After doing extensive research I ordered a pair of Revision Sawflys based on their impressive specs alone. At the time, they were one of the few MIL-SPEC ballistic rated spectacles and APEL certified (Authorized Protective Eyewear List). Sawflys always seemed to come out on top in online reviews and video torture tests.

And compared to another stellar performer, the SMITH Aegis Arc

While the Sawflys gave me lots of confidence in terms of protection, they were one of the few pairs of eyewear that I have found too big! Of course they are available in a smaller size…but the look of the larger one has grown on me.

Years later, as part of my gun store tour, I visited Rangeview Sports and they carry the whole Revision line.

Once again, I was impressed, especially after handling test lenses that withstood shotgun blasts!

Having the opportunity to compare the models in person was very helpful and I landed on a pair of Hellflys, which are also ANSI and MIL-SPEC rated!

Although they are a tad small for my face, I love the look of the Hellflys and they feel ROCK solid. I have worn them a lot and currently keep them in my bug-out bag.

Lately I have been revisiting my eyewear collection and doing more research to see what is new in the market. Once again, Revision keeps coming to the top in terms of ballistic protection. I was just blown away by a Youtube video where a pair of Sawflys withstood multiple hits from a shotgun without any pellets penetrating and without the lens separating from the frame!

Since I already have something from their sunglass and spectacle lines, I decided to go with goggles this time. Specifically, the dual lens Bullet Ant.

It appears that the Bullet Ant has been re-designed at one point as you can see the corners have gone from round to square.

I actually prefer the look of the more ant-like original as it is much more unique.

As it happens Rangeview had Bullet Ants on sale. Given the low price I assumed they were Gen 1 but I was not sure and ordered them anyway. Let’s see if my instincts were correct…

So glad I was right!!

the full kit with clear lenses and cleaning cloth

ooo I love the look

The inner liner is rubber instead of the usual foam you might find in goggles. This is said to last longer. Of course, the main feature of these goggles are the hex-vents and Ocumax anti-fog coating, which are reputed to be stellar in keeping them fog free. I haven’t had a chance to put that to the test yet.

I will say they are very comfortable, “cover” my vision completely (meaning I cant see the edge of the fame out of the corner of my eye) so my eyes feel protected from all angles. Once again, they feel ROCK solid. I cant wait to wear them at the range.

Finally a family comparison pic.

The bottom line is that if you are looking for protective ballistic eyewear, I cant think of a better choice than Revision.

RL

I bought the Wiley X CQC goggles several years ago. At the time I was very intrigued by the concept of a low-profile goggle that can easily be converted into glasses by simply swapping out the headband for conventional arms.

However, the CQC mainly sat in my drawer unused. The main reason is that I found them too stiff and not super comfortable.

That having been said, I know that Wiley X has a great reputation for making safety eyewear and I have been meaning to give them another chance. The SG-1 seemed like the perfect candidate.

The SG-1 has been around for a while and is in active duty all over the world. This is not surprising considering the impressive specs: (from their website).
• designed to eliminate tunnel vision, keeping your view unobstructed
• The changeable lenses include a Facial Cavity™ that protects your eyes from dust and dirt.
• Shatterproof Selenite™ Polycarbonate lenses that meet the MIL-PRF-32432(GL) ballistic standards: ANSI Z87.1 optical clarity and high mass/high velocity impact standards: as well as US Federal OSHA 1910.133(b)(1)(1) standards
• 100% UVA/UVB protection with distortion free clarity
• T-Shell™ Lens coating resists scratching
• Foil™ lens coating provides anti-fog protection
• Sleek Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Compatible design

To put things in perspective, an ANSI Z87 rating is obtained by firing a 0.15 caliber steel ball at 150 FPS at the lens without penetration. The MIL-PRF rating requires resistance to a projectile of 0.15 caliber and 5.85 grain at 650 FPS for glasses and 0.22 caliber, 17 grain at 550 FPS for goggles. So four times the velocity for the MIL-PRF rating!

Once again, I reached out to my good friends at Select Shooting Supplies and was able to score a pair of SG-1s.

Wow that is a serious case

It comes with extra (clear) lenses, SG-1 Elastic Strap, and SG-1 Beaded Tactical Strap to convert them to goggles

While it is not for everyone, I LOVE the look of the SG-1.

Side view

The Facial Cavity foam inserts

My first impression is wow this is the exact opposite of my CQC in terms of stiffness…these are so supple and flexible!

They are much smaller than the CQC though

Clear size difference

Still I much prefer the SG-1 to the CQC. Also, I think I will leave them as sunglasses for now (as opposed to installing the goggle straps). I can’t wait to try them out at the gun range.

RL

I had heard of SPY Optic but didn’t know much about them until just a few days ago. An ad from Tactical Distributors Canada featuring SPY’s Standard Issue line popped up on my Facebook feed and that prompted me to do some research. Simply put, I liked what I saw!

Actually, there were three things that drew me to the lineup. First, the concept of their “Happy Lens” (which btw is being re-branded to HD+). Happy Lenses are said to “create a colour enhancing and colour contrasting experience you can see and feel,” or as their motto says “See Better, Feel Better.” Basically, the technology blocks out “negative” sun rays like short-wave blue light and UV that cause eye strain and fatigue while emphasizing “positive” rays like long-wave blue light that boost mood and alertness. The net result is that you are supposed to feel more balanced and in a better mood! Not sure how well that could work but in these shitty lock-downs, I can use all the help that I can get!

Secondly, SPY offers several models that are ANSI RX safety rated and pass Z87.2 standards for impact resistance, which is a must for me as I like to use my sunglasses at the shooting range. The “.2” and RX part of the rating means they will retain their ANSI safety even if you insert prescription lenses.

Their ANSI safety glasses are divided into two categories, rubberized and non-rubberized. Models like the General, Tackle, Flyer, Sprinter, Rover, and Quanta 2 all have rubberized temple tips and nosepads that become sticky when you sweat to ensure the glasses are kept in place when you are active. In the case of the Tackle, which is designed for fishing, the tacky rubber extends all the way across the bottom of the frame. Non-rubberized safety glasses include the Dirk, Bounty, Logan, and the Jackman, the last of which also passes Canadian CSA standards.

Thirdly, they have a Standard Issue line designed for military and LEO. All SOSI (SPY Optic Standard Issue) glasses are blacked out (matte or regular) and have a small flag next to the SPY logo on the inside of the left temple.

Based on all the above, I ordered a General right away from one of my favourite gun stores, Select Shooting Supplies. While the General is available with polarized lenses, Select only carries the non-polarized as this is what is approved for their LEO clientele. Hey if it is good enough for our local Blue, it is good enough for me!

The General is one of SPY’s biggest frames with the thickest temple for the most side coverage from light and potential debris. I really like the look of the very square frame, something a bit different. It is also rubberized and I wanted to see how well that works. Hey, if you are going to try a new brand then you may as well try all their features!

So without further ado…the SPY Optic General SOSI ANSI Rx Matte Black with Happy Grey-Green lens!

LOL I have watched Youtube unboxing videos going back over 10 years and SPY sunglasses always come in tissue paper

The General in all its glory

The massive temple coverage

Closeup of rubberized temple tips and nosepads

Closeup of Z87.2 rating and SOSI flag

And on the face! Also shown in this picture, an All Skill No Luck California Combat Hoodie, T3 Gear Defender Mask with Digi-Camo mask cover, and a Kel-Tec toque I scored at their booth at SHOT Show 2020.

and without the mask

I tried a through the lens pic but don’t think I did it justice

So am I in a better mood? Well, I am definitely happy I got these…look at that, it worked after all!

RL