Eyewear

Cerakote Wraptor by Gatorz: Looking Cool Matters

Within the Military and Law Enforcement world there are three kinds of people. There are those who have no choice in eye wear, those who wear Oakley sunglasses and those who wear Gatorz sunglasses. I’ve previously done an initial impressions review on the Gatorz Magnums. It’s no secret among my friends that I look stupid while wearing Oakley’s, for whatever reason the frames don’t fit my face well. This is one of the many reasons that I like Gatorz.

Gatorz are all made from 7075 Billet Aircraft Aluminum which allows for a customized fit to your face. These glasses are extremely tough and have taken some hits that I’m sure would have wrecked other brands. There are downsides to a metal frame. If left unattended in direct sunlight they become extremely hot. If you have left your sunglasses in direct sunlight while not being worn on your head, squirt a little water on them from your Camelbak and they’ll cool right down. Gatorz feature brilliantly clear lenses that are impact and scratch resistant. Besides all of these features, they sport the standard 100% UV protection you’ve come to expect from modern lenses.

What’s changed with the Cerakote model is of course, the coating. The standard coating on Gatorz isn’t bad, but it definitely wears over time. What Cerakote offers is extreme durability and abrasion resistance. All necessary attributes when looking for a piece of protective eyewear for professional and duty use. I’ve found in my short time using the Cerakote Wraptor that the finish withstands hits and bumps much more so than the older models. Further, it withstands bumps and abrasion much better than many polymer framed glasses which tend to get gouged on the frame during this type of activity. The thinner height of the Wraptor fits my face better than the Magnums. The Cerakote also cuts down on reflection and glare off of the frames. While it may not seem like a huge deal as you have giant lenses in the front that reflect light, it does cut down on the overall reflective signature of the frames and is a welcome addition.

Finally, a great reason to have the tan Cerakoted Wraptors is that they flat-out look cool. The normal black Gatorz looked stylish, but the thin tan metal frames of the Gatorz will literally make your hair look PJ-esque. These glasses are sick. I love the standard Gatorz but I much prefer the Cerakoted ones after trying a pair out. You won’t be disappointed if you buy yourself a pair, as my experience has been that Gatorz last a very long time.

Oakley Armed Forces Drop Point | A tribute to all the branches

With Veterans Day upon us, it’s hard for me not to think of my Father. He was a dedicated career Army officer that spent 27 years leading soldiers. And most likely the reason I decided to join the Army as well. Although I wasn’t drafted like he was, my journey started at Ft. Benning as I moved through Basic, AIT, Airborne and Ranger Indoc. Upon completion, I elected to be assigned to 2/75 Ranger at the same Fort my father commanded a Battalion. Fort Lewis, now known as Joint Base Lewis McChord. Those were some of the most challenging years of my life. However, 2/75, along with my father, molded me into the person I am today.

From my time in the 90’s to present, Oakley has long been a supporter of the military. Providing soldiers with cutting-edge eye protection and saving countless eyeballs from catastrophic damage on the battlefield and training grounds. “Eyes and Ears” Something I now bark at my kids before we get started at the shooting range. Old habits don’t die. And you should always wear a suitable pair of eye protection while shooting. Especially if those shades are sporting your team colors. When I say “team” I mean Armed Forces Branch. Whether you’re in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard, Oakley has your team colors. The new Armed Forces Drop Point is here just in time for Veterans Day.

Prizm Drop Point Specifications courtesy of oakley.com

- Medium high wrap rectangular lens shape with optimized peripheral vision and side protection
- Unobtainium® nosepads increase grip with perspiration for a no slip grip
- Three-Point Fit holds lenses in precise optical alignment while eliminating pressure points
- Plutonite® Lenses offer top UV Protection filtering 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
- O Matter™ stress-resistant frame material is both lightweight and durable for all-day comfort and protection
- Prizm™ is a revolution in lens optics built on decades of color science research. Prizm™ lenses provide unprecedented control of light transmission resulting in colors precisely tuned to maximize contrast and enhance visibility.

