Best Shooting Glasses of 2024

by Ryan Cleckner

December 5, 2023

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When it comes to hitting the mark, few things are as crucial as having the right equipment, and among them, the best shooting glasses are non-negotiable. These aren’t just accessories—they’re your frontline defense, shielding your eyes from debris, enhancing visibility, and ultimately ensuring your safety while you focus on nailing that perfect shot.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ve curated a list of the most reliable and top-performing shooting glasses available in the market today. Each pair has been handpicked based on stringent criteria, from their ballistic protection and lens quality to their ergonomic design and comfort. Join me as we explore these exceptional options that not only meet but exceed the standards, elevating your shooting experience to new heights. Whether you’re a hunter, a competitive shooter, or an enthusiast honing your skills, these top-tier shooting glasses are here to optimize your performance and keep your vision crystal clear.

A line up of shooting glasses reviewed in the article

How I Chose The Best Shooting Glasses

Choosing the ideal shooting glasses isn’t just a matter of protection; it’s about enhancing your shooting experience. With years of hands-on scope time, I’ve explored an array of brands and products, testing each one rigorously.

To ensure I had a comprehensive guide, I consulted with fellow marksmen and added their favorites to my testing roster. The result? A curated list that blends my expertise with collective wisdom, guaranteeing clarity, comfort, and absolute reliability when you’re aiming. Let’s get right into it.

List of Best Shooting Glasses

Here’s our list of the best shooting glasses in the market.

Best Shooting Glasses By Rank

1. Editor’s Choice

Revision i-Vis

Revision i-Vis
  • Preferred by several GU staffers
  • Extraordinary contrast without loss of detail
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Oakley Tombstone Glasses
  • GU Founder Ryan Cleckner’s choice
  • Premium option with excellent design and interchangeable lenses
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Smith Pivlock Echo Glasses
  • Excellent option (should be tied for #1 and #2)
  • Super high quality shooting glasses with interchangeable lenses
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Beretta Clash Shooting Glasses
  • High quality eye protection in a standard style
  • Many shooting-specific lens color options
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Radians Revelation Glasses
  • Every shooter should own at least on pair of these.
  • Inexpensive option as a backup or loaner pair.
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Spec Comparison of the Best Shooting Glasses

Below is a table of the specifications for the best safety glasses to use when shooting.

GlassesLens StyleLens ColorsANSI Safety Spec
Revision I-VisWrap-aroundVariesYes
Oakley Tombstone GlassesWrap-aroundClear, TR22, TR45Yes
Smith Pivlock EchoWrap-aroundClear, Grey, IgnitorYes
Beretta Clash Shooting GlassesStandardClear, Yellow, Purple, Brown, RoseYes
Radians Revelation GlassesStandardClear, Yellow, Brown, GreyYes

Best Shooting Glasses

Our top 5 best shooting glasses are:

  1. Revision i-Vis EyePro
  2. Oakley Tombstone Glasses
  3. Smith Pivlock Echo Glasses
  4. Beretta Clash Shooting Glasses
  5. Radians Revelation Glasses

Reviews of the Best Shooting Glasses

1. Revision StingerHawk I-Vis Glasses

Editor's Choice
Revision StingerHawk i-Vis Glasses Featured Image

Revision StingerHawk I-Vis Glasses

ANSI rated ballistic eyepro with excellent contrast and detail.

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  • Comfort/Fit A-
  • Use A+
  • Protection A+
  • Value A

Our Grade

A

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Revision i-VIS

  • Lense Style Wrap-Around
  • Lenses Included Varies
  • Extra Lenses Available? Yes
  • Lens Colors Several
  • Field of View 120 degrees
  • ANSI Safety Spec? Yes

Revision i-Vis Glasses Review

I can confidently say that the Revision i-Vis EyePro as the best shooting glasses on the market, and here’s why. As someone deeply invested in the shooting world, including extensive use at the range and in airsoft matches, I’ve found these glasses to be unparalleled. The adjustable nose bridge is a game-changer, eradicating the discomfort that often accompanies prolonged wear. Weighing a mere 38 grams, the lightweight frame ensures hours of comfort, even when paired with ear protection.

What truly sets the i-Vis apart is its lens technology. Unlike traditional options that compromise color perception, these lenses provide a remarkable 130% improvement in ocular resolution. It’s like upgrading from a basic box of crayons to a 120-count set, offering unparalleled detail and differentiation crucial for identifying targets and subtle changes in the environment.

