FOG HORN
April 2019 Twobirds Flying Publications
Wiley X DETECTION Ballistic Eyewear
Copyright 2019, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Wiley X DETECTION Ballistic Eyewear Wiley X DETECTION – save those precious peepers By: Sal Palma
I don’t find it redundant to introduce or reintroduce Wiley X, a global leader in commercial and military eye protection products, in this review, because they operate in a space inundated with sport optics and knockoffs from China, and consumers should clearly understand that few suppliers can approach what Wiley X delivers for their global customers. In 1987, Wiley X, Inc. started on its initiative to become a world leader in the research, development and marketing of protective eyewear and gloves for military, law enforcement and civilian markets. Their focus gave rise to a close relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces resulting in Wiley X becoming standard issue eye protection for military personnel including SOF units. The company’s success allowed them to move into the commercial space, and in 2019 Wiley X is a force to be reckoned with in the military and commercial space.
2019
In this review, I’ll give you a look at what I think is a superb ballistic eye protection product, the Wiley X DETECTION. The DETECTION is a multi-lens system designed to meet a variety of light and environmental conditions.
The DETECTION glasses come in a three lens system, the subject of my review, and a five lens system. The five lens system ships with a clear, copper, purple, orange and yellow lenses; selling at an M.S.R.P. of $210. The three lens system includes Clear, Copper and Yellow lenses; selling at an M.S.R.P. of $150. Wiley X uses shatterproof Selenite™ Polycarbonate Lenses. These lenses meet MILPRF-32432(GL) Ballistic Standards1, ANSI Z87.12010 High Velocity and Mass Impact Standards, and EN 166 FT at High Speed at Temperature Extremes Standards, as well as US Federal OSHA 1910.133(b)(1)(i) standards.
1
MIL-PRF-32332 (GL) is a much more stringent specification than the ANSI Z87.1-2010
Copyright 2019, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Wiley X DETECTION Ballistic Eyewear
All Wiley lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection and all lenses have T-Shell™ lens coating to resist scratching in extreme environments. The DETECTION glasses ship in an excellent case along with a bottle of spray anti fog solution, cleaning cloth and instruction card.
2019
The second adjustment point is the nose bridge and here too Wiley X makes it very simple to achieve a very comfortable fit. I have a difficult nose bridge and these glasses allowed me to adjust the fit to perfection.
Eyewear reviews are invariably subjective, so here is my observation. The DETECTION glasses are frameless in the traditional sense. The lens mounts directly to the two 135mm temples; changing lenses does not require a mechanical engineering degree. Simply press on the latch at the temple base and gently pull the lens out. The form fitting temples are constructed with a wire core so they can be easily adjusted to provide the best possible fit even with hearing protection.
The Wiley X DETECTION is superbly comfortable with the clarity and light transmission performance uncommon in competitive offerings. I have to describe them as being crystal clear; even looking down iron BUIS. Wear the yellow lens in low light conditions to enhance contrast with 85% light transmission. At indoor ranges switch to the clear lens with 89% light transmission. Out in bright sunlight; install the copper lens for a sharp well defined image and a 12% light transmission. In closing, if you want the best ballistic protection eyewear available, Wiley X needs to be at the top of a very short list of suppliers, and the company’s DETECTION glasses are not just professionally competent they’re pretty damned nice looking too. Check them out! -SP Copyright 2019, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved