Wiley X Plazma Sunglass Review

WILEY-X SUNGLASSES Review

Editor: Randy Johnson

Basic Description:
High impact, fashionable sunglasses designed for the aggressive outdoorsman.
The Facts:
Wiley X Sunglasses were originally designed for the U.S. Military Special Forces and law enforcement agencies using shatterproof, polycarbonate lenses.  They are the standard issue sunglasses for the F.B.I, D.E.A., Army Rangers and Navy SEAL Teams.  In 1987, Wiley X Sunglasses were made available for purchase to civilian customers and are a perfect fit for those who love to hunt, fish, or for anyone taking part in high impact activities that require a level of eye protection not associated with other activities. Virtually unbreakable, the Wiley X sunglass lenses are designed using the latest computer generated 3-D high tech designs and are made from shatterproof selenite polycarbonate.  Some models have been tested to withstand a 12-guage shotgun blast from ten yards away.  Wiley- X sunglasses are manufactured using “Socket” technology to allow the frame to hug eye orbits, giving you a safe, comfortable fit.

Story:
For someone like me who spends hours of my time “out on the mountain” I need all the protection I can get for my eyes to safeguard them from the elements. The sunglasses I wear must protect my eyes from the glare and damage caused by the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays but also must safeguard my sight from wind, dust, debris, insects, and other potentially dangerous objects. I can still recount and vividly remember a hunting trip years ago when I was bushwacking through a thick pinion juniper forest and accidentally ran into a branch. One of the small, dry limbs impaled me in the side of my eye. It was a small miracle that I was able to get off the mountain to a doctor who removed the stick without causing any vision impairment whatsoever to my eyesight. After that “learning experience” I’ve always tried to wear eye protective sunglasses whenever possible.
There is no doubt that over the years I’ve been “death” on sunglasses. I invariably break the frame or lenses and have spent a small fortune replacing damaged or lost eyewear. Recently, after another pair of sunglasses bit the dust I decided to field test some Wiley-X Plazma’s. Belonging to their Men’s Street Series of sunglasses from Wiley-X that are built to stand up to the abuse of an aggressive lifestyle these glasses are the best designed and fashionable for hiking, hunting, fishing, etc. I figured that if these sunglasses were good enough for the military and law enforcement that I better give them a field test of my own. Believe me when I say that “they have stood up to the toughest field trial that I could throw at them” and they haven’t missed a beat.
Wiley-X sunglasses feature thick polished frames and virtually indestructible lenses The clean line of the frame is complemented by shatter resistant, patented High Velocity Protection (HVP™) Selenite™ Polycarbonate Lenses that, like all of Wiley X Eyewear’s products, far exceeds the stringent ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSI Z80.3 optical standards. At every turn in the road I’ve been very confident that my eyes were being well protected against wind, insects, dust, pollen and other airborne irritants. Beyond the serious eye protection offered by these lenses, my Wiley X Plazma’s have consistently provided clear, undistorted vision in some of the harshest conditions that mother nature has decided to toss my way.
Additionally, with all Wiley X sunglasses you have the option of purchasing prescription lenses if needed. The Plazma was available in a Gloss Leopard Brown Frame with Bronze Brown Lenses that met my needs perfectly. They came with a nice Medium Black Zippered Case and leash cord. The cord kept coming off however so I purchased a different kind that securely slipped over the frame on the back ear piece and allowed me to keep the sunglasses against my chest while using my binoculars to glass for animals with. Retaining my sunglasses around my neck has also kept me from losing them.

Wiley X is known for providing its customers with state-of-the-art products and superior customer service. Two facilities in Livermore, California provide 25,000 square feet as well as the 6,000 square foot European division facility in Vemb, Denmark combine to allow Wiley X to continually stay on the forefront of optical technology — remaining a leading provider of protective eyewear across a broad spectrum of enthusiast markets.

If you would like additional information on the Wiley X sunglasses you can contact Wiley X Eyewear at 7491 Longard Road, Livermore, CA 94551 • Telephone: (800) 776-7842 • Or visit their website at www.wileyx.com.

What They Could Do Better
Wiley-X could design a better cord to go with the glasses. The cord that came with mine just didn’t function very well.