4/16/10 - ESS (Eye Safety Systems, Inc) specializes in advanced eye protection for military, LE and public safety professionals. Featured here are two of their eyeshields - the ICE Series and new Crossbow. Also of interest is the Vice Rx insert.

ESS is headquartered in Sun Valley, Idaho, and is a leader in eyewear sold to the U.S. military and firefighting markets, and has products sold in over 90 countries. ESS eyewear is manufactured in the USA with strict manufacturing and quality standards, and includes a wide variety of protective eye wear ranging from eyeshields to goggles. I've used ESS goggles in the past, but this is my first experience with their eyeshields. Being very nearsighted, I wear corrective lenses (not contacts), and Rx lenses can get pretty expensive as they're an additional cost on top of a pair of eyeshields or goggles. However, I stopped by the ESS booth at the SHOT show back in January, and was impressed with what I saw, so I decided to give a couple of their products a try.

Vice Rx Insert - ESS offers three ICE models of Rx lens inserts; the Vice, and the nylon P-2B and wire-framed Rx Insert. The P-2B is a nylon-framed insert into which the lenses are installed. The Vice Rx insert is a wire-framed insert to which the lenses are held by monofilament, which makes them practically 'frameless' and less noticeable behind the lens of the eyeshield. The Vice can be used with both the ICE eyeshields, the Crossbow eyeshield or the Advancer V-12 goggle. This is the reason I chose the Vice over the P-2B or 2.4 wire frame as I needed to use the insert with the Crossbow as well as the ICE eyeshield.

The Vice Rx Insert has a wire bridge that connects the two lenses, and two wires to which the lenses are attached. The lenses are secured to the wire by almost invisible monofilament line. The Vice can be taken to an optometrist or the customer can use ESS's online Rx filling service. The Rx service is not done by ESS in-house, but contracted to an outside source. I decided to use the ESS Rx service. After getting an updated Rx from my optometrist, I used the online Rx form, which was very easy to use. When you use the service, you don't have a choice in lens material. ESS uses shatter-resistant polycarbonate lens material, which maximizes the protection for your eyes.

The Vice comes in a semi-hard case with an Rx nosepiece for use with the ICE and Crossbow eyeshields, and a H bracket for use with the Advancer goggle. The Rx nosepiece replaces the standard ICE nosepiece, and is deeper to provide the additional standoff space for the Rx insert behind the main lens. The wire nose bridge of the Vice is snapped into the inner slot of the Rx nosepiece. The Rx nosepiece is then installed onto the main lens the same way the standard nosepiece is.

Vice Rx insert

Attached to ICE nosepiece

The ICE (Interchangeable Component Eyeshield) series eyeshields are available in a few different configurations (there are more than what's listed here, but these are the basic ones):

• ICE-ONE - A fully assembled eyeshield with one clear or smoke gray lens in a microfiber pouch.
• ICE Tactical Kit - Two fully assembled eyeshields (which eliminates the time spend changing lenses) with clear and rose copper lenses, smoke gray lens and nosepiece, anti-fog solution, mmicrofiber pouch/cleaning cloth, elastic retention strap in a crush-resistant zippered hard case.
• ICE-2X - Retail configuration: Two fully assembled eyeshields with clear and smoke gray lenses, elastic retention strap, anti-fog cloth in a protective hard case. Issue configuration: Two fully assembled eyeshields with clear and smoke gray lenses, elastic retention strap, micro-fiber pouch, bottle of anti-fog solution, in a semi-rigid protective case. The case will hold both complete eyeshields, plus an extra lens. The imported case quality leaves a bit to be desired, as the molded foam became unglued in mine, and the stickers covering the ends of the zippers inside also became unstuck. Better adhesive should be used.
• ICE-2X NARO - Same as the ICE-2X, except that the NARO eyeshields are slightly smaller than the regular ICE eyeshields, with a temple distance of about 5.5" vs. the standard 6" of the ICE eyeshields. The NARO is meant to folks who have narrower heads.

ICE-2X NARO - I have a narrower face, and picked the ICE-2X NARO retail configuration. It was the right choice, as the narrower lenses are perfect on me. Some of the main features of the ICE NARO eyeshields are:

• Interchangeable High-impact Lenses - The 2.4mm polycarbonate ICE lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and exceed ANSI Z87.1-2003+ and the U.S. Military .15 caliber ballistic impact test MIL-PRF-31013. ICE NARO eyeshields are about 10% smaller than the standard lenses, and are not compatible with the standard ICE 2.4 eyeshield. The ICE NARO lenses are available in clear, smoke gray, hi-def yellow and rose copper.
• 'Frameless' design - The temples connect directly to the tops of the lenses and do not have a top frame connecting them. This frameless design provides an unobstructed field of view and optimizes peripheral vision and weapons sighting.
• Fully adjustable temples - The ICE temple feature improved fit with headborne equipment and increased ease of temple adjustment and lens interchange. The Temples connect directly to the lens and snap in place securely. They have a very low profile and telescope to adjust for length. The best feature I think is that the ear bends (ends of the temples) are 'bend-to-fit', and have an inner wire that allows you to bend them to fit the curvature of your ear and head. This enables you to customize the fit, instead of relying on a pre-molded shape. The elastic retention strap snaps into holes on the ends.

