Wiley X WX Axe Shooting Glasses

After reviewing the Wiley X WX Apex not way back, I had the chance to check out one other considered one of their choices – the WX Axe with Captivate Polarized Tungsten Mirror Lenses in a Matte Black Body. I’ve been working these glasses for a couple of month now, utilizing them primarily for driving and basic outside actions, with one devoted vary session thrown in for good measure. Let’s break down how they carried out.

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Specs: WX Axe Taking pictures Glasses

Earlier than diving into my private expertise, right here’s what it is advisable know in regards to the WX Axe:

• Body: Matte Black Triloid Nylon (described as “the hardest non-metal materials accessible”)
• Lenses: Shatterproof Selenite Polycarbonate with Captivate Polarized Tungsten Mirror coating
• Security Ranking: ANSI Z87.1+ licensed for top mass/excessive velocity influence safety
• Options: Detachable facet shields included, 100% UVA/UVB safety
• Match: Small to Medium head sizes
• Dimensions: 56mm lens width, 40mm lens peak, 17mm bridge dimension, 137mm temple size
• MSRP: $216.00

At $216, these glasses aren’t low cost by any commonplace. It’s undoubtedly a big funding for eye safety. Nonetheless, when you think about they’re successfully two merchandise in a single – high-quality sun shades and licensed protecting eyewear – the worth proposition turns into clearer.

Would I desire in the event that they had been extra inexpensive? Completely. However I can’t say they’re overpriced for what they ship. The optical readability, construct high quality, and flexibility justify the premium price ticket to a big extent.

“With its mixture of cutting-edge expertise and fashionable design, the WX Axe is a must have for anybody trying to elevate their type whereas prioritizing consolation and efficiency. The ultralightweight, but sturdy body is supplied with impact-resistant lenses and stainless-steel temples. Moreover, the dual-injected rubber nostril pads and temple suggestions present optimum grip and stability even throughout high-intensity actions. Removeable and everlasting facet shields assure ANSI Z87.1+ safety when obligatory.”

First Impressions: WX Axe Taking pictures Glasses

The WX Axe comes with the glasses themselves, a pair of ANSI Z87.1+ licensed detachable facet shields, and a microfiber drawstring bag for storage. It’s the identical bundle contents because the Apex I reviewed beforehand, which is sensible for consistency throughout their product line.

Fashion-wise, I’m a giant fan of the WX Axe’s sq. lens design. In contrast to extra tactical-looking capturing glasses that wrap round and have that overly sporty look, these look extra like common sun shades whereas nonetheless providing correct eye safety. They’ve an off-the-cuff, on a regular basis aesthetic that gained’t make you seem like you simply stepped off the vary should you put on them round city.

The matte black end offers them a clear, understated look, although I did discover in addition they provide a inexperienced mirror lens with crystal gray body choice that wasn’t accessible after I chosen my check pair – that might have been my first selection if accessible.

Efficiency: WX Axe Taking pictures Glasses

The standout characteristic of the WX Axe needs to be the readability of the Captivate Polarized Tungsten Mirror lenses. Even a good friend who tried them on the vary instantly commented on how clear they had been. The polarization works exceptionally properly in shiny situations, slicing glare with out darkening your imaginative and prescient an excessive amount of.

I discovered them to carry out very properly even in combined lighting situations. When shifting from shiny daylight into extra shaded areas beneath a cover, I might nonetheless see clearly with out having to take away them. The one time I felt the necessity to take them off was when capturing at 100 yards with iron sights – however that’s extra a mirrored image of my getting old eyes than any deficiency within the glasses.

The Captivate expertise does appear to make the whole lot look clearer, although I’m unsure I might particularly level to enhanced distinction as the explanation. Issues simply appeared sharper and extra outlined when carrying them.

Consolation and Match: WX Axe Taking pictures Glasses

That is the place the WX Axe considerably outperforms the Apex I beforehand reviewed. In contrast to the Apex’s taller lenses that might relaxation on my cheeks (and my buddy’s cheeks when he tried them), the Axe’s 40mm lens peak is ideal. They sit comfortably on my face with out making contact with my cheeks, which makes an enormous distinction for all-day put on.

The twin-injected rubber temple suggestions do a superb job retaining the glasses securely in place, even throughout extra dynamic capturing positions and actions. That mentioned, the rubber ends are a bit tougher than I’d desire, particularly when paired with a ball cap or ear safety. It’s not instantly noticeable, however after prolonged put on, you do begin to really feel some strain factors.

Vary Efficiency: WX Axe Taking pictures Glasses

I took the WX Axe out for a devoted vary session, they usually carried out admirably. The polarization was efficient on a sunny spring Minnesota day, slicing glare with out compromising goal visibility. Whereas I didn’t use the included facet shields throughout testing, I recognize their inclusion for these conditions the place you may want extra safety from brass, particles, or wind. It’s a considerate characteristic that provides versatility to those glasses.

Compatibility with ear safety was good general, although as talked about, the tougher rubber temple suggestions do create some strain factors after prolonged put on when sandwiched between your ears and earmuffs. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, however one thing price noting.

Versatility is the place the WX Axe actually shines. They’re genuinely efficient each as devoted capturing glasses and as on a regular basis sun shades. You don’t have to decide on between safety and elegance – these ship each. The Axe bridges the hole between tactical eyewear and informal sun shades higher than most choices I’ve tried. They’ve legit ANSI Z87.1+ safety wrapped in a bundle that doesn’t scream “tactical.” You may put on these driving, climbing, on the vary, or simply working errands, they usually’d be equally at residence in all these environments.

Whereas I haven’t subjected them to any formal sturdiness testing, the WX Axe feels solidly constructed. The body supplies encourage confidence, although they maybe don’t really feel fairly as tank-like because the Apex with its thicker sides.

I haven’t skilled any points with scratching on the lenses or body throughout my testing interval, regardless of a number of journeys out and in of assorted circumstances, baggage, and car storage compartments.

Ultimate Ideas: WX Axe Taking pictures Glasses

The Wiley X WX Axe represents a profitable fusion of protecting eyewear and on a regular basis sun shades. When you’re on the lookout for glasses that may transition seamlessly from the vary to every day actions with out compromising on both safety or type, these are price critical consideration. The distinctive readability of the lenses, snug match (minus the marginally exhausting temple suggestions), and versatile type make them appropriate for the “everyman” who needs one pair of high quality sun shades that may do all of it. They’re significantly well-suited for many who recognize the sq. lens aesthetic and wish ANSI-rated safety with out the standard tactical look.

If I might change something, I’d wish to see extra lens coloration choices, some adjustability options, and softer padding on these temple suggestions. However these are comparatively minor quibbles with what’s general a superb pair of glasses. Are they well worth the $216 price ticket? When you’re on the lookout for a premium do-it-all pair of protecting glasses/sun shades and might afford it, I’d say sure. Simply don’t count on them to carry out miracles in extraordinarily low-light situations – they’re sun shades, in any case.

In closing, I wish to say thanks to Wiley X for permitting AllOutdoor and myself the chance to check out their WX Axe glasses. That’s tremendously appreciated. Additionally, we wish to know what all of you guys and gals assume. Do you imagine that these premium capturing glasses are price spending your hard-earned cash on? Would you are taking them to the vary? Tell us your entire ideas within the Feedback beneath! We at all times recognize your suggestions.

Sam.S

Author | TheFirearmBlog
Author | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Outdated soul, licensed gunsmith, revealed writer, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of outdated and distinctive weapons.