From GATORZ . . .
GATORZ Eyewear announces lens expansion for its popular Specter frame, introducing polarized mirrored lens options.
The Specter frame, introduced last year, has become a popular frame for those looking for an edgier, full coverage frame. A high-performance frame, with thin temples that fit comfortably under helmets or ear protection, Specters are versatile for any activity.
The Specter frame offers recessed pockets in the temple providing added dimension and style while reducing the overall weight of the frame. It also features a flatter front with curved edges adding strength, and an interlocking hinge area that eliminates peripheral light from getting in.
With the growing popularity of the Specter frame, it was an easy decision to expand the lens offerings. This new release of polarized mirrored lenses offers an enhanced lineup of options for those looking to add a little flair to their everyday eyewear needs.
Like all GATORZ eyewear, the new polarized, mirrored Specters are high velocity impact resistant, and offer increased glare reduction and contrast. Available in green, sunburst, gold, chrome and blue mirrored lenses.
American-made, and backed by a lifetime frame warranty, GATORZ frames are built from lightweight, durable, aircraft-grade billet 7075-T6 aluminum and are designed to provide excellent coverage. Both the frame and the nosepiece fully adjust to you, and not the other way around.
For more information on the new polarized mirrored Specter lenses, please visit: www.gatorz.com/pages/specter.
$270 on that linked website, wow.
Comparable with low to mid end designer sunglasses. Probably wouldn’t get it unless I have a lot of excess cash but if they are durable and clear I can see how it would be worth it to others.
Mostly a Ray-Ban or Costa myself depending on what I’m doing, but I’d take a look at them. Price is not that bad. Good eyewear is like everything else. You can buy a pair of sunglasses at the marina for $9.99. Spend 10 hours on the Gulf of Mexico when there’s no cloud cover. Let me know how those $9.99 glasses worked out for you.
I get these, much cheaper, wearable at work as they are Ansi certified and they really work great.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ergodyne-Skullerz-Dagr-Black-Polarized-Safety-Glasses-Tinted-Lens-ANSI-Certified-DAGR/308555118
Yep, I use a pair of Skullerz glasses for shooting glasses (in the link from Silentbrick).
For those that do not know: MIL-SPEC is a short way of saying ‘Military Specification’ that covers the technical requirements for items that are unique to the military or heavily modified commercial items. MIL-PRF is a short way of saying ‘Military Performance Specifications’ for items that meet compliance requirements of products, as well as the criteria (MIL-SPEC) they should meet. (note: MIL_SPEC is around you every day in non-firearm application, its just not noted as MIL-SPEC. For example, over 90% of the metal components in your car meet MIL-SPEC.)
MIL-PRF is applied for – how the item should function, the type of environment in which it should operate, interchangeability with other items and systems.
So with MIl-PRF you are getting both MIL-SPEC and MIL-PRF.
The Skullerz glasses lenses in the link by Silentbrick meet ANSI Z87.1+, CSA Z94.3 and MIL-PRF 32432 Ballistic Fragmentation Protection.
The Gatorz glasses lenses Meet MIL-PRF 32432A, Clause 4.8.4 Ballistic Fragmentation Protection, and ANSI Z87.1-2015.
MILSPEC Ballistic, Lenses Meet MIL PRF 32432A, Clause 4.8.4 Ballistic Fragmentation Protection Compliant with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 2015 Standard Impact testing to withstand two hits from a.15 caliber projectile between 700-725 feet per second, without cracking, shattering, or dislodging.
MIL-PRF-32432 glasses are shot with a small and fast steel penetrator at 7.4 Joules While ANSI Z87.1/Z87+ glasses are rated to stop a 0.25″ steel ball at 150 feet/second (102 MPH), military ballistic eyewear must stop a 0.15″ steel projectile traveling up to 660 feet/second (450 MPH).
