6 Best Shooting Glasses [Hands-On & Real Views]

Eyes and ears…the two most important things to have at the shooting range.  You don’t want to end up like this guy…

Eye Patch Guy
Eye Patch Bro

We bought 6 of the most popular ones across different price points and tried them out with several buddies over a bunch of range trips.

Tested Shooting Glasses
Tested Shooting Glasses

By the end, you’ll know which one is best for your budget and intended use.

Table of Contents

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Ballistic Eyewear Standards

When you get shooting glasses…you want to make sure they meet some standard of impact resistance.  Otherwise, what’s the point?

Testing Shooting Glasses
Testing Shooting Glasses, Clay Shooting Magazine

There are three major standards:

  • US Civilian: ANSI Z87.1
  • US Military: MIL-PRF-31013
  • European: EN166

It’s recommended the minimum to meet is the civilian ANSI Z87.1 and if you’re really at risk of frag or projectiles…to meet the US military specs.

Now that’s out of the way…let’s get on with the 6 best shooting glasses!

1. Wiley X Saber

Wiley X Saber
Wiley X Saber

My overall favorite for style, coverage, and protection is the Wiley X Saber.

It covers more angles and exceeds the military MIL-RF-31013 standards for impact resistance, UV protection, and optical clarity.

Nosepiece is pretty comfortable and adjustable while the frame is normal thickness.  It didn’t smush into my head when wearing electronic earmuffs.

Also light…but not the cheap kind of light.

Wiley X Saber, View
Wiley X Saber, View

Smoke grey is also perfect for sunny days or gloomy days like the above.

Editor’s Pick
Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses

Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses

Readers’ Ratings

5/5 (3)

Your Rating?

2. Radians Revelation

Radians Revelation Shooting Glasses
Radians Revelation Shooting Glasses

Radians Revelations are what I consider the bare minimum to get.  $8 bucks and available in a couple colors.  They are decent in style but I do feel their affordable price point in the construction.

Meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards for high-velocity impacts so they’ll protect your eyes.

One great thing is that the frames are pretty thin and can bend up at angles to match almost all faces.

Radian Frame Adjustments
Radian Frame Adjustments

I got the light smoke lens and it’s a good mix for daytime and when it starts getting dark (or indoors).

Radians Shooting Glasses, View
Radians Shooting Glasses, View
Most Affordable
Radians Revelation Protective Shooting Glasses

Radians Revelation Protective Shooting Glasses

3. Allen Over Shooting Glasses

Allen Shooting Glasses
Allen Over Shooting Glasses

All my people out there with prescription glasses…Allen Over Shooting Glasses don’t look sexy but it will go over most regular glasses.

If you have prescription sunglasses…make sure they are not glass since glass plus impact is not good.  I’d opt for something like this that meets ANSI Z87.1 standards.

I always wear contacts and regular shooting glasses at the range…but this one I wore my regular glasses at home for 3 hours.  It definitely adds weight but after a while, you don’t notice it.

The sides are a little thicker so it can interfere with earmuff style hearing protection.  I’d opt for earplugs when wearing these.

Allen Shooting Glasses, View
Allen Shooting Glasses, View

Smoke color isn’t too dark so it should be usable for indoors shooting.

Best for Glasses Wearers
Allen Over Shooting & Safety Glasses

Allen Over Shooting & Safety Glasses

4. Radians Clay Shooting Glasses

Radians Clay Shooting Glasses
Radians Clay Shooting Glasses

If you’re really into clay shooting…Radians Clay Shooting Glasses might be for you.

The color is meant to make the orange clays pop out.  It works somewhat and I like how there’s no frame on the top to obstruct views…especially when looking upwards.

Nose is not that comfortable since it’s not adjustable.  But the frame is a thin wire so earmuffs are not a problem.  Very light overall but also a little flimsy.

Meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards for higher velocity.

Radians Clay, View
Radians Clay, View

If only I could pull off red lenses…

Best for Clay Shooting
Radians Clay Pro Shooting & Safety Glasses

Radians Clay Pro Shooting & Safety Glasses

5. Oakley Radar

Oakley Radar with Prizm Range Lens
Oakley Radar

You can never go wrong with Oakley.

I’ve been rocking the Oakley Radar for years since it has great coverage, meets the standards, and has different sized nose pieces.

It feels great even with earmuffs and never falls off when I’m sweaty.

Oakley Radar, View
Oakley Radar, View

I also like how it makes the colors pop out and it does help a little when I’m shooting with fiber optic sights.

Oakley Radar

Oakley Radar

Prices accurate at time of writing

Another Oakley pair that was designed specifically for shooting is the Oakley Tombstone that doesn’t have the top frame.  There’s the Spoil version for smaller heads and the Reap for normal/larger heads.

Oakley Tombstone
Oakley Tombstone

6. Smith Aegis Echo II

Smith Aegis Echo II
Smith Aegis Echo II

I really like the Smith Aegis Echo II.  It has everything I want in a frame…

Meets ALL three standards, has great coverage, and fit everyone that tried it because of the adjustable nose piece.  Think Oakley’s “Asian Fit” for us with smaller noses.

Smith Aegis Echo II Adjustable Nosepiece
Smith Aegis Echo II Adjustable Nosepiece

Also has a super thin frame that doesn’t get caught up in even tight earmuffs.

Smith Aegis Echo II Thin Temple
Smith Aegis Echo II Thin Temple

It feels quality and that means a little more weight than the others.

My only complaint is that the frame that’s “missing” in the top middle makes it a little bit too aggressive.  One person asked if I was on SWAT and another if I was from the Matrix.

Otherwise…it comes with a case and two lenses so you can shoot in both day and low-light.

Smith Aegis Echo II with Accessories
Smith Aegis Echo II with Accessories

This is my pick for something more premium that really protects your eyes and has you set for whatever environment.  As long as you can pull off the look.

Editor’s Premium Pick
Smith Optics 2015 Aegis Echo II Compact Elite Tactical Eyeshields

Smith Optics 2015 Aegis Echo II Compact Elite Tactical Eyeshields

Prices accurate at time of writing

Conclusion

Tested Shooting Glasses, Side
Tested Shooting Glasses, Side

There you have it…my pick for the affordable range is the Wiley X Saber.

Editor’s Pick
Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses

Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses

While for those that enjoy the finer things in life (and want extra protection and lenses)…the Smith Aegis Echo II.

Editor’s Premium Pick
Smith Optics 2015 Aegis Echo II Compact Elite Tactical Eyeshields

Smith Optics 2015 Aegis Echo II Compact Elite Tactical Eyeshields

Prices accurate at time of writing

Now that your eyes are protected…get yourself the best ear protection out there too.  We cover everything in-hand from earplugs to all the most popular electronic earmuffs in Best Shooting Ear Protection.

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