Shooting Glasses!!! School me . . .

[Jumping Frog]

I am planning on purchasing some shooting glasses.

There are a few criteria I've gleaned from google time spent that I think makes sense to include.

First, seems like there are three specs that are in common use: ANSI Z87.1 in two variants ("Z87" basic impact and "Z87+" high impact) , or Mil-PRF-31013. There are some glasses that pass both the ANSI and the Mil specs. The OSHA spec also requires side shields for side impact protection.

Second, I must have glasses with prescription inserts that can support a bifocal prescription.

Third, I'd like some interchangeable lenses, at minimum to include clear (indoor range), a yellow or equivalent (ordinary outdoors, hazy/cloudy), and a dark lens (bright sunlight).

One option I am considering is the ESS ICE Series eyeshields that passes all three specs.

Although more expensive does not necessarily equate to better protection, I am concerned with getting the best protection I can afford since I am already blind in one eye.

So, I am interested in opinion/feedback on several aspects:

• Do these criteria makes sense,or am I missing something?
• Anyone have experience pro or con with ESS?
• Is there a better choice I should consider?

TIA.

[WildBill]

I am planning on purchasing some shooting glasses.

There are a few criteria I've gleaned from google time spent that I think makes sense to include.

First, seems like there are three specs that are in common use: ANSI Z87.1 in two variants ("Z87" basic impact and "Z87+" high impact) , or Mil-PRF-31013. There are some glasses that pass both the ANSI and the Mil specs. The OSHA spec also requires side shields for side impact protection.

Second, I must have glasses with prescription inserts that can support a bifocal prescription.

Third, I'd like some interchangeable lenses, at minimum to include clear (indoor range), a yellow or equivalent (ordinary outdoors, hazy/cloudy), and a dark lens (bright sunlight).

One option I am considering is the ESS ICE Series eyeshields that passes all three specs.

Although more expensive does not necessarily equate to better protection, I am concerned with getting the best protection I can afford since I am already blind in one eye.

So, I am interested in opinion/feedback on several aspects:

• Do these criteria makes sense,or am I missing something?
• Anyone have experience pro or con with ESS?
• Is there a better choice I should consider?

TIA.

If you wear prescription lenses talk to your optometrist or optician. I believe that most glasses with plastic lenses meet the ANSI Z87.1 requirements for impact resistance. If you want them, side shields that attach to the frames can be purchased seperately.

[Jumping Frog]

The lenses I am talking about above will stop a shotgun blast at 10 yards . . .

My prescription glasses will not.

[WildBill]

The lenses I am talking about above will stop a shotgun blast at 10 yards . . .

My prescription glasses will not.

I am not familiar with the ESS ICE Brand. It appears that these products go beyond just being "shooting glasses." I don't see on your link anything about stopping a shotgun blast at 10 yards.

MIL-PRF-31013 requires that the lenses meet the requirements to stop a .15 caliber, 5.8 grains at 640-660 feet per second. I don't know how this relates to a "shotgun blast."

A 2 shotsize [not #2] = 0.148 in diameter. I can't find any tables for this size shot, but a #7 shot doesn't drop off to 640 fps until 40 yards after leaving the muzzle.

http://www.shotgunsportsmagazine.com/do ... istics.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.everyspec.com/MIL-PRF/MIL-PRF+(030000+-+79999" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)/MIL-PRF-31013_20540/

I am not saying that you aren't looking at a good product, but make sure that you know what you are getting for your money.

[ske1eter]

The lenses I am talking about above will stop a shotgun blast at 10 yards . . .

My prescription glasses will not.

You might look at http://www.revisionmilitary.com/products/eyewear/.

[mgood]

I wear Oakley. They meet the safety standards. I don't wear prescription glasses, but I believe Oakleys can be fitted with prescription lenses.

Also try Rudy Project. They have very quickly become very popular with competitive shooters. If I weren't already a big Oakley fan, or if Oakley ever gave me a reason to not like them any more, I'd go with Rudy.

This guy, very old thread, Jordan O, is a sponsored Rudy shooter. He doesn't post here much but I'll bet that if you sent him a PM, it would email him a notice.
If not, I know how to reach him. He'd be glad to tell you that Rudy glasses are the greatest thing since smokeless powder.

[WildBill]

The lenses I am talking about above will stop a shotgun blast at 10 yards . . .

My prescription glasses will not.

You might look at http://www.revisionmilitary.com/products/eyewear/.

Thanks for the link. Very impressive.

[Kabong30]

I have some ESS goggles in the bug out bag. I also have the prescription lens insert for them but I'm only now getting around to having lenses put in them. I'll look goofy as anything in them, but at least I won't be Burgess Meredith when I'm the only one left.

[C-dub]

The lenses I am talking about above will stop a shotgun blast at 10 yards . . .

My prescription glasses will not.

You're definitely standing on the wrong side of the shotgun.

[Jumping Frog]

I am not familiar with the ESS ICE Brand. It appears that these products go beyond just being "shooting glasses." I don't see on your link anything about stopping a shotgun blast at 10 yards.

MIL-PRF-31013 requires that the lenses meet the requirements to stop a .15 caliber, 5.8 grains at 640-660 feet per second. I don't know how this relates to a "shotgun blast."

Fair observation.

The 10 yds quote from the 6mmbr.com (another site I enjoy). This is where I read about ESS. http://www.6mmbr.com/eyeprotection.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is a NRA Hunter magazine article showing EYESights,Oakley, and Pyramex surviving shotguns at 8 yards. http://www.americanhunter.org/articles/ ... y-glasses/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[psijac]

[maverick2076]

ESS is made by Oakley. However, both the ESS ICE and Crossbow have been removed from the Army's APEL (Approved Protective Eyewear List) for unacceptable failure rates. You can google APEL and find what the Army approves for combat wear. I wore both the ICE 2's and the Crossbows during training and my last deployment, and I am not a fan. They are not durable or particularly comfortable. Wiley X makes several glasses that are much better and take prescription lenses, and the Oakley M frames are a big step up in quality if you like that style. Check out the APEL for some other good ideas if you want some well-tested ballistic eyewear.

EDIT: Here's the link to the APEL:

https://peosoldier.army.mil/equipment/eyewear/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Jumping Frog]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. Adding Oakley, Revision and Wiley to the list of choices to evaluate and price. ESS ICE is off the list, however the ESS Crossbow is still authorized. Thanks for letting me know your experience, maverick (and thanks for your service).

Keep 'em coming ....

[WildBill]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. Adding Oakley, Revision and Wiley to the list of choices to evaluate and price. ESS ICE is off the list, however the ESS Crossbow is still authorized. Thanks for letting me know your experience, maverick (and thanks for your service).

Keep 'em coming ....

It makes me wonder about the effectiveness of the "inexpensive" safety glasses they provide at work. They all have the ANSI Z87 label, but maybe the next time I go to the range I'll test them ...

[C-dub]

ESS is made by Oakley. However, both the ESS ICE and Crossbow have been removed from the Army's APEL (Approved Protective Eyewear List) for unacceptable failure rates. You can google APEL and find what the Army approves for combat wear. I wore both the ICE 2's and the Crossbows during training and my last deployment, and I am not a fan. They are not durable or particularly comfortable. Wiley X makes several glasses that are much better and take prescription lenses, and the Oakley M frames are a big step up in quality if you like that style. Check out the APEL for some other good ideas if you want some well-tested ballistic eyewear.

EDIT: Here's the link to the APEL:

https://peosoldier.army.mil/equipment/eyewear/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have the Oakley M-frames. The one's without the hinges. I have three different lenses and one of those are the green tinted lenses Oakley calls shooting lenses. On hazy days I like using them for driving because they kind of highlight yellow, orange, and red things. They do kind of dull green things, but during the daytime I can't really see the green tritium dots anyway and I don't wear the glasses at night. This is another reason I put the Trijicon HD sights with the orange around the front sight on my G21. I also have the yellow lenses, but don't use them very much.