Choosing the right tactical eyewear is one of the most important decisions you can make. Protecting your vision is key in any scenario, and failure to do so can lower your capabilities and put you at a higher risk for injury. Luckily, with the right eyewear, you can protect your eyes while still looking sleek and stylish. Because tactical goggles are used by a variety of professions, including military, tactical, and emergency response personnel, there are many different options to choose from. In this post, we’ll be explaining what makes a pair of glasses tactical-grade, clarifying the difference between polarized and non-polarized options, and showing you some of our top choices for protective eyewear for a range of budgets.

What Makes Tactical Eyewear Different?

Tactical-grade eyewear is different from your average pair of sunglasses that are found in the store. These glasses are designed to provide additional impact protection in harsh environments, which is why military, tactical, and emergency response personnel are required to wear them. However, even leisurely tactical gear users can benefit from a high-quality pair of glasses. Whether you’re hunting or shooting firearms recreationally, you always want to get the most accurate shot. Wearing quality eyewear helps you achieve this since you’re able to clearly see your target regardless of any potential interference from the weather.

While our collection includes styles featuring a variety of lens colors and types, many of our tactical-grade eyewear options feature similar characteristics. Some examples include visual recognition features (to help narrow down the scope of the target), color-tuned lenses (to help remove eye strain and reduce background noise), and special lenses designed to improve visual acuity to see reticle patterns under the scope. Most tactical glasses are designed to block 100% of the sun’s harmful UV and UVB rays, as well as various wavelength measurements of violet-blue light. This is kind of a general baseline for what tactical protective eyewear should look like, but we’ll share a few examples of specific glasses at the end of this post.

Polarized vs Not Polarized

If you’ve ever shopped for sunglasses or protective eyewear before, then you’ve probably noticed that many of the options are labeled as polarized or non-polarized. What does this mean, and why is it so relevant? If glasses are marked as polarized, it means they have anti-glare properties. Their lenses will reduce eyestrain and glare from the light, which improves the wearer’s safety and vision in sunny conditions. Having polarized eyewear is important for anyone spending long amounts of time outdoors, as the reflected light and glare from the sun can end up causing some serious injuries. Alternatively, non-polarized lenses don’t have a built-in filter that blocks out light rays. They still offer protection from the sun and its glare, but they aren’t as equipped as polarized options. Ultimately, anyone who needs additional sun protection should be looking for polarized eyewear to get the best results.

Best Tactical Goggles from TD

Now that you’ve learned a bit more about the basics of tactical eyewear, let’s look at some examples. Here at Tactical Distributors, we have a diverse selection of eyewear to choose from. Our inventory features only the best brands in the business, such as Oakley, Heat Wave, Smith, and more. No matter which style you go with, we guarantee you’ll always get the highest-quality products that are built to last when exposed to harsh environments.

One of our favorite styles is the Oakley SI Ojector Matte Black w/ Prizm Grey Polarized glasses. An extension of the Ahyris family of eyewear styles, which feature a unique design element on the frame, what sets the Ojector apart is the universally flattering silhouette. The lightweight O-Matter frame, designed with a three-point fit, helps provide all-day comfort, making these glasses ideal for professional and recreational use. These glasses are available in two different lens colors: Prizm Grey Polarized and Prizm Grey Black.
 
If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option, Heat Wave has some solid choices. The Heat Wave Future Tech Z87+ OD Green with polarized black lenses are reasonably priced and still offer the same protective features you’re looking for. These are some of our best-selling frames, now available in a limited edition OD Green colorway. The superior design of the Vise is evident with its hard lines, squared-up shape, and relaxed fit. If you’re looking for a bold look that isn’t too flashy and can pair well with any attire, these frames are a great choice.

Let Us Help You Find The Right Protective Eyewear

These are only two examples from our extensive inventory, so there are many more where these came from! Check out our complete selection of tactical eyewear today for more options. We understand that narrowing down your search can be challenging, so we want to make sure you know that we’re always happy to help out. Our customer service is top-notch, and we’re the best in the industry, guaranteed. Give us a call today to see what we can do for you!

Todd Askins