How to choose ballistic glasses – the short answer
First, decide what you need protection from. Ballistic glasses are tested against small, fast fragments – the kind you need at the range, in training and on duty. Work safety glasses protect against dust, chips and lighter impacts. Sunglasses protect against light, but not against impact. You can tell which is which from the markings, not from the name or the looks.
Where to start
Ask yourself three questions: what you'll use them for (shooting, work, everyday), in what light (sun, dusk, indoors) and whether you wear prescription glasses. If you wear a helmet or earmuffs, there's a fourth: will the arms get in the way?
What the markings mean
MIL-PRF-32432 – the US military ballistic standard
The glasses are fired at with a 0.15 calibre, 5.8 grain projectile that simulates a fragment, travelling at roughly 195–201 m/s. The lens must not be penetrated or cracked. You'll find this marking on most Wiley X models and on some Swiss Eye models.
It's important to understand the limit: this is protection against fragments and ricocheting particles, not against a bullet.
STANAG 2920 and 4296 – NATO tests
STANAG 2920 establishes the velocity at which a projectile has a 50% chance of penetrating the lens (known as V50). STANAG 4296 adds in-use requirements on top of that – comfort, fogging and scratch resistance.
ANSI Z87.1+ – the US impact standard
The plus stands for a high-impact test: a 6.35 mm steel ball is fired at the glasses at about 45.7 m/s, and a 500 g pointed weight is dropped on them from a height of 127 cm. Without the plus, it's only the basic level.
EN 166 – the European standard for safety eyewear
The letter after the number shows impact resistance: F – 45 m/s, B – 120 m/s (goggles only), A – 190 m/s. The test uses a 6 mm, 0.86 g ball. The letter T means the impact test has also been carried out at −5 and +55 °C. K stands for scratch resistance, N for fog resistance. For example, "FT" means low-energy impact, tested at extreme temperatures.
EN 166 is an occupational safety standard. Its test is different from MIL-PRF-32432, so EN 166 F glasses are not ballistic.
EN ISO 12312-1 – sunglasses
This standard covers sunglasses for general use and for driving. It's about the light filter, not about impact. If this is the only marking on a pair of glasses, they are not safety glasses.
Ballistic glasses for shooting and training
Wiley X Saber Advanced with three lenses – MIL-PRF-32432A and ANSI Z87.1+, supplied with a smoke, a clear and a light brown lens. One pair for bright sun, dusk and overcast days.
Wiley X Vapor – the same standards, three interchangeable lenses and the option of fitting a prescription insert. Wiley X JAKL – MIL-PRF-32432A and ANSI Z87.1+; the manufacturer makes it in two sizes.
In the Swiss Eye range, the ballistic standards are met by the Blackhawk Pro and the Raptor Pro – both marked MIL-PRF-32432A, ANSI Z87.1, EN 166 and STANAG, and both with three lenses. The Apache is lighter (26 g) and carries STANAG 2920/4296 and ANSI Z87.1, while the Lancer is a simpler model with STANAG 2920/4296.
Bollé Raider – comes with a strap and three lenses (clear, yellow, smoke), and is marked STANAG and EN 166. According to the manufacturer, its lenses have a V50 of 185–198 m/s.
Goggles: when you need a tight seal
Goggles sit close against your face and are held in place by a strap. They also keep out dust, sand and wind, and stay put better under a helmet. Wiley X Lynx – MIL-PRF-32432A, ANSI Z87.1+ and EN 166B, two lens sets, compatible with night vision devices. Swiss Eye F-Tac – MIL-PRF-32432A, ANSI Z87.1+ and EN 166, three lenses and a prescription lens adapter included.
For work and the range: safety glasses
If you need protection from chips, dust or splashes rather than fragments, EN 166 glasses will do. Bollé Tracker II – a sealed design, EN 166 FT; with the rubber strap fitted, the lens is tested to level B (120 m/s). Bollé Silium+ weighs 22 g and has an anti-fog, anti-scratch coating; the tinted version lets through 13% of light, and there is also a clear version.
Lens colour: match it to the light
- Clear – dusk, night, indoors. The most versatile if you only have one.
- Smoke, grey – bright sun. Doesn't distort colours.
- Yellow, orange, light brown – overcast days, fog, snow. Boosts contrast.
That's why interchangeable lenses come in handy if you'll be using the same glasses both in the sun and at dusk.
If you wear prescription glasses
There are three ways to go:
- An insert behind the lens – prescription lenses fit into a small frame behind the protective lens. You can do this with the Wiley X Vapor and the Swiss Eye F-Tac (adapter included). For the Blackhawk Pro, the manufacturer offers this adapter as a separate accessory.
- Glasses over glasses – the Bollé Squale OTG is designed to be worn over ordinary glasses and is marked EN 166 FT.
- Goggles – some fit over small glasses, but you'll need to try them on.
Helmet and earmuffs
Thick arms under active earmuffs let noise in and press against your head. If you shoot wearing earmuffs, choose thin, straight arms. Under a helmet, glasses with a strap or goggles are more comfortable. Try them on with the gear you'll actually be using.
Frequently asked questions
Do ballistic glasses stop a bullet?
No. They're tested against a small fragment, simulated with a 0.15 calibre projectile. They protect against fragments and ricocheting particles, not against a direct hit.
Are EN 166 glasses good enough for the range?
They'll protect you from small particles and ejected cases, but they haven't passed a ballistic test. If you want ballistic protection, look for the MIL-PRF-32432 or STANAG marking.
What glasses do I need for airsoft?
Check your field's rules – requirements vary. Goggles protect a wider area than open glasses, because there's no gap left between your face and the frame.
How should I look after the lenses?
Clean them with a microfibre cloth, not the hem of your T-shirt – sand and dust scratch the coating. Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings wear off, so keep the lenses in a case.
A quick way to choose
- Shooting, training, duty – MIL-PRF-32432 or STANAG. Work – EN 166.
- Interchangeable lenses, if you'll use them both in the sun and at dusk.
- Wear prescription glasses? An insert, glasses over glasses, or goggles.
- Try them on with your helmet and earmuffs.
You'll find every model in the ballistic glasses and eye protection category. If you're not sure, write to us – we'll tell you which ones suit your situation.