Now, about polarized lenses – I get the initial skepticism, but bear with me. While polarized lenses limit color range, i-Vis lenses maintain optimal color clarity, crucial for recognizing specific shades in various lighting conditions. Tested rigorously in range and airsoft environments, these glasses deliver unmatched optical clarity and reliable protection.

The lenses are precision-manufactured polycarbonate, meeting military ballistic impact requirements. They provide full side impact protection without compromising optical clarity, and the OcuMax Plus anti-fog technology ensures a clear line of sight in demanding scenarios. I’ve personally tested these glasses, and they’ve withstood hits without a scratch.

Yes, the i-Vis might be on the higher end of the price spectrum, but the value is indisputable. Multiple lenses tailored for specific conditions, advanced lens technology, and unparalleled protection justify the investment. While some mention difficulty in lens switching, I’ve handled them with care, and the process has been manageable. For those serious about eye protection, the Revision i-Vis EyePro stands out as the epitome of performance and reliability. You can read my full review here.

  • ANSI rated impact protection
  • 6 lens options: 1 “general use” and 5 environment-specific
  • Available in both range and casual versions
  • Easy to change lenses.
  • Anti-fog coated
  • Adjustable nosepiece
  • Metal frame “casual” sunglasses are pricey
  • Tech benefits might not benefit some users

2. Oakley Tombstone Glasses

Oakley Tombstone Featured Image

Oakley Tombstone Glasses

Wrap-around shooting glasses with interchangeable lenses and tints/colors specific to shooting.

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  • Comfort/Fit A-
  • Use A+
  • Protection A+
  • Value A-

Our Grade

A

Reader’s Grade

A+

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Oakley Tombstone Glasses Specs

  • Lense Style Wrap-Around
  • Lenses Included 3
  • Extra Lenses Available? Yes
  • Lens Colors Clear, TR22, TR45
  • Field of View 120 degrees
  • ANSI Safety Spec? Yes

Oakley Tombstone Glasses Review

I’ve had a blast with the Oakley Tombstone glasses at the shooting range, making them my go-to eyewear lately. You might’ve spotted me sporting these bad boys in our recent GunUniversity YouTube vids. Oakley’s known for top-notch shades, and these shooting-specific glasses don’t disappoint.

What seals the deal for me is the lens height—gotta love how they extend above my brows. It’s a game-changer, especially for long guns. Unlike regular shades that block my view, these babies ensure my line of sight’s crystal clear, no awkward head tilts needed.

The lens versatility? Insane. Swapping them out is a breeze with the Switchlock system. Plus, the range of lenses in the Tombstone kit nails it, from clear ones to ones ideal for sunny days and even a special lens for clay shooting. It’s like having a toolbox of vision options.

The frameless design is a game-changer, though I admit the plastic frames feel a tad flimsy. But with a bit of TLC, it’s a non-issue. Oh, and the comfort? Pretty good, but I wish the arms were flatter for better compatibility with over-ear protection. Those Howard Leight Impact Sport Bolts? Love ’em, but the arms could use some tweaking for a snug fit.

Ranked them second on my list, only because the durability edges more toward the Revision I-Vis. But for comfort, adaptability, and that Oakley flair, the Tombstones definitely make the cut. Read my full Oakley Tombstones review here.

What I’d change: I only have two minor gripes. First, I wish they had a polarized option available. Second, I wish the arms were flatter so that they were more comfortable with over the ear hearing protection.

I prefer to wear my Howard Leight Impact Sport Bolt ear muffs while I’m doing a lot of shooting or teaching. And, even with the NoiseFighter Gel Pad upgrades, feeling ear muffs push the arms into the side of your head can be annoying and uncomfortable after a while.

Oakley Tombstone Glasses Pros and Cons

  • Kit with extra lenses.
  • Nice case for the range.
  • High lens profile for shooting long guns.
  • Easy to change lenses.
  • Great color options.
  • No polarized option available.
  • Arms a little thick.

3. Smith Pivlock Echo Glasses

Smith Pivlock Echo Featured Image

Smith Pivlock Echo Glasses

Smith glasses are a great choice for shooting protection – they are so good that it was tough putting these in second place.

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  • Comfort/Fit A+
  • Use A-
  • Protection A+
  • Value A-

Our Grade

A

Reader’s Grade

B

Based on 1 Reviews

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Smith Pivlock Echo Glasses Specs

  • Lens Style Wrap-Around
  • Lenses Included 3
  • Extra Lenses Available? Yes
  • Lens colors Clear, Grey, Ignitor
  • ANSI Safety Spec? Yes

Smith Pivlock Echo Glasses Review

My loyalty to Smith Optics for shooting glasses lasted years. Why? Because they nailed the no-distortion game at the lens edges, plus those flat arms? So comfy under ear muffs. But why aren’t they my top pick? It’s a close call. These could easily tie for first if it weren’t for me reaching more for my Oakley Tombstones lately.