ICE-2X NARO retail kit

Two complete eyeshields

Individual components

Vice Rx insert installed

Optional lens colours

Rose copper lens

Crossbow - The Crossbow is ESS's newest eyeshield. The Tri-Tech Fit frame is engineered to achieve a universal fit that maximizes comfort without pressure points. It's available in the 2X kit which includes two fully assembled eyeshields, and a 3LS kit with one frame and three lenses. The 2X kit is shown here with two black frame sets with clear and smoke gray lenses, a micro-fiber pouch, zippered hard case and elastic head strap. The hard case will hold only one Crossbow at a time. As with the ICE Naro, the imported case quality leaves a bit to be desired, as the stickers covering the ends of the zippers inside became unstuck. Better adhesive should be used.

• ESS Optics Interchangeable High-impact Lenses - The 2.4mm polycarbonate distortion-free lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and exceed ANSI Z87.1-2003+ and the U.S. Military .15 caliber ballistic impact test MIL-PRF-31013. The Crossbow lenses are available in clear, smoke gray, hi-def yellow and rose copper. Laser protective lenses are also available.
• ClearZone-FC - The lenses have ClearZone FlowCoat technology, which is engineered to eliminate fog inside and prevent scratches outside. This is pretty impressive, as I tried to make the inside surface of the lens fog up by breathing hard on it to no avail.

Crossbow 2X Retail kit

• Tri-Tech fit frame - The Tri-Tech Fit technology is designed to eliminate pressure points by balancing weight evenly across the frame. The frame is made of thermoplastic nylon, and comes in one universal fit size. The temples are non-adjustable, and instead rely on their bow-shaped curvature to retain them securely on your head. The bottom of the temples are rubberized to give them more grip.
• Dedbolt Lens Lock - The Dedbolt lens lock keeps the lens secure in the frame under impact, yet makes it easy to swap lenses. The Dedbolt is a pivoting lens lock located in the center of the frame. It engages a small slot in the lens when locked. To unlock it, it's gently rotated upwards and the lens is pulled down and then forward out of the frame.
• Accepts Rx inserts - The Crossbow accepts the P-2B Rx and Vice Rx inserts, and uses the same nosepiece as the ICE Eyeshields.

Dedbolt lens lock

Hi-def yellow lens

Vice Rx insert installed

Observations/Notes

Vice Rx insert - For the Vice Rx Insert, the actual Rx service is performed by Mountain West Optical, and they did a good job on the insert. Prescription seemed correct, and the Vice fit as intended into the ICE NARO and Crossbow eyeshields. When installed into the eyeshields, the Vice requires that the eyeshields sit farther out from your face as they normally would, to accommodate the added thickness of the lens. The Rx nosepiece does that job. One of the issues I've encountered occasionally with inserts is that my eyelashes would sometimes brush against them, as I do not have deep-set eye sockets and my strong prescription results in thicker lenses. This phenomenon is referred to as 'lash bash'. I was happy to discover that it was not an issue with the Vice. The 'frameless' design of the Vice also made them less noticeable in my field of view.

One thing common I've noticed when wearing Rx inserts behind a main lens (this is not limited to ESS) is the issue of internal reflections. Depending on where the sun is, the light coming through the main lens hits the front of the Rx insert, and bounces back, sometimes creating some annoying internal reflections. This can be addressed by ordering the Rx insert with an AR (anti-reflective) coating. It was not available as an option on the ESS ordering form, but will be in the near future, I'm told. In any case, you can call Mountain West Optical directly and ask for the AR coating with your order, at an additional charge. It will reduce the amount of internal reflections greatly. Also, because the main lens is further forward because of the insert, more light enters from above, and can add to the reflection by lighting up the Rx frame and lens (so you see the reflection of the Rx insert on the back of the main lens). I found that wearing a cap or hat eliminates much of the internal reflection, and found it essential when using the inserts in bright sunlight. For me, it's a simple solution as my main use for the eyeshields is for shooting, and I wear a cap anyway.

ICE NARO - Having a narrow-medium face means that most eyewear can be a bit wide or loose for me. I wish all eyewear was available in different widths like the ICE NAROs, as they fit my face perfectly. When frames are too wide, the temples are squished against the side of my head when wearing hearing protection. With the NARO, the low profile temples/earpieces were the most comfortable yet that I've worn under my Sordin headsets, allowing them to seal up nicely. The pliable and formable ear ends are a very nice feature to have, as I bent them to fit my ears. Took a little bit of taking them on and off for adjustment, but once I got them adjusted, they felt comfortable and secure.
This was also the first time I tried the rose copper tint lens. I like it. This tint reduces blue light and enhances contrast, providing truer colour, object definition and glare reduction. I find myself picking the rose copper lens over the smoke lens for bright hazy, or partly cloudy days. I'll normally bring along both frames - one with the smoke and the other with the rose copper lens instead of the clear lens.

