US Civilian: ANSI Z87.1
- US Military: MIL-PRF-31013
- European: EN166
It’s recommended the minimum to meet is the civilian ANSI Z87.1 and if you’re really at risk of frag or projectiles…to meet the U.S. military specs.
Now let’s get into it…
Best Shooting Glasses
1. Wiley X Saber
My overall favorite for style, coverage, and protection is the Wiley X Saber.
It covers more angles and exceeds the military MIL-RF-31013 standards for impact resistance, UV protection, and optical clarity.
Nosepiece is pretty comfortable and adjustable while the frame is normal thickness. It didn’t smush into my head when wearing electronic earmuffs.
Also light…but not the cheap kind of light.
Smoke grey is also perfect for sunny days or gloomy days like the above.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
2. Radians Revelation
Radians Revelations are what I consider the bare minimum — $8 and available in a couple colors. They are decent in style but I do feel their affordable price point in the construction.
Meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards for high-velocity impacts so they’ll protect your eyes.
One great thing is that the frames are pretty thin and can bend up at angles to match almost all faces.
I got the light smoke lens and it’s a good mix for daytime and when it starts getting dark (or indoors).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
3. Radians Clay Shooting Glasses
If you’re really into clay shooting…Radians Clay Shooting Glasses might be for you.
The color is meant to make the orange clays pop out. It works somewhat and I like how there’s no frame on the top to obstruct views…especially when looking upwards.
Nose is not that comfortable since it’s not adjustable. But the frame is a thin wire so earmuffs are not a problem. Very light overall but also a little flimsy.
Meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards for higher velocity.
If only I could pull off red lenses…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
4. Oakley Radar
You can never go wrong with Oakley.
I’ve been rocking the Oakley Radar for years since it has great coverage, meets the standards, and has different-sized nose pieces.
It feels great even with earmuffs and never falls off when I’m sweaty.
I also like how it makes the colors pop out and it does help a little when I’m shooting with fiber optic sights.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
5. Smith Aegis Echo II
I really like the Smith Aegis Echo II. It has everything I want in a frame…
Meets ALL three standards, has great coverage, and fit everyone that tried it because of the adjustable nose piece. Think Oakley’s “Asian Fit” for us with smaller noses.
Also has a super-thin frame that doesn’t get caught up in even tight earmuffs.
It feels quality and that means a little more weight than the others.
My only complaint is that the frame that’s “missing” in the top middle makes it a little bit too aggressive. One person asked if I was on SWAT and another if I was from the Matrix.
Otherwise…it comes with a case and two lenses so you can shoot in both day and low-light.
This is great for something that really protects your eyes and has you set for whatever environment. As long as you can pull off the look.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
6. STNGR Alpine & Ridge
STNGR makes awesome and affordable AR-15 handguards…
And are one of our favorite picks in Best AR-15 Handguards.
But I gave their ballistic sunglasses a try and they might be my favorite ones yet for something equally at home on the range or in the truck.
They come in two-size flavors and a few colors. And all have ANSI Z87.1 shatterproof lenses.
AND are crazy durable…cringe factor activate!
First up is the Alpine for medium faces…which include mine.
I really like these since they were super clear and cut enough glare/sunlight but won’t intrude on target acquisition.
And had adjustable rubber nose pieces to custom fit my face.
They have a great return policy and lifetime warranty.
Plus we’ve secured a 10% off coupon for our readers with code PEWPEW-10.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
There’s the larger version which they call the Ridge.
Same great build and lens quality…just a little larger and with a fixed nosepad.
Here is how the green view through looks…
Want a “regular” color? There’s also smoke for each type.
It didn’t fit my face as well but for our larger faced shooting buddies…they loved them.
All the glasses came in a nice case and also a retaining strap which was a nice touch.
Again, be sure to use the PEWPEW-10 code we secured to get 10% off your sunglasses.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
7. STNGR Lo-Drag
The Lo-Drags are tough and comfortable with a wraparound style that covers your eyes — even on the periphery.
Its thin earpieces don’t grind into your head under muff-style ear pro either.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
These glasses come with two lenses — clear and smoke — allowing you to swap when shooting indoors or outside. The Lo-Drags are rated to MIL-PRF-32432.
