Today, for many soldiers, tactical glasses are not a luxury, but a necessity. But if the US Army is fully equipped with protective equipment for certain parts of the body, then many military personnel of the Russian Federation cannot even dream of goggles. Nevertheless, this is the only effective method of protection against dust, shots, fragments, and sometimes even .22LR bullets. Let's talk in more detail on this topic and consider the most popular and recognizable manufacturers.
General points
The lenses of shooting glasses are made of a special material - ballistic polycarbonate. As you may have guessed, it has high strength, therefore it is resistant to mechanical damage. Usually, to improve eye protection, ballistic polycarbonate inserts are made on the side and bottom, which prevents fragments from entering from the sides. In addition, sometimes modified versions are made that protect a large area of ​​the face. By the way, you probably didn’t know, but rifle or tactical glasses are often called “NATO points”. Every year, specialists try to expand the scope of these products, so today they are often used in everyday life.
Tactical diopter glasses
Specialists of the company 5.11 Tactical were the first to develop a custom design of goggles. In fact, engineers were able to expand the scope of such devices. Employees of the company fully preserved their strength characteristics and significantly worked out the design and level of comfort. In principle, some tactical glasses cannot be distinguished from ordinary sunglasses. But they not only protect against ultraviolet radiation, you can go hunting, fishing or cycling and shooting in them. In this case, your eyes will be safe. You can not be afraid that if they fall, they will break and be scratched or fall off you. The fact is that the mounts on such glasses are very reliable, and they practically do not scratch or crack. It is worth paying attention also to the fact that almost all modern tactical glasses with diopters. This means that even if you have poor eyesight, this is not a problem. These glasses will replace your usual, corrective vision. For example, if you have a -2 vision, then you need “NATO points” for 2 diopters, etc.
About Okley
A company known as Oakley is considered the market leader in tactical eyewear. Back in 2007, management bought out the ESS organization, which since the beginning of the 2000s was considered one of the largest in this field. As a result, Oakley began selling ESS brand goggles. Today they are supplied not only to the military, but also to firefighters, as well as rescuers. But, in addition to this, often such points are acquired by hunters, fishermen and just lovers of an active lifestyle. For example, in Ukraine, “NATO glasses” are officially in service with the SBU. Another area of ​​application of such protective equipment is airsoft. Despite the fact that they are not talking about firearms, the speed of the ball is enough to damage the eyes. In principle, Oakley - tactical glasses, time-tested. Most models protect not only from fragments, but also from bullets.
ESS ISE Overview
This model of glasses was released back in 2001. However, even today it has not lost its popularity, although it has survived a large number of modifications. For the most part, they all touched the arms, which they tried to make more practical, durable and comfortable. The ESS ISE package includes a smoky, transparent and yellow lens, as well as an elastic case and a special wipe. In addition, an instruction is attached. You can not ignore the level of protection that these glasses provide. It uses a 2.44 mm lens made of lightweight polycarbonate. Even without additional coatings, this solution allows you to completely protect the eye from ultraviolet radiation. We can say that ESS ISE tactical glasses are an excellent solution for those who want to protect their eyes, but do not have enough money to buy more expensive models. Today, the price of such "NATO points" is approximately 50-70 dollars.
About REVISION
This is one of the few manufacturers of tactical goggles whose products have been officially recommended for use during combat operations by the US Army. Today, Revision Military is an international company that has been on the market for more than 13 years. In 2002, the first developments of the company were shown and demonstrated in action. They immediately attracted the attention of many. A year later, the company wins a tender for the supply of 80 thousand tactical points of the US Army. A little later, he received another tender, already 110,000 copies. As a result, Revision tactical goggles entered service with Germany, France and the United States. It is currently the primary competitor of an organization called ESS. The first Revision Sawfly released was different from the ESS ISE in that it had a large protection area and practical arms.
Tactical Shatterproof Glasses
These are usually masks, as they provide better protection. If we talk about the strength characteristics, then a lot depends on the thickness of the lens. However, in most cases, protection against direct bullet hit fails. Although some models can withstand a shot from a small distance of the 12th caliber and .22LR. But protection from fast-flying fragments is a completely different matter. If a shot from a smoothbore weapon in the forehead or jaw does not lead to death, then such damage, but in the eyes, can help the soldier to be disabled. It makes sense to pay attention to models that have 3-layer polycarbonate lenses. The outer layer must be of increased strength and protected from scratches by a special coating. The inner layer must be protected against fogging. There are several methods used to solve the problem. In one case, a special coating is used, in the other - a special hole for forced ventilation.
