I’m a creature of habit, I usually pick something that works for me and stick with it. My usual shades, which pull double-duty as my shooting safety glasses (brand shall remain nameless out of courtesy), tend to not hold up to the intense New Mexico sun, and after a few weeks the tint develops cracks, so when I had the opportunity to try something new from Gargoyles Eyewear, I had a good reason to accept.
On reviewing the various styles available on the Gargoyles Website, there were several that appealed to me, but I opted to try out the Vortex model. The Vortexes are available in three colors: matte tan with amber lenses, matte black with smoke lenses, and matte black with clear lenses.
FEATURES:
For shooting and other activities with potential eye hazards, the Gargoyles Vortexes meet MIL-PRF-32432(GL) for high velocity and high mass impact. They also exceed all ANSI Z87.1+ protection specifications so they are suitable for the workplace, satisfying OSHA general eye protection requirements. Their polycarbonate lenses are scratch-resistant and treated to make them glare-resistant, smudge resistant, and oil and water repellent. The frames are constructed of a resilient plastic with hinges designed to withstand over 150,000 open/close cycles without impaired function.
As someone who’s spent some time partially blind due to an eye injury, I have a unique appreciation for eye protection. For the roughly 3 weeks (so far) I have used the Gargoyle Vortex glasses, I have had no fit or durability issues and have appreciated their crisp clarity.
RATINGS:
Comfort: 5/5 – These are lightweight glasses that fit without pinching even with earmuff hearing protection
Clarity: 5/5 – Crystal clear and sharp, no appreciable affect on parallax while shooting scoped rifles was observed.
Customer Service: 5/5 – Gargoyles “Do the Right Thing” limited warranty has you covered for manufacturer’s defects and they offer a 50% off replacement program for damaged glasses
Value: 5/5 – For the quality engineering, materials, and performance in these sunglasses, the price is quite reasonable.
FINAL SCORE: 100%
I give these one of my rare 100% ratings for fulfilling all applicable criteria and then some.
Even a product that exceeds expectations can use some creative criticism, in this case, it would only be to offer women’s or youth sizes, which unfortunately I don’t see on their website. That small suggestion aside, I am a fan of these glasses and anticipate adding a few pairs to my inventory.
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.