Crossbow - At first, I was skeptical of the Crossbow's rigid frame and 'Tri-Tech Fit'. As mentioned above, the temples/ear pieces are rigid with a bow shape, rather than straight. They wrap around the head, which prevents them from slipping off. The main contact points beside the nosepiece are the ear ends behind the ears. When I first put them on, I thought 'I can still feel the pressure points'. The ends of the earpieces 'grip' the head behind the ears. I'd consider this a point of pressure, but after a few minutes of wearing the Crossbows, the I didn't notice them and the frames were very comfortable.
I really like the shape of the Crossbow lenses; I think they provide a tad more side coverage vs. the ICE NAROs. While the Crossbow frame is very comfortable, the temples are rigid and not as low profile or flexible as the ICE temples. Putting my hearing protection over the Crossbows presses the temples in, and the temples don't allow the ear cups to seal like they do with the NARO. Part of it is due to my narrower head. If ESS offered a 'Crossbow NARO' version that was about 10% smaller with low profile temples, I think it'd fit my face better and would improve compatibility with headsets where a good seal is required. For this reason, I prefer the ICE NARO for use with headsets. For me, the Crossbows are better suited for stand-alone eye protection without headsets, or when using ear plugs only.

ICE Naro and Crossbow

ICE Naro

ICE Naro and Sodrin headsets

Crossbow

ESS Crossbow Suppressor

10/25/10 - The Crossbow Suppressor is a low profile temple version of the ESS Crossbow for use with hearing protection systems. The Crossbow Suppressor has ultra thin temples, which eliminates pressure points without breaking the audible seal of the ear cups.

When I wrote about the Crossbow ballistic eyeshield above, I mentioned that the wrap-around temples were comfortable for stand-alone wear, but did not interface well with hearing protection ear cups. Even as I released my writeup, ESS was actually working on a low profile temple version of the Crossbow, and here it is, finally.

The Crossbow Suppressor is currently available as part of the Crossbow 2X Suppressor kit shown here, which includes two fully-assembled eyeshields (1 with regular temples, 1 with Suppressor temples), clear and smoke gray lenses, micro-fiber pouch, elastic retention strap and zippered hard case, or by itself as the ONE kit. The hard case will hold both Crossbows in it. The Suppressor utilizes the same lenses as the Crossbow, and shares most of the main features:

• ESS Optics Interchangeable High-impact Lenses - The 2.4mm polycarbonate distortion-free lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and exceed ANSI Z87.1-2003+ and the U.S. Military .15 caliber ballistic impact test MIL-PRF-31013. The Crossbow lenses are available in clear, smoke gray, hi-def yellow and rose copper. Laser protective lenses are also available.
• ClearZone-FC - The lenses have ClearZone FlowCoat technology, which is engineered to eliminate fog inside and prevent scratches outside. This is pretty impressive, as I tried to make the inside surface of the lens fog up by breathing hard on it to no avail.

Crossbow 2X Suppressor kit

Suppressor temples

w/rose copper lens

• Dedbolt Lens Lock - The Dedbolt lens lock keeps the lens secure in the frame under impact, yet makes it easy to swap lenses. The Dedbolt is a pivoting lens lock located in the center of the frame. It engages a small slot in the lens when locked. To unlock it, it's gently rotated upwards and the lens is pulled down and then forward out of the frame.
• Accepts Rx inserts - The Crossbow Suppressor accepts the P-2B Rx and Vice Rx inserts, and uses the same nosepiece as the ICE Eyeshields.
• Suppressor temples - This is where the Suppressor differs from the regular Crossbow. The Suppressor temples are made from the same thermoplastic nylon and are 'one size fits most'. The front of the frame is the same as the regular Crossbow. The Suppressor temples have very thin stems, which are optimized for use under hearing protection systems. As you can see from the photos, the Suppressor temples are shorter, thinner and narrower in height, and have a little 'jog' inwards where they are designed to sit flat alongside the wearer's temples rather than wrap around the head with a gap. They're much more flexible and don't have any rubber on them. They still have the elastic headband holes at the ends.

