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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Eye Protection (Shooting)

Guard your vision with ballistic-rated shooting glasses that meet military standards.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Oakley

SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0

4.8 (5,678 reviews)

Military-grade ballistic protection in shooting glasses. Oakley SI gear is what special forces trust when failure isn't an option.

Standard

MIL-PRF-31013

Lens

Plutonite

Coverage

Full peripheral

Interchangeable

Yes

Pros

✓ MIL-PRF-31013 rated
✓ Plutonite lens clarity
✓ Interchangeable lenses

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ Lenses sold separately
✗ Style divisive

$179

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0 Best Oakley	4.8	$179	View
Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses Value Wiley X	4.7	$50	View
Crossbow 3LS Kit ESS	4.8	$99	View
Venture II Safety Glasses Pyramex	4.5	$5	View
Aegis Arc Compact Eyeshield Smith Optics	4.6	$75	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Oakley

SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0

4.8 (5,678 reviews)

Military-grade ballistic protection in shooting glasses. Oakley SI gear is what special forces trust when failure isn't an option.

Standard

MIL-PRF-31013

Lens

Plutonite

Coverage

Full peripheral

Interchangeable

Yes

Pros

✓ MIL-PRF-31013 rated
✓ Plutonite lens clarity
✓ Interchangeable lenses

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ Lenses sold separately
✗ Style divisive

$179

View on Amazon

Best Value

Wiley X

Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses

4.7 (12,345 reviews)

Military-rated protection at civilian prices. Wiley X delivers serious ballistic standards without the boutique markup.

Standard

ANSI Z87.1+, MIL-PRF

Lens

Selenite polycarbonate

Interchangeable

Yes

Pros

✓ ANSI Z87.1+
✓ MIL-PRF rated
✓ Excellent value

Cons

✗ Temple tips could be better
✗ Nose piece adjustment
✗ Polarized extra

$50

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Premium Pick

ESS

Crossbow 3LS Kit

4.8 (4,567 reviews)

The eye protection issued to US military forces. Three lens colors adapt to any light condition from dawn hunts to bright ranges.

Standard

MIL-PRF-31013

Lenses

3 included

Frame

Nylon

Features

DedBolt lock

Pros

✓ Three lens colors
✓ Mil-Spec tested
✓ Distortion-free

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ Frame only one color
✗ Can fog

$99

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Budget Pick

Pyramex

Venture II Safety Glasses

4.5 (34,567 reviews)

Five dollars for certified ballistic protection. Pyramex proves you don't need to risk your eyes regardless of budget.

Standard

ANSI Z87.1+

Lens

Polycarbonate

Weight

0.9 oz

99% protection

Pros

✓ Incredibly cheap
✓ ANSI Z87.1+
✓ Comfortable fit

Cons

✗ Basic styling
✗ Less peripheral coverage
✗ Lens quality varies

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Smith Optics

Aegis Arc Compact Eyeshield

4.6 (6,789 reviews)

Smith brought ski goggle technology to ballistic eyewear. The Aegis Arc stays clear and fog-free when others cloud up.

Standard

MIL-PRF-31013

Lens

Carbonic TLT

Nose

Megol

Lenses

Interchangeable

Pros

✓ Compact design
✓ Anti-fog coating
✓ Meets MIL-PRF

Cons

✗ Smaller fit
✗ Limited retail
✗ Case could be better

$75

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Eye Protection (Shooting)

How to Choose Shooting Eye Protection

Eyes Don't Heal
Brass ejection, splashback, ricochets, powder residue—the range presents constant eye hazards. Protection isn't optional.

### Safety Standards
ANSI Z87.1+: American industrial standard. The "+" means high-velocity impact rated.

MIL-PRF-31013: Military ballistic standard. Higher protection than ANSI.

### Lens Colors for Conditions
Clear: Indoor ranges, low light
- Smoke/gray: Bright sun, true color
- Yellow/amber: Low light, overcast, enhances contrast
- Orange/vermillion: Sporting clays, enhances orange targets

### Fit Considerations
- Must work with ear protection
- Full peripheral coverage preferred
- Anti-fog coating for comfort
- Interchangeable lenses add versatility

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Protection (Shooting)

Regular sunglasses or shooting glasses?

Shooting glasses only. Regular sunglasses aren't impact rated and can shatter. ANSI Z87.1+ minimum for any shooting.

What lens color for outdoor shooting?

Smoke/gray for bright conditions, yellow/amber for low light. Clear for indoor. Many shooters carry multiple colors.

Do shooting glasses work with ear muffs?

Good ones do. Look for slim temple arms. Some shooters prefer foam plugs to avoid the seal issue.

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