10 Best Shooting Glasses in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Last Updated on Jan 03 2024

Shooting glasses protect your eyes from shrapnel and debris, and some offer UV protection to guard against the Sun’s damaging rays. They should offer crystal clear and unblurred vision while targeting, and some colored or tinted lenses can enhance the contrast between light and dark, making target acquisition quicker and easier.

When choosing the best pair of protective shooting glasses, you will find different frame and lens materials, lens colors, and UV protection levels, as well as one of the most important factors—the protection rating standard. Even if you’re shopping on a budget, ensure that your safety glasses offer at least the American-citizen safety rating, if not military-grade protection. Below, you will find reviews of 10 of the best shooting glasses, including those in a variety of budgets and styles.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Shooting Glasses

1. STNGR Tactical Ballistic Outdoor & Shooting Sunglasses – Best Overall

The STNGR Lo-Drag Tactical Ballistic Outdoor & Shooting Sunglasses are 100% UV protective and tested to US military standards. The memory nylon frames will return to shape after twisting and bending, and the single-piece lens offers better peripheral coverage than standard glasses. It has thin earpieces that hold the glasses firmly but don’t dig in your head even under ear protectors.

The Lo-Drag glasses are around average price, and the set includes a carry case and both clear and smoke lenses, which means that you can swap according to whether you’re indoors or outdoors and still enjoy good clarity and protection.

While the hard carry case does have a clip for the second lens, there is no protection for the lens, which means they are at risk of getting scratched. And, while the rimless design does reduce weight, some owners will prefer the stability and heft of fully framed glasses. Military-grade protection and a reasonable price make the STNGR Lo-Drag Tactical Ballistic Outdoor & Shooting Sunglasses the best overall available shooting glasses.

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2. Radians Revelation Protective Shooting Glasses – Best Value

The Radians Revelation Protective Shooting Glasses are basic shooting glasses that are available on a tight budget, costing a fraction of some of the other glasses on our list. However, this low cost does mean that you get less protection and durability. The rubber frame is comfortable enough and the rimless design means some weight reduction, although these are still heavier compared to other sets.

In terms of protection, they meet ANSI Z87.1+ which means that they are rated to protect against high-velocity impact, but there is no military-grade protection here. Also, the glass lenses will need protection when not in use and might still suffer some scratching over time. The frame is fully adjustable and will fit any face shape and head size, and there’s even a vented frame that prevents the lens from fogging up during use.

The Radians Revelation Protective Shooting Glasses are a good budget option and our choice as the best shooting glasses for the money. They are especially useful for those just starting out in shooting sports, but most users will want to replace them with something more protective and with a little more clarity over time.

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3. Oakley Men’s Radar EV Path Rectangular Sunglasses – Premium Choice

Oakley is a well-respected name in sunglasses that has been trusted by outdoor adventurers and casual wearers for decades. The Oakley Men’s Radar EV Path Rectangular Sunglasses have a rimless design. The bridge is made from propionate plastic, which is lightweight and durable. The glasses have UV-protection coating and are designed to meet ANSI Z87.1 standards, although it is worth noting that they are not officially rated.

The glasses are expensive, falling at the upper end of the budget range for this list, and they’re also larger than expected, but they are comfortable even when wearing earmuffs. Plus, the glasses stay in place even when they get damp, which is not only useful for bad weather shooting but also beneficial when you get sweaty. There is a wide variety of designs to choose from.

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4. Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses

Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses are high-quality shooting glasses that meet MIL-PRF-32432 military protective standards. The rubberized polycarbonate bridge and arms are comfortable and grippy enough that they sit snugly on the head. They also offer UV protection and provide clarity. The nose piece is adjustable, and so are the arms, which not only means that they can provide a comfortable fit but they are suitable for large heads that struggle to fit in other safety glasses. The thin arms also fit under ear protectors.

This set is very reasonably priced, especially as it includes three different lenses: smoke grey for glare reduction, light rust for enhanced contrast in low light, and vermillion for medium to low light. The set also includes a tactical goggles strap, which can easily be swapped for the snap-on temples on the glasses. This design does mean that the temples can pop out from time to time, so you do need to ensure they are fitted properly before use.

