| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | WarBird Eye Protection | Check Price |
In our line of work, we constantly wear eye and ear protection and always look for the best options. The motto “better safe than sorry” couldn’t be more true when it comes to dealing with firearms, so that’s why we want the best.
Admittedly, most of us have found our “go-to” pair of each, and it’s pretty hard to convince us to switch. That said, we embrace any new gear for the challenge, so when War Bird graciously sent us a few pairs of glasses for the team to try, we jumped at the opportunity.
War Bird is a relatively new company in the industry. Still, the team behind it has an impressive collection of folks who are fueled by a passion for protecting and are actually experienced end-users, such as retired law enforcement officers and veterans.
We understand that dropping a couple hundred dollars on a set of shooting glasses and ear muffs/buds can be tough, so we aim to test them out to help you decide if they are worth your hard-earned money.
Let’s examine some of War Bird’s eye protection to see how it compares to the competition.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team comes from all walks of life and has a wide range of backgrounds, but one thing is common across all of us: our love for firearms and gear. We love what we do and jump at the chance to test and evaluate new products.
We make sure to get our hands on the actual products and put them through their paces, unlike many other sites that just regurgitate a press release with stock photos. In the event we can’t get our hands on something first, we’ll be sure to let you know and make it obvious!
We do our best to be as transparent as possible so you can make the most informed decisions.
Unboxing and First Impressions
When you spend north of $100 on a pair of glasses, you don’t expect them to come in a plain cardboard box with no extras. You also don’t expect them to necessarily come with a zippered case, PVC patch, microfiber carrying bag, and quick-release clip.
We were pleasantly surprised with War Bird’s packaging. It was honestly some of the best we’ve seen in a while. Of course, the glasses themselves are what matter most, but the extras are definitely appreciated.
Out of the four pairs (Fusillade, Easy Day, Enfilade, and Sleeper Cell) of glasses we received, three fit extremely well, with one not so much. That straggler was the Fusillade model, which is a bit less flexible on the sides. To be fair, we chose our specific models, so we would simply replace that one with one of the other three.
What We Like About WarBird Eye Protection
Looking at the various eye protection options available from War Bird, you can tell that real shooters weighed in on the designs and features. Almost every model is ANSI Z87.1 rated, each offers 100% UV protection, and all of the frames are water and UV-resistant. For long days out on the range, these are all very important.
Several types and color variations of lenses are also available for each model. From high-contrast yellow to classic smoke lenses, there is a lens option for almost every occasion.
Last but certainly not least, they are comfortable. Co-injected rubber nose pads and temple pieces, as well as Kainwall Bio-based TR90 frame material, allow for easy wear for extended periods without causing discomfort.
Flaws and Potential Dealbreakers
We had difficulty finding many flaws with the glasses and didn’t really have any true dealbreakers unless you were looking for a more affordable pair. However, they are reasonably priced when you compare them to most of the competition, but as with anything, there will be some cheaper options out there.
Our main complaint is the lack of clear (non-tinted/colored) lens options for almost every model. At the time of writing, the only model that offers a clear lens is the Ghost Wolf. With a few of us shooting indoors often, the tinted lenses can be a bit too dark.
Additionally, the engraving of the brand and lens rating on some of the lenses themself, albeit small, is unnecessary and can be distracting once you notice it.
How We Tested
We tested the glasses exactly as you would expect…we all hit the range with them! Well, some of us did work around the house with power tools such as saws and drills, too, but you get the idea. We made sure to wear them during potentially dangerous activities where you’re at a higher risk of having something hit you in the eye.
Thankfully, despite all the rounds we sent down range and boards we cut, none of us had any close calls where the glasses HAD to stop casings or debris. They were comfortable, though, and didn’t fog up in wet and humid conditions.
Where To Buy WarBird Gear
Pros & Cons
- Most models meet the ANSI Z87.1 safety rating
- 100% UV protection
- Frames are water and UV-resistant
- Top-notch packaging
- Wide selection of lenses and frames
- Thin temple design for added comfort with ear protection
- Reasonably priced
- Lack of clear lens options
- Engravings on select lenses
Score Card
Comfort (8/10)
Most of us agreed our chosen models were very comfortable, with only one saying they didn’t fit his head well, but no glasses are guaranteed to fit every person’s head!
Durability (9/10)
We’ll need more time with them for an ultimate decision, but so far so good!
Appearance (9/10)
With several frames and seemingly dozens of lenses, you should be able to pick up a pair of great-looking glasses regardless of your preferences.
Value (8.5/10)
Pricier than some and more affordable than others. However, you get what you pay for, and in the case of War Bird, that seems like quality.
Conclusion
We’ve enjoyed our time with the War Bird glasses, and for some of us, they have replaced our previous go-to eye protection. Whether you’re looking for impact resistance, UV protection, or just an everyday pair of glasses for running errands and driving, you’ll likely be able to find them with the help of War Bird.
As always, your idea of a perfect fit can drastically differ from ours, so we suggest trying them out for yourself and going from there.