Regular and Suppressor temples

Regular (L) & Suppressor (R)

With Sordin hearing protectors

Observations/Notes

I'm very glad that ESS introduced the Suppressor version of the Crossbow because I really like the lens shape of the Crossbow; I just couldn't use it for shooting with a headset, only ear plugs. The Suppressor temples are surprisingly thin, and are really designed for dedicated wear with headsets. Since they're more flexible, thinner and shorter, they aren't as secure on the head as the wrap-around temples of the regular Crossbow. This is a non-issue, as wearing earphones over them provides the tension needed to retain them. As a prescription eyewear user, with the Vice Rx insert installed in the Crossbow Suppressor, the Rx nosepiece places the whole eyeshield a bit further out from the face than it would normally be without the Rx insert. That, combined with the added weight of the Rx insert, makes using the elastic retention headband a good idea, I found, if you're using the Rx insert. Without the elastic strap, I'd sometimes find the nosepiece slipping on my nose a bit if I got sweaty. The elastic strap completely eliminated that, and kept the Suppressors firmly planted on my head, with and without hearing protectors.

When shooting with the Suppressors under my Sordin headset, the ear cups were able to achieve their normal seal and I could not feel any interference whatsoever from the thin Suppressor stems. To date, they're the most comfortable and low profile temples I've used with a headset.

12/15/05 - The Sawfly Military Eyewear System from Revision Eyewear is designed specifically to meet the demands and features needed for military eye protection. Proper eye protection is an essential part of soldiers' equipment, as they can be exposed to hazards on a daily basis that could result in injury to the eyes and a potential loss of sight. Civvie shooters or law enforcement officers will also benefit from wearing proper eye protection. Revison developed the Sawfly for the Canadian Military, and it's now on the U.S. Army's Authorized eyewear list. Visit Revision's website for more details.

The Sawfly System consists of interchangeable protective shields that lock into a slim-line frame with adjustable head strap. It's offered in four different kits:

1. The Basic Kit, which includes the black slim-line frame, adjustable arms and elastic head strap, and a clear shield with integrated nosepiece.
2. The Essential Kit, which is the Basic Kit, plus a tinted (solar) shield with integrated nosepiece and microfiber storage mitt
3. The Deluxe Kit, which is the Essential Kit, plus a yellow high-contrast shield with nosepiece, and a hard storage case with belt clip. It comes in two sizes: regular NSN 8465-20-001-1700 and large NSN 8465-20-001-1699
4. The USA Military kit is the same as the Deluxe kit, but without the yellow shield, and also comes in two sizes (regular NSN 4240-01-527-4051 and large NSN 4240-01-527-4018). The prescription insert nosepiece is included.

Shown in this writeup is the Deluxe Kit, which comes with all the trimmings. I'm one of those unfortunate enough to be near-sighted, and resigned to wearing corrective lenses (I dislike contacts and haven't taken the plunge to get laser eye surgery), so I'm restricted to wearing prescription sunglasses. Hence, I also got the prescription lens insert for the Sawfly. On to the main features:

• Black slim-line frame with adjustable arms - The black frame holds the interchangeable lenses/shields, and comes in two sizes: regular and large, to ensure a proper fit for a wide variety of face shapes. The adjustable arms are attached to it with small screw pivots, and have five detents for temple length adjustment. The arms have soft-grip rubber inserts for comfort and security. Due to the added weight of the prescription lenses and inserts, I found that when I went running with the Sawflys, and I was pouring sweat, they would sometimes slip forward a bit, as the rubber inserts in the arms only provide purchase on the sides. Using the elastic headstrap solves that problem, but I'd like to see the entire tip overmolded in rubber to provide more purchase in those rare cases (me), and also very slightly thinner when worn under ear muffs. Both frame and arms are marked Z87, which indicates that they comply with and meet ANSI Z87.1-2003, which sets forth requirements for the design, construction, testing, and use of eye protection devices, including standards for impact and penetration resistance.
• High-impact Lens shields - The optical polycarbonate Sawfly lenses are 100% UV protective, provide high-impact resistance, and come in clear (night and low light levels), high-contrast yellow (cloudy or hazy conditions), and solar (tinted for sun protection in bright conditions). Polarized and laser-protective specialty lenses are also available by special order. The high-velocity impact performance of the Sawfly lenses is three times greater than required by ANSI Z87.1, and also meet US military ballistic resistance requirements. Shown on the Revision website and in their literature is impressive data and photos of lenses shot by a 12ga shotgun with #6 shot from 16 ft away with zero penetration. Sure, you've got a LOT more to worry about besides your eyes if you get a shotgun blast in the face at close range (God forbid), but these kind of tests provide the confidence that the shields will stop (within limits, of course) small, high velocity fragments that would surely cost someone their vision if not stopped. The lenses are easily interchanged, by pulling the top of the frame away from the lens, then slipping the corners of the lens out of the grooves in the frame. Installation is in reverse, and takes but a few seconds. Each lens is marked per ANSI Z87.1 with a '+', to indicate that it meets high-impact standards. They also have a scratch and chemical-resistant coating and meet or exceed optical property tests for field of view, definition etc.
• Integrated Nose Pieces - Each lens comes with an integrated rubberized nose piece. They come in transparent or black, and are removable/interchangeable - they just snap in and out of the lenses. The prescription lens adaptor clips to a special replacement nose piece, which locates it discreetly inside the Sawfly. I had some initial concern that there might not be enough clearance behind the prescription lens and that my eyelids might touch the back side of the lenses, as I don't have deep eye sockets, but that proved not to be an issue.
• Case and headband - The Deluxe kit comes in an attractive hard case, which holds the Sawfly system in a microfiber storage mitt that doubles as a wipe, and two additional lens assemblies with nosepieces. The adjustable elastic strap snaps into the ends of the arms of the frame.

