Eyewear

The Metals Collection | Costas reboot on classic shades

I grew up wanting to be an aviator but it wasn’t until I met my flight instructor (Mrs Meisner) that it became a reality. Long before I had my pilots license in hand, I still wanted to look the part. I recall asking my mother to swing by the Base Exchange at McChord AFB so I could pick up a pair of those shiny aviator glasses that all the pilots were rocking in the 80’s. Picture Maverick getting out of the Tomcat with those classic aviators on. Anyhow, fast forward 30 years or so and those styles are back. Or maybe they never left, who knows. Costa Del Mar has dusted off these classic designs and introduced their Metals Collection. Complete with gold-rimmed aviator glasses as well as a few fresh new styles.

The new Metals Collection is more than a blast from the past. Costa has brought these styles back to life with updated modern trimmings and materials. Like uber strong yet lightweight titanium frames. Polarized Polycarbonate 580 lenses. Keeping these glasses so light you’ll forget they are on your face after a few minutes. I had the pleasure to test two examples from the Metals Collection this fall, the Skimmer and Pilothouse. And like my previous experience with Costa, there’s a lot to like about these as well.

Costa Skimmer

Named after a small lightweight seaplanes, the Skimmer features many of the same characteristics. The minimalist frame is constructed from lightweight titanium. Thin yet strong temples lead to a subtle curve with a rubber insert behind the ear. Keeping these glasses where they belong. Additionally, spring hinges accommodate all face sizes with minimal pressure. And full motion air-cushioned nose pads round out the contact points. In keeping with the lightweight theme, Costa used their polarized 580 polycarbonate lenses. Keeping the weight to a scant 22 grams insuring all day comfort. These shades are as nice “on water” as they are apres boating.

Frame Color: MATTE BLACK
Lens Color: Green Mirror
Lens Material: Polarized Plastic (580)
Prescription Ready: Yes
MSRP: $239

Costa Pilothouse

The Pilothouse is a larger frame than the Skimmer. And affords a commanding view and total protection as the pilothouse of a ship would. Costa incorporates some of the same features as the Skimmer. Like a full titanium frame, ergonomic temples complete with Hydrolite rubber temple pads and full motion nose pads. The Pilothouse is best for larger heads or someone looking for a full coverage look. Like most glasses from Costa, the Pilothouse uses their polarized 580 polycarbonate lens to keep weight to a minimum. In fact, the Pilothouse weighs only 23 grams on my scale.

Frame Color: MATTE BLACK
Lens Color: Gray
Lens Material: Polarized Plastic (580)
Prescription Ready: Yes
MSRP: $239

If you’re in the market for a pair of technologically advanced shades with a classic flair, look no further than the Metals Collection from Costa Del Mar. Costa does many things well. But their best feature, in my opinion, is the lens technology. As long as I can remember, my dive captains and charter fishing captains have always worn Costa. These guys earn their living at sea and can afford any pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes in the most demanding environments. And they choose Costa. Why shouldn’t you too?

Oakley vs. Gatorz: Why I made the switch to Gatorz Eyewear

“Oakley this, Oakley that, Oakley’s are the Greatest”… But are they really? Sure they have the best selection and a style for almost everyone. All the big names wear them in the sports world. From surfer to wakeboarder, to golfer, to football player’s (Visor’s), to snowboarders (Goggle’s) but do they really offer the best quality? Or is it more of a “so and so wears them so they must be good”? Those athletes are paid to promote a company and what they wear is usually a lot different than what we can find online or in a store even though they are the same style or look. I have worn Oakley’s for 7 years. My parents got me my first pair for a birthday gift way back 7 years ago and I’ve gone through 3 sets in that time frame. I wore Oakley’s because that was the cool thing to do and because I thought they offered the best quality… That was until I found out about Gatorz. Well, that’s a lie. I’ve known about Gatorz for awhile but I just never gave them a shot and truthfully I’m kicking myself in the ass because I should’ve tried them sooner. Gatorz are a “team guy” brand. If you’re in Virginia Beach at Hot Tuna or Chick’s Oyster Bar, you’ll usually see guys wearing Gatorz or if you’re a “weekend airsoft operator” that happens to frequent those bars. But for me? I’m just a dude that gets to shoots guns and drive fast boats for a living that’s looking for the best eye pro out there.

I hate having to squint and I hate being blinded by the wind when I’m chasing after a target on the open ocean. It’s just annoying. Throw in some crap weather and now you deal with sea spray coming up over the bow and hitting you in the face – no Bueno. With my Oakley Fuel Cells, I always had a problem with them bouncing up and down as we jump wave after wave. Gatorz? Well, they’re adjustable and I can adjust the fit depending on what is going on during the day. Hitting the range? I’m going for a loose fit. 45knots on a rhib? I’m going to tighten them down. Gatorz wins that argument. You can also throw in the weight factor – Gatorz are “heavy” compared to Oakley’s but they’re also light. Doesn’t make sense – I know, but hear me out. What I mean is that Gatorz carry weight when they’re in your hand but it’s not noticeable when you’re wearing them. Gatorz wins again.

Style or Quality

I would have to say Oakley wins that department if you’re about style one because they have more options, but quality? That goes to Gatorz. Oakley has more options but like I said… Is it really about style or do you care about quality? The Magnum Gatorz are a little like Oakley Fuel Cell’s from the looks of them but the quality is WAY above subpar. My Fuel Cell’s were never sub-par until I got my hand’s on the Magnums. I would much rather have something more durable (A frame made out of metal rather than a frame made out of plastic). A win for Gatorz. I’ve had 2 pairs of the Fuel Cell hinges break on me. The hinges on the Gatorz are made out of metal and they have a total of 4 hinges. A win for Gatorz.

Lens Quality

I’m all about crystal clear – from 4K TV’s, to Vortex optics, to Gatorz shades. The vision clarity when looking through the “Smoked Polarized Lens“ its almost like a new outlook on life. It’s a drastic difference compared to the Fuel Cell Black lens that I have on my Oakley’s. A win for Gatorz. The Smoked Polarized take the glare out of the water on a sunny day a lot more than my polarized Lens on my Oakley’s. Another win for Gatorz. As far as Lens durability? I was on the range the first day I got these and I decided to wear them. Now I’ve had shrapnel hit me in the face a couple times including a few days ago – A piece hit the lens on my Magnums… Long story short.. 1) This is why we wear eye pro 2) not a single scratch on my Gatorz. My Fuel Cells have multiple scratches on them from shrapnel and everyday life. My Gatorz have zero. It’s surreal. I was worried when the Gatorz got hit that they would have some huge scratch. I was wrong.

I think that tallies up to 9-1 for Gatorz vs. Oakley’s (I’m bad at math). Long story short, do yourself a favor and get some Gatorz. They should be a part of your EDC and mission essential gear. You won’t regret your decision. As for Y’all over at Gatorz, keep doing your thing! You’re taking over the game one pair of shades at a time!

Check them out!

New Magpul Radius and Explorer XL Eyewear

The Magpul Radius is specifically designed for maximum comfort, coverage, ballistic protection and style. Designed with the shooter in mind, the frames provide full Z87+ ballistic protection, durability, and flexibility in a lightweight package. Like all Magpul Eyewear, the Radius is constructed of injected-molded TR90NZZ for maximum impact resistance, flexibility, and comfort. The aggressive 8-base wrap and high-coverage temples ensure protection from both the elements and debris, while the unique lens shape provides improved peripheral vision over other full coverage designs. The Radius has a modern profile with high performance features and is built for those who demand the most from their equipment.

Features

Constructed of TR90NZZ, the frames combine lightweight construction and ballistic protection, providing rugged strength and flexibility
Lenses are rated to full Z87+ ballistic impact protection and have been tested to MIL PRF 32432 ballistic standards
Oleophobic lenses repel water and provide oil, sweat, sunscreen, and other chemical protection
Coated stainless steel pins provide simple but dependable hinge functionality
Anti-slip rubber nose and temple pads
Low Profile Temple Design maintains comfort and function while wearing hats or over the ear hearing protection
Medium / Large Fit Profile
Polarized and Non-Polarized lens options

Specs

Gray

General purpose
Reduces eye fatigue
Provides true color perception and natural contrast
15% Light Transmission

Gray with Silver Mirror

Great for variable conditions
Enhances contrast
Improves depth perception
Best for bright, full-sun situations
12% Light Transmission

Magpul Explorer XL

The Magpul Explorer XL’s thicker frame, sculpted lines, and defined corners give it an edgier, more pronounced style than the standard Explorer, and its fit is optimized for medium and large faces. Constructed of injected-molded TR90NZZ, the Explorer XL provides maximum impact resistance, flexibility, and comfort, and has been tested to MIL PRF 32432 ballistic standards. Like its predecessor the Explorer, the 6-base frames provide all-around protection with a casual look and feel. The Explorer XL is built to excel in demanding environments and is great for activities such as shooting, climbing, and hiking.

Features

Constructed of TR90NZZ, the frames combine lightweight construction and ballistic protection, providing rugged strength and flexibility
Lenses are rated to Z87.1 ballistic impact protection and have been tested to MIL PRF 32432 ballistic standards
Oleophobic lenses repel water and provide oil, sweat, sunscreen, and other chemical protection
Coated stainless steel pins provide simple but dependable hinge functionality
Anti-slip rubber nose and temple pads
Low profile temple design maintains comfort and function while wearing hats or over the ear hearing protection
Medium / large fit profile
Polarized and Non-Polarized lens options

Savage Optics: See the world through savage eyes

For a long time, I hated having glasses and especially sunglasses on my face. It wasn’t that glasses are uncomfortable; rather it was having something clouding my vision. Having something limiting my sight irked me, even if they were designed to overcome nearsightedness. This started to change when I got my first pair of Oakley Prizm sunglasses. Having a pair of sunglasses that improved the contrast of the light coming in, as opposed to limiting it was a revelation. Oakley Prizm lenses are designed to filter specific spectrums of light and enhance the wearers’ vision during specific activities. Fishing, shooting, golfing, sports, driving and so on. Since I purchased them, I’ve used them for competition shooting, range time, driving, floating the Puget Sound and broad sweep of other outdoor activities. Retail they are $183 a pair of glasses.

After I lost a pair while on deployment I immediately ordered another pair, that’s how much I liked them. They got blown away when, on a whim, I ordered a pair of sunglasses from Savage Optics. They don’t offer a large selection, but they have the greatest clarity of lenses I’ve had the pleasure of seeing through. My interest was sparked as most things are these days, with a barrage of recommendations on social media. I follow several veteran run companies on Instagram for their content, to support veteran entrepreneurs and to stay on top of new products. After seeing these sunglasses on several of the more reliable companies that I follow, I thought, what the hell, I’ll take a look.

Two of the founders of the company are veterans that have blast injuries from their service in the GWOT (Global War On Terror). Because of these injuries, these two vets had extremely sensitive eyes and traditional sunglasses don’t fulfill their needs. They spent a significant amount of time researching different lenses and how they interact with incoming light. Because of their injuries none of the sunglasses they tried worked out. When the founders spoke at length of their troubles, their friends told them, that with their knowledge they should start their own sunglasses company.

I was skeptical of any company whose motto is to “see the world through savage eyes.” I felt it was a little portentous and if I’m totally honest a little “cool guy” tasteless. I didn’t mind this little bit of promotiveness when I thought it was simply their motto. When my sunglasses arrived, and I discovered “see the world through savage eyes” printed on the frame, I was leery. All the reservations I had, died once I put the glasses on. Coming in at $135, Savage Optics flagship glasses, the S.O. 81’s, are $48 cheaper than the Holbrok Steel Sunglasses I own. I highly recommend these sunglasses if you are in the market for a pair.