Conclusion
There you have it…my pick for the affordable range is the Wiley X Saber.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
While for those that enjoy the finer things in life (and can pull off the look)…the Smith Aegis Echo II.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Now…my current favorite are STNGR’s Alpine and Ridge sunglasses for their durability, fit, and look.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Now that your eyes are protected…get yourself the best ear protection out there too. We cover everything in-hand from earplugs to all the most popular electronic earmuffs in Best Shooting Ear Protection.
42 Leave a Reply
I'm kind of surprised not to see HuntersHD Gold/Ruby in here, they are one of the top choices for competition shooters.
+ 1 using HuntersHD for a prescription safety glasses for over a year
What about over-glasses for those of us who must wear prescription glasses?
Magpul. Own 3 pair, one with clear lenses. Light, fit and finish are quality, polarised, ballistic lenses, plus they look good just wearing everyday and dont scream "tactical."
Walkers sport glasses. Comes with 4 interchangeable lenses that each serve a purpose. Lower coverage on eyes as well.
Sub $20.
Dillon and/or SSP Eye wear carry a Top Focal
for persons needing bifocals. Instead of the focal lens at the bottom of glasses it’s placed in the upper portion, really makes a difference. Instead of looking over your nose your head stays in a more natural position. Excellent for bifocal wearers.
Surprised not to see one of the first and best shooting glasses overlooked. Decot glasses have been the gold standard for shotgun sports for decades. Their Hy-wide glasses adjust up to fit when cheek weld would push up others. Lenses swap out for color and darkness options.
One of the better shooting glasses that meet mil spec are from ESS. Very surprised that they weren't included in your evaluation.
APEL-PEO Soldier, check out the website for the best protective eyewear.
Anyone with good vision who is spending more than $20.00 on safety glasses to use for shooting is probably spending too much.
Prescription shooting glasses can be costly too. So consider if you actually need a full prescription for shooting because a lot of times a pair of 'reading glasses' will work fine if you are only far-sighted worse than near sighted and you can get 'reading' safety glasses for cheaper than a full prescription and these take care of the far-sighted.
I'm a "senior" shooter, who doesn't need prescription eyewear and can see at distance, but I need "readers" (1.50) 100% of the time for up-close vision within 3 ft. +/- (it came on about age 40) - I found a great pair of "shooting" glasses at work. Protective eyewear was mandatory (OSHA required), and found you can spend a fortune getting prescription safety glasses that satisfy the safety standards for impact/projectile protection. They are VoltX safety glasses - and come with normal or bi-focal lenses in your normal "reader" corrections. The cost was minimal (around $20) , and the lenses and frames are certified to EN166f (ANSI high impact - 6.3mm ball @ 164.6 Kph). They come in clear and smoke shade. I bought mine at an industrial safety supply outfit and are readily available on line. The bi-focal really helps when shooting and then making up-close adjustments.
Personally, I need and am looking prescription safety (shooting) glasses.
One of the instructors at a training class suggested SSP Eyewear, which makes bifocal safety glasses, especially for shooting. May be worth a look.
Sorry, I could not include their web address.
This is really helpful, Evan. I didn’t know these existed, and I just ordered a pair. Thanks for taking the time.
Its nice that FortKnight Optics has finally released an eyewear line specifically for the shooting sports though - and I believe every pair uses ZEISS lenses? Reviews seem good so far
Is it ANSI Z87 or 287? :-)
It's "Z" 87.1 (Z87.1 ANSI projectile impact test.) Same as the European EN166f certification.
Outlaw Eyewear makes a prescription eye protection that is the best I've ever worn. A bit pricey, but the quality and clarity were excellent. Worth the cost to get the vision/protection.
First Eric, Don’t ever stop doing what you do so well. Thank you for an honest product, words cannot describe how important it is to many of us. Second, Don’t ever let John stop doing gun & products review videos. While I don’t have “His” experience I have my own which is extensive in LE. He brings a knowledge to the arena that only a True Warrior could and he does it with honestly that only a man who’s been in the trenches could know. And all without sponsor driven glamorous reviews that are useless junk.
Thanks Pew Pew!
I just picked up a set of ESS Crossbow Suppressor 2X. Not cheap but for $130 you get 3 lenses and 2 frame options. I've been an Oakley fan for years and this is one of their brands. Also they are Mil Spec rated!
Well Eric, you should try sports eyewear by Pilla, the #1 brand in olympic shooting. Very expensive though. https://pillasport.com/pages/shooting
What model is good for prescription glasses?