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5. Gatorz Magnum Tactical Hand Crafted Military Sunglasses

Gatorz Magnum Tactical Hand-Crafted Military Sunglasses are wrap-around glasses made with a military-grade frame and offer a full-frame design. The frame is lightweight and comfortable but also tough, and it is fully adjustable, ensuring a good fit for all wearers. The nosepiece can also be adjusted to ensure comfort without being too tight. The thin temples allow the glasses to be worn securely and comfortably under ear protectors. The polycarbonate lenses do a good job of contrasting reds, which makes them good for competition shooting.

Gatorz Magnum Tactical Hand-Crafted Military Sunglasses are expensive, but they are a good option for those that need military-grade protection, clear vision, and prefer the full wraparound style of protective eyewear.

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6. Oakley SI Men’s Det Cord Rectangular Sunglasses

Oakley SI Men’s Det Cord Rectangular Sunglasses are full-framed protective sunglasses that meet military standards to protect against ballistic and other damage. The wide frames combine with thin arms so that the glasses can be worn under comms pieces and earmuffs. Although the frames are thick, they don’t obstruct vision but do offer stability and security on the face.

The lenses are crystal clear and especially useful in low-light and dimly lit conditions, making these glasses a good choice for indoor ranges. These are Oakley glasses, which means that they do have a premium price tag, and the thick frames mean it isn’t possible to swap the lenses out, but they will appeal to those that prefer a sturdy, reassuringly wide frame for low-light conditions.

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7. Smith Optics Elite Pivlock Echo Max Eyeshields

Smith Optics Elite Pivlock Echo Max Eyeshields are made from a durable, composite frame. They have straight arms, which means that they are really comfortable under ear protectors, although they can feel unstable in some circumstances.

Not only are the lenses clear but there is no distortion around the edge of the lens. This is especially useful because the lens does fall a bit shorter above the eye than some other protective glasses. Although the lenses can be changed, doing so is a bit fiddly, and while these are expensive compared to budget options, they still aren’t as expensive as some of the super high-end glasses. A good choice for those looking for high levels of protection and flat arms.

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8. Smith Elite Aegis Echo II Eyeshield Sunglasses

The Smith Elite Aegis Echo II Eyeshield Sunglasses are average-priced protective glasses made with a durable alloy metal frame. They have an adjustable nose piece that ensures the glasses fit any size head. The lenses use PivLock technology so are easily interchangeable, although there aren’t many lens color options available, unfortunately.

The set does come with two lenses: one for indoor and one for outdoor use. The lenses also have an anti-fog and anti-scratch coating that works well to prevent damage and ensure a clear view. Although there is only a limited selection of lens colors available, the ease of changing lenses coupled with the decent value—considering two sets of lenses are included—make the Smith Elite Aegis Echo II Eyeshield Sunglasses a good choice of shooting glasses for most users in most conditions. However, even with the adjustable nose, they can feel a little loose on the face.

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9. ESS Crossbow Suppressor

The ESS Crossbow Suppressor shooting glasses are lightweight wraparound glasses with arms and lobes that have been designed specifically for use under ear protectors and earmuffs. The frames come with either clear lenses or smoke gray, and these can be swapped out for any crossbow lenses. The glasses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection and comply with MIL-PRF-32432 and ANSI Z87.1 standards. 

The ESS Crossbow Suppressor glasses are on the lower end of the price scale, but while the lenses can be changed, doing so can be tricky. The arms are designed to fit under ear protectors, so they are quite straight. Because they have a smooth finish, they aren’t as secure as the grippy arms of other shooting glasses.

 

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10. Radians Clay Pro Shooting Glasses

Radians Clay Pro Shooting Glasses are safety glasses designed specifically for clay pigeon competitions. They are not only rimless but completely frameless, which means that there is no upper frame obstructing your vision when looking up at the clay pigeons. They are 99.9% UVA and UVB protective, so they protect your eyes from the sun. They have a soft rubber nosepiece to ensure a comfortable fit. The glasses are also inexpensive.

