Smith Optics was on hand and they were killing it. I couldn’t get far enough into the booth to grab a sneak peek of any of their black bag projects, but let me tell you, you are going to like them when they come out.
Archive for the ‘Eyepro’ Category
Maneuver Conference – Smith Optics
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011Revision Wins German Eyepro Contract
Thursday, August 18th, 2011
Canada-based Revision Military has just captured a sole-source, multi-service contract to supply the German military with over 256,000 sets of a modified version of the Sawfly Military Eyewear System through 2013. The competition included a rigorous bid process and extensive in-service user trials including in-theater use in Afghanistan.
According to a press release from Revision Military:
“To have been selected as the standard issue brand following one of most rigorous bidding processes we’ve seen to date, is a testament to the people, processes and technologies that we employ to advance the science and performance of this vital piece of soldier equipment. We are proud to be the German military’s protective eyewear supplier of choice,†said Alex Hooper, Vice President, International Sales.
Revision developed a new lens shape and two specialty lens tints for this contract. One is for a specific-wavelength laser and the second for high altitude mountain operations. The 256,000 kits are available in three sizes – small, medium and large, will include clear, solar and vermillion lenses. Additional quantities of laser protective lenses and Prescription (Rx) Carriers are also included in the contract award.
Liquid HELLFIRE
Friday, August 5th, 2011
Liquid’s HELLFIRE ballistic eyewear uses photo chromic lenses that transition from 84% clear at night to 17% dark during the day and these lenses meet and exceed ANSI-Z87.1-2010 for impact resistance and optical clarity.
The frames are made from aircraft aluminum and use a hingeless design that insures proper fit for any face even while wearing a helmet and hearing protection. This same frame can be custom formed by the wearer to fit almost any head size and will outlast glasses that use traditional hinges. Liquid can also produce these for prescriptions as well as UV or polarized lenses for both the Gasket and Player commercial line of sunglasses in non tactical colors. All of Liquid’s aluminum products are made in the USA and come with a 1 year manufactures warranty.
Alphawing Sport from Revision Military
Sunday, July 10th, 2011
Revision Military has just released their second new sunglasses. The Alphawing features aviator styling with stainless steel metal frames finished in “Steel” or “Grey” tones. The frame also incorporates no-slip overmolded temples for comfort and retention. Distortion free lenses meets ANSI Z80 and filter 100% or UV (a,b,c). A hard case is included with each pair.
To order, visit www.revisioneyewear.com/alphawing.
Wiley X Talon Now Made in USA
Thursday, June 30th, 2011Wiley X® has announced its Wiley X Talon ballistic eyewear will now be manufactured in America. This is just a part of a larger effort to produce more products here at home.
“We are American proud, and we believe there is value in fabricating products here in the U.S.,†said Wiley X Co-Owner Myles Freeman, Jr. “We consider the movement toward making more products in America as one that only strengthens our commitment to creating the very best eyewear protection available for those who serve our community and our country.â€
The Talon’s interchangeable smoke and clear lens system feature 100 percent UVA/UVB protection and are compatible with a prescription insert. This distortion-free system relies on shatterproof Seleniteâ„¢ lenses featuring T-Shellâ„¢ lens coating that resists scratching in extreme environments, and meets both US MIL-PRF-31013 VO ballistic impact and ANSI Z87.1-2003 high velocity impact standards.
Revision Releases ExoShield
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
Revision has just released the ExoShield goggle to the general public. Previously in limited release to specialized customers, the ExoShield was developed initially to satisfy a requirement for a skydiving goggle. However, the low-cost design proved so effective it quickly began to be used for other applications.
“The Revision Exoshield is an ultra compact hybrid solution designed by special operators for special operations,†explains Dan Packard, Sr. VP of Military Sales for Revision. “This end-user driven product, the Exoshield, provides unequivocal night vision gear compatibility, ballistic protection and environmental shielding for use in high-speed, dynamic operations.â€
I have had a pair for a couple of months and they are fantastic. The design protects the eyes and keeps out dust due to the comfort foam which actually lives up to its name. Additionally, I have not noted any fogging but admittedly have not used them under particularly strenuous or high humidity conditions. The headstrap is a two piece design that Velcroes together and can be used with a variety of helmets. For Pro-Tec and Gentex Parachutist helmets the ExoShield is to be worn beneath the helmet with the straps extending out the back through the slits and attached on the outside.
If I would ask for one change at this point it would be to change the headstrap to a Foliage Green or Tan color. However, since the ExoShield was originally envisioned as eyepro for airborne operations I understand why it is currently Black.
Revision provided this quote form an unnamed PJ that echoes my sentiment, “The eyewear is great, keeps out the dust (even under freefall) and is comfortable even for extended periods. I think this is ‘the product’ for the guys that need a multipurpose goggle.†While he doesn’t mention it, they are extremely low profile and can be worn with NODs. The lenses meet or exceed military ballistic certification standards.
The Exoshield Extreme Low-Profile Eyewear Kit consists of a goggle with comfort foam in either clear or solar (as in dark) lens versions, Black headstrap, microfiber cleaning cloth, and storage case. It retails for $49.99 MSRP.
Switch Vision
Sunday, June 5th, 2011
Extreme Outfitters just added Switch Vision to their lineup. They use earth magnets on the lens and in the frame to switch out lenses, making lens changes a snap.
For a limited time, Extreme Outfitters is offering them at 25% OFF retail plus a free pair of low light lenses in Yellow. This is an exceptional deal considering Switch glasses already come with Polarized Non-Mirror lenses as well as an extra pair of Rose Amber Lenses. That’s free sets of lenses as well as a matte Black frame.
To order yours visit www.extremeoutfitters.us.
Desert Locust Goggles Now in Tan 499
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011Tan 499 was chosen by the US Army as the accessory color for MultiCam (OCP). Revision got way out in front on this one, making the Desert Locust Goggle the first and only MultiCam eyewear on the US Army Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL). The goggle exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2010 and military ballistic impact requirements (MIL-DTL-43511D, clause 3.5.10).
“Revision is committed to meeting the specific needs of soldiers through innovative, custom eyewear solutions,†says Dan Packard, Senior Vice President of Military Sales for Revision. “That’s why we’re proud to deliver the Tan 499 Desert Locust Goggle Kit. This new kit has all the same ballistic features of the original Desert Locust Goggle, but with the added benefit of better camouflage – something that soldiers in today’s hostile environments require and deserve.â€
The Tan 499 Desert Locust U.S. Military Kit includes the Tan 499 frame and headstrap with MultiCam anti-reflective sleeve, clear and smoke interchangeable lenses, microfiber cleaning cloth, Multicam case and reusable anti-fog cloth.