Sawfly system and Deluxe case

Inside the case

Deluxe kit

Close-up of frame and arms

Rx insert and nosepiece

Rx insert installed

The Sawflys are very comfortable and feel quite secure even when worn without the elastic headband, other than the above mentioned problem I had with slippage when running, caused mostly by the added weight of the prescription inserts. Without the inserts, they're fine and extremely lightweight (1 oz for the system without prescription insert). Wearing a cap to anchor the arms on the ears also worked. I used the Sawflys around town, driving, and also out in the desert while shooting and running around. I wore them with a hat and hearing protection over them, as well as with a helmet, and I pretty much forgot they were on. Definitely more suited to this kind of stuff than the Ray-Bans I usually wear. They also worked well under my full-face motorcycle helmet. The lens shape wraps around the sides and is neither too tall nor narrow (it provides just the right amount of coverage without being obtrusive or getting in the way). Plus, it doesn't hurt that they also look cool. I think the Sawflys are definitely worth taking a look at (and through) if a person's line of work or hobby demands wearing eye protection.

Components broken down

With a hat and ear protection

Worn with a Gentex TBH II

3/1/07 - Update - Shown here is the U.S. Military kit NSN 4240-01-527-4051 with tan frames. The military kit comes with a clear and tinted shield, and a soft case instead of the civilian hard case. The arms have also been updated with the rubber portion extended to the end, which just about reduces the 'slippage' issue I mentioned above. The nose pieces are now molded from a softer compound. I've been using the Sawflys for more than a year now, for all my shooting, hiking and outdoor activities, and they continue to serve my needs very well.

U.S. Military tan frame kit

New molding on arms

2/13/09 - The Sawfly-TX Tactical Eyewear System from Revision Eyewear is the next generation ballistic spectacle that is designed to provide superior communications and headset capability with two custom lens shapes for enhanced mission performance. Note that the Sawfly-TX Tactical Eyewear system is currently only available for the international (non-U.S.) market at this time.

Like the Sawfly System reviewed above, the Sawfly-TX System consists of interchangeable protective shields that lock into an ultra lightweight slim-line frame with adjustable head strap.

Shown in this writeup is the Essential Kit, which comes with the frame with removable retenton strap, clear lens and smoke lens with individual nose pieces, microfiber storage/cleaning pouch and storage case. The prescription (Rx) carrier is optional, and is the same carrier as the Sawfly and Desert Locust Goggle, so I did not need to have a new one made. The Sawfly-Tx shares the main features with the Sawfly, with the difference in the design of those details.

Main features:

• Black ultra slim-line frame with adjustable arms - The black polymer frame holds the interchangeable lenses/shields, and comes in two sizes: regular and large, to ensure a proper fit for a wide variety of face shapes. The styling on the sides/temples is more angular/aggressive than the Sawfly. The large size fits hat sizes 7.5 and larger. The adjustable arms are attached to the frame with small screw pivots, and have four detents for temple length adjustment. The TX arms are slimmer than on the Sawfly, and follow the curvature of the temple closer. The thinness of the arms allow the seal between a headset and ear to be maintained, eliminating noise leakage that could compromise communications and hearing protection.
  Instead of the soft-grip rubber inserts that the Sawfly has, the bottom half and inside of the TX arms are overmolded in the soft-grip rubber which provide an improved grip. Both frame and arms are marked Z87, which indicates that they comply with and meet ANSI Z87.1-2003, which sets forth requirements for the design, construction, testing, and use of eye protection devices, including standards for impact and penetration resistance.
• Two High-impact Lens Design options - There are two lens design options for the TX: the Pro Lens, which is designed for high activity missions where maximum airflow is needed, and the Max-Wrap lens, designed for high-threat environments where extended/side coverage gives added protection. The Sawfly-TX lens isn't as tall as the Sawfly lens, and has more of a scallop on the bottom (see photo below comparing them). The Max-wrap lens has the same contour as the Pro lens, but the sides have been extended by about an inch to provide more lateral coverage. Note that the Sawfly-TX lenses are interchangeable with the Sawfly lenses as long as the frame size is the same.
  The optical polycarbonate Sawfly-TX lenses are 100% UV protective, provide high-impact resistance, and are available in clear (night and low light levels), high-contrast yellow (cloudy or hazy conditions), and solar/smoke (tinted for sun protection in bright conditions). Polarized and laser-protective specialty lenses are also available by special order. The high-velocity impact performance of the Sawfly lenses is three times greater than required by ANSI Z87.1, and also meet US military eyewear ballistic resistance requirements. The lenses are easily interchanged, by pulling the top of the frame away from the lens, then slipping the corners of the lens out of the grooves in the frame. Installation is in reverse, and takes but a few seconds. Each lens is marked per ANSI Z87.1 with a '+', to indicate that it meets high-impact standards. They also have a scratch and chemical-resistant coating and meet or exceed optical property tests for field of view, definition etc.
• Integrated Nose Pieces - Each lens comes with an integrated rubberized nose piece. They come in transparent or black, and are removable/interchangeable - they just snap in and out of the lenses. The prescription lens adaptor clips to a special replacement nose piece, which locates it discreetly inside the Sawfly-TX.
• Case and headband - The Essential kit comes with a soft case, which holds the Sawfly system in a microfiber storage mitt that doubles as a wipe, and two additional lens assemblies with nosepieces in their own sleeves. The adjustable elastic strap snaps into the ends of the arms.

