FASTLINK BALLISTIC SPECTACLES - TIGER'S EYE
Some time ago Taiwangunstore announced new arrival to its offer, that was supposed to be complaint with ballistic standards. The producer of this glasses is Edge Eyewear- company which ensures about rigorous tests of each one model launched to the market.
The package
The glasses are packed into a neat carton box coverd with information about producer only. On the other side using the description next to a bar code we can discover what exact model is inside.
The content
Fastlink Tiger Eye model is very precisely packed and secured against external factors in hot-welded foil. Additionaly the set includes textile bag for transporting glasses.
It's worth to pay attention to instructions printed on the foil.
Additional instructions of cleaning lenses is placed on another protective bag, where spectacles were wrapped.
The outlook
Tiger Eye characterizes with interesting, almost orange lens color. Personally I am not in favour of colorized lenses for contrast enhancement. Majority of highlighted shades simpy irritates me. Fortunately in this case I spotted no discomfort whatsoever. I must admit, I even liked it. One of tests I conducted involved pretty long car driving wearing them, but I will mention it later.
Small details on frame indicates the producer, who seems to have high-end eye protection models in the offer as well.
In this case the imprint indicates model we are dealing with.
It's worth to pay attention on the nose - the visible hole improves ventilation what improves the comfort siginificantly.
The wide adjustment of the frame is additional value.
The usage
On the beginning I would like to point out the weight of Tiger Eye. It's relatively low and equals barely 40 grams. It improves the comfort in obvious way, as they are almost unnoticeable.
Unfortunately, not everyting is so perfect - the quality of frame manufacturing is average at best. You simply must be prepared for that and use a rasp to smooth some sharp edges, which may be disturbing for some users after longer usage, if not taken care of properly in the beginning. I should mention here, that I spot these material surplus after 4 hours driving, so I am probably a bit sensitive for it,
If we are in the driving point again - this model, having orange shade perfectly matches car driving. Spending long hours steering a wheel in cloudy days makes route a bit more colorful. Enhancing contrast simply works. The only thing disturbing in reaching absolut perfection is the lack of polarization filter, but you simply can't expect this feature in spectacles worth like 25 EUR.
Glasses hug a head in a very pleasant way and what is more important - they protect eyes on the entire surface. There is no possibility for a pellet to sneak under it even from really crazy angles.
The antifog - here called Vapour Shield - makes job pretty well, but shortly. After some wipes it, well, evaporates, what made me using some antifog formulas. Fortunately such an invention can be bought almost everywhere in any form you like it - either cloth or liquid. Regarding this, I do not consider this as a drawback, as even more expensive spectacles must be regularly treaded with them to recover antifog films.
As you have already learns - it disappears quickly, but when it's new - Vapour Shield works effectively. It kept my speciimen clear after an hour run in the forest, despite I sweated a realy waterfall from myself.
Making long story short - antifog film works, but does not seem to be long-lasting.
Safety standards
ANSI Z87.1+2010 - what does it even mean?
Civilian standard for eye protection durability used in the USA.
MCEPS GL-PD 10-12
Military standard. What's the difference? To obtain compliance with military standard, lens must stand metal 6,33 diameter ball hit not with 150, but 660 fps.
Lenses must be also resistant for penetration done with burdened needle of 44,2 g weight (1,56 ounce) falling from 127 cm height (50 inches).
Astigmatism test searches for any inappropriate lens currves or flat surfaces, what may cause view inaccuracies. It must stay under 0,6 D.
Prismatic test measures angle inflection of light stream after going through a lens. It is similar to prism angulate, what occurs in view translation. The standard allows for ≥ 0,5 D tolerance.
This is just a part of conditions, the examined model must fulfill to get appropriate certifcate. As you can see, it is not possible for just anyone to get it.
The word for the end.
As you have probably spot, we have not shown you the test, where we present how spectacles look before and after being shot from airsoft replica. It stays in deep connection with the fact, that above-presented model is just the prologue for the whole cycle of articles about eye protection we will show you at WMASG. Soon Tiger Eye will be back so you can see for yourself hown much it stands.
The summary
Does spectacles worth less than 25 EUR can fulfill expectations of people who search for something more than just protection against 6 mm pellets? I think it does. Apart from the fact it's one of the cheapest options on the market certified with military standars, this product is simply well-made. Obviously, one can get more getting some high-end glasses, but it's also obvious not everyone looks for it.
Pros:
Cons:
We would like to thank Taiwangun store for facilitating us spectacles for the test.
Useful links
Taiwangun - On-line store website
Edge Eyewear - Offical website of the producer
TEST: Okulary Revision Sawfly - Recent spectacles tests at WMASG.pl
