Gargoyles Eye Protection for Shooting

I’m going to go ahead and say something that should be obvious… eye and ear protection for shooting is a must! Although I think most shooters are sold on the need to protect their hearing at the shooting range, it seems that many people still skimp on eye protection. With all the ejected brass, potential for ricochet, and other airborne threats encountered at the range, not wearing eye pro while shooting is very risky!

So, why do so many people tend to overlook eye protection? I’m sure that many people simply fall victim to the “it can’t happen to me” delusion. But, I think there is another reason. I think many shooters get frustrated with all the low quality eye pro that exists. I’m sure we’ve all had experience with the poor fitting glasses and the easily scratched lenses that actually reduce your visibility. No doubt about it… those type of glasses are very frustrating. So, allow me to introduce you to a better option… Gargoyles Performance Eyewear!

My experience with Gargoyles actually began during my motorcycle-riding college days. Even back then, my eyes were super-sensitive to wind. So, trying to ride without eye protection was impossible. Thankfully, a buddy of mine introduced me to the wrap-around design of Gargoyles Classics. Not only did these glasses fit great, they also provided a very high level of impact protection and optical clarity. As for durability… I purchased my original Gargoyles in 1992. They were still in great shape when I lost them sometime around 2005.

My motorcycle days have been over for quite a while. But, because of my involvement in shooting, the need for eye protection certainly still exists. After years of wearing the cheap eye pro that I previously mentioned, I decided it was time to upgrade to some better equipment. Coincidentally, Gargoyles recently announced that they were bringing back their Classic model, which has not been offered for several years.

A couple weeks ago, my new Gargoyles arrived. I selected two pairs of the Classics (one clear, one shaded), and one Novus. My plan is to use the Classics at the shooting range, while the Novus will be used as everyday sunglasses. Due to heavy rain, I haven’t been able to get the Classics to the range yet. But, I have definitely been getting some good use out of the Novus. While my original experience was with the Classics, the fit and clarity of the Novus are exactly what I remember from my original Gargoyles.

So, will these new Gargoyles live up to the expectations created by my original pair. I’ll definitely be putting that to the test. Stay tuned for updates.

To see their full line of performance eyewear, visit Gargoyleseyewear.com.

Gargoyles Novus Matte Black/Smoke:

Eye Size: 71
Bridge Size: 17
Temple Length: 134
Frame Color: Matte Black
Lens Color: Smoke
SKU: 10700038.QTM
Shape: Oval
Style Name: Novus Matte Black/Smoke
Rx-Compatible: No
Features: Anti-Reflective, Oleophobic, Performance+
Material: TR-90 NZZ
Protection Level (ANSI): Performance+
UV Protection: 100%
More Info: Gargoyles Performance Eyewear

Gargoyles Classic Black/Black Ice/Silver:

Eye Size: 70
Bridge Size: 10
Temple Length: 130
Frame Color: Black
Lens Color: Black Ice/Silver
SKU: 10700069.QTM
Shape: Shield
Style Name: Classic Black/Silver
Rx-Compatible: No
Material: TR-90 NZZ
Protection Level (ANSI): Protection+
UV Protection: 100%
More Info: Gargoyles Performance Eyewear

Gargoyles Classic Blue/Clear:

Eye Size: 70
Bridge Size: 10
Temple Length: 130
Frame Color: Blue
Lens Color: Clear
SKU: 10700072.QTM
Shape: Shield
Style Name: Classic Blue/Clear
Rx-Compatible: No
Material: TR-90 NZZ
Protection Level (ANSI): Performance+
UV Protection: 100%
More Info: Gargoyles Performance Eyewear

What does it take to meet or exceed ANSI Z87.1+ Standards?

ANSI Z87.1+ is at the center of the Gargoyles protection philosophy, and all styles in this category meet or exceed ANSI Z87.1+ standards for high mass and high velocity impact, coverage and optical clarity. Excellent for military, law enforcement, and first-responder professionals.

ANSI Z87.1+ HIGH VELOCITY TEST

A quarter-inch steel projectile is shot at the lenses at 165 km/hr. The sunglasses must be able to take this punishment without the lenses cracking, breaking, falling out of the frame, or touching the eye.

ANSI Z87.1+ PRISM TEST

Two lasers are aligned to match up to a single point from a 35 foot distance. Sunglasses are then placed in front of the two beams. In order to pass this test, the beams must maintain their original pinpoint trajectory and meet at the same point as before, showing that the glasses do not distort light positively or negatively. While other sunglasses distort the direction of the laser beam, Gargoyles maintains the original pinpoint optics.

ANSI Z87.1+ VISUAL CLARITY TEST

A resolution chart is placed at a distance of 20 feet, with lines at both the X and Y axis. When the sunglasses are placed in front of an eyepiece, the viewer must be able to see at least 20 lines of resolution from 20 feet away clearly and distinctly without any blurring or distortion.

Additional Gargoyles Features

OLEOPHOBIC AND ANTI-REFLECTIVE TREATMENTS

All Gargoyles sunglasses feature oleophobic and anti-reflective treatments to repel water, oil, and smudges, and to reduce glare. These treatments work together to facilitate cleaning, increase the lens’ resistance to scratching, and improve the overall visual experience.