Eye Protection recomendations

Private Snafu

I've haven't been out skirmishing for a while, and since at my mast game my mesh Trackers were nicked, I'm looking for recommendations

Ideally I'd like goggles, but I won't immediately discount glasses (and full face is completely useless to me). My only real condition is that they are as near as fog proof as possible. Budget wise I'm willing to pay for quality and I'd be happier if I could source them in Ireland (if not Europe).

Cheers

NakedDex

The Bollé Raiders I got from Hobby Airsoft recently have been a revelation to me. I'm cursed with bad eyesight, and they're the first glasses I've been able to get Rx lenses installed in. Massively comfortable, no fogging issues so far and they look pretty damn slick to boot.

I know they're glasses rather than goggles, but that's an option. I've used both Bollé and ESS goggles previously and found both to be great too. Neither fogged up excessively (I always expect a bit of fogging with full-seal goggles).

Decoy

Bollé X800 goggles, as close to fog-proof as I've been able to find. Comfortable, not that cheap but worth the money, multiple coloured lenses to suit varying light conditions.

Decoy

I love Oakleys and own several pairs but as you said I would never wear them for airsoft due to the lack of a full seal.

Private Snafu

Decoy wrote: »

I love Oakleys and own several pairs but as you said I would never wear them for airsoft due to the lack of a full seal.

Raiders seem fantastic especially with the optional full seal, something I'm really considering at the moment.

I was also looking at the X1000's, but I'd really have to handle them before throwing down cash

StevieGriff

I've been using light adjusting Wiley X Blinks for a year now. Doubt I would ever got back to another brand now, they fit extremely well and have no gap, very rarely fog unless wearing a shemagh or something similar and the light adjusting lenses are very quick to transition and work extremely well in situations such as going from out in the open into dark forestry or going from daylight into dark buildings.

NakedDex

Wiley-X do good kit. I haven't used them because their range isn't massively Rx compatible (up to +/-4 you're covered, beyond that and you're out of luck). A few mates of mine in the US Army use the SG-1 series and find them fantastic. They use full seal to keep the dust out and it works a treat apparently, nicely vented too.

The Raiders I got in Hobby had the full seal kit included, along with three lenses, an Rx insert, one head strap and one pair regular legs (nice to have the choice).

damagegt

Ess Advance v12's.Just make sure you dont get the knock offs.I find these to be the best iv used.A great fit to your face and stay perfectly clear with one application of fogtech for the whole day.I Couldn't recommend them enough

Damo 2k9

Ive been looking for some eyewear myself, and was going to get bolle trackers.
I came across this site http://www.arcosafety.ie/products/3B6000/293412/Boll%C3%A9+Tracker+II+Spectacles and as you can see they have the trackers for 10 euro, with free shipping.
Im going to order some of the x90 goggles aswell because i prefer the larger type goggles. Will let yous know how i get on with the site itself.

Also, could anyone explain the advantages of the different colour lens for the goggles ?
Cheers

Inari

Clear - Clear
Yellow - Brightens up everything
Smoked - Darkens everything

That's the rough idea, at least.

Eye protection, in my opinion, requires constant investment and experimentation. Even when you find a combination that works for you, there is always a chance there's something else that could work better for you.

It's a pain in the ass, but they're your eyes...and they're not exactly cheap to replace

Lemming

damagegt wrote: »

Ess Advance v12's.Just make sure you dont get the knock offs.I find these to be the best iv used.A great fit to your face and stay perfectly clear with one application of fogtech for the whole day.I Couldn't recommend them enough

Also to add to this, the goggles are ventable by simply pulling the outer facing side of each goggle (individual per eye) out slightly and you get extra air circulation flow. The gap for side-venting is not enough for a BB to get through unless you are THE most unlucky person in the history of unlucky. Ever.

I also use a pair of ESS Ice 2.4 glasses - and in truth I use the glasses a lot more now than the goggles these days. But horses for courses; the V12 goggles are fantastic.

Edit: and to add to what Inari said about colour lenses, both the V12 and Ice have interchangeable lenses. Ice take a few seconds, the V12's are a bit of practice but there's a knack to it and done in about a minute or two.

Zen 2nd

Decoy wrote: »

I love Oakleys and own several pairs but as you said I would never wear them for airsoft due to the lack of a full seal.

I have a pair of Oakley goggles, I'm a bit concerned by the mention of a lack of a full seal? Is this for the glasses only or the goggles or am I'm out of the loop altogether

Decoy

Zen 2nd wrote: »

I have a pair of Oakley goggles, I'm a bit concerned by the mention of a lack of a full seal? Is this for the glasses only or the goggles or am I'm out of the loop altogether

I was only referring to Oakley glasses, I have no experience of Oakley goggles so can't comment on them

Damo 2k9

So i was looking at goggles that are a bit bigger than the trackers, and came across the bolle pilots. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bolle-Pilot-Clear-Safety-Goggles/dp/B000VDLP4G/ref=lh_ni_t
And before anyone says it, no i didnt choose these because they were cheap. I read on another site that there up to the safety standards and i like the design, im thinking of ordering these but wanted to see did anyone have any hands on experience with these ? And if so what are they like ?
Cheers

Private Snafu

Took the plunge and picked up a pair of Raiders today Delighted with them, I'll have to wait until Saturday though to try them properly!

Thanks for the advice folks

The_ChiefDUB

Here's a little something to think about when you are choosing eye protection - it also shows why we have a 1 joule limit in this country

WARNING THIS IS NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH - IT INVOLVES REAL CADAVER EYES BEING HIT BY BBs

http://www.airsoft2day.com/news/216-eye-protection-is-important-bbs-tested-on-cadaver-eyes.html

Bottom line is, the most important piece of kit you will take on to an airsoft field with you is your eye protection.

oh yeah - and it's in German.

Faolchu

I've just eated so i'm not looking at that LOL.

picked up a set of Bolle Trackers, used then for the forst time today, had no antifog so not sure how good they actually are but i thought the were pretty good today

StevieGriff

One quick reminder about using anti fog wipes and sprays:
Most anti fog products have solvents like chloroform in them as they were designed for use on glass. Most ballistic glasses like ESS, Oakley, Bolle..ect have poly carbonate lenses which solvents can dissolve and weaken.
So just remember to read whats in the bottle before ya drowned your goggles/glasses in something that's actually damaging them..

Faolchu

@steviegriff is there a particular brand of wipe that is known to be safe to use on Bolle's? I was out on sunday and forget to pick some up so teh lad at teh site suggested fairy liquid. granted it did help a little but I washed it off after just in case.

StevieGriff

Faolchu wrote: »

@steviegriff is there a particular brand of wipe that is known to be safe to use on Bolle's? I was out on sunday and forget to pick some up so teh lad at teh site suggested fairy liquid. granted it did help a little but I washed it off after just in case.

Sorry should have mentioned that, ESS's No Fog Cloths are solvent free.

Damo 2k9

Where did ya get them StevieGriff?