The new Aegis ECHO and ECHO Compact from Smith Optics Elite Division were designed specifically to be compatible with hearing protection/ communications systems. The Aegis ECHO features a distortion free, anti-fog optical lens that meets US Mil Spec MIL-PRF-31013 and ANSI Z87.1 standards and provides 100% UVA and UVB protection.
As you can see from this photo, the earpieces are the secret to the design at a scant .6mm thick. This is the lowest profile temple in the industry and crafted from stainless steel making them rigid yet adjustable. These earpieces allow you to get as close to the head as possible without breaking the seal on the headset or causing a hotspot or worse yet, a headache.
Oh what a complete rip-off of the ESS Crossbow Suppressor. The optic section is shaped nearly exactly the same.
http://www.2centtac.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cross3.jpg
http://www.2centtac.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cross7.jpg
Joe, sorry but you have no idea you’re talking about. I have both in front of me and lenses shape must be similiar to cover not only eyes but also a larger surface of face. Smith Optics lens change system is completely different and unique.
On their website it is still not allowing a purchase… Been doing the same old stuff since April.
@Joe, Do your homework before calling out rip-offs. Witch part of the Crossbow Suppressor is a bendable, moldable, stainless steel ear piece? Have your worn the Supressor with out earpro? Does it fall off your face?
Thanks for sharing SoldierSystems!
@ Joe Schmoe – The Aegis Echo is designed to be worn as a standalone piece which is a huge differentiator. You can wear your Echo’s /with or without/ comms & ear pro. Our moldable stainless steel temples are the lowest profile in the industry and create a perfect seal when used with comms or eye pro. Next time your at your local shop, be sure to try them on and see what everyone is excited about.
@ Jack – Thank you for your patience. Our team is working overtime to fill all of the pre-orders right now. We expect the Echo to be available to our pro’s starting Monday July 16th. We will be pushing out an email at that time alerting you to their availability.
Ok, everyday I’ve been checking… Still no release yet, but Monday is only 2 days away! Fingers crossed!
Oh look… Still not available.. What a surprise.
Oh look, the guys who markets Smith Optics is telling me that Smith Optics has not ripped off the exact style and look of the ESS Crossbow Suppressor.
@Joe, the more relevant argument is ESS knocking off the M Frame.
@ Da hui –
Except for the fact that ESS is a subsidiary fo Oakley and therefore doesn’t “knock off” anything Oakley makes?
True, ESS is currently owned by Oakley…
However, did you know Smith stood up ESS in 1995? Backed all the R&D, Product Dev, and domestic manufacturing from 1995-2008? Smith produced over 10mm kits for ESS as the OEM in support of all branches of military during that time frame?
Kinda makes you think twice about the knock off comment.
da hui, some great info there. Can you say something more about Smith & ESS?
Both are great companies with strong leadership and and good hard working people supporting the men and women of the services by keeping there eyes safe!
Both companies saw a opportunity in the mid 1990’s, with the idea stemming from the ESS side and product development and domestic MFG coming from Smith.
From what I read on the Smith web site, they have been making ski and mx goggles since 1964: http://www.smithoptics.com/
@Joe: You can vote with your wallet.
I went over to ESS to investigate your allegations, and da hui posted EXACTLY what I first noticed about the ESS lens retention.
The breadth of options–even with similarities–is a good thing. There are a couple manufacturers out there making great glasses that DON’T FIT MY FACE. There are a bunch of others that DO. Same with boots and gloves.
Why is it that lately whenever there’s an article on some piece of gear or another there’s at least one person who has to comment and say that gear X is a rip off gear Y? The way I see it, there’s bound to be a lot similarities when it comes to tactical gear, there are only so many ways that you can skin a cat after all. I’m sure that many or all of these companies could design gear that looks like no other but then it probably wouldn’t work like any other as well. This is not the world of fashion where looks is everything, in the outdoor industry (to include hunting, camping, tactical, and related industries) form follows function meaning that it has to work first before looking good.