Oakleys Drop Point sports a casual all-day type of frame. The medium rectangular lens shape is suitable for work, play or sports. The Armed Forces Collection takes it a couple steps above the standard Drop Point. Adding colors that match the colorway of the various branches of service. Mine are obviously Army themed sporting a matte OD green frame. With a subtle hint of color on the ends of the temples. Black and Tan. How fitting. The Coasties get a matte cool gray frame with their red and blue stripes on the temple. The Navy gets an anchor logo on the inside of the matte navy blue frames. While the Marines get matte black frames with red and gold accents. Much like their signature dress uniforms. Finally, the Air Force shades are matte dark gray with a stars ‘n stripes logo on the inside of the temple.

Prizm Lens

Aside from the unique graphics and colors found on the O-Matter frames. Oakley includes the coveted Prizm lens technology on all Armed Forces Collection glasses. From Oakley.com ~ Prizm™ is a revolution in lens optics built on decades of color science research. Prizm™ lenses provide unprecedented control of light transmission resulting in colors precisely tuned to maximize contrast and enhance visibility. The Prizm lenses can be tuned for various conditions or activities. I own a golf specific pair of Oakleys that enhance the green/white contrast to better view a golf ball. As well as a pair of Prizm shades specific to cycling. Yet the Armed Forces Collection gets the versatile Prizm Black lenses which is suited for all occasions.

Whether you’re a Veteran or a civilian, you can still support your favorite Branch of Service with a pair of Oakleys from this collection. Or better yet, send them as a gift to a loved one still serving in the military. Oakley has always been a staple among the guys I served with. Especially when they customized a pair just for the 75th Ranger Regiment. And for that, I salute you.

Costa Pescador | Untangled Collection | Saving the ocean one pair at a time

Attending Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver this year, I noticed a recurring theme while meeting with manufacturers. Environmentally friendly manufacturing, Sustainability, Recycling, Upcycling, etc. There is a huge push in the outdoor sporting goods sector to save this planet we’ve been slowly destroying. One of these companies is Costa. Known for their exceptional eyewear, Costa Sunglasses has partnered with Bureo to recycle discarded fishing nets into high performance sunglasses in the Untangled Collection.

We all know there is a growing problem with plastic waste in the world’s oceans. Microplastics are showing up the fish population, mammals and even our bottled water. Which means we, as humans, are ultimately consuming these microplastics. Although we don’t know the long-term effects of this cycle, this is something we must address now. What’s even more hazardous to the environment are discarded fishing nets. Which make up ten percent of all plastic ocean waste. Bureo is making strides to reducing this number.

Untangled Collection info courtesy of Costa Sunglasses

The collection will include four new frame styles made from 100 percent recycled fishing nets, each featuring mineral glass polarized lenses, recycled aluminum Costa logos, PLUSfoam recyclable temple and nose pads, and a unique tumbled finish. The Untangled Collection includes two male/unisex styles, Pescador and Baffin; and two female styles, Victoria and Caldera. All styles feature Costa’s patented 580 Lightwave® Glass lenses, providing 100 percent UV protection and polarization to offer the clearest lenses on the planet. The Costa 580® colorenhancing lens technology selectively filters out harsh yellow light for superior contrast and definition and absorbs highenergy blue light to cut haze and enhance sharpness. In addition, Costa’s lens technology reduces glare and eye fatigue.

I’ve had the better part of the summer to test out a couple of frames from Costa. First off, the lenses are some of the best I’ve looked through in my life. The next time you’re in a sporting goods or fishing store, try on a pair. Then look outside and notice how vivid and crisp everything looks. And wait until you get on the water and really see what these polarized lenses are all about. Every time we used our boat this summer, we fought over the Rincon or Pescador. So I figured I’d better get the misses her own pair. Her review of the new Costa Sarasota is forthcoming.

Costa Pescador

The Pescador hails from the Untangled Collection and bears the distinctive marbled matte black frame. Coupled with the Polarized Blue Mirror 580 Glass lenses, the Pescador offers a truly unique look. The large sized frame is typical of the Costa brand and affords the wearer ample protection from the suns harmful rays as well as wind protection. The glass lenses of the Pescador are beautiful albeit a little heavier than typical polycarbonate lenses. There were a few occasions where looking down allowed the frame to slip on my nose. The C-Line Adjustable Retainer would solve this issue

So if you’re like me and have a serious sunglass issue, take a look at Costa. What’s another pair of sunglasses for your collection anyhow? Maybe do one better and grab a pair from the Untangled Collection. Not only will you have a high-quality pair of unique shades. You’ll be doing your part by supporting Costa and Bureo’s efforts to clean up the mess we as humans are making of this planet.

