Shooting clays, whether it's sporting clays, trap, or skeet, demands precision and focus. Protecting your eyes is paramount, but choosing the right shooting glasses can significantly enhance your performance. This guide dives deep into selecting the best shooting glasses for clays, covering crucial features, top brands, and factors to consider for optimal vision and safety.
Key Features to Look for in Clay Shooting Glasses
Several key features differentiate excellent clay shooting glasses from average eyewear. Prioritizing these aspects ensures you're investing in protection and performance enhancement:
1. Lens Clarity and Distortion:
- Optical Quality: The most critical aspect. Look for glasses with high-quality lenses that offer superior clarity and minimal distortion, even at the periphery. Distorted vision can significantly impact your aim.
- Lens Material: Polycarbonate is a popular choice for its impact resistance and lightweight nature. Glass lenses offer superior clarity but are heavier and more prone to shattering.
- Lens Coatings: Anti-reflective (AR) coatings reduce glare and improve clarity, especially in bright sunlight. Hydrophobic coatings repel water and keep lenses clear in wet conditions.
2. Impact Resistance:
- Safety Standards: Ensure your glasses meet ANSI Z87.1 safety standards, guaranteeing they can withstand high-impact forces. This is non-negotiable for clay shooting.
- Frame Durability: A sturdy frame is crucial to protect the lenses and your eyes. Look for frames made from durable materials like Grilamid or polycarbonate.
3. Lens Color and Light Transmission:
- Light Conditions: The best lens color depends on the lighting conditions. Amber or brown lenses enhance contrast and reduce glare in bright sunlight, while clear or yellow lenses are better for low-light situations. Consider versatile lenses with interchangeable options.
- Light Transmission: Pay attention to the visible light transmission (VLT) percentage. Higher VLT percentages let more light through, suitable for low-light conditions, while lower percentages are better for bright sunlight.
4. Fit and Comfort:
- Frame Style: Choose a style that fits comfortably and securely on your face. Consider wrap-around styles for enhanced peripheral vision and protection.
- Adjustable Features: Features like adjustable nose pieces and temple arms ensure a customizable fit for optimal comfort during extended shooting sessions.
5. Additional Features:
- Ventilation: Good ventilation prevents fogging, especially important during active shooting.
- UV Protection: Essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. Look for glasses with 100% UV protection.
Top Brands of Shooting Glasses for Clays
Several reputable brands consistently produce high-quality shooting glasses. Researching these brands will help you narrow your search:
- Wiley X: Known for their robust and technologically advanced eyewear, offering a wide range of styles and lens options.
- Oakley: A popular choice amongst athletes, offering durable frames and high-quality lenses with excellent clarity.
- Shooting Glasses USA: This brand focuses specifically on shooting sports, providing a range of glasses designed for different disciplines.
- Bolle: Another reputable brand offering a selection of protective eyewear with various lens technologies.
Choosing the Right Glasses for Your Shooting Style
The ideal shooting glasses vary depending on your shooting discipline and personal preferences.
- Sporting Clays: Sporting clays often require a wider field of vision, so wrap-around styles with good peripheral clarity are beneficial.
- Trap and Skeet: While peripheral vision is still important, the focus is more on a specific target area.
- Individual Needs: Consider your personal vision needs. If you require prescription lenses, look for glasses that can accommodate them or that are compatible with prescription inserts.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Vision and Enhancing Performance
Investing in the best shooting glasses for clays is an investment in your safety and performance. By carefully considering the features discussed above and researching reputable brands, you can find the perfect pair to enhance your shooting experience while protecting your eyes from potential hazards. Remember to always prioritize safety and choose glasses that meet appropriate safety standards.