A little more expensive but more versatile are the WileyX Valor. These are great glasses that can be worn at the range or as normal sunglasses. They have swappable lenses that are pretty easy to exchange. Normal sunglasses or an outdoor range day? No problem, I run normally with the polarized lenses. Indoor range? I swap for the clear lenses. They also have an amber color and normal grey non-polarized. You can even get them in prescription lenses. Definitely worth inclusion in your reviews at some point. They are military approved ballistic rated.
Thank you for this article. I have been looking to replace some running sunglasses with some eyewear of quality that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Thanks to your article, I ordered a pair of the Radians Revelation for $8, and they are perfect! Great fit, good shading, and if I lose them, I'm only out eight bucks. I also ordered a pair of the Wiley X Saber because, you know, shooting glasses...
+1 for using the werd "smush"....
Which shooting glasses or goggles can be used with glasses?
I shoot trap I have a D cot, hi wide pair of shooting glasses, with removable lenses, also a new pair of Ranger shooting glasses, Of course these our prescription, Why didn’t they make the list thank you Gary
Assume you are referring to Decot (pronounced DEE-ko) Hy-Wyd Sport Glasses designed by the late Bud Decot and sold by his optics shop in Phoenix? Those are custom prescription jobs, very expensive, and probably outside the scope of this article.
Just a warning for anyone considering a 6.5 Grendel build, ...... avoid purchasing the upper from Davidson Defense a.k.a. Delta Team Tactical. My experience with this supplier is they advertise an extremely accurate product or so it would seem until you shoot it and find you get smaller groups from a shotgun firing 00 buckshot at 100 yards thru an improved cylinder choke than from this "precision upper".
Oh one other thing, if you're luckier than I was, maybe your gas block will have "both" set screws attached ant actually secured instead of having it slip completely off the gas port like mine did, but that would be asking too much from Davidson Defense since they actually said that I voided the warranty by installing the missing set screw and adding blue loctite to keep both screws in place like they should have done at the factory when they assembled the upper! , how's that for quality assurance and product safety!!!!! Had I fired another round with the gas block fully off the gas port................... well lets see, I wonder what damage the gas produced from the flaming white hot blast of 60,000 psi burning rifle powder would have done to my face and hands? .....just saying.........
P.S. everything stated is 100% verifiable and I will gladly forward the photos and all email communications with Davidson Defense to anyone who doubts what ive stated here.
Hey. You lost me at the first "huh?"
Cant wait until you turn 40. Then you will appreciate the need for corrective lenses. My Eyemart safety glasses fit the bill.
Forget contacts and glasses, get LASIK. Beats wearing glasses for decades.
Hi! I've got a huge head and was wondering what size you are? And on top of that I'm Asian so almost nothing fits me:(
I had a pair of Oakley M frame peering off coating... I threw the lenses away. Besides that, oakley glasses were overall good stuff.
You are pretty much 'toast' if you need 'corrective lenses'.....'hello' Wal-Mart....
Do the Oakley glasses tested meet or exceed the MIL-RF-31013 standards? I think a lot of the different styles do not..
You have to look for specific glasses for the ratings. If you just buy basic sunglasses then no they are not rated. However you can find most of the normal frames in the Standard Issue version which is MIL rated.
Have you tested glasses while looking through magnified optics? I can't find anything that works well for me. Oakley's just don't seem to work well with them and I find myself shooting without glasses much of the time. My eyes are light sensitive, likely from wearing sunglasses too much, so many times this results in a headache.
My thought on the aggressive look is this:
It depends on who you are shooting with.
For a Newbee, it may look as if you are a radical. For the seasoned shooter, they look cool, and are, apparently quite eficient.
I have the Smith's and love them! I'm a small, female, seasoned newbie (I've only been shooting for a few months but you wouldn't know it from my shooting) and I figure if I"m carrying a gun, I could put a mop on my head and it would look cool LOL!
Stunned (maybe shocked is the better word) that Decot was not tested and on your list. Some to the best if not the best optical quality material for their lenses. Great service. Will work with you to get what fits your needs the best and how to set up the lenses (if you need a Rx) for shooting sports (or almost any sport) for which you need the glasses.
Hi, I haven't heard of them but maybe I'll check them out when we update this article in the future.
Yup, Already looked at several of those mentioned. Then I discovered that I could see the sights on my pistol way better, with my "reading glasses" on, So any suggestions for us old farts?
You might want to check out our #3 Allen Over Glasses so it can go over your reading glasses.