Costa Sunglasses introduces the Rincon | Oversized style for larger heads

Costa Sunglasses, popular with the professional waterman, recently introduced an oversized frame for larger heads. Named after a California point break, the Rincon exudes that West Coast surfer style. With an oversized squared off frame and gently turned down temples, the Rincon feels right at home on either a male or female face. Although I don’t consider myself a “big head”, the oversized frame does provide an ample shield from the wind while cruising around the Great Lakes.

Always with concern for the planet, Costa Del Mar employs the use of castor plant bio-based resin for the frames. Utilizing seeds from the Castor plant to produce oil and bio-based resin, Costa can limit the use of petroleum-based resin. Further reducing carbon emissions and the need for conventional plastic. Costas innovative “planet saving” steps like this make them a leading steward of our waterways and environment. Costa only offers polarized lenses in their shades. And the 580P is what the Rincon sports. With seven different lens colors to suit all lighting environments, I chose the open water optimized blue mirror.

COSTA POLARIZED LENSES VS. STANDARD POLARIZED LENSES

Polarized lenses are a must while navigating on the waterways. Reducing the glare on the surface allows the user to pierce through and see what lies beneath. Great for fisherman trying to land that trophy gamefish. Or boat captains trying to avoid the dreaded prop strike in shallow waters. Anywhere in Northern Michigan, a person is no further than 5 miles from a waterway. Whether it’s a lake, river, stream or pond, we’ve got water everywhere. And for that reason, our family can be found boating, kayaking or swimming most weekends in the summer.

Costa Rincon — Perfect for cruising the waterways

I’ve been testing a couple of pairs of sunglasses from Costa this summer and so far, I’m really impressed. The construction, lens clarity and quality have been second to none. They are clearly designed for the water and truly excel over the competition in this category. Be sure to take a look at the Costa website and see what they have to offer. Each frame style and color can be configured with the various lens options. Making Costa one of the most versatile sunglass brands I’ve experienced.

Magpul Terrain | Eye Protection Perfected

Magpul, the king of polymer gun parts, is involved in just about everything gun related. They make magazines, rifle sights, chassis systems, stocks, rifle furniture, and of course are massive supporters of the Second Amendment. They’ve launched a clothing line as well and combined their clothing line with their firearms line in the form of their three new sets of eye protection. I got my hands on the Magpul Terrain glasses and have had a bit of time wearing them over the last few weeks.

Magpul Terrain Specs

The Magpul Terrain glasses are cut to be both stylish and useful. They, of course, block the sun and make the world a little more comfortable to view through. This particular model is black frames with bronze lenses that have a blue mirror effect. They come in polarized and non-polarized options as well. They are specifically cut to work with helmets, comm gear, and over the ear hearing protection. The lenses are Ballistic rated Z87+ that meet high-velocity impact protection standards. The Magpul Terrain glasses MSRP for $149.

The Magpul Terrain in action

The semi-square lenses are perfect for dudes with big heads like me. Speaking of that, as someone with an XL kevlar I will say these are incredibly comfortable. They don’t pinch, and they also don’t look like they are flexing outward on my large dome. The arms actually feature a very small pad that’s super comfortable and adds a little grip to the design. They really don’t move or slide as you interact with the world around you.

One thing I really like is they aren’t overtly tactical or sportslike. The Magpul Terrain glasses look like normal glasses, nothing crazy like Oakley M Frames that just scream tactical. The glasses look pretty normal, and the Magpul logo is small and subtle.

In action, they are extremely comfortable. The padded nosepiece is soft and helps hold the glasses up. When it comes to shooting, moving, and of course sweating the Magpul Terrain glasses are locked on. They function wonderfully with my Peltor 500 Tactical ear muffs and fit under them perfectly. The lenses are large enough to provide complete eye protection.

The view through the glasses is high definition and the glare is reduced to almost nothing. This is great in Florida as we have just started September Summer where somehow it seems brighter and more fierce. The Magpul Terrain glasses have proven to be solid contenders for not only shooting, but hunting, fishing, and even working out and running. The Magpul Terrain glasses have slowly replaced my Gatorz and are likely to stay in my EDC for some time.

Gatorz Eyewear Blackout ANSI Z87+ rated Magnums, Marine Corps Approved

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.

For more information and to purchase

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.