The edge distortion was a deal-maker for me, especially with long guns. But the taller lenses on the Oakleys? They’re a better fit for my big head. Still, these Smiths win in the arm comfort and nearly half the cost.

Here’s the lowdown: if you dig Oakley’s bigger lenses and cost isn’t a hurdle, go for them. But if you’re keen on saving some cash and want those comfy flat arms, Smith Pivlock Echos are the way.

The standout for me? Those flat arms! It’s simple but game-changing, especially under ear protection. And the clarity and protection these offer? Top-notch.

But if I could tweak things, easier lens swapping, a fancier case, and slightly taller lenses would be on my list.

Ranked these third in my list just because the Oakleys edged them out in lens height for my big ol’ noggin. But for comfort and affordability, these Smiths are a solid choice. You can read our full review of these glasses here.

Smith Pivlock Echo Glasses Pros and Cons

  • Superior optical quality.
  • Flat arms.
  • Great eye protection.
  • Less than ideal colors/tint.
  • No range case.
  • Not the easiest lens change.

4. Beretta Clash Shooting Glasses

Beretta Clash Shooting Glasses Featured Image

Beretta Clash Shooting Glasses

These Beretta glasses are a high quality option in a standard style to protect your eyes while shooting.

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  • Comfort/Fit B+
  • Use A-
  • Protection A+
  • Value A

Our Grade

A

Reader’s Grade

B

Based on 1 Reviews

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Beretta Clash Shooting Glasses Specs

  • Lens Style Standard/Fixed
  • Lenses Included 1
  • Lens Colors Clear, Yellow, Purple, Brown, Rose
  • ANSI Safety Spec? Yes

Beretta Clash Shooting Glasses Review

Beretta has always been my go-to for quality firearms(including my favorite shotgun), and their Clash glasses live up to the brand’s reputation. Ranked 4th in my list, these glasses are a classic choice for those preferring a standard frame style.

What caught my eye? The lens colors are fantastic for shooting – even the purple ones I’m rocking here are perfect for clay targets with a shotgun. They bring a touch of style to the range.

The non-interchangeable lenses might be a downside for some, but for many shooters, it’s a plus – no bits to lose or break. These glasses are so top-notch that I wouldn’t relegate them to a loaner set in my range bag. I’d grab the more budget-friendly Radians for that role.

What stands out? The thoughtful design prioritizes comfort. The wraparound frame sits snugly, and the adjustable rubber temple tips ensure a secure fit. They’re lightweight, adding no unnecessary pressure during extended wear.

I primarily use them for shooting clays in sunny Arizona, and the glare reduction is spot-on. The stylish orange rubber temple tips and Beretta logo add a nice touch.

The Beretta Clash glasses are a solid investment for reliable eye protection. While they may not be the cheapest, their quality construction and stylish features make them worthwhile. A great choice for shooters, whether seasoned or new to the game. You can read our full review here.

Beretta Clash Shooting Glasses Pros and Cons

  • Great colors for shooting.
  • Simple design.
  • Less expensive than options above.
  • High quality.
  • Not interchangeable.

5. Radians Revelation Glasses

Radians Revelation Glasses Featured Image

Radians Revelation Glasses

Every shooter should own at least one pair of these. Even if you don’t use them, they are perfect as a backup pair or as a loaner set.

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  • Comfort/Fit B-
  • Use B
  • Protection A
  • Value A+

Our Grade

A-

Reader’s Grade

A+

Based on 1 Reviews

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Radian Revelations Glasses Specs

  • Lens Style Standard/Fixed
  • Lenses Included 1
  • Lens Colors Clear, Yellow, Brown, Grey
  • ANSI Safety Spec? Yes

Radians Revelations Glasses Review

Ranked fifth but a top pick for beginners or as backup eyewear, the Radians Revelation glasses offer practical eye protection at an unbeatable price. They might lack the bells and whistles of higher-ranked glasses, but they deliver where it counts.

Why are these a must-have? Well, they provide everything you need for eye safety while shooting, and the cost is a steal. They’re not flimsy either – they strike a good balance between quality and affordability.

I always keep a couple of pairs in my range bag and another set in my truck. These glasses have saved me when I’ve forgotten my primary ones or when someone I’m shooting with needs a pair. They’re no-fuss but incredibly reliable for eye protection.