Sawfly-TX Essential kit

Frame, lens and nose piece

Lens comparison

Top comparison of Sawfly and Sawfly -TX frames

Pro and Max-wrap lenses

Adjustable arms

I've been using the Sawflys for the past 3 years for all sorts of outdoor/shooting activities. The Sawfly-TXs offer a slighly lower profile as the lens is narrower from top to bottom, and are just as comfortable as the Sawflys. For use with headphones/hearing protection, the TX's have the edge over the original Sawflys. While I never had a complaint with the original Sawflys when wearing them with my Sordin headsets, the new TX frames do feel like they allow the ear cups to seal completely, instead of leaving a little gap for the arms. The Max-Wrap lens provides an extra measure of side protection from debris and particles, which is welcome when shooting at steel targets.

Removable strap

Rx insert

Sawfly-TX with Pro lens

Max-wrap lens

1/18/11 - The Sawfly Military Eyewear System from Revision Eyewear has been redesigned with a new frame, Comms Compatible arms, new Comfort nosepiece, and extended lens and new retention system. The Sawfly was designed specifically to meet the demands and features needed for military eye protection. Civvie shooters or law enforcement officers will also benefit from wearing proper eye protection. The Sawfly is on the U.S. Army's Authorized eyewear list.

If you think that the new Sawfly looks a lot like the now-discontinued Sawfly-TX model, you wouldn't be wrong. The Sawfly-TX was only available for the international (non-US market), and it provided the basis for the changes made to the new Sawfly. Like the original Sawfly, the new Sawfly Military Eyewear System provides the same superior ballistics, exceeding ANSI Z87.1-2010 and military ballistic impact requirements MIL-PRF-31013, clause 3.5.1.1 and MIL-DTL-43511D, clause 3.5.10; the same distortion-free vision; and the same rugged durability to protect and perform through all the rigors of combat.

Here is a summary of the changes on the new Sawfly:

• New frame - The new Sawfly frame is very similar to the Sawfly-TX frame, which had a more aggressive look than the original Sawfly. The geometry of the new Sawfly has been updated further with a slightly more angular look. Not so obvious is the lens-changing system. With the previous Sawfly and Sawfly-TX models, when inserting a new lens, you had to anchor the lens by inserting the right and left notches into both temples before snapping the lens into place. The redesigned frame lets you change lenses quicker; just insert the lens notch into one side of the frame, then squeeze down on the opposite side. The lens will snap itself into place. The Sawfly is available in two sizes - regular and large.
• Comms-compatible arms - The new Comms Compatible arms are longer and leaner than the original Sawfly, allowing for greater comfort and seal with hearing protection and communications headsets. While they look identical to the Sawfly-TX, the arms on the new Sawfly are different from the Sawfly-TX in one major way: they are manufactured using a new high-grade material that provides additional rigidity and strength without adding weight or bulk. This additional rigidity prevents the sawfly’s slim arms from “giving” too much, thus keeping the eyewear snugly in place. The end result: they stay on better, even without the headstrap. The adjustable arms are attached to the frame with small screw pivots, and have four detents for temple length adjustment. The new arms are slimmer than on the original Sawfly, and follow the curvature of the temple closer. The thinness of the arms allows the seal between a headset and ear to be maintained, eliminating noise leakage that could compromise communications and hearing protection.
  Instead of the soft-grip rubber inserts that the Sawfly has, the bottom half and inside of the TX arms are overmolded in the soft-grip rubber which provide an improved grip.
• Comfort Nose Pieces - The eyewear’s new Comfort Nosepiece has been reengineered for enhanced comfort, retention and durability; it features a softer durometer nosepad which provides added grip and cushioning.
• Extended lenses - The Sawfly’s new extended lens provides greater lateral lens coverage for full side-impact protection—without compromising airflow and anti-fog performance. The new Sawfly lenses offer greater lateral lens coverage than the previous model. The difference is about 3mm on each side which provides additional side protection against shrapnel, debris, wind. When Revision first launched the TX, customer had their choice of “pro” lenses which are the same size and shape as the original Sawfly lens, and Max-Wrap lenses which offered extreme side coverage. Revision simplified their offering by providing just one lens shape with the new Sawfly which is a balance between the two, offering extended side protection that still looks good. The optical polycarbonate Sawfly lenses are 100% UV protective, provide high-impact resistance, and come in clear (night and low light levels), high-contrast yellow (cloudy or hazy conditions), smoke/solar (tinted for sun protection in bright conditions), and vermilion. Polarized and laser-protective specialty lenses are also available by special order. The new frame will still fit the original Sawfly lenses.

