The Oakley booth was drawing crowds at SHOT show this year following the announcement of their new Prizm lenses – a new technology that was formulated specifically for target recognition.
Oakley Standard Issue (SI) Prizm lenses use formulated dye compounding technology to enhance specific wavelengths of color while muting others so that targets are accentuated and background visuals like trees and dirt are essentially hidden from view.
The lenses were developed using the direct input of the US Army’s elite competitive shooters known as the Army Marksmanship Unit, but marksmen of all skill levels can appreciate the contrast that Prizm lenses create – which prevents the shooter’s eyes from having to adjust, reducing eye fatigue, producing a faster engagement of a target, and increasing overall confidence.
Traditional eyewear reduces light and filters glare using a standard arrangement of gray lens tints. The Prizm technology utilizes the “tuning” of dyes in order to heighten specific colors in both bright and low-light conditions.
The Oakley SI team tested their new lenses by bringing them to the range on Media Day at SHOT Show, where attendees could try the lenses out while simultaneously testing out the newest firearms the show had to offer. The reaction was virtually unanimous.
“Guys were putting these lenses on and saying, ‘I feel like this is cheating,’” said Oakley SI products manager Drew Wallace. “The ability to improve the eye’s capacity to acquire targets and identify objects, lines, colors and images is an immediate advantage.”
The Prizm lenses are available with three different frame designs: the Ballistic M frame 3.0, the Flak Jacket, and the Radar Range; all three frames are made from O Matter, a durable and lightweight nylon-infused plastic. The lenses are Plutonite, Oakley’s high purity optical grade polycarbonate. Lens options are the TR22 and TR45 for bright and mid-to-low light conditions respectively, as well as a clear lens; all block 100 percent of UVA and UVB and harmful blue-violet light up to 400 nm wavelength.
Features of the Ballistic M Frame 3.0 (shown above)
• Thin stem technology enables compatibility with over-ear hearing protection
• Secure-fitting nose pad even under wet conditions via hydrophilic Unobtanium® nose pad.
• Permanent anti-fog coating on the eye-side of the lens for fog-free lenses
• Full compatibility with helmet-mounted night vision devices and MICH, ACH, CVC, PASGT, and Crye helmets
• Interchangeable and tool-free lenses
• Chemical and impact resistant O Matter® frame material
• Ultra lightweight design (1.05-ounces)
• Optics meet all standards per ANSI Z87.1-2010
• Meets or exceeds Ballistic Fragmentation Protection requirement per Clause 3.5.1.1 (MIL-PRF-31013)
• Meets or exceeds Military combat eye protection system standards (MIL-PRF-32432)
Features of the Flak Jacket (shown above)
• Multiple interchangeable Unobtainium® nose pad options for a customizable and comfortable secure fit
• Interchangeable lens to optimize performance in any environment
• Three-point fit that ensures precise optical alignment
• Meets or exceeds general requirements per ANSI Z87.1-2010
Features of the Radar Range (shown above)
• Multiple interchangeable Unobtainium® nose pad options for a customizable and comfortable secure fit
• Interchangeable lens to optimize performance in any environment
• Oakley hydrophobic/oleophobic anti-smudge lens coating
• Comfort and performance of three-point fit that holds lenses
• Precision and durability of sculpturally integrated hinge mechanisms with dual cam action
• Meets or exceeds optics and impact requirements per ANSI Z87.1-2010
Currently the Prizm lenses are only available on OakleySI.com which is established for active, retired military, national security, law enforcement and fire. The glasses will be available mid-March at Gander Mountain stores.
