Protective everyday eyewear usually excels at one or perhaps two spec groups. The Wiley X WX Alpine glasses ditch that pattern and dominate multiple categories with relative ease. These glasses are designed with “tactical” in mind, by meeting ballistic standards and offering wraparound protection. Additionally, the Alphine glasses offer all-day stability and comfort, a lightweight feel, and multiple applications for outdoor activities.
Sounds too good to be true? It did to me, until I tested them in the field. Suffice it to say, it was an eye-opening (and eye-protected) experience.
Wiley X WX Alpine Ballistic Glasses
Out of the Packaging
Inside the box was a rigid, zippered case, and inside was a soft drawstring bag that housed the glasses. I chose the matte graphite grey as my sample with the tungsten mirror lenses. Wiley X offers the WX Alpine in five distinct color combinations, such as grey and blue, green and black, and black and grey, to name a few.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
The first noticeable trait was the weight of the frames, or should I say, the lack of weight. It felt like nothing was in my hands when I gripped them.
The design of the WX Alpine was streamlined with subtle curves. The lenses were flawless, with no specks, minor scratches, or imperfections of any kind. The frames exhibited both rubberized nose pads and temple tips. These surfaces, I would assume, should help the glasses stay in place when worn.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Initial Thoughts On First Wear
You probably won’t wear glasses often if they don’t fit or feel right on your face. That won’t be a problem with the WX Alpine. Very soon after I put them on, I hardly noticed that they were there. That was a good thing. Awkward or constantly slipping glasses are not what you need for total eye protection.
This pair hugged my face without feeling constrictive. Even after a few overly dramatic shakes of my head, they held firmly. The rubberized portions of the frames, as mentioned earlier, did their job to add additional support and stability to the frame.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Through the lenses, the view was clear, and with an extended horizontal lens design, my peripheral vision was not disrupted. The Tungsten mirrored lenses offered a tinted view of my surroundings without feeling too dark or even claustrophobic. The WX Alpine made an excellent first impression.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Feeling When Out-In-The-Field
In-the-house testing is good, but it has its limits. Going outside in variable weather and at various times of the day were perfect tests for the WX Alpine. These conditions could include extreme temperature swings, humidity, and direct sunlight (in South Florida, it can be brutal).
Luckily, we were having a cold snap here with temperatures dipping into the forties to test the glasses. They held up incredibly well, with no fogginess or moisture condensing on the inside of the polycarbonate lenses. As for the sun’s powerful rays, the Alpine offered ample protection from the glare both when I was driving and as I walked about on foot.
The Alpine glasses do offer 100% UVA/UVB protection. Down here in the Sunshine State, it is most needed for personal safety when in the sun.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Multiple Use Wear
The WX Alpine glasses meet two safety standards, Ansi Z87.1 and Mil-PRF-32432A. This protects you from both impact, chemical, and radiation hazards, as well as standards for rigorous ballistic use. Because of this, the glasses can be used for a variety of outdoor activities.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Naturally, they are perfect when you hit the shooting range, with virtually no worry of injury. They can also be used for your next hunting or fishing trip. Extended stays under the sun can cause unseen eye damage, but wearing the WX Alpine glasses can help you reduce the risk. Boating is another activity that involves both direct sunlight and the risk of eye injury (especially if you are out fishing).
These glasses, without a doubt, can protect your eyes when fighting the sun’s glare while on the water.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Eye-Opening Thoughts
The list of positive attributes of the WX Alpine glasses is long, with virtually no negatives, except one. I would have liked to have had a few more accessories included with the glasses. A retainer cord for the glasses and a cloth for quick touch-up of the lenses would have been perfect additions.
But aside from my personal wants, the WX Alpine glasses performed spectacularly overall. These are not one-and-done glasses but should be daily-use gear. They protect both on a physical level, as well as against invisible damaging rays.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Some people may challenge the price (starting at $150.00.) However, this is a small price to pay for long wear comfort, ultimate ballistic protection, and keeping your eyes safe from the intensity of the overhead sun.
Read the full article here
