Adam Scepaniak 04.29.24
Recently, we had the opportunity to spend some time in Florida training with Safariland getting more well-versed in their various levels of duty holsters (Level I, Level II, Level III, etc). To accomplish this, we were fortunate enough to receive some tutelage from Full Spectrum Warrior founder and instructor, Richard Graham. We ran through a lot of different types of training from shoot-house scenarios with sim rounds (simunition), vehicle combatives (driving and shooting firearms), weapon-mounted light (WML) shooting at night, and other tenants of the Full Spectrum Warrior curriculum as devised by Richard Graham. Throughout all of this varied training, myself and other attendees from the media needed to have eye protection that could withstand close-quarters indoor shooting of a shoot-house as well as potential spalling from steel targets at close distances outdoors. We published a complete review yesterday on the Wiley X WX Founder Men’s Safety Sunglasses that we wore during Day #1 of this training adventure, and now we are going to share all of our experiences and thoughts regarding the Wiley X WX Recon Men’s Safety Sunglasses that we donned on Day #2. Let’s dive in to see how this 2nd pair from Wiley X performed out in the field!
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Specifications – Wiley X WX Recon Men’s Safety Sunglasses
The pair of Wiley X WX Recon sunglasses we are specifically reviewing here today are those with a Matte Black frame color, and a Captivate™ Grey lens color (SKU: AC6RCN02) carrying an MSRP of $150. With this package, you also receive ANSI Z87.1+ Permanent/Removable Side Shields (ACRCNDSS) and a Microfiber Drawstring Bag (DN900). All of the essential specs for the WX Recon as well as a word from Wiley X can be read below:
- Meets ANSI Z87.1 safety standards for optical clarity and high mass/high velocity impact protection
- 100% UVA/UVB protection with distortion free clarity
- Dual-Injected Rubber Temple Tips and Nose Pad
- Lightweight frame
- Prescription Ready
Conquer your most extreme adventures with the crystal-clear vision and serious eye protection the WX Recon provides. Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and removable side shields give your eyes uncompromising defense against projectiles, UV rays, glare, and other hazards. Built for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and tactical operators who demand high-performance eyewear that can withstand hardcore use.
If the Wiley X WX Recons already look appealing to you, Wiley X is offering FREE shipping on orders over $50 which these safety sunglasses would be applicable for. Separately, they have a Mother’s Day Sale currently going on with 40% OFF select styles (Use Code: MOM40) that unfortunately isn’t applicable to the WX Recon, but there are some other popular styles for women that could be perfect for a loved one.
- Series: Active Lifestyle
- Fit (Head Size): Medium/Large
- Bridge Size: 17mm
- Lens Width: 59mm
- Lens Height: 40mm
- Temple Length: 135mm
If you happen to be someone who uses prescription eyeglasses, you won’t be left out because through a feature on the Wiley X website, you can even order these glasses with a prescription applied to them. So, these glasses not only protect your vision, but enhance it as well if you have any visual deficits.
Field Use – Wiley X WX Recon Men’s Safety Sunglasses
So, now that we have a gist of what these safety sunglasses are all about, how did they perform in the field for us?… For one, I will say that these aesthetically have a stronger geometry or design to them for a much more tactical appearance. If they’re being deployed for shooting purposes they’re utterly rad, but if you are trying to be a “grey man” at the grocery store, your cover is assuredly blown.
As mentioned earlier, Safariland put us through shoot-house scenarios with sim rounds (simunition), vehicle combatives (driving and shooting firearms), weapon-mounted light (WML) shooting at night, and other training activities from the Full Spectrum Warrior curriculum which was more than an ample test for these sunglasses. I never had splashback or spalling from steel targets even at close distances, nor did any such fragments endanger my eyes while shooting sim rounds indoors within the shoot house. So, the Wiley X WX Recon Men’s Safety Sunglasses score a 10 out of 10 for safety with all of the unique training we engaged in.
A special attribute of these sunglasses is the bare metal or exposed areas of the frame on the sides. This has some positives and negatives to it. When wearing over-the-head electronic earmuffs (as supplied by Safariland in their Liberator HP 2.0), the earmuffs – even when they’re gel cups – crush the bare metal sides into your head. So, after 1 hour of constant use with earmuffs it begins to hurt and you feel a lot of pressure on the side of your head. You’ll want to take breaks (remove your earmuffs for periods of time) when an instructor might be explaining drill.
Conversely, the positive to this was that with the bare metal or exposed areas of the frame on the sides you got a more complete seal of your gel cups against your head for better hearing protection as a result of the sunglasses which is clever engineering from Wiley X. So, it is a give-and-take scenario. The bare metal allows for a better seal with earmuffs for better hearing protection, but also adds pressure on your cranium at the same time.
Final Thoughts – Wiley X WX Recon Men’s Safety Sunglasses
So, what are my final thoughts on the Wiley X WX Recon Men’s Safety Sunglasses?… Overall, they present a unique style and appearance that shooters may love, they do aid in reducing noise by allowing for a better seal with over-the-head hearing protection, and the $150 MSRP is going to be a lot more palatable for most shooters. The only downside is a bit of pressure you may feel on your head for those super long range days.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Wiley X for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their new Wiley X WX Recon Men’s Safety Sunglasses. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Wiley X WX Recon Men’s Safety Sunglasses is something worth spending your money on? Would you wear them hiking? During a shooting match? Or, out on the town? As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
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