I was in desperate need of another pair of “dark eye pro” i.e. sunglasses when a friend of mine recommended the Gatorz Magnums. I’ve worn Oakley Ballistic M Frames for years which are great sunglasses and allow me to switch to clear lenses for certain night work. I unwrapped the Gatorz and immediately discovered a high level of quality and care was put into the packaging from the metal case to the sleeve with the Gatorz logo, this company showed it cared. When I first put on the sunglasses they didn’t fit, but that’s what makes Gatorz unique; their ability to be shaped by hand to fit your face. Instructions are included on how to shape the frames for a custom fit.
The very first night I had the Gatorz I was flying out and dropped them without seeing it. I of course, as Murphy’s law dictates, stepped on them and thought I had crushed them. Between a combat boot and asphalt covered ground with loose rocks, I thought there would be a total loss or at least some bad damage but there was nothing. Not one single scratch in the coating or lenses. I was amazed at the durability. After a few minutes of reshaping they fit perfectly again. The Gatorz come with a hydrophobic coating that helps mitigate a lot of excess buildup of moisture on the lenses during rain. When I first landed at my destination I wore these for a 3-day nonstop storm during which that hydrophobic coating really helped compared to my other pairs of sunglasses. I have worn the Gatorz for two weeks now and have never been happier or more impressed. The Blackout edition is specifically designed for military and LEO with an all black design to stay low profile and adhere to certain uniform requirements. I have worn these while running, doing circuit courses, typical outdoor work, and while driving and the fit every billet with ease.
If you’re looking for a durable pair of sunglasses that stay on your face during anything you can throw at it, these fit that exact description. They also look good enough to wear out and about, not just on the range. The lenses are ANSI Z87+ rated to provide ballistic protection to US Military standards and provide 100% UV protection with a scratch resistant finish. The MSRP of $200 is more than a fair price for these durable and hardworking sunglasses from Gatorz.
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Author – Tanner Hodges is an Active Duty Marine Infantryman currently serving as a Platoon Sergeant with 3dBn 2d Marines. He holds two infantry MOS’s (0351/0365) and has completed Infantry Small Unit Leader’s Course, and Advanced Infantryman Course. He has trained in Mountain Warfare, Desert Warfare, and Jungle Warfare all around the globe.