The Radians Clay Pro Shooting Glasses are a good option for clay pigeon competitors but may not provide enough protection for other shooting sports and activities.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Shooting Glasses

Shooting glasses should be considered one of the most important accessories in your gun bag whether you’re heading to the range or taking part in any shooting sports. Depending on the type and quality of glasses, they can protect against the Sun, oil, and grease, and they can provide some ballistic protection. However, they shouldn’t impede your view. As well as choosing those that provide a crystal-clear view of your target and surroundings, you can buy some that enhance certain colors and improve the contrast between light and dark areas. 

Benefits Of Wearing Shooting Glasses

Obviously, protective glasses are designed to protect the eyes, but what will shooting glasses actually protect against? The primary benefits of wearing this piece of protective kit are:

What to Look For

When looking for shooting glasses, there are certain features to compare that will help ensure that you get the best pair for your shooting needs.

Safety Standards

Shooting glasses should meet certain safety standards. Depending on the standards they meet, this can mean protection against differing levels of impact. The most commonly used standards in the US are ANSI and MIL, sometimes described as citizen and military safety ratings accordingly. Really, shooting glasses should, at the very least, meet ANSI standards and ideally meet MIL standards, but neither will protect against a direct shot.

Lens Colors

There are various colors of lenses available in shooting glasses and, rather than being for show, these colors do offer different benefits and ideal uses.

Frame Style

There is a massive variety of frame styles available, from those with a thick and full frame that sits completely around the lenses to rimless and frameless glasses. Glasses with thick frames can block some of your vision, and even frameless glasses that still have a top bridge may provide too much of an obstruction for disk shooting competitions. Choose a frame style that you are comfortable with and that enables an adequate field of vision.

Interchangeable Lenses

If you shoot in a variety of different weather and lighting conditions, or you take part in different styles of shooting sport, you may want to consider a set of shooting glasses with interchangeable lenses. This means that you can swap your target lenses for your woodland lenses without having to buy separate pairs for each activity. You can also have low-light lenses, as well as those for use in direct sunlight. Do ensure that lenses are readily available and that they are easy to change. If you cut your fingers every time you try changing the lens, you will likely stop doing so.

Anti-Fog Coating

In humid or cold environments, the warm air from your face collides with the cold air and causes condensation on your glasses. This can restrict vision and potentially be dangerous. Some glasses have an anti-fog coating that prevents misting and ensures that you can see clearly whatever the temperature and conditions.

What Color Lens Is Best for The Shooting Range?

The two most commonly used colors for shooting range shooting are clear and yellow.

Why Are Marksman Glasses Yellow?

Marksman glasses can come in a variety of colors, but yellow glasses are a common sight. These block out blue light, which means that they can reduce sky glare and ensure that the shooter is able to spot their target and get a clear shot without squinting. It also reduces the strain that can come from the same sky glare.

Should Shooting Glasses Be Polarized?

Polarized lenses allow vertical rays of light through but prevent horizontal rays, such as those that are created when bouncing off water or other reflective surfaces. As with any style and type of shooting glasses, whether polarized glasses are a good option depends on the conditions you will be shooting in and the type of shooting. They are useful when shooting on bright days but are not suitable for low-lit conditions or if you need to use any electronic screens or devices during the shoot.

Conclusion

Shooting glasses are an essential safety accessory whether you are shooting at the range or hunting. They protect your eyes from accidental injury, and they can also protect you from UV rays and other potential damage.

There is a wide range of different styles, types, and colors available, and while compiling the reviews above, we found the STNGR Lo-Drag Tactical Ballistic Outdoor & Shooting Glasses offered the best combination of price, comfort, and protection. The Radians Revelation Protective Shooting Glasses are a really cheap pair of protective sunglasses that are suitable for beginners to shooting sports but may need replacing as the wearer progresses.

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Featured Image Credit: Svitlana Hulko, Shutterstock