Sawfly military kit

New Sawfly

Sawfly generation comparison

TX-style temples

Not surprisingly, the new Sawfly feels identical to the Sawfly-TX I reviewed previously, so please refer to the above writeup for more comments about how they work. I do notice the difference in rigidity of the temples/arms - the ones on the new Sawfly are less pliable than the TX and 'grip' your head more securely. The thinner temples provide a better seal when using headsets, so shooters will appreciate than. For those who wanted the Sawfly-TX and couldn't get it, the new Sawfly is now available.

5/02/07 - The Desert Locust Goggle System from Revision Eyewear is designed as a single-lens goggle system for extended-use wear that provides ballistic fragment protection. The optically correct, distortion-free lens provides a wide field of view. Foam covered air vents help ventilate the goggle to prevent fogging.

The Desert Locust Goggle System consists of interchangeable lenses that lock into a frame that provides a complete facial seal. There are different kits offered:

1. The Basic Kit, which includes the black, foliage green or tan frame and head strap, clear lens, and anti-reflective cover (sleeve).
2. The Essential Kit, which is the Basic Kit, plus a tinted (solar) shield, plus storage case. The storage case is molle compatible, and has internal sleeves to store the extra lenses.
3. The Deluxe Kit, which is the Essential Kit, plus a yellow high-contrast shield and lens cleaning mitt.
4. The USA Military kit is the same as the Essential, but without the storage case (Foliage green NSN 4240-01-547-6218 and BlackNSN 4240-01-547-6227).

The Rx carrier is optional and ordered separately from the kits.

Shown in this writeup is the Deluxe Kit, with the optional Rx carrier. As mentioned above in the Sawfly review, I need the prescription lens insert to use with the Locust goggles, as they won't fit over normal prescription glasses. The main features are as follows:

• Low Profile Pliable Frame with Elastic Headband - The low profile frame provides one of the widest fields of view available, and is made from a pliable vinyl-like material (I don't know the specific compound). It comes molded in Foliage green, black or tan. There are foam-covered vents in the top, sides and bottom of the frame. Revision calls them 'forced air' vents that provide constant airflow, but in my opinion, it's not 'forced air' unless there's an active circulation system like a fan. It's simply 'vented', and depends on airflow across the goggle and convection inside from rising heat for any air movement. The face seal has no padding or foam. While it's easier to wash and keep clean than a foam face seal, it can be a bit more 'sticky' with sweat, and movea bit more with the facial muscles when you change expression (like raise your eyebrows). It's not a problem if a helmet or balaclava is being worn. An adapter snaps into the nose area for the prescription lens holder. The temple pieces can be removed, along with the elastic headband/strap. The strap is 1.2" wide.
• Ballistic Lens - The optical-grade polycarbonate one-piece lenses are 100% UV protective, are 3mm thick to provide high-impact resistance, and come in clear (night and low light levels), high-contrast yellow (cloudy or hazy conditions), and solar (tinted for sun protection in bright conditions). Laser-protective and other specialty lenses are also available by special order. The high-velocity impact performance of the Locust lenses is three times greater than required by ANSI Z87.1, and also meet US military ballistic resistance requirements. The lenses are easily interchanged. Each lens is marked per ANSI Z87.1 with a '+', to indicate that it meets high-impact standards. They also have a scratch and chemical-resistant OcuMax™ coating and meet or exceed optical property tests for field of view, definition etc. The OcuMax™ coating also prevents fogging of the inside surface.
• Anti-reflective sleeve - A stretchy, soft fabric anti-reflective sleeve is provided to cover the goggles when not in use to eliminate glare when positioned on a helmet. The sleeve is moved to the side or rear when the goggles are deployed, and can be left on. It also provides the goggles with some protection from dust and dirt.
• Rx Carrier - The Locust uses the same prescription holder as the Sawflys. That was convenient, as I didn't have to have a new pair of prescription inserts made. It clips right onto the adapter on top of the bridge.

