Eye protection might seem like the simplest piece of gun gear, but it’s also one of the most important. Customers coming in to buy firearms and ammunition can benefit greatly from an eye pro display (although sometimes they might need a reminder of its importance). Eye pro is a fantastic add-on to bigger purchases. To makes things simpler, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top shooting glasses on the market that are worth stocking in your store.
SSP Methow Single HD Lens + Frame + XHD Case
SSP Eyewear designs and manufactures a line of quality eye pro specifically designed for the shooting sports. The company’s Methow Single HD Lens is a high-quality option for shooters who want a well-made set of eye pro that will last. These are not the type of eye pro anyone tosses into a range bag and forgets about. They’re designed for serious use and come with a hard-sided case to ensure the lenses remain unscathed when not in use (not much is more frustrating than a scratch you can’t avoid looking at during live fire).
The SSP Methow Single HD Lens exceed ANSI Z87.1+2015 standards. Meeting those standards — let alone exceeding them — means this eye pro meets the requirements set by the American National Standards Institute for protection from impacts. It’s the ballistic rating you and your customers should demand of all shooting glasses. In addition to protecting shooters’ eyes from impacts, Methow glasses are UV 400 protected and made for dynamic light management. The nosepiece is adjustable, frames are infrangible, and they’re made with a panoramic design, so shooters aren’t sacrificing peripheral vision. Frames are offered in various colors including black, teal, camo, and Desert Tan, while lenses are made in everything from clear to Huckleberry Purple to Tangerine Orange. This eye pro can be ordered with prescription lenses.
MSRP $99.99 (also available in a three-lens set with XHD case for $300.00 or six-lens kit with a soft-sided case for $375)
Leupold Switchback
Many shooting glasses are made with removable lenses or frames that only extend over the topmost portion of the eye pro. Some shooters understandably prefer eye pro with complete frames, and that’s where the Leupold Switchback comes in. Leupold optics are known for excellent overall quality, and that dependable performance extends to the company’s eye pro. The Switchback with a matte gray frame and blue mirror lenses is versatile enough to move from the range to the daily commute, and thanks to its design, this eye pro doesn’t look like what it is. These are the shooting glasses customers can and will wear all the time.
The Leupold Switchback is ANSI Z87.1+ ballistic rated with a wrap-around lens design, so the shooter’s eyes are protected from the front and the sides. Lens material is tough enough to withstand not only potential impacts but also the expected stress of hard use and extreme weather. The company’s In-Fused Polarized Technology makes the best of technological advances by fusing polarization film between layers for long-lasting protection that can’t be scratched or worn away. Additional features include maximum daylight UV protection, Diamondcoat scratch resistance, Guardion hydrophobic coating, and a non-slip nosepiece.
MSRP $189.99
Tactical RX Mad Scientist
Tactical RX is known for superior quality prescription lens shooting glasses, but the eye pro maker also manufactures non-prescription models. That’s useful because you can tell customers their favored eye pro is available with a prescription as well. The Mad Scientist eye pro from Tactical RX has an additional detail that’s perfect for shooters doing close-quarters work or those who shoot a lot of steel. Side shields are located directly behind the lenses for additional protection from flying objects, and if the shooter doesn’t want or need them, they can be removed and replaced as desired.
The Tactical RX Mad Scientist’s full-frame design makes it easy to transition from the range to the drive home (and if customers prefer a sleeker look, they should check out the company’s SOB model). This eye protection fits medium to medium-large heads. The frame is black and the lenses are available in either clear or gray. We recommend clear for indoor range work and gray for outdoor use. According to Tactical RX, all their eye pro far exceeds ANSI Z87 standards. Mad Scientist eye pro ships with a rugged hard case to keep lenses protected when not being worn.
MSRP $99.99
ESS Crowbar Polarized Mirrored Green
The ESS Crowbar is part of the Waterman Collection that drew inspiration from the colors found in the wilderness. Lenses are mirrored green to look similar to the colors found in alpine lakes and frames are gray matte carbon. This eye pro is compliant with ANSI Z87.1-2020, CE and U.S. Federal OSHA standards for fantastic protection while shooting. In addition, Crowbar eye pro provides 100% UVA and UVB protection — an important detail for customers spending time outdoors.
ESS made its Crowbar eye protection with interchangeable lenses, leaving the bottom frameless. The company’s Lens Gate technology facilitates fast, secure lens changes while delivering a broad field of view. Lens material is military-grade polycarbonate. This eye pro is made with a small-to-medium fit with arms that curve along the wearer’s head for a more comfortable feel. It ships with a hard case, elastic retention strap, and microfiber cleaning pouch. Numerous lens color options are also available, as are two- and three-lens kits. ESS Crowbar is a great fit for smaller-framed or youth shooters.
MSRP $165.
Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0
Oakley’s SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0 eye protection is ideal for customers requiring a wider fit or a high bridge. This is Oakley’s XXL-size and measures 145mm wide with 135mm arms. The SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0 surpasses ANSI Z87.1 standards. Lenses are made with Plutonite, a proprietary material that delivers fantastic clarity. Plutonite also protects the wearer’s eyes from UVA and UVB light up to 400 nm wavelength. In addition, this eye pro utilizes Oakley’s Prizm lens technology for enhanced clarity and contrast, making targets easier to visualize regardless of weather. The Prizm TR45 used in this model offers 44% light transmission and a rose base lens color for ideal performance in low-light conditions.
These shooting glasses are made to stay in place even in the rain or if the wearer gets sweaty. Plus, they’re anti-fog coated, so clarity remains even in wet conditions. This eye pro is also versatile far beyond standard range use. According to Oakley, the SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0 is completely compatible with helmet-mounted night vision and MICH, ACH, CVD, PASGT, and Crye helmets. The O-Matter frames are both impact- and chemical-resistant. And if the customer will be using ear muffs or communication systems, they’ll be pleased to know this eye pro uses thin stem technology for compatibility with that gear. This is ultra-light eye pro that weighs in at just 1.05 ounces. It’s a solid option for customers who demand the best possible performance from their eye protection. Eye pro ships with a hard clamshell-style Ellipse O case, and replacement parts are available.
MSRP not known at this time. Average dealer listing is $165.