Author – John Gobby is a member of 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. He has served with them for eight years and seven combat deployments. He has experience with both tactical direct action, tactical reconnaissance and covert operations. Recently he has started participating in competition pistol shoots and has a passion for long range shooting.

Gatorz Eyewear: Thin Blue Line Edition

Gatorz Eyewear is a huge part of the Military community. I use them, the people I train in NSW use them, and so do countless other warfighters.. but what about the Law Enforcement communities? I was given a few pairs of Thin Blue Line Magnum’s to give to the local police department to try out. With the names being anonymous we will call the first Officer – Ray and the other active LEO, Officer Brason.

They wore these on active duty during work and outside of work with Ray stating that they are very durable during countless hours of working and off time. Officer Brason also said that the durability is unmatched and way better than plastic Sunglasses.

Comfort – “the ability to mold the fit of the shades to your face is incredible and it really is a one size fits all pair of shades” says Officer Ray. Officer Brason stated that “the ability to mold them to your face is like having multiple pairs of shades in 1. You can bend them back if you want a lose fit or bend them in for a tighter fit”.

I asked Officer Ray and Officer Brason if they would “ever purchase another pair?” Officer Ray said “Obviously free is better, but I would not mind buying a pair. For $180-$200 you cannot find a better pair of sunglasses. Quality craftsmanship and comfort is hard to find”

Officer Brason answered “You can spend $200 on a pair of Oakley’s and they are made of plastic. Plastic breaks, Aluminum does not. I’ll take Gatorz all day every day.”

Well, after talking with Officer Brason and Officer Ray, it seems that Gatorz fit right in with the Law Enforcement community as well! If you want to read why I made the switch from Oakley’s to Gatorz.. you can read that here.

Cerakote Gatorz Magnum’s: Durability and Performance

Gatorz, man, Gatorz. When talking about Gatorz Eyewear, its kind of the best of both worlds. Durability and performance are all I ask for when I’m looking at shades, and Gatorz definitely packs that 1-2 combo. I hate not having a good pair of shades on and honestly, I never knew Gatorz would soon become a part of my work kit over my Oakley’s but they did from my first pair of Black Magnum’s (you can read why I switched from Oakley’s to Gatorz here). First Spear plate carrier, Altama Maritime Assault Shoes, Mags, Weapons, Flash Crashes… and Gatorz. They are literally part of my checklist.

Cerakoted Gatorz Magnum's: Durability and Performance — Listening to the guys talk gun fighting tactic’s. This is the ‘Frankenstein’ rifle I had Travis at Tacticool Firearms in Virginia put together for me awhile back. It throws people off for sure because it looks like junk. (Now its painted all tan)

I wanted to get my hands on the tan Cerakote Gatorz for work. I figured the black Magnum’s might scratch (they haven’t, I’ve worn them time and time again at work) and in all honesty, I wanted to be 100% “cool guy” and have tan shades. I also wanted to be able to switch things up every now and then if I’m feeling bold and wanted to rock tan shades out in public. The Cerakote shades have been perfect for using personal watercraft (aka jetski’s), they’ve been perfect at the range when doing weapons training, and they have been perfect in public in general. They stay cooler than the traditional black shades due to them being a lighter color and that G on the side really pops out. I have them ‘smoked out’ and I run them during cloudy and sunny days. I can’t tell you how many people have commented on my Cerakote Gatorz while I’m oversea’s. From foreign military to civilian’s, everybody wants a pair of Cerakote Gatorz – even the people that already have a pair want another pair.

These days I’m working on the side as a weapons instructor for those guys that don’t exist if you catch my drift and even they comment on Cerakote Gatorz. “Dude I thought Gatorz were only in Black”. That’s a strong negative. They come in OD Green, Black Multicam, Tan and honestly just about every other color.

With Christmas right around the corner, I ended up purchasing a pair for my Dad. He’s a Maui Jim fan, but I think I can convert him to Gatorz! Do yourself a favor and pick up a pair of Cerakote Gatorz for your loved ones. They will appreciate it!