3-lens Deluxe kit

Components

Frame without lens

Rx insert

Tinted lens, front view

Bottom view, sleeve

I didn't find the frame quite as comfortable as goggles with foam, but it's a small difference, and a non-issue when worn with a balaclava. The lack of foam, however, makes the Locust frame easier to wash, and there's no foam to absorb sweat and oils (and have that nice sweaty smell). The anti-fogging coating on the lens seemed to work quite well. When worn with a helmet, air cannot flow through as well because the top vents are right up against the brim of the helmet. My uncoated prescription inserts fogged up partially until the temperature stabilized, but the inside of the main lens never did. That's the problem with wearing prescription inserts or glasses with goggles - unless they're coated or treated with anti-fog, they'll have a tendency to fog up as they're closer to the face, and will be the weak point in the system.
I felt that they worked better with a helmet than the Arena Flakjaks below due to their lower profile (height). Like the Sawflys, they're well designed and seem durably constructed.

Anti-reflective sleeve

Worn with a Gentex TBH II

Sleeve at the back

1/22/05 - Shown below is the Flakjak goggle in coyote brown from Arena Industries. Arena Ind. offers two goggles, the Flakjak, and the Mozambik, specifically designed to meet the needs of the U.S. Military and law enforcement. The Flakjak is designed to be worn over a helmet, while the Mozambik is compatible with only certain helmet models and is meant to be worn alone. The Mozambik is designed with maximum peripheral vision and the lens curvature extends back farther than the Flakjak, hence the strap take-off point might be too far back to use with some helmets. Other than that, they both share the same specs. Both are available in black, coyote brown, tan and OD. This is more of a preview, not a full review, as I haven't had a chance to field test the goggles out in the desert under dusty and windy conditions. I figured I'd present the pics and info and update it when I can. Some of the key features of these goggles are:

• Razorback™ anti-fog technology - This is probably the most noticeably different feature of the goggles. Instead of the conventional open cell foam filters covering the top and bottom vents, there are rows of V-shaped plastic 'fins' angled sideways. According to Arena, these Razorback filters provide the proper flow rate of air going through the goggle to prevent fogging, and are electro-statically charged to collect dust and debris before they enter the goggle. The air follows the V-shaped path through the filters, which can be more easily cleaned (and are more durable) than foam. You can tap the goggles gently on a hard surface to dislodge debris, or rinse them under water. Interesting concept. Just based on what they're made of, I'd prefer the Razorback filters to foam, as I'm always cautious with foam as it seems to tear and degrade. Whether they clog up with mud and dirt MORE than foam, I haven't been able to test yet.
  For comparison, I own the Bolle Attacker, Bolle T-800 and ESS Striketeam goggles, so that's the only experience I can draw from. I've had problems with fogging, so much so that I've torn off the foam covering the vents on the ESS and Attacker goggles. Less fogging, but the open vents let dust in. The T-800's rely on a gap between the lens and the frame to reduce fogging. Problem is that dust and particles are free to enter the goggle and I always end up with a layer of sand particles on the inside surface of the lens when I'm in the desert. I have not had a chance to test the Razorback technology under dusty and windy conditions yet, so that feedback will have to wait. I did try to address the fogging issue by going running at night (when the air is cool and damp, and I'm hot and sweaty), and seeing whether the goggle fogged up. Only when I walked into a warm room from the cold outside did a bit of fogging occur briefly in one corner, but that cleared up quickly. In comparison, the Bolle Attacker goggles (with the foam intact) stayed fogged up longer when repeating the same test. Not very scientific, but that's the best I can do until I take these out and run around/shoot with them on. The filters come in standard and high-flow versions (for more humid environments).
• Optiwide™ lens geometry - Ballistic lenses available in clear, gray and laser (green), meeting MIL-STD-662F and ANSI Z87.1. Peripheral vision is excellent, on par with the other goggles I have. The Bolle Attackers are taller, so have better downward vision. The Flakjaks fit over eyeglasses, and do so in a smaller package than the Attackers. When I removed the lens, I noticed how thick it was - about 30% thicker than the ESS lens. The BOLLE Attackers have a double lens, which, i've found, seems to increase internal reflections.
• BMRF™ (Buckle Management Retention Fastener) - The straps can be taken on and off for replacement very easily. The buckle lids on either side are popped open and the buckle moved forward to allow the slot (key) to slide over and off the goggle post. The buckle also rotates on this post, so the strap is allowed to find its natural angle. The strap is adjusted by sliding two triglides towards or away from each other. I'm not sure if there's any advantage over a single tri-glide, but it works just fine.
• VS Foam - designed to wick away moisture from your face, this has a smooth fabric surface against the skin, as opposed to open cell foam. More comfy than the ESS goggles, but a bit less so than the Bolle Attackers (with the soft, open cell foam), it's a good compromise as exposed open cell foam tends to degrade and tear after a while in my experience.

Overall, these goggles feel pretty solidly built and well designed. To me, the most important feature is the Razorback™ Technology filtration system if it works as advertised. If you can't see what's going on around you, every other feature takes a back seat.