Wiley X Ozone

When it comes to buying glasses, it can be difficult to find something that works for running, shooting, and for stylish wear. I hold onto my best glasses like they are gold because I’ve lost a few and had a few stolen from me. I’ve always liked the Wiley X brand. Wiley X was founded in 1987 as a brand of tactical eyewear. I purchased my first pair when I was in the service, and I own a few different models. The price at first doesn’t seem attractive for those on budgets, but their glasses are known for quality and durability. When you consider that you only get one pair of eyes, it’s highly recommended that you buy the best that you can afford.

When it comes to buying armor, footwear and eye-protection you shouldn’t go cheap. Wiley X make a great line-up of sport and tactical glasses. When it comes to protecting your peepers, don’t purchase gas station cheepies for $5.00.

Many of their models are priced below $100 bucks, and still bringing function, value, style and quality together. Their upper-end glasses retail around $200.00. The brand representative sent me the WX Ozone to try out.  They are priced at $190.00, but I’ve seen them too at $150.00 and you can even catch sales for around $120.00. The WX is one of their newest members of their Climate Control series. It uses what Wiley X terms as an AIR gasket, which combines exceptional protection from the elements with a quick-click ventilation option to eliminate fogging.

Their Wiley X Ozone is lighter than many comparable glasses, and has a simple and contemporary look. When looking for glasses, look for featherweight comfort and an improved grip that make the glasses non-slip frames. The Ozone are light-weight, and are very modern with a bit of flair. They torture test all of their glasses for consumption by athletes, law enforcement and military alike.

One major thing to consider when buying glasses-they should fit your face. Sport glasses in particular should feel as if nothing is on your face when you are active. Frames should be flexible, and strong enough to handle abuse. You don’t want to purchase cheap eye protection that will fracture when you hit an object, or when an object, such as a fragment hits you at 100 mph. Additionally, there is nothing worse than wearing equipment that distracts you from completing your goal. Frames should protect you from wind, rain UV rays and be hydrophilic. This means the lenses are treated so that sweat will slide off the lenses. The lenses should also repel oil and sweat.

The glasses are rated ANSI Z87.1 and provide protection and clarity. ANZI rated means there are regulations for eye and face protection that must be met; this is done through the American National Standards Institute (ANZI), which is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. The glasses go under rigorous testing to ensure they meet the high velocity and high mass impact standards as well as US Federal OSHA 1910.133(b)(1)(1) standards. Therefore, the glasses are shatterproof, and super-tough.

The lenses are made of selenite; a crystal stone. The frames are made of triloid, a durable nylon perfect for frames; this material stands up to extreme stress without breaking or becoming distorted. The glasses provide UVA/UVB light blocking to your eyes without distorting clarity. You get a lot of goodies with the glasses: Dual-Injection Rubber Temples, Dual-Injection Rubber Nose Pads, a Leash Cord with Rubber Grips, Black Zippered Clamshell Case, and a Cleaning Cloth.

The best feature of the Ozone is the removeable Click Air Gasket with Quick-Click Ventilation. The Climate series are designed to provide protection against allergens, sweat, dangerous airborne particles, weather and debris with their removable facial cavity seals or gaskets. The Click Air Gasket provide a seal around the eyes to protect the eyes from the elements, with a quick-click ventilation option to eliminate fogging. The gasket snaps in and out easily from the frames while the earpieces are folded in.

Once I put the glasses on, I felt for gaps between my face and the gasket; nearly a perfect fit; the gasket is spongy and will conform to any face shape. I removed the gasket and replaced them several times without issues. I do alot of PT. The glasses are great for running in the rain, biking, and also on the range. The gasket can be removed and the frames will still fit quite well. I am very happy with the Ozone.

Comfort – 4/5 The glasses are comfy without a hat. The frames are larger than other models I’ve used. Just keep this in mind when you make your purchase. You might want to keep your brim off the top of the frames.

Durability – 5/5 Every part of the Ozone has been torture-tested, from ear and nose pads to the lenses.

Functionality – 4/5 The gasket does well. There was a bit of air flow and the right and left side of my face, near my orbital bones, but nothing that really hindered it performing as it should.

Weight – 5/5 The glasses feel light.

Value – 4/5 Sign me up for anything Wiley X. I have glasses from many other brands, but this gasket feature is something I would pay more than other brands, just to have in my stable of frames.

Overall rating – 4.4/5  Pretty good product!