What should be the lens
Of course, a lot depends on what material will be used to make the lenses. As noted above, ballistic polycarbonate is in high demand. Although it is worth noting that other, less durable material is often used. Such glasses can be considered a real fake. Firstly, they will not provide any protection against fragments, and secondly, if the lens breaks and gets into your eye, the consequences can be sad. Based on this, we can say that you do not need to be fooled by cheap fakes. The most inexpensive options can not cost less than 1,500 rubles. The priority is not to buy models cheaper than 2-3 thousand. Another important point is the equipment. Agree, it is very annoying if the lens breaks, but there is nothing to replace it with. To prevent this situation from happening, always pay attention to what comes with the kit. Additional lenses must be included. Usually there is one set of transparent, one - yellow and smoky. Total 6 lenses, or three sets. Do not forget that these should be tactical glasses with interchangeable lenses, otherwise they will not be of any use.
Bolle Products
This manufacturer comes from France. This is not to say that this is a highly specialized organization. However, it is one of the most famous manufacturers of optics in the world. The company is engaged in the manufacture of sunglasses, tactical, ski and other types of glasses. In addition, 120 years of experience make themselves felt, so the products are mostly of high quality, but the price is consistent. Nevertheless, in the assortment you will not find models that protect the organs of vision from fast-flying fragments. For example, Bolle Axis reliably protects your eyes from low-speed fragments. A polycarbonate lens withstands the impact of a metal ball with a diameter of 6 mm and a weight of 0.85 grams at a speed of 45 m / s. This is clearly not enough for use during hostilities, but more than enough for cycling, hunting, fishing, etc. In principle, Bolle Axis tactical glasses are relatively inexpensive and will cost about 1,500 rubles.
Goggles Daisy
The Daisy brand is known to every American who loves an active lifestyle. The most popular glasses from this manufacturer among cyclists, as they provide reliable eye protection from sand, dust and other small particles. For example, the Daisy C5 model has an acetate frame and photochromic polycarbonate glass. Interestingly, the kit delivers 4 sets of interchangeable lenses. This allows you to adjust to any level of lighting. As for consumer reviews about this company, they are more positive. Buyers talk about the high quality of the product and its strength characteristics. Lenses are rarely scratched, and it is extremely difficult to break them. Daisy Tactical Goggles can be advised by professional cyclists or hunters who find it extremely important to see a clear, undistorted image without sun glare. The cost of such points is different, the C5 model will cost about 2-2.5 thousand rubles, and C4, C3, C2, C1 - a little cheaper.
Protective mask ESS Influx
In 2015, ESS is going to release a new generation of safety glasses that will replace the acclaimed ESS Profile. This ballistic mask has a number of significant differences from its predecessor. For example, passive ventilation is used here for the first time, which is more effective. In addition, the developers managed to achieve better compatibility with various night-view devices. Also, the opportunity to conveniently adjust the glasses when wearing a protective helmet. But a few words need to be said about ventilation. The AVS system is interesting in that it is extremely simple, but at the same time as efficient as possible. A small switch on the upper rim of the glasses allows you to switch the lens to the "open" or "closed" position. If you open it, then the lens moves slightly away from the frame, which allows you to increase airflow and eliminate fogging. If the switch is put in the “closed” position, then the mask reliably protects the eyes from wind, dust and other particles.
Something else
A few words need to be said about ESS Eyewear. This is a very expensive equipment worth 8,000 rubles. Nevertheless, the effectiveness is simply amazing. There is a two-level ventilation system from two AA batteries for 150 hours of operation, and 2.6 mm thick lenses that protect against fast-flying fragments. In principle, these are very popular points among the military. Many emit quality Turbofan ventilation. Its essence lies in the fact that cold air enters through the lower hole, and warm air is discharged through the upper one. In light mode, ventilation works about 150 hours. Of course, this pleasure is not cheap, so it hardly makes sense to buy such glasses for fishing or cycling. But fans of airsoft, they will be very welcome.
Conclusion
Now you know what tactical protective glasses are and why they are, in fact, needed. Today, in many stores you can find such protective equipment, but not all of them are able to protect your eyes, remember this. An instruction must always be attached in which it is written what the lens is made of and what its strength is. Although it is extremely important that you see through these lenses, as without them, that is, they should not interfere with or distort the picture. But if for an ordinary person this moment may not seem so significant, for the military it is almost a key factor. In addition, interchangeable lenses are extremely important. So, in bright weather, transparent glasses do not give any effect, but gray ones will create comfort for your eyes. Remember that tactical glasses should be as light as possible. Usually they do not weigh more than 100-200 grams. In principle, this is all on this topic.