CSA Z94.3 standards applied to eye and face protectors used in all occupational and educational operations or processes involving hazards to the eyes or face AND most sporting applications (including shooting). The Gatorz glasses are not listed in their website specs as meeting CSA Z94.3 – The Skullerz are listed as meeting CSA Z94.3. (note: This does not mean the Gatorz can not be used for shooting glasses, they can. It just means the Gatorz under this standard are not approved for shooting glasses use. Its not necessary to meet this standard for shooting glasses use)
The ANSI Z87.1 standards in general references the standard for personal Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices. These standards are for personal eye and face protection devices providing the necessary protection from impact, non-ionizing radiation, liquid splash exposures, other eye hazardous things
‘ANSI Z87+’ means that the glasses are those that are best designed for protection: they reduce/mitigate the chances of hazardous materials or circumstances injuring your eyes.
‘ANSI Z87.1-2015’ means the glasses minimize injury (but are not best designed for protection like under ANSI Z87+).
‘ANSI Z87+’ is more for the work place with potential for hazardous materials to be present. For example, protect against sawdust, laboratory workers can guard against harmful chemical splashes, and metalworkers can protect themselves from sparks, shrapnel, and other hazards.
‘ANSI Z87.1-2015’ is more for general use safety glasses function which can also be workplace use.
‘ANSI Z87+’ is the most protective all around.
The Skullerz are 10% the cost of the Gatorz, but both are suitable for shooting glasses or general wear (if you wish). The Gatorz are more ‘designer/fashion’ wear focused.
Just in case some want to know.. there is no ar-15 commercially manufactured semi-auto rifle for the civilian market that will meet MIL-PRF requirements as an assault weapon or assault rifle.
So… Oakley Gascans at the same price point but the O replaced by a arrow type thing.
2005 called with brilliant sunglass design, apparently.
I’ll stick with my Maui Jims. Best lenses in sunglasses for years running now.
The brand offers versions of the Specter design with ANSI Z87.1 2015 ratings, but none of this ad’s mirrored bling lenses provide that protection. They’re better than nothing, and likely better than ordinary fashion sunglasses, but I’m surprised they’re advertising the non-ballistic rated products on a gun site.
Regarding protective glasses from Home Depot, their ANSI rating (not Z87.1) says they’re suitable for sawdust, drywall, paint splatter, etc. It’s better than bare eyes, but not really effective against ballistic debris.
I wear the ESS Crossbow with a prescription insert behind the ballistic shield. It might not be as stylish as these, or the similar looking ballistic sunglasses in ESS’s product line, but I’m satisfied with their performance.
The sunglasses linked by Silentbrick are marked “Z87+S” on the lens and the description says “Meet ANSI Z87.1+, CSA Z94.3 and MIL-PRF 32432 ballistic impact”
You do not need to spend a fortune to get sunglasses that meet Z87 or MIL-PRF (better) standards. Elvex also makes several styles that meet the standard and they start at least than $10.
The sunglasses linked by Silentbrick are ANSI Z87.1+, CSA Z94.3 and MIL-PRF 32432 ballistic impact.
‘ANSI Z87+’ means that the glasses are those that are best designed for protection: they reduce/mitigate the chances of hazardous materials or circumstances injuring your eyes.
ANSI Z87.1-2015 is a lesser standard and means the glasses minimize injury (but are not best designed for protection like under ANSI Z87+). The GATORZ glasses meet this spec but do not meet the ‘ANSI Z87+’ standard protection provided by the home depot link glasses provided by Silentbrick.
CSA Z94.3 standards applied to eye and face protectors used in all occupational and educational operations or processes involving hazards to the eyes or face AND most sporting applications (including shooting). The Gatorz glasses are not listed in their website specs as meeting CSA Z94.3. The home depot glasses in the link from Silentbrick are listed as meeting this spec.
‘MIL-PRF 32432’ – both of these glasses brands meet this standard.
The Skullerz (at the home depot link) are 10% the cost of the Gatorz, but both are suitable for shooting glasses or general wear (if you wish). The Gatorz are more ‘designer/fashion’ wear focused. Between the Gatorz and the home depot glasses, If you wanted the better all around protection based upon meeting required standards of MIL-PRF and commercial standards and the standard for sports wear glasses (shooting) the Skullerz (at the home depot link) are the better choice.
I have a couple pair that I wear for work in the west texas oilfield and at home as sunglasses and shooting glasses. They hold up great and I’m not terrified of losing or breaking them.
I give it 6 months and California will ban these stating it’s ballistic armor.
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