Let’s talk about eyepro (or eye pro) – Eye Protection.
We’ll look at some options that are affordable, but good.
We’ll look at safety glasses meant for tactical use – meaning shooting – or being shot at.
These are not sunglasses per se, but many have tinted lens options and 100% UV protection – so they are sunglasses.
But they are far better because they offer the ballistic protection needed for shooting and other high risk activities.
All these will meet the minimum standards for impact protection as required by the US military.
Here’s the ballistic rated eyewear we’ll look at:
Oakley Ballistic M Frame 2.0 Shield Sunglasses
You’ve heard of Oakley – and these are good.
These have attained near legendary status and are heavily in use by all branches of the US military.
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Why are these popular?
They offer mil-spec ballistic protection.
They are z87 rated – it’s stamped right on the frame.
With minimal visual distortion.
The lenses and nose pieces are interchangeable. For example, you can swap out the lenses for clear – if that’s what you need.
Made in the USA.
And they are insanely comfortable – which is important if you have to wear them a lot.
OK, they look good too.
Additionally, these have excellent warranty and customer support from Oakley – even when you are overseas.
Please note these are NOT polarized though.
Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame Alpha Array
Want to step it up one level from the M Frame?
Get the No products found. that includes grey and clear lenses.
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By the way, these will work with all sorts of helmet-mounted night vision devices and popular helmets including MICH, ACH, PASGT, Ops-Core, Team Wendy, and more.
Gatorz Magnum Z Tactical Sunglasses
The No products found. are very popular with special operations forces.
They look super-sweet.
But, more importantly they are Z87+ rated and work great.
These are made in the USA with 7075 military grade Aluminum frames.
They include a lifetime promise.
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ESS CrossBlade
ESS is a division of Oakley, and they make the No products found..
The manufacturer calls these “ballistic eyeshields”. They are made in the USA, and are Z87.1+ rated.
These include advanced ClearZone Anti-fog coatings plus two different sized lens and nosepiece options to allow for customizable modular fit.
Users can choose between a Standard lens and nosepiece or NARO lens and NARO nosepiece.
These are modular – that means they can be fit to the end user’s facial structure. This means better performance and comfort.
These have easily replaceable lenses.
This particular kit comes with 2 “NARO” lenses: clear and smoke gray lenses.
Why different lenses? Here’s why:
- Clear – General purpose tint for maximum visibility.
- Smoke Gray – Provides protection from glare and high levels of visible light and ultraviolet radiation without distorting color perception.
- Hi-Def Yellow – Best for enhancing contrast and light in low light applications (dusk, dawn or foggy environment); not recommended for night driving or bright light environments.
- Hi-Def Rose Copper – Reduces blue light and enhances contrast. Also helps Red colors stand out. Makes a great driving lens.
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These are compliant with: U.S. Federal OSHA, ANSI Z87.1-2015, CE EN 166 and U.S. MIL-PRF-32432A standards.
ESS Rollbar
If you like the specs on those, but want a more conservative style of glasses, take a look at the No products found..
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As you can see they have a more conservative style of frame.
But, they meet the z87.1 impact standards, and have interchangeable lenses.
Revision Military Sawfly Basic Solar
The No products found. is a no-frills pair of ballistic rated sunglasses.
These are bit cheaper than the others – and the lenses are replaceable.
The lightweight frame and ultra-thin arms ensure a perfect fit with hearing protection and communications headsets.
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Wiley X Talon
The No products found. is another eye pro option.
These offer ballistic protection thanks to the Selenite Polycarbonate Lenses, as well as 100% UVA/UVB protection.
It comes with 3 lens colors too.
Protection for your Eye Protection? Sunglass Hard Cases
All these glasses are expensive – because they are good.
When they are not in use, stow them in the Polemax MOLLE Glasses Hard Case (Buy on Amazon).
It has a variety of mounting options, and will work on any belt, anything with MOLLE, or clip it just about anywhere.
Unfortunately though, it’s only available in black.
Need a Coyote Brown or Multicam hard glasses case?
Take a look at the No products found..
This one can be mounted just about anywhere as well.
Eye Pro – In Summary
You’re going to need sunglasses – so you might as well get a good pair that also offer some amount of protection.
And once you get them, take care of them.
And by the way, if you are going to protect your eyes – might as well protect your ears as well.
Last update on 2026-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
