Comments on: Use Sunglasses to Maintain a Tactical Advantage

By: SurvingJerry

SurvingJerry — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:11:42 +0000

I've given up wearing cheap sunglasses that you can buy on the street or in drugstores, etc.
For one, I don't know how much I trust the UVA/B/C protection. Secondly, for just a few dollars more, or quite often even for the same price or less, you can get comparably styled safety glasses with safety ratings.
I suggest AT LEAST ANSI Z87.1-2003, suitable for "high" impact. When available, I also opt to meet MIL-PRF-31013 clause 3.5.1.1 (and MIL-V-43511 clause 3.5.10). (I _think_ the mil spec basically amounts to a BB shot at close range. The Z87+ is for things like flying rocks/debris).

Additionally, these generally come in an assortment of lens shades/colors to suit just about any situation.

I carry 3 pairs now. One pair with Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of 20% (with retention straps for quick removability when it gets dark quickly) for sunny conditions. One "indoor/outdoor" lens at about 50% VLT, anti-reflective which is a great general-use lens, even in sorta low light conditions (in spite of what you might read about anti-reflective (AR) lenses, not helpful for nighttime glare, IMO). And a pair of clear lenses (which by their polycarbonate nature also cut UV).
The dark glasses no one can see your eyes… just deep black pools like a shark. The indoor/outdoor lenses have a mirror finish. Your eyes could be seen from someone up close. On camera, they are perfect mirrors.
All of them are wrap-around style, which can increase fogging, so get anti-fog if you want. I just smear with liquid soap, let dry, then buff clear. Works better than commercial products.
I generally only wear the clear lenses when it gets windy and dark as I hate getting crap blown off the streets into my eyes.
I alternate between the shaded pairs depending on the weather and have gotten into the habit of wearing them as often as possible, even when it seems silly… like indoors. I don't care what T.Rapier thinks…
I'm also considering a yellow (not amber) tinted pair and trying them out for nighttime driving to cut glare. The AR lenses are just too dark. Perhaps the yellows will make things better (yes, I understand that any lens is actually decreasing light to the eye. But I'm getting old (like other famous SC posters) and the oncoming headlights in new super-blue techno colors are really starting to bother me).
Without endorsement, I use safety glasses from Edge/Wolfpeak, Pyramex and Elvex. My most expensive pair was $16 shipping included. The cheapest, about $3.

By: oakley coupons

oakley coupons — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:00:46 +0000

Ya I would think anyone in the professional field would want to protect their eyes with higher end sunglasses and lenses. Also, as you said, the intimidation and power factor are always nice

By: Joshua

Joshua — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:00:29 +0000

Great article.

I had a boss in the past that would allways wear sunglasses. Whenever he got upset or mad he was pretty intimidateing becouse i didnt know him well at the time and could not tell what he was going to do becouse I could not read him with the glasses on.

And I am not easy to intimidate.

But the day I saw him with the glasses off he was no longer intimidateing at all. I allmost couldnt take him serious anymore when he was mad.

By: Dave H

Dave H — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:33:27 +0000

Being a retired Police Officer I agree with a lot of the comments but one important advantage to a good (not neccessarily expensive name brand) pair of sunglasses is that of eye protection from flying debris, sand, and even pepper spray. Look for ones that are polarized and ANSI rated as safety glasses. Sunglasses will not stop the effects of pepper spray however having been exposed to pepper spray way more than the average person I can personally attest that it is not as bad if you don't get it directly in your eyes. Remember it is hard to fight and defend ones self if you cannot see! YMMV.

By: person

person — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:26:30 +0000

I sorry but I dont really think so. Although the hiding stuff and the paracord are true. But i really dont thik that people are going to give you street creed for having on a hat. Good thoughts though.

By: person

person — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:22:08 +0000

I just got this amazing pair of sunglasses. Miami ink is the brand. They block out the sun really well but i can still see fine. My little bro likes to chuck stuff and one time he missed his target.The rock hit my sunglasses but my eyes and my sunglasses were fine. Yes it was rather a small rock but it hit really fast and hard. My shades are also verey comtarable to have on. they are very well padded on the nose and the ears.

By: Scouti

Scouti — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:07:44 +0000

Consider tinted safety glasses. Protect your eyes and get the intimidation factor.

By: T.Rapier

T.Rapier — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:04:08 +0000

the cop pictured above looks like somebody you could shoot without remorse ( sorry i got caught , NOT sorry I did it ) having a hat is always a good idea , but more for head protection from the elements . I have a straight brim gaucho hat ( I do live in the rural SW ) and a cpl of boonie hats rolled up in my gear . As far as it making you look more important ….. most likely not and actually could work against you depending on the situation and what you are wearing . somestimes its better not to stand out .

By: T.Rapier

T.Rapier — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:40:30 +0000

wearing them INSIDE is the first clue the guy is an idiot .

By: Ben228

Ben228 — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 01:04:16 +0000

An added bonus with the sunglass is the help in keeping stuff from getting in your eyes. Can't do alot of stuff when your blinded!