Ballistic & Tactical Eyewear

Why Eyewear is Important?

Being prepared for any operation or task with the proper eye protection is key for a successful campaign. Safety glasses provide protection and enhance your vision.

Types of Safety Glasses

For our military and outdoorsmen there are three main types of safety glasses: tactical, ballistic and polarized. Each style of eyewear provides different benefits and have certain construction standards.

• Ballistic eyewear are safety glasses or goggles that protect eyes from small projectiles and fragments.
• Tactical glasses are designed to provide superior protection and vision enhancement in any environment.
• Polarized sunglasses contain a special filter that blocks intense reflected light and reduces glare.

Eyewear Safety Regulations

Military-grade eyewear comes in a variety of certifications ranging from APEL, ANSI Z87 and MIL-PRE-31013, the level of certification required is dependent on the type of assignment and environmental conditions.

The Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL) provides our military personnel with a directory of ANSI Z87 and MIL-PRF-31013 certified brands and styles of safety glasses. Different assignments and a soldier’s preference can determine what type of safety glasses are purchased.

The ANSI Z87.1 standards are focused on protecting your eyes from object impact, liquid splashes and air debris. These glasses must be impact-rated and pass high-mass/high-velocity tests, in addition to providing eye protection from the sides.

The U.S. military standard (MIL-PRF-31013), requires (at a minimum) that eyewear protection can withstand a projectile at a velocity of 640 to 660 feet per second. In addition, the MIL-PRF-31013 standard includes requirements for optical clarity, UV ray protection, fit, chemical resistance, and environmental stability.

Popular Tactical & Military Glasses

Chamber Tactical Polarized Eyewear is a full coverage sunglass style that is ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-31013 approved. These polarized safety glasses are an ideal pick for military, law enforcement and the outdoor adventurist. They offer a large fit and coverage, lightweight frame construction and 100% protection from harmful UVA/UVB/UVC rays.

The Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame Strike 3.0 is the go-to option for military ballistic eyewear. These Oakley M Frame ballistic glasses are fully compatible with military helmets, suitable for use in low light to no light conditions, have a lightweight design with a secure fit and features Oakley’s HDO Optics with Polaric Ellipsoid Technology. In addition, all Oakley eyewear is tested to meet ANSI high velocity and high impact standards, Z87 certified as well as gives you 100% protection from UVA, UVB and UVC rays.

No matter if you are in the field, on patrol or off duty, eye protection is necessary. If you need ballistic and tactical eye protection or just a pair of casual sunglasses, Patriot Outfitters has a wide selection. We feature brands such as Oakley, Smith Optics and Condor whose products include Boogie Regulators, photochromic glasses, polarized lenses and ballistic eyewear.

Products that go with Ballistic Sunglasses

While ballistic safety glasses protect your eyes, our police and military must protect their body from the possibility of projectiles. Tactical armor such as the Galls SE Series IIIA Body Armor delivers lightweight comfort and flexibility at an incredible value. The body armor features custom sizing, waterproof ballistic panel cover, shirt tails and a six-point removable strapping system with adjustable hook and loop straps.

Another great addition to your uniform is the Vertx Long Sleeve Full Guard Performance Shirt. This long sleeve shirt offers a semi-compression fit to comfortably skim the body and easily layers under low-profile or overt pieces to boost performance in the field. It also features unmatched moisture and heat management no matter the environment and has a 4-way stretch for maximum mobility.

Stay safe and be prepared. Patriot Outfitters offers over 1,000 different gear options that can complete your tactical uniform. Check out our large selection of holsters, knives, handcuffs and duty gear.