The adjustable design caters to different face shapes, ensuring a snug fit without discomfort. They’re lightweight, and even the curved lenses, initially uncertain, turn out to be quite comfortable after a few wears.

I particularly love the versatility of the light smoke lens – suitable for both daytime and low-light conditions. Their clarity enhances target visibility and, surprisingly, helps with night driving.

For shooting glasses, protection is key, and the Revelation glasses nail it. The lack of distortion and comprehensive coverage make them dependable.

While they lack fancy features, their value is undeniable. They might not be your primary eyewear, but as a backup, they’re invaluable. That’s why I recommend getting a pair for your range bag – you’ll thank me later. Read my full review here.

Radians Revelation Glasses Pros and Cons

  • Inexpensive.
  • Simple.
  • Available in many colors.
  • Not the best fit/comfort.
  • Not interhcangeable.

Buyer’s Guide for the Best Shooting Glasses

When it comes to firearms, you can never be too safe. It is very important to wear the correct PPE whether you are out and about on a hunting expedition or enjoying yourself at a shooting ranch during target practice.

Protective shooting glasses or shooting sunglasses are one of those must-have pieces of protective eyewear to include with your kit whenever you go shooting. But don’t simply dive in and buy the first pair of safety goggles you find. In this buyer’s guide to shooting glasses, we will show you what to look for if you want to enjoy the best possible protection.

You’ll want to consider a few points as you read through this article such as, do you wear prescription glasses and if so does this translate well to prescription shooting glasses, ballistic protection – are you looking for some ballistic eyewear because not all shooting glasses are created equal, and are you hoping to reduce UV rays. Having the correct glasses for the job is important to consider as you start to what products will suit you.

If you do wear prescription lens and you have the option of doing so, you might consider having an updated eye exam before investing in ballistic prescription glasses. There’s no sense in spending that money on an outdated Rx and you are going to want the best prescription shooting glasses you can get your hands on.

What to Look for When Buying Shooting Glasses

Quality shooting glasses are made according to specific safety standards. And there are quite a few different types of shooting glasses on the market. However, do you know what to look for? Or what safety standards your glasses should be compliant with?

Levels of Protection for Shooting Glasses

Shooting glasses must be made according to one of two eye protection standards: the ANSI or the MIL-PRF-31013 standard.

The ANSI Standard

Glasses that are made according to ANSI standards are referred to as Z87 glasses and meet all standards set by the American National Standards Institute. Z87 standard glasses all offer resistance against a .25 steel ball traveling at 150fps. This resistance level offers you ample protection, but probably won’t stop a bullet.

Shotgun ball pellets, for example, travel at a speed of 1000fps or more and will probably easily shatter these glasses, but they still offer ample protection against many other elements.

MIL-RPF-31013 Standard

These glasses can resist a 0.15 diameter ball traveling at a speed of 650fps. As you can see, these glasses offer more protection than ANSI standards, but still aren’t powerful enough to stop a projecting shotgun pellet. Still, this pair does offer quite a lot of protection from projectiles.

By buying glasses that are ANSI or MIL, you are guaranteed that the glasses you use for eye protection will offer the best impact resistance you can get from eyewear.

Shooting Glasses Construction and Material

Shooting glasses are made of several materials. The type of materials used can impact the strength and resistance of your glasses, and can also impact the weight of your glasses.

Most shooting glasses are made of a polycarbonate lens that meets required safety standards. Polycarbonate is a preferable material for shooting glasses because it’s the same one used to make bulletproof glass.

This material isn’t just powerful, it is also a lightweight product that won’t cause discomfort when you wear your sunglasses. When you are buying a pair of shooting glasses, you should also check the certification on the materials used. Quality manufacturers ensure that the glasses are scratch-resistant.

What are Shooting Glasses Lens Colors Best For?

Shooting glasses are available in a huge variety of colors. Many simply buy shooting glasses based on color preference. But, these different colors have some real effects on your vision during shooting. Here’s a quick look at the top colors you can look out for when buying shooting glasses.

Clear

These lenses are usually a standard option. Many prefer a clear lens because they are perfect for operating in low-light situations. They are also a good pick for group sessions or ranches where multiple individuals might be borrowing the same pair of eyewear.

Yellow

These tinted glasses are ideal for blocking out blue light such as blue sky-glare, haze, or light fogginess. Yellow lenses also tend to create a more detailed edge around objects, so you can see depth with greater accuracy.

Orange

Orange lenses are also great for blocking out blue light. These lenses can also bring out the orange or red colors on targets, so you can acquire your target easier.

Amber

Amber lenses will also block out some blue light. They are the second-best option behind clear lenses in low-light conditions, because you can still see relatively well while wearing these glasses. The amber lenses also create more contrast in your vieview,w so your target can stand out better in foggy or low-light conditions.

Brown/Tan

These lenses are often mistaken for orange lenses. They also bring out orange and red-colored targets, but also offer good protection from damaging UV light. Brown lenses are usually ideal for tactical or quick-paced target practice like disk shooting, because these lenses will calm your eyes and enlarge your pupils, so you can detect movement with ease.

Gray

Gray lenses work a lot like your typical sunglasses. They offer good UV protection and reduce the glare of bright conditions. These glasses have a calming effect on your eyes, and many do enjoy buying gray glasses because they can double as sunglasses.

Blue/Purple

Purple or blue lenses are ideal for hunting or for shooting against trees, camouflaged setups, or greens. The blue or purple lenses create more contrast between green and orange or other colors. This makes it easier to blur out the background, so you can focus better on your target.

Red

There are some competitors who say red lenses will help you pick out orange target clays, making them more effective in competitive shooting events. I haven’t personally tried this, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work. This is a color you might want to research a little more before making the investment. 

Whether you choose to buy clear glasses or colored glasses, it is important to get a pair that offers needed UV protection so your eyes will be shielded from the sun’s glare.

Other Features to Watch for When Choosing EyePro

The previous three points are the most crucial to keep in mind when buying glasses. But there are also a few other things that can affect the way you feel about your new shooting shades. Here’s what to keep in mind when you go shopping for shooting glasses:

Size and Fit

It is important to feel comfortable in your eyewear. Glasses that pinch your nose and ears, slide down your face, or are otherwise ill-fitting can be very annoying to wear. The glasses you choose should fit across your nose and shouldn’t move when you look up or down. Wraparound glasses are often preferable for sport or tactical shooting conditions because they offer a tight fit.

Prescription Glass or Fit Over Glasses

You can get prescription shooting glasses custom-made with a prescription lens, but these tend to be expensive. If you do wear specs, it is better to invest in a pair of safety glasses that fit over your spectacles. This way you can still see well and protect your eyes and eyewear. But getting a pair of prescription safety glasses could be a good consideration. Do not wear non-ballistic-related corrective lenses as EyePro. That’s not how it works. 

Lens Weight

Always opt for the lightest pair of shooting glasses you can find. Any spec wearer will tell you this. Heavy specs can cause headaches and are a pain to wear, so a nice, light pair of protective eyewear is a must.

Style

Shooting glasses come in a huge variety of styles. Your personal preference will have the biggest impact on the pair you buy. It is good to get a pair that you like and that you feel comfortable wearing in public, because this encourages you to wear your protective gear more often.

Anti Fog Coating

Some shooting glasses do come with an antifog coating. This coating is ideal for shooting in cold or humid climates, since it prevents your eyewear from getting all foggy when warm air from your face suddenly condensates against your cold lenses.

Scratch Resistant Coating

If you are buying an expensive pair of glasses, it is best to look for ones that have a scratch-resistant coating. Glasses can get scratched up pretty quickly, and these scratches are irreversible. If your glasses get too scratched up, you will need to buy a new pair. This scratch-resistant coating will offer more protection, so your glasses stay in great shape for longer.

Manufacturing Date

Polypropylene and plastic used in the manufacturing of shooting glasses can expire over time. Exposure to sunlight can increase the degrading of these materials. It is good to check out the manufacturing date on sunglasses to ensure that your pair is still in good condition. It is also a good idea to replace your shooting glasses every 2 – 3 years, especially if you wear them frequently or leave your pair out in the open instead of stored in an eyeglasses case.

Keeping Your Eyes Open

Investing in the best shooting glasses isn’t just about style or enhancing your aim; it’s a crucial step in safeguarding your vision on the range or field. These meticulously chosen shooting glasses not only prioritize clarity and precision but also ensure your safety, providing a reliable barrier against flying debris or unexpected mishaps. Remember, protecting your eyes is as essential as safeguarding your hearing. If you’re looking to complement your eye protection, don’t forget to explore our comprehensive guide on the best protective earwear for a well-rounded approach to ensuring your safety and focus during your shooting adventures.

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About Ryan Cleckner

Ryan is a former special operations sniper (1/75 Ranger) and current firearms attorney, firearms industry executive, university lecturer, and bestselling author of the Long Range Shooting Handbook.

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