Best glasses for gun protection?

[Mastrogiacomo]

I just tried on a pair of M Frame Oakley glasses tonight -- I was very impressed. Also loved their Half Jackets. I was thinking of the Half Jacket to take on the job if I get the armed position I'm going to apply for Wednesday. I'd like eye protection in case I ever have to use my gun, I want my eyes safe -- couldn't figure out which looked other brand of glasses look just as good but also offered solid protection -- Half Jackets? Who knows....

Thought of their prescription glasses but now I hear the customer service is a joke. I think I should look elsewhere for prescription eye glasses -- yet, I still like the M Frame for the range. I'm a bit torn because I don't want something so delicate. What's the best sports glasses to keep with me if I'm working?

 

[Prodigalshooter]

I admit bias on this question, as I am a long time Oakley user, but I don't think they are "delicate", except for the lens coatings.
If you get the appropriate storage "box" for the model you buy, you'll be able to keep the lenses in great shape. I was on a big group bike ride a few years ago and one of the guys dropped his M frames on the street as we rolled through an intersection (why he was fooling with his glasses at that moment is anyone's guess). The glasses hit the pavement and were promptley run over by 4 or 5 cyclists. When he recovered the glasses, the frames were fine, the lenses were scratched but useable. He bought a new lens and moved on.
I crashed hard in a mountain bike race one time and slid down a hill for quite aways, with lots of "face"time, and I credit the Oakleys I was wearing with protecting my vision; the right side of the lens had deep grooves (not scartches, mind you, grooves) carved into them. Glad they were there to protect me!
OK, enuff testimonials!
I have both the M frames and the newer Half Jackets, I'm really liking the slightly less wide Half jackets. But you can't beat a system that gives you all the lens color variants that Oakley does.
Whew, do you think I like them? I have 9 pair, along with quite a few different color lenses

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Do they all require "Lens coating?" I'd prefer not to have to be so careful handling the glasses at those prices if I can. I actually love the Half Jackets and the Wire 2.1 and Wire A as well as the Teaspoons.

 

[Prodigalshooter]

Well, maybe "coatings" is an incorrect term, I just meant that the lenses are the weakest link in their system, but that'd be true of any sunglasses. You can get the clear lens for indoors, or the vermillion, which sharpens up contrast. I go out of my way to be careful and protect the lenses when I'm not wearing them, they have lasted for years that way, except of course, for the crashes and such Get the hard case for whatever style you prefer and you'll be fine.
My Half Jackets are my current favorite

 

[Prodigalshooter]

Here's my eye armory

I should add however, that many people use far less expensive glasses with good results, I just like Oakleys cause they work "best" for me .

 

[9MonkeyMonkey]

Does anyone have any recommendations for prescription safety/sunglasses? I'm nearsighted, with about 9 diopters of correction on my bad eye. Anything that looks good, gives good side protection, and can take a lense that thick? Thanks.

 

[Doc]

I bought my first pair of Gargoyles when I saw the pair in the display case which had stopped a 22 LR fired directly at them (documentation accompanied the display).

I wear Gargoyles.

As for Rx lenses: any quality optical place should have options for you (ask about safety glasses for use in lab or factory).

 

[hso]

For prescription safety glasses you have 2 options. You may go to any large glasses shop (yes, even WalMart) and specify that you need safety glasse that meet ANSI Z87 specs (sorry ). This allows you to select amber, clear, polarized, dark lenses for your specific needs. You may also take a look at the UVEX line and request information on which models accept prescription inserts.

 

[DW]

I was thinking about getting a pair of the Oakley Half Jackets for shooting. Are you using the standard model, or the XLJ's? I prefer the looks of the standard size, but the XLJ's have a bigger lens which would offer more protection.

DW

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

About the issue of prescription lens -- which I need myself for the range -- wouldn't the Oakley M frame in prescription fit the bill? Isn't the M frame meant for range protection?

 

[Prodigalshooter]

Sorry for not responding sooner DW, I haven't ckd back till now. I do have the XLJ model. The lenses fir both size frames, just have different lens shapes/colors.
As far as the M frame, it's a great range fit, lots of coverage, even more if you get the largest lenses & they are perscription complaint. But, go to the website, there are quite a few now that can be done with your perscription, unlike a few years ago, when the M